I saw this video about 3 years ago and it made me want this exact guitar. I sat on the decision for awhile, telling myself over and over that I wanted something else-and letting life keep me busy all the while. But then I saw this review again the other day. My heart said, “Just get the dang thing already” so now it’s on its way! Thank you for the review!
I like sliding on the high end notes on this guitar. It’s surprisingly not bad for the price. Free case, optional pickguard, free delivery. With Earnie ball Earthwood strings as stock. They got connections.
Bought the Orangewood Hudson for myself a few months ago and was so impressed by it, I just ordered this Dana mini for my 8 year old who wants to start playing. Super excited for it to arrive next week, glad to hear it plays well! Thanks for the review!
Just bought one off my local CraigsList...small body...big sound...low action...very nice neck...fully bound body and neck...Beautiful open pore satin finish...sounds very comparable to my $270 Yamaha FG850...don't let the low price fool you...
@@doneppars4202 ...the FS series is smaller than the FG's but I'm not sure if this Orangewood is smaller still...best to check the official websites for dimensions...Sorry !!
@@bosstone700 ...I bought the mahogany top...yes it is laminated but it still sounds and plays like many $300+ guitars IMO...and the gig bag is really a nice one :) No regrets !!
Dude! Get the kid a Jumbo or a Baritone with 27" scale and when he doesn't like it, you get a new guitar! Seriously, used to be kids didn't start music lessons until the 5th grade - at least where I grew up - and we started on full size acoustics. Mom and dad rented a new Stella archtop f-hole for me - air-craft cable for strings - high action to build strong fingers. Fortunately those first few songs we learned from the Alfred and Mel Bay books were just plucking open strings. ;^) Cordoba makes some nice mini classical guitars - easier on young fingers. Won't develop calluses on them - but won't quit because their fingers hurt either. Got here from watching Orangewood Ollie Jr and Dana reviews. Wanted a smaller guitar to noodle from my easy chair or leave in the car while wife shops. Probably go with the Ollie Jr and put a tonerite on it for a month - Dana is a bit tight and lacking in bottom end to my ears ... still heck of a deal.
These are nice guitars I bought an Oliver Jr. and was not sure what to expect. I paid 175.00 with a 20% discount. I looked at the Dana but I could not find one review only ones by Orangewood themselves. I will say I have no regrets with my Oliver Jr. it came with a nice setup and fret board was very nice, which I wasn’t sure what to expect for the price. Your Dana sounds great and it’s the perfect guitar for your son.
Holly R I’m very impressed with the quality and sound of these guitars especially for the price! I’d like to try some of their higher end guitars and see what they are like 😎
Phillip !! Great review and excellent guitar. I currently own a Baby Martin Guitar (Not even sure if that is the official name of it or not). Just wondering if you know how this compares to the Martin Mini (Baby Martin)? The Baby Martin cost me $275.00. I want another mini and am SERIOUSLY considering getting this. Once again, thank you for the review
Gary Falzone hey man! I wish I had a frame of reference but I have never actually played a Martin mini. I have played a baby Taylor and those for sure have a nicer tone to them, but you’re also going to be paying the extra money for it
@@philipmeadows Thank you so much for the quick reply. Yeah, I have seen the baby Taylor, and you are correct. The price is a bit more than this Orangewood. I think I may take the chance and order this
I play a 614 on a daily basis as well, but I've been wanting something smaller to take back and forth to work, or maybe to the park. Was looking for a little parlor guitar and then I came across these. I'm leaning towards the Mahogany and I think you kicked me over the edge.
These IMO are perfect for a small travel guitar! I’ve played cheap guitars before that weren’t fun to play because they sounded terrible, but that is not the case with this one. It is inexpensive, plays great and sounds pretty decent!
My current guitar is a dreadnought and I find it way too big (and heavy since it’s carbon fiber) to comfortably play on like my couch or bed, thinking about selling it to get a mini, this one might be it!
Thank you for the review, I’ve been eyeing this guitar for travel for a while and really haven’t found many complaints about it. I wanted to ask you how you felt the action was on this guitar. I know I can’t expect to much for the price but I was just curious your opinion.
Jeff Fleming hey man thanks for checking out the video! The action is pretty decent right out of the box. It’s slightly higher than my higher end guitars but I’ve also had those professionally set up 🤷🏻♂️ but either way it plays really nice for a $125 guitar
Hi! Nice video. I play in my church with a fender acoustic, but I want another one, I've been saving for another, I'm not sure if I want to buy a Taylor, Martin or a orangewood because being honest I'm not so gifted in the guitar. Witch one would you recommend me? Thank you
Man it totally depends on what you want to spend! If you're wanting something to learn on and then upgrade later I think the Dana Mini is the perfect guitar for that. Taylor and Martin you are going to be spending a lot more money.
I have the Baby Taylor Spruce but it doesn't sound resonant and the tone doesn't project much. Does this guitar sound better? Since you said you played a Taylor.
I’m not sure how it matches with a baby Taylor as it’s been a while since I’ve played a baby Taylor. Next to my Taylor 614 there is no comparison but they are also 2 different leagues of guitars.
Here's a strange question: but have you tried tuning it up at all? I use a lot of alternate tunings and I'm looking to find a guitar I can tune up without causing damage. I'll use custom strings, and one example of a tuning I'd like to use is FCGCEg. I'm hoping for a wound 3rd string. I'm fairly confident I can get an .011 up to g with that scale length but I'm curious if anyone else has played around with this idea. Sounds toneful!
Hey man, no I haven’t tried any kind of alternate tunings with it. It’s primarily been for my 10 year old to learn how to play, so it stays in standard tuning.
@@philipmeadows Thanks for the response! I'm going to try out a few short scale guitars until I land on the right instrument. Perhaps I'll give one a chance.
do you think a GS mini would be worth paying the extra money for? GS mini’s have been my dream guitar for quite some time but frankly i’m just not that good yet lol
Absolutely, if you have the extra money then I completely think the GS Mini would be worth it. But for the $125 that this one is, it is a fantastic deal.
I bought this guitar just to leave it at my girlfriend's house so I won't have to carry mine. Love Orangewood, their stuff is always quality at the price. I also have the Oliver Jr Live
The baby Taylor will probably sound better but the price difference is considerable. I think for an 8 year old the Dana Mini would be perfect, but if I had the extra cash I would probably have bought the Taylor.
Yes it does inside the sound hole. Not bad at all for the price. Different sound than an all wood guitar like a Taylor or Martin but it’s definitely unique. Very comfortable.
Orangewood is an under-rated company. They surely do make FINE guitars. I'm torn between the Dana Mini and the Rey (spruce; grand auditorium body). Odd though, that Orangewood doesn't include fretboard radius listed among the Dana's or the Rey's specs. Thanks for the post!
Hi Philip! Is there a reason why you chose the Spruce over Mahagony? I’ve been on the search for a small travel guitar because full sizes are way too big for my arm and hands. How is your kid liking the guitar so far? I originally wanted to get the Orangewood Oliver Jr but they dont have them on Amazon 😅
*에얼플레인럽* hey there! We picked up the spruce cause that’s the one my kiddo picked out. I actually wanted the mahogany haha but it was going to be his guitar. He is loving it, it is a great size for him! I ordered mine directly from Orangewood and I had it within 4 days, they were on top of it!
The top is a layered spruce top so no it’s not solid. I don’t know much about the recording King. At a quick glance the recording king has a solid top on it so it should be a little nicer, but can’t speak from personal experience with it. Thanks for checking out the video!
@@philipmeadows I disagree! I bought it and it was so bad I put it back in the box and shipped it back instantly. I'm just saying, people should save more money to buy something of better quality instead of buying this guitar.
![This MINI GUITAR Packs a Punch! [Orangewood Oliver JR. Guitar Demo & Review]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/-WaboElqaR0/mqdefault.jpg)
I saw this video about 3 years ago and it made me want this exact guitar. I sat on the decision for awhile, telling myself over and over that I wanted something else-and letting life keep me busy all the while.
But then I saw this review again the other day. My heart said, “Just get the dang thing already” so now it’s on its way!
Thank you for the review!
I'm glad you pulled the trigger on it! It's a great little guitar!
I like sliding on the high end notes on this guitar. It’s surprisingly not bad for the price. Free case, optional pickguard, free delivery. With Earnie ball Earthwood strings as stock. They got connections.
@@Euthymia2020 it’s hard to beat at the price point
Bought the Orangewood Hudson for myself a few months ago and was so impressed by it, I just ordered this Dana mini for my 8 year old who wants to start playing. Super excited for it to arrive next week, glad to hear it plays well! Thanks for the review!
@@jasonbyers9589 glad it was helpful!
Sounds beautiful. Just bought this for my 13 year old granddaughter. I think she’s gonna love it ❤
@@64moondreamer she will love it for sure!
Just bought a Orangewood dana mahogany because of this review! I loved your playing!
@@nomannic1 thank you! Glad the video was helpful 😎
Thank you for the review. Wonderful sound.
Definitely considering picking one of these up just for a bang around guitar that I can take camping hiking to work on a bus etc.
It would be a great beat around guitar, small enough to throw in and not be too much of a bear to carry, but still sounds great!
Beautiful playing. Goes to show that playing can make even a $125 guitar sound like a million bucks! Thanks for the review Philip.
Thanks man! Thanks for checking out my vid!
Thanks for this. You're a first rate reviewer. Some of these guys drive me crazy!!
Thank you so much!
Thank you for the review. Gonna order one tomorrow.
🙌🏼
Just bought one off my local CraigsList...small body...big sound...low action...very nice neck...fully bound body and neck...Beautiful open pore satin finish...sounds very comparable to my $270 Yamaha FG850...don't let the low price fool you...
billy badfinger Is it smaller than the Yamaha? I have the FS 850 but I was wanting something smaller
@@doneppars4202 ...the FS series is smaller than the FG's but I'm not sure if this Orangewood is smaller still...best to check the official websites for dimensions...Sorry !!
Did you buy the mahogany or spruce top?
@@bosstone700 ...I bought the mahogany top...yes it is laminated but it still sounds and plays like many $300+ guitars IMO...and the gig bag is really a nice one :)
No regrets !!
Dude! Get the kid a Jumbo or a Baritone with 27" scale and when he doesn't like it, you get a new guitar! Seriously, used to be kids didn't start music lessons until the 5th grade - at least where I grew up - and we started on full size acoustics. Mom and dad rented a new Stella archtop f-hole for me - air-craft cable for strings - high action to build strong fingers. Fortunately those first few songs we learned from the Alfred and Mel Bay books were just plucking open strings. ;^) Cordoba makes some nice mini classical guitars - easier on young fingers. Won't develop calluses on them - but won't quit because their fingers hurt either. Got here from watching Orangewood Ollie Jr and Dana reviews. Wanted a smaller guitar to noodle from my easy chair or leave in the car while wife shops. Probably go with the Ollie Jr and put a tonerite on it for a month - Dana is a bit tight and lacking in bottom end to my ears ... still heck of a deal.
These are nice guitars I bought an Oliver Jr. and was not sure what to expect. I paid 175.00 with a 20% discount. I looked at the Dana but I could not find one review only ones by Orangewood themselves. I will say I have no regrets with my Oliver Jr. it came with a nice setup and fret board was very nice, which I wasn’t sure what to expect for the price. Your Dana sounds great and it’s the perfect guitar for your son.
Holly R I’m very impressed with the quality and sound of these guitars especially for the price! I’d like to try some of their higher end guitars and see what they are like 😎
Looking at picking one of these up, just can’t decide Spruce or Mahogany ! Thanks
seanp777 I actually wanted to get the mahogany but my kiddo requested the spruce 🤷🏻♂️
I would go with mahogany! Such a beautiful and rich color
Phillip !! Great review and excellent guitar. I currently own a Baby Martin Guitar (Not even sure if that is the official name of it or not). Just wondering if you know how this compares to the Martin Mini (Baby Martin)? The Baby Martin cost me $275.00. I want another mini and am SERIOUSLY considering getting this. Once again, thank you for the review
Gary Falzone hey man! I wish I had a frame of reference but I have never actually played a Martin mini. I have played a baby Taylor and those for sure have a nicer tone to them, but you’re also going to be paying the extra money for it
@@philipmeadows Thank you so much for the quick reply. Yeah, I have seen the baby Taylor, and you are correct. The price is a bit more than this Orangewood. I think I may take the chance and order this
I play a 614 on a daily basis as well, but I've been wanting something smaller to take back and forth to work, or maybe to the park.
Was looking for a little parlor guitar and then I came across these.
I'm leaning towards the Mahogany and I think you kicked me over the edge.
These IMO are perfect for a small travel guitar! I’ve played cheap guitars before that weren’t fun to play because they sounded terrible, but that is not the case with this one. It is inexpensive, plays great and sounds pretty decent!
My current guitar is a dreadnought and I find it way too big (and heavy since it’s carbon fiber) to comfortably play on like my couch or bed, thinking about selling it to get a mini, this one might be it!
For $125 it’s definitely worth it!
This is my second Dana. I bought a PRS parlor and it was $500 and I like my Dana better
Thank you for the review, I’ve been eyeing this guitar for travel for a while and really haven’t found many complaints about it. I wanted to ask you how you felt the action was on this guitar. I know I can’t expect to much for the price but I was just curious your opinion.
Jeff Fleming hey man thanks for checking out the video! The action is pretty decent right out of the box. It’s slightly higher than my higher end guitars but I’ve also had those professionally set up 🤷🏻♂️ but either way it plays really nice for a $125 guitar
Hi! Nice video. I play in my church with a fender acoustic, but I want another one, I've been saving for another, I'm not sure if I want to buy a Taylor, Martin or a orangewood because being honest I'm not so gifted in the guitar. Witch one would you recommend me? Thank you
Man it totally depends on what you want to spend! If you're wanting something to learn on and then upgrade later I think the Dana Mini is the perfect guitar for that. Taylor and Martin you are going to be spending a lot more money.
Thankyou! I just made my decision ❤
Beautiful guitar!
Seth Richter for a 3/4 size guitar I have been very impressed with it and it looks really nice!
Someone needs to do a shootout of this vs the Yamaha JR-1
I have the Baby Taylor Spruce but it doesn't sound resonant and the tone doesn't project much. Does this guitar sound better? Since you said you played a Taylor.
I’m not sure how it matches with a baby Taylor as it’s been a while since I’ve played a baby Taylor. Next to my Taylor 614 there is no comparison but they are also 2 different leagues of guitars.
I’d say the orange wood is better and for way less money.
Here's a strange question: but have you tried tuning it up at all? I use a lot of alternate tunings and I'm looking to find a guitar I can tune up without causing damage. I'll use custom strings, and one example of a tuning I'd like to use is FCGCEg. I'm hoping for a wound 3rd string. I'm fairly confident I can get an .011 up to g with that scale length but I'm curious if anyone else has played around with this idea. Sounds toneful!
Hey man, no I haven’t tried any kind of alternate tunings with it. It’s primarily been for my 10 year old to learn how to play, so it stays in standard tuning.
@@philipmeadows Thanks for the response! I'm going to try out a few short scale guitars until I land on the right instrument. Perhaps I'll give one a chance.
do you think a GS mini would be worth paying the extra money for? GS mini’s have been my dream guitar for quite some time but frankly i’m just not that good yet lol
Absolutely, if you have the extra money then I completely think the GS Mini would be worth it. But for the $125 that this one is, it is a fantastic deal.
I bought this guitar just to leave it at my girlfriend's house so I won't have to carry mine. Love Orangewood, their stuff is always quality at the price. I also have the Oliver Jr Live
Nice! It really is a great little guitar
I have an 8 year old nephew that wants to learn. I’m looking at this guitar or a Baby Taylor. Any suggestions?
The baby Taylor will probably sound better but the price difference is considerable. I think for an 8 year old the Dana Mini would be perfect, but if I had the extra cash I would probably have bought the Taylor.
Philip Meadows thank you. As far as size wise for an average sized 8 year old?
Marlo Stanfield it’s perfect for my 8 year old son!
It has a truss rode?
Help dude :/
Dana spruce/mahogany or oliver jr? Which do you think is better? I can't decide :'v
Is the neck width full size or smaller? Thanks!
It is smaller than a full size. My ten year old can get his hands around it fairly easy.
Does it have a truss rod in it?
Please answer brother, 🥺
Yes it does inside the sound hole. Not bad at all for the price. Different sound than an all wood guitar like a Taylor or Martin but it’s definitely unique. Very comfortable.
@@Euthymia2020 Thanks a lot man. Love from India. I recently purchased it and it sounded good. I am satisfied.
Was that opening finger picking Bebo Norman? If so, very nice man.
Thanks man! I haven’t heard Bebo Norman in a while! I was just making stuff up as I went, so there wasn’t any specific song 😎
sounds good but tone is in the hands too
Very true, but a good sounding guitar makes anybody feel like a better player.
Cool! You can make ring tones with your guitar!
Thanks for posting the review.
Orangewood is an under-rated company. They surely do make FINE guitars. I'm torn between the Dana Mini and the Rey (spruce; grand auditorium body). Odd though, that Orangewood doesn't include fretboard radius listed among the Dana's or the Rey's specs. Thanks for the post!
Hi Philip! Is there a reason why you chose the Spruce over Mahagony? I’ve been on the search for a small travel guitar because full sizes are way too big for my arm and hands. How is your kid liking the guitar so far? I originally wanted to get the Orangewood Oliver Jr but they dont have them on Amazon 😅
*에얼플레인럽* hey there! We picked up the spruce cause that’s the one my kiddo picked out. I actually wanted the mahogany haha but it was going to be his guitar. He is loving it, it is a great size for him! I ordered mine directly from Orangewood and I had it within 4 days, they were on top of it!
Philip Meadows thanks for the reply! does it sound good for the price or good compared to other guitars as well?
Philip Meadows i guess compared to solid tops
So not a solid top? Debating this out a recording king parlor
The top is a layered spruce top so no it’s not solid. I don’t know much about the recording King. At a quick glance the recording king has a solid top on it so it should be a little nicer, but can’t speak from personal experience with it. Thanks for checking out the video!
Taylors have become crazy expensive.
They are expensive! Luckily I found my 614 used for a killer deal 🙌🏼
Sound like my gs mini
Crap! Don't buy it! I bought one and returned it immediately. Save up and buy a quality guitar.
For a guitar that is $125 it is just fine. If you’re looking for a high quality guitar, there is no comparison.
@@philipmeadows I disagree! I bought it and it was so bad I put it back in the box and shipped it back instantly. I'm just saying, people should save more money to buy something of better quality instead of buying this guitar.