Both the Taylor and Martin are incredible guitars for the price. For a $200 guitar, the Orangewood is pretty good, but it's not in the same league as the other two. I had hoped I would like the Taylor the best, because I'm not a big fan of dreadnought shape, but after listening, I have to give the edge to the Martin.

The Martin sounds a tad better than the Taylor. The Orangewood guitar wasn’t bad, but I can hear a definite difference in the tone. You do have to remember $300 is a big difference in price. The Orangewood is very nice compared to the Jim Dandy or Fender parlor guitars in my opinion

I recently bought a Martin Dred Junior, and it’s a dream to play on. for those of you who are wondering whether the Martin or the Taylor is better, when I played it in the store i immediately came to the conclusion that it really is just personal opinion. They both sound amazing.

@romainrahni8682

3 жыл бұрын

wow such a long sentence to say nothing !

@rayan_mir

3 жыл бұрын

@@romainrahni8682 thanks!

@vateok6840

3 жыл бұрын

@@romainrahni8682 nope, I got his point, it is something, maybe u arent that bright to understand simple sentence

@romainrahni8682

3 жыл бұрын

@@vateok6840 never said it was complicated , maybe you should read me again 🤣

@wildesage4172

Жыл бұрын

I played the range in store a few years back, and, well, unfoetunately can't remember which I preferred the most... but I 100% found that as soon as I picked the them up the feel of "the one" was immediate and obvious, and will probably sway any buyer's decision more than any other factor.

I just bought the GS Mini Rosewood - it's a beautiful instrument, and that sound is just amazing!

For the "dollar difference" and the entry level sound, Orangewood all the way! The review was very nicely done! Thanks :)

Great comparison. The Oliver was impressive, for sure. It would have been nice to compare it with the GS Mini Mahogany. When I test drove the Mini's I found the Mahogany to have plenty of crisp but a better low end than the spruce.

@lawrencewalton7136

2 жыл бұрын

I totally agree overall I thought the Jr was slightly better if it were made in the united States it would cost well over 200 dollars

The Martin and Taylor both sound good, it depends what kind of sound you like. However, for the price the Oliver Jr. has great value.

@SuperEdge67

3 жыл бұрын

@@empnadajhhh9469 You’re kidding right.

@situacionando

3 жыл бұрын

@@empnadajhhh9469 for real?

@Feverm00n

2 жыл бұрын

@@empnadajhhh9469 the Taylor GS Minis all have solid tops, the Oliver Jr has a solid Mahogany top and I’m like 99% sure the Martin is also solid top. I don’t know a ton about that Yamaha but it seems to have a bigger body than the Taylor and Oliver Jr.? It’s so interesting how subjective “good” is when it comes to acoustic guitar sounds. I went and found a review of it and compared to even the Baby Taylor I found the Yamaha’s sound quite inferior (and of course, it’s like a $200 guitar compared with the $400-$600 Taylors/Martins. Same way the Oliver Jr. sounds inferior to them). Then again, I also absolutely love the bright, shimmery tone of Taylor guitars. But yeah, I just wanted to clarify that all 3 of the guitars in this video have solid tops.

@ienvyclan1820

Жыл бұрын

I absolutely hate when people say "for the price" just admit its good

I played all three and ended up getting the martin jr10. It is absolutely amazing!

I've just got to know your channel and I really liked this video in particular since I've got myself a GS Mini a couple of days ago. As a beginner, now I feel even better for choosing the Taylor it as my first quality acoustic guitar!

@GuitarZero2Hero

3 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful! You made a great decision!

Hey Dave I'd like to thank you. Your the reason I know everything I know about Guitar. Your a true inspiration for all Thank you for being an awesome teacher and person.

@GuitarZero2Hero

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for your support! It’s my pleasure :)

I play a GS mini so I’m completely biased. They check all the boxes for my needs and at an incredible value

I’m amazed by the Martin’s sound

@fengcarlos

3 жыл бұрын

Me too

@Arahansannihilation

3 жыл бұрын

Get a carbon fiber and you can toss it around without fearing it will shatter, granted the sound quality diminishes somewhat.

@GuitarZero2Hero

3 жыл бұрын

It’s a great guitar indeed!

@jojojojojojojojojojojojob

3 жыл бұрын

same. i thought gs mini always takes the cake on small scale guitars but now i think not.

@haybloomer

3 жыл бұрын

What is that first song? I can seem to come up with the name but enjoyed

Thank you for this shoot-out. Great overview of all three guitars. I don't play a lot of acoustic guitar, but I have been considering getting the Taylor GS Mini Mahogany, but while $499 isn't a lot, it has been the reason the guitar is still on my wish list. I agree with you that the Taylor did sound the best of the 3 overall, but the Orangewood did indeed hold up pretty well, against them and as you said the price does make it worth considering. Thanks again for the great review.

You really do a fantastic job of comparing instruments. Extremely helpful, thanks.

Looking at the Orangewoods, this vid has been super helpful! The OW sounds so bright and mid-dy, forward.

I personally love the bright clarity of Taylor guitars. So clear and precise. That Orangewood is nice too:..

The Taylor sounds best in my opinion, and the Orangewood is pretty good too btw Keshi has a GS Mini too!

@GuitarZero2Hero

3 жыл бұрын

My thoughts too. It’s a popular guitar!

@FloridaDave_

3 жыл бұрын

@@GuitarZero2Hero Taylor all the way! I love my GS mini-e Mahogany!

@ifuzion896

3 жыл бұрын

Keshi is the reason why I came to look at GS MINI. I’m scared if it lacks bass and has bad tuners...

Awesome review and sound comparison, thank you!

Love my mini. Cheers for the KZread content and your premium course is bomb!!!

@GuitarZero2Hero

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much Alisia!!

Wonderful and helpful comparison - thank you for making this video!

@GuitarZero2Hero

3 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

I would prefer the Olivier jr one because it seems more comfortable to play and I loved the sound of it. But the Taylor and the Martin are amazing too

Almost said Martin until I heard the other progressions....the Taylor sounds more ambient...and balanced with a mid range balanced between high and low ends.....great job Taylor....lol I’ll keep my 110 ce

That Taylor sounds amazing

great review. well done!

I still prefer GS Mini. I've had mines since it first came out. I prefer a bright tone due to the type of music I play. I love the sound you get for the orangewood specially for the price. Id prefer/recommend it for someone whos a beginner that's really loves playing. Great review.

@GuitarZero2Hero

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Mark!

This is exactly how reviews should be done. So well done! Your opinion is really appreciated and your descriptions are excellent. The way you people compare on screen really comes across well. This is a first class review and the best guitar reviews I’ve ever seen on-line. I have the Taylor GS mini Koa E. The sound is really balanced and the Koa version is the best in the line up for sound and shimmer in my humble opinion. That said, I bought a GPC 11e. What I have discovered with my only two acoustic guitars here is I need the 1-3/4 inch nut width to be a better player. After playing the Martin Dreadnaught Jr again, the scale length, 24 instead of 23.5 inch scale on the Taylor, and solid wood sound that this thing produces is amazing and better balanced due to the classic Martin, slight base heavy sound. Martin wins for me but there is no doubt the Taylor GS Mini is and incredible instrument and flawlessly built by Taylor’s Plant South of the boarder. Mexican people build outstanding guitars for Taylor and Martin. So impressive. My wife is taking over the GS Mini and I’m heading towards a Martin Dreadnaught Jr.

I have a Taylor gs mini, but fast car on that Martin sounded amazing

I spent two years on this research before coming to the conclusion that nothing in that form factor can beat a Taylor GS mini, and thus children, I bought my first GS mini.

@blakenicholas2367

2 жыл бұрын

me too one day 😂. i don’t got 500 dollars layin around so i got the oliver jr. it’s so worth it. but definitely i’m gonna get a gs mini in the future

@04rit

2 жыл бұрын

@@blakenicholas2367 You will bro, hope you rock your Oliver Jr and get the Taylor soon 👍🏽!

@nrcarl00

2 жыл бұрын

@@blakenicholas2367 how are you liking the Oliver?

@kokica777

2 жыл бұрын

Taylor all the way

@blakenicholas2367

2 жыл бұрын

@@nrcarl00 it’s great i highly recommend it sounds amazing especially for fingerpicking.

I have Martin D Junior and I love it! it’s absolutely an amazing guitar👍

GREAT way to do a Comparison - Thank You!

Awesome review. Very helpful.

I just love your videos, one of the best KZreadrs out there doing this stuff. I just bought a GS mini Taylor (mahogany), should be here next week. After hearing the difference in your video, I can't wait to give it a try. Keep up the great content, we need moar tutorials (seriously, yours are the best!) :)

@GuitarZero2Hero

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jason!

Dude, I was needing this video so bad, thank you man, the Taylor GS mini was my favorite, I'll buy that one, cheers 🤟

@vainelutz8093

3 жыл бұрын

Good choice! I purchased the GS Mini and I love it and the sound of it!

@caroltomlin8822

3 жыл бұрын

I love my Taylor GS mini.

@04rit

2 жыл бұрын

Playing the GS mini. It’s unreal how much sound it can produce in that little body ❤️

Very nice video, straightforward, well done. Between the martin and the taylor, I cannot decide.

Best review out in the game! Much appreciated!

I just ordered a Djr acoustic electric cherry saplele lastnight , I have a Taylor 214, I wanted a Martin for the collection. I think its a tie between the mini and the Djr, the Taylor is definitely louder, but damn that Martin sounds so warm. The orange wood sounded like a $199 guitar when compared to the other 2. Great review, played the same songs on all three, thats how to do a comparison! Great playing! Thanks!

All good, but to me, orange < gs < djr. Gs brighter and stronger tone, D jr high, mid, low tone clear, and warmest overall

I love Taylor’s care with gig bags, and I do think the Martin sounds the best, but I would say for the price point if you’re looking for a cheaper option as a travel or just a guitar you won’t be worried about getting too beat up the orange wood is impressive.

I love the looks of the Orangewood Oliver Jr. It's beautiful ❤️

@GuitarZero2Hero

3 жыл бұрын

I agree, great looking guitar

IMHO All three guitars sounds great and beautifully crafted. Seems to me all were built with specific tone in mind which for me the Orangewood was built with blues playing tone in mind, the Taylor sounds so elegant for a fingerstyle player picking each note with clear meaningful sound with a tale or a story to tell and the Martin had that serious punch for a bluegrass style player that can deliver such volume of tone with clarity to make such a noticeable presence on stage. All three are great sounding guitars of distinctive functions like tools to be used on every project you do but don't get me wrong the functioning of the tool depends solely on the handler or user how to diversify its usage of his/her utmost creativity and a passion to create and deliver great music that we we all have the pleasure of listening. Just rmy humble opinion.

The orangewood looks and sounds amazing for the price that it is. Certainly would pick this any day over other options at that price point if I had to. But, if I'm going to spend the money on a mini acoustic I'm certainly going to spend a little bit more and go with the Taylor. It sounded the best to me, and I prefer the look of it's shape over the martin

I had the Taylor mini for awhile and it played real nice.

I like the Taylor the most of these three, but all three sound great!

Orangewood has a smaller sound hole. Agree theTaylor sounded best. I own a Oliver Jr and enjoy it.

I just ordered a Taylor GS Mini E Koa after watching this. It's been decades since I've last picked up a guitar (mainly piano these days) but I'm excited to learn it all over again.

@GuitarZero2Hero

3 жыл бұрын

Great choice! Enjoy!

Excellent comparison, I´ve watched some of your comparison and they are great, I would like you test a 12 fret guitar like the Alvarez ap66shb vs some travel guitars to see the sound differences.

I think the Martin is more aggressive but not too much, just right.

Would love to see a comparison of how a more similarly priced Orangewood compares to the sorcery packed Martin and Taylor guitars. This Taylor def made my ears happy! Just more my taste.

i have just got a new gs mini and i love it! I have the mahogany gs mini and it sounds so good!

I own both a spruce/rosewood GS mini and a DJr and love them both. But I drifted toward playing the Djr almost exclusively now because of what I think is its richer, fuller tone which makes it more fun and rewarding to play. It may be the solid back and side puts it in another category but I realize it may be that I love its Martin sound.

For the Orangewood there is a work around to have it shipped to Canada (maybe other countries too). I used a system called Reship out of Oregon. For about 85$ it was shipped to Montreal without issues.

I'm interested in how this would stack up against an Eastman ACTG1. I've seen another video comparing that with the GS Mini, and while the Taylor edged out there as well, the difference was quite a bit less.

After watching your video I decided to buy another Orangewood guitar. I bought the guitar for two reasons. 1) I’m getting tired of my family stealing my acoustic guitars. 2) my niece wanted to learn how to play. I previously purchased the Mahogany El Rey and wasn’t all that thrilled with it and gave it away. But this one, Oliver Jr. , is amazing and the tone is great. For $166 this an amazing guitar and I’m actually thinking of keeping it instead of giving it to my niece. Thanks for the great review.

@GuitarZero2Hero

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Let me know what you think when you get it!

Nice touch using popular songs. It helps with the comparison. Good video. Thumbs up. GS Mini !

Thanks sooooo much for putting the same strings on each of them! I've always wondered how much of the gs mini magic was down to the elixirs and now I know. I like the taylor but I think the martin has the edge for me because the sound is a little bit more complex.

EXCELLENT.... REVIEW, THANK YOU !!!

I love all of them, thank you

Sound: Taylor, Orangewood, then Martin IMO.

Yeah I agree with all of your statements, very good review, thanks.

Thanks . Great job. I bought the Oliver Jr. Love it. great value.

Sadly we can’t purchase orangewood in Japan however it’s well made guitar in terms of its price. But as one of Taylor’s guitar user, I would definitely go with GS Mini. Thanks for nice comparison video

Great video man, beatifull guitars, i really love the martin sound

@GuitarZero2Hero

3 жыл бұрын

Yeh the martin does sound great!

I have both the Martin and GS Mini, also an Orangewood parlor. The Orangewood is a very well built guitar for the price. In this video the GS Mini wins for me. Same at home. Each to their own likes. All three are great.

My favorites- Looks: Orangewood Sound: Martin Overall: Martin is great, but Orangewood is worth it for the price. I personally have a Martin LXME, the small size is great and it sounds amazing!

@GuitarZero2Hero

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing Maxine! I’ll need to try one!

Great comparison, tks u

How does the Taylor sound so much better!? Very impressive Taylor.

@sooparticular

3 жыл бұрын

thats their best guitar Im not kidding!

@vateok6840

3 жыл бұрын

Martin is better, it is all solid

@EvanReichert

2 жыл бұрын

@@vateok6840 the high ends on the martin sounds very muted and washed tbh. the Taylor had the biggest dynamic range.

@04rit

2 жыл бұрын

The mid range of GS mini is unbelievably good. I’m a fingerpicking player and GS mini wins hands down. If someone prefers the dreadnought sound then Martin will be the choice.

I have the Oliver and I love it. It is a $400 guitar for a $200 price. I would love to hear others' opinions on this.

All phenomenal guitars, I'd have to say the martin dr jr had the gs mini beat by just a hair. It is all solid wood though. Then the gs mini and gosh it sounded awesome too. And then finally the orangewood! Man I want one now

I also found the Taylor sounding the Best!!

I'm a Martin guy but on this demo I prefered the Taylor which sounds fuller to my ears. Martin is fine but a bit less clear. Orangewood well I'm not in that kind of guitar, I felt bored while I was listening to it.

The sound quality on this video is great but in person, I can tell you when it comes to strumming, the Orangewood sounds the thinnest.

I never considered myself to be some audiophile expert but I definitely thought the gs mini was distinguishibly the best one, with the Martin just behind. I thought the Martin actually did the high notes best, but that the gs seemed like it had fuller sound. I was happy you agreed with the gs mini, gave my ears some validation lol

@GuitarZero2Hero

3 жыл бұрын

It’s great to sometimes just listen to comparisons like this to really actively focus on what sounds actually differ since they’re all playing the same note! It’s good for the ear! Good summary!

@EvanReichert

2 жыл бұрын

well that doesn't really make much sense cause the Martins highs were clearly more muted and washed compared to the Taylor. but eh, we all have different ears so maybe thats whats it is.

Would love to see orangewoods Brooklyn jr added to this. I can’t find videos of it anywhere :(

Thank u so much Dave! Just bought a GS mini mohagony, i do like the sound but the string is kinda rough on my small fingers. I will have it restring tho to 12s or 11s

Agreed, 1st place - Taylor, 2nd is the martin and Oliver is last. Felt like the Taylor can do anything. The Martin was great too with a familiar martin-esque sound you can kinda pick out. Thought the Oliver mahogany top would have a warmer sound and react similar to the taylor. Perhaps the smaller sound hole is a factor and differences in bracing (?) Good value for the price nonetheless. congrats on the editing, very captivating to see them played stacked like that!

Wow - no getting away from it, the GS Mini has a zingy liveliness that is easier on the ear than the mellower DJr, I didn't think the Orangewood was close, to be honest. If only the GS Mini had a 1 3/4" nut width! Great video and thanks for doing such a meaningful comparison.

Hey Dave, just wondering if you could do a tutorial on your guardian angel by the red jumpsuit apparatus in the original/similar to original tuning (i think its in drop c tuning)

Well I'm glad I bit the bullet on a Taylor gs mini a few years back. it has a passive pickup so I need a small preamp, which I have. But she's a beauty. But for anyone getting one of these or in my case the gs mini, I have put on extra light strings which someone recommended. It makes it so easy to play. Whatever you get I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoy playing mine.

I loved ORANGEWOOD 😘🎸.... It's so preety and sounds 👌🤩... so nice video ✌😎🎸🎶

Loved that he played coldplay at 7:40 ahah. I was singing along!

What an excellent comparison! What’s the name of the second sample you played? (At 4:36) Could you please make a tutorial of it? 🙏🏽 I own none of these guitars, just here to watch your videos. 😁

Martin sounds great but Taylor has more brighter and louder sound. Btw orangewood is also a good guitar.

Hey Dave how does one in Australia order the Orangewood?

Was very good review I agree with everything you said and I happen to own a mahogany mini GS Martin Dreadnought Junior jumbo Junior I've been studying Orangewood Oliver Jr for weeks now and I'm going to buy one to add to my small guitar collection which are the only guitars I owned by the way like you I'm a small guitar nut but yes now that I'm teaching in my retirement from touring and playing music I needed an inexpensive guitar line to recommend to my students and I believe Orangewood is it I would love to talk to these people but you cannot they only communicate by email again great review keep up the good work I want to see more from one small guitar nut to another thanks

the fact that orangewood is being compared to the heavyweights, given its price point, is a big achievement!

Thank u for ur lessons u r awesome

Wowww Awesome. I love this Orangewood.

Awesome Review

@GuitarZero2Hero

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Martin for me. Probably because I’ve got a 000x1ae, and love it. I bought it 6 months ago as my first “good” guitar and haven’t put it down since. The orange wood sounds a bit tinny in comparison to me. Although, I think they’re a great company. I had to get my Martin set up, which made me really angry.

@Kau093

3 жыл бұрын

I just got back from guitar center and of all the guitars I loved 000x1ae too! Have you tried out the taylor gs mini mahogany?

@jfra4

3 жыл бұрын

Yup it’s one of the downfalls for Martin’s. I love my DRJR but the saddle needed sanding and the truss rod needed adjusting. Btw, you can adjust the truss rod yourself, however you’ll need to purchase it separately. Easy $100 for a proper set up.

The orangewood compares favorably everywhere but in the thuddy low end. Still a nice guitar.

i have the taylor gs-mini set up to play electric with amp and its great but its been in the closet for 2 years i have just been to busy to play i guess i have to get new strings and it tuned

Great comparison. Ordering the Orangewood for my daughter for Christmas (through your link, so I hope you get a couple bucks). She's been playing my guitar, but it's still a bit big for her even though it's a grand concert shape. With a Black Friday sale going on, it looks like the Orangewood is tought to beat.

@GuitarZero2Hero

7 ай бұрын

Hope she enjoys!

Oliver Jr is great for a beginner like me. Plus the price works for me . Maybe later if I get better at playing , would consider one of the other guitars.

Great review and comparison. It might be more valid to have the Martin OOOJR-10 in the mix instead of the DJR.

Would have loved to see a mahogany GS Mini for a more equal comparison. Still, I thought the Taylor sounded the best.

If the body on the Orangewood was an 1" deeper like the Mini, it would be a tie for sound and a win for price.

Hi Dave, have u tried ibanez Acoustic Jr series ? How are they compared to Gs Mini and Martin Jr ?

The GS mini in my opinion sounds really good with finger picking and it sounds very lively but to me Martin D is the better all around with both strumming and some picking while Oliver is pretty impressive as well with its wonderful and clear sound and just like that musical movie in the 60's which starred Mark Lester as "Oliver!" It stated..."Please Sir, I want some more...!!!"

The Orangewood is far from a “bad” guitar, I’m sure it’s a pleasure to play, but it just can’t fight in the same weight class as the other two. I love my dread jr. and I love every GS mini I’ve ever played!

The fact that there is so many comparisons of sub $300 Orangewood guitars up against Taylor and Martin Guitars speaks for itself