Which is your favorite top wood for GS Mini?

[GangstaPat]

Wish that I never sold my Engleman topped Holden Park mini. What was I thinking...

[Cool555]

Since Mahogany top wood is the leading flavour for GS Mini, do you think that Koa would be the most popular top wood if it is priced the same or very close to Mahogany?

Lately, I’ve been seeing a few Mahogany top Mini guitars with a lighter coloured tone. Do you find it nicer than the usual (older) darker coloured ones?

Here’s a picture I took yesterday. It’s even lighter coloured in “person”.

[Pickcity]

I have found the mahogany GS mini to be a really responsive guitar and I really like it, but once I played the Koa the mahogany was all but forgotten. The Koa does not have as much volume, but still has good volume and a warmth to the tone that is most pleasing. Just another opinion that doesn't count for much.

[gmel555]

Originally Posted by Cool555

Since Mahogany top wood is the leading flavour for GS Mini, do you think that Koa would be the most popular top wood if it is priced the same or very close to Mahogany?

Lately, I’ve been seeing a few Mahogany top Mini guitars with a lighter coloured tone. Do you find it nicer than the usual (older) darker coloured ones?

Cool, I prefer more highly figured mahogany than the light color.

Regarding pricing affecting preferences... at similar prices I’d have been tempted to go with Koa because of its look; BUT still would have gone for a figured hog top, because to my ears, it has a more pleasing tone.....but “different strokes for different folks.” No right or wrong on “tastes”.

[Cool555]

Originally Posted by gmel555

Cool, I prefer more highly figured mahogany than the light color.



Regarding pricing affecting preferences... at similar prices I’d have been tempted to go with Koa because of its look; BUT still would have gone for a figured hog top, because to my ears, it has a more pleasing tone.....but “different strokes for different folks.” No right or wrong on “tastes”.

Thanks for your reply! Yes, tastes for tone woods differ between individuals. I actually like the tone of both Mahogany and Koa. But since I already have a full Sapele Dread Junior, I decided not to get a Hog Mini.

[SpruceTop]

My Mini-e Koa Rocks!

[dcuttler]

OK please don't breath napalm on me for this, but I only have one steel string guitar (my other guitars are nylon classicals), which is a clone of the Taylor. It's a Harley Benton GS Mini mahogany traveler, and after doing a setup and changing to D'Addario phosphor bronze strings, it sounds fantastic.

I never had an opportunity to play the Taylor GS Mini so I cannot compare the two, but I am not looking any further. I like what I have.

So under that limitation my vote is for mahogany because that's all I have.

[rz1]

I used to have a Spruce, and currently have a Mahogany and a Koa. To me, the Mahogany sounds best, followed by Koa and then Spruce. Koa definitely looks the best, but the Mahogany one sounds better.

[Cool555]

Hi. Just have an urge to revive this 1.5 year old thread as I think a lot of newer members of AGF may be interested to add in their votes or comments.

[geetaruke]

Mahogany sounds best for the GS Mini to my ears.

[Cool555]

Thanks for the votes and comments!

Keep the votes coming! Looks like the Mahogany top will still retain its top position as the favourite top wood!

[Cool555]

Reviving this almost 2-year old thread so that new GS Mini owners can vote too...if they like to.

[fpuhan]

So, I voted. I just added a GS Mini-e in Koa to my stable, and it's become my favorite acoustic. I love the well-rounded tones; deep basses, sparkling trebles, and subtle overtones. I have a Martin in mahogany (OMC 15ME) and in my opinion, the Taylor has a better sound at a lesser price. Winner!

[hotroad]

Having listened to and played all these top woods in the GS Mini, I also like Walnut on this particular guitar as a tone wood. Its clear, powerful and has good note separation plus projection is strong. The maple version also sounds quite good.

[Cool555]

Originally Posted by fpuhan

So, I voted. I just added a GS Mini-e in Koa to my stable, and it's become my favorite acoustic. I love the well-rounded tones; deep basses, sparkling trebles, and subtle overtones. I have a Martin in mahogany (OMC 15ME) and in my opinion, the Taylor has a better sound at a lesser price. Winner!

Great to hear such praise given to the GS Mini Koa. I’ve owned mine for 3 years now and still like it. Enjoy playing your Koa Mini!