mini - not so mini. An actual size comparison with small Martins

[fretted]

So here is a comparison of sizes between the GS mini and Martin 0 and 00's

Martin Size 0 (14 fret):        Body Depth at deepest -  4 1/4"    Body Width at widest - 13 1/2"     Body Length - 18 3/8"
Martin Size 00 (14 fret):      Body Depth at deepest -  4 1/8"    Body Width at widest - 14 5/16"   Body Length - 18 7/8"
Taylor GS mini:                    Body Depth at deepest -  4 7/16"  Body Width at widest - 14 3/8"     Body Length - 17 5/8"
 
Of course the scale length of the Martins is longer at 24.9", while the mini is 23.5", but I have a 00-18 Martin and it is nowhere near as loud as my mini mahogany, so it doesn't seem to suffer for that 1.4".
The late John Pearse, iconic acoustic guitar player and Martin aficionado believed the Martin size 0 to be the optimum size for the folk guitar as quoted on page 240 in the book,  GUITARS by Tom and Mary Evans.

Source of Martin data: MARTIN GUITARS - A History by Mike Longworth
Source of Taylor data:  Taylor Website

[ctkarslake]

Nice to  hear the Mini doesn't suffer volume loss compared to the Martins.  Thing is, aren't the two Martins "adult" sized guitars?  So wouldn't it make more sense to compare the Martin 0+00 to the Taylor GC, since they are the same "short" scale guitars?  Maybe I'm missing the point of your thread?  If so, sorry, I'll go back to work now...

[fretted]

I think the point of my thread is that the mini may qualify as an "adult sized" guitar because it's as big, or even bigger than Martin 0's and 00's - in the body anyway. It's all in the perception . . . and in the adjectives. But then again isn't everything.

[jpmist]

My sister got one over the weekend and I've been trying to get her thru the buyer's remorse period. I'm trying hard to get her to keep it cause she's got child sized hands and gripes constantly about not being able to reach notes on her 412.

I was surprised at the volume and the tone seemed pleasant, although slightly boxy. But I'd love to see her stick with it as the narrower neck and shorter scale suits her so much better.

Size wise, the body is not that much smaller than my Larrivee OO, so I'd consider it an adult size couch guitar.

[TaylorGirl]

My husband bought me my GSM primarily for travel, but I use it for jamming on occasion and it holds its own.  Sure, it can't compare to my 414, but I'm pleasantly surprised with how much it does fit the bill as an "adult" guitar when it has to.

[oatordeal]

last weekend i was hanging out with my bandmate and his friend brought a gs mini (hog). it's not as loud as my 814ce, but it can really sing! i love the shape and the feel of the neck. i just wish it came with the same nut width.

[Nomad]

It's not called a "Mini" because it's small when compared to Martins, it's called a "Mini" because it's small when compared to a full-size GS.

[fretted]

I have an 714 cedar top from 2002 I think and an 810 from the late 90's . . . and various Martins, a Gibson etc. I love all those guitars but I can't put down my new mini mahogany. Maybe it's just because it's new. I've never had so much fun playing. Too much in fact. I just start playing everything I know well because it's fun and sounds delicious instead of getting down to practice the rough spots. I'll get over it, I always do.