Factory<\/strong><\/td>Made in Tecate, Mexico<\/td> | Made in Tecate, Mexico<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Size & shape: <\/strong>The body shape is one of the key differentiating factors between the two models and it has an impact on the fit, feel and tone of the guitars. The GS Mini has a scaled-down G<\/strong>rand S<\/strong>ymphony (3\/4 sized GS) body shape which is similar to a modern-day parlor guitar. On the other hand, the BT has a scaled down dreadnought (3\/4 sized) body shape. The GS Mini is better for people with small hands and stature, it feels like a more viable choice for a premium travel guitar. The BT is an equally good option with relatively fewer features at a more affordable price.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTone:<\/strong> The Mini offers greater tonal depth and projection because of the wide depth of the body and scale length. The Baby Taylor has a darker and earthier tone due to the mahogany and\/or walnut body and it produces a much nicer midrange that is better for strumming. The Mini seems to have better clarity for jazz comping, flatpicking and fingerstyle blues. It articulates complex chords better and licks have just the right amount of cutting tone. <\/p>\n\n\n\nBoth guitars can do a good job at most of the play styles and genres that you may attempt. In the objective tone test, the GS Mini is more recording studio friendly and sounds better for fingerstyle music and playing solos. The BT1 sounds warm and rich and feels like a better choice for campfire strumming. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Both guitars have a mellow bass response because of their size but the Baby Taylor manages to do a better job with its tight bass response. The Mini has more sparkle to offer and the BT has more warmth and clarity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Construction:<\/strong> The GS Mini has a solid Sitka spruce top and laminate Sapele back and sides. The BT has a Sitka or Mahogany top with a layered Walnut or Sapele body. Variations are available in tone woods based on the model.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBoth guitars are no-frills instruments with very simple features to keep weight and costs low. They both lack binding and are non-cutaway models without wedges or armrests. They both have basic Taylor die-cast chrome tuners, ebony fingerboards and X bracing. The quality of ebony and bracing is slightly better in the GS Mini models.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They have different scale lengths, depth, and body sizes. The GS has more body width and depth and a bigger scale length and body length too. The GS Mini\u2019s Nubone nut and Micarata saddle edges out the BT\u2019s Tusq nut and saddle. The GS Mini also has 20 frets with dot inlays compared to the 19 frets on the Baby Taylor, but the implications of that are marginal at best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Neither of these guitars is handcrafted but they both offer the quintessential construction quality that you can expect from a premium brand like Taylor. Since they are manufactured by the same brand and undergo the same QA, there is no substantial difference in construction and component quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The GS Mini has a tortoise pickguard and the BT does not have any pickguard at all. They both have a premium Taylor gig bag but the GS Mini ships with a hard bag that is slightly better in quality and construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Electronics: <\/strong>Both guitars are available as completely acoustic instruments without any electronics.The acoustic-electric GS Mini has stock Taylor ES-Go electronics and the BT1e acoustic-electric version has an ES-B system with an onboard preamp and a built-in tuner.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe BT1e has an onboard preamp including a tone + master volume knob with a built-in LED tuner and battery replacement slot. The GS Mini does not have an onboard preamp or tuner but it can be paired with a Taylor V-Cable\u2122<\/a>, which will add another hundred dollars to the price.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIf plug-and-play is important to you, the BT1e is a clear winner in this segment because of the additional tone shaping options and the tuner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mobility:<\/strong> Both guitars are light & portable and can be regarded as an excellent travel instrument. The GS Mini is more portable than the Baby Taylor but the difference is marginal and won\u2019t be a factor unless this is the primary reason you want a guitar. Since both can be good travel companions, other factors will be crucial in making your choice. <\/p>\n\n\n\nPrice & Value: <\/strong>Both guitars fall in the same price bracket with the GS Mini being relatively more expensive across all variants. The all-acoustic Baby Taylor is the cheapest of all models and the GS Mini Koa is the most expensive option.\u00a0 Other brands offer similar guitars for the travel segment that are cheaper. They both offer good value to cost ratio. The Baby Taylor is the best option if you do not want to spend too much money. The GS Mini offers more value if you are thinking long-term and plan to record the guitar in a studio.<\/p>\n\n\nNo products found.<\/p>\n\n\n\n |