mini e

To a bassist with deeply ingrained, 34"-scale muscle memory, Taylor’s GS Mini-e Bass might feel like a ukulele at first. But size is about the only way this Taylor comes up short. The Mini-e reveals clean construction and an impeccable setup. After acclimatizing to its size, I got lost enjoying its buttery smooth neck and quick, ebony fretboard. And thanks to the D’Addario nylon-core strings made specifically for the Mini-e, the sometimes loud, zingy squeaking that can accompany the thicker roundwounds on acoustic bass guitars was held in check.

Unplugged, the 23 1/2"-scale Mini-e’s dry, woody timbre projects with impressive fullness and volume for small body. It’s plenty loud for solo practice or playing along with a couple guitarists, provided your pals use a lighter touch. Plugged in, the Mini-e came to life with a punchy thump and warmth that leans towards the darker tones of an upright, but remain articulate courtesy of the pronounced midrange. The sounds aren’t tight and bright like some long-scale acoustic basses, but that’s exactly what I liked about it.