Bought this as an upgrade from Harley Benton Custom Line CLA-16SCE. I wanted better playability. The HB sounds good, but something really is missing (think John Mayer :) - it has like a scooped midrange. Probably has to do with wood (or strings). Playability was not that great despite numerous attempts to set it up and string changes. Probably would have to be set up professionally by a luthier.
I wanted a Taylor, but was not willing to spend the 1000s required.
GS mini is so nice, directly from the box. I only had to tune it.
Pros:
Watched reviews on YT and I really liked the tone of the mahogany top GS mini, and, in contrast, the looks of spruce top GS mini. Well, the full mahogany looks much nicer in real life as opposed to what it looks like on the photos. Glad I went with this option. Satin/natural finish is my kind of finish.
The sound is really good for this size. It smells nice too.
Cons:
The tuners are only ok, we will see how they hold the tuning. Probably will be replaced in the future.
There is minor fret buzz on G string around 12th fret. A tiny bit. Maybe the bridge will have to be shimmed a little bit or this will go away once the neck settles (it came detuned for shipping).
It came with a few (2) very, very small dings and a scratch - one on the top of the headstock; one on the fretboard; and a 1cm scratch on the side, near the right strap button. Very minor, barely noticeable from 30cm away. The scratch is more visible, and I am picky. Will try to polish it out.
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