Taylor GS Mini-e Rosewood Plus electro-acoustic guitar

Taylor GS Mini-e Rosewood Plus — Compact Acoustic-Electric Guitar with Pro-Grade Electronics

The Taylor GS Mini-e Rosewood Plus is a scaled-down Grand Symphony acoustic-electric guitar that delivers a punchy, full voice far beyond its compact frame. Built around a solid Sitka spruce top and layered rosewood back and sides, this Plus edition upgrades the GS Mini formula with Expression System 2 electronics, a gloss finish, and Taylor nickel tuners. This model suits players who want a portable guitar that performs on stage.

What Sets the Plus Edition Apart

Three upgrades distinguish this model from the standard GS Mini-e. The Expression System 2 behind-the-saddle pickup uses three sensors and an active preamp with onboard bass, treble, and volume controls plus a phase switch for feedback suppression. Applied as a thin UV-catalyzed poly coating, the all-gloss finish protects the wood without dampening resonance. The included AeroCase combines hardshell-case rigidity with gig-bag weight.

Body Construction and Tonewoods — Why Wood Choice Matters

Tonewood pairing on this model is engineered to deliver volume and clarity from a small body. A torrefied solid Sitka spruce top provides broad dynamic range, while layered rosewood back and sides add warmth and projection. X-bracing with relief rout and an oversized soundhole help the smaller chamber push out a bigger sound than its size suggests.

• Top Wood: Solid Sitka spruce (torrefied) — broad dynamic range and articulate response
• Back & Sides: Layered rosewood — durable layered construction with warm overtones
• Gloss body finish applied as a thin UV-catalyzed poly coating protects the wood without dulling resonance
• Bracing: X-Bracing with Relief Rout — supports the soundboard while maximizing volume

Neck Profile and Scale Length — Comfortable for Smaller Hands

Shorter 597 mm scale length reduces string tension, making bends and chord shapes easier on the fingers while still driving the top. A tropical mahogany neck with a satin finish pairs with a West African Crelicam ebony fretboard for smooth playability. At 43 mm, the nut width gives fingerstyle players and strummers enough room to feel comfortable.

• Scale Length: 597 mm — shorter than standard, easier fretting for smaller hands
• Nut Width: 43 mm — comfortable spacing for strumming and fingerpicking
• Tropical mahogany neck with satin finish pairs with a West African Crelicam ebony fretboard
• Fretboard Inlays: 4 mm Italian acrylic dots — clean position markers

ES2 Electronics and Hardware — Plugged-In Performance

Taylor's Expression System 2 is the same pickup architecture found on the brand's full-size American-made models. Active preamp runs on a 9V battery and offers separate bass and treble tone controls with a center detent for flat response, plus a master volume and a phase switch to combat stage feedback. Nickel tuners hold tuning reliably.

• Pickup System: Expression System 2 (behind-the-saddle, 3 sensors) — dynamic, full-range amplified tone
• Active preamp with bass, treble, master volume, and phase switch for onboard feedback suppression
• Tuners: Taylor Nickel — smooth, accurate tuning stability
• Strings: D'Addario XS Coated Phosphor Bronze Medium (.013–.056) — coated for longer tone life

Who Should Play the GS Mini-e Rosewood Plus

This guitar is the right choice for travelling musicians, students, and gigging players who need a compact instrument that holds its own on stage. Its 597 mm scale and 43 mm nut width make it approachable for younger players and smaller-handed guitarists. ES2 electronics suit open mic nights, coffee-shop gigs, and studio sessions equally well. Players upgrading from the standard GS Mini-e will appreciate the gloss finish, upgraded electronics, and included AeroCase.

Taylor Guitars and the GS Mini Legacy

Taylor Guitars has built its reputation on innovative construction and player-focused design. The GS Mini line became one of the most popular compact acoustic guitars in the world by proving a smaller body can deliver a full, punchy voice with the right bracing and tonewoods. Plus edition layers on the upgrades experienced players ask for most — gloss finish, ES2 electronics, and a hardshell AeroCase.