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The Taylor Academy 12e N is among the most affordable members of the Taylor Academy family. According to my findings, it is a true gem for beginners seeking a high-quality instrument without breaking the bank. Despite its lower price point, this guitar doesn’t compromise on performance or craftsmanship. Check out the Best Classical guitar in our blog.
Taylor Academy 12e N | Image by Taylor Guitars
| Made In | Tecate, Mexico |
| Model | Academy 12e N |
| Body | Layered Sapele |
| Top | Solid Spruce |
| Neck | Maple |
| Scale | 24-7/8″ |
| Nut Width | 1-7/8″ |
| Weight | 8.68 lbs |
| Fretboard | West African Crelicam Ebony |
| Frets | 20 |
| Bracing | Academy Series |
| Electronics | ES-B |
| Bridge | Ebony |
| Inlays | 4mm dot Italian acrylic |
| Truss Rod | Adjustable |
| Case | Taylor gig bag |
| Design | Grand Concert, Hollow Body |
Fingerboard
The Taylor Academy 12e-N’s fingerboard is made of ebony, which contributes to its overall playability and enhances the guitar’s tone. The low action on the ebony fingerboard makes it extremely welcoming for aspiring players, allowing them to navigate the frets easily. The ebony wood also adds a touch of elegance to the guitar’s aesthetic.
The fretboard’s radius is 16 inches, slightly less curved than a traditional flat fretboard. This makes fret chords and notes easier, especially in the higher registers. The fretboard is also made of ebony, a dense, durable wood that produces a bright, clear tone.
The Academy 12e-N’s nut width is 1.875 inches, slightly wider than that of a traditional classical guitar neck. This makes it easier to play fingerstyle arrangements, but it is still comfortable for strumming chords.
Shape and Size
The Taylor Academy 12e-N is genuinely a joy to play with, and its shape and size contribute to an exceptional experience. It showcases a grand concert body shape, characterized by its smaller size and intimate feel.
With a scale length of 24-7/8 inches, the guitar offers a comfortable playing experience and ease of fretting, particularly for players with smaller hands or those transitioning from smaller instruments, such as myself. The reduced body depth adds comfort, allowing me to play for hours without strain.
Not only is it incredibly playable, but its portability is a bonus. I can easily take it wherever I go, making it an ideal companion for gigs or travel. The Taylor Academy 12e N delivers on its promise of a comfortable and immersive playing experience.
How Does It Sound?
The Taylor Academy 12e-N sounds excellent. When I first played the guitar, I couldn’t believe it was a guitar priced at around $500. Blindfolded, I doubt even the most experienced acoustic specialist would guess its affordable value.
Also, the bass didn’t have a booming presence; I found it a bonus. The midrange had a sweeter and more prominent character. That makes it perfect for rock rhythm playing without needing a bass-cut filter. I couldn’t help but appreciate that twenty years ago, finding a new guitar under $1,000 with such a sweet tone was nearly impossible.
The tone may not be as harmonically complex or resonant as guitars costing significantly more. But even as a discerning player, I found the core base tone of the Taylor Academy 12e-N undeniably attractive. It’s a remarkable instrument that defies its price tag and delivers a sound that can compete with guitars well beyond its class.
How Playable is Taylor Academy 12E N?
This guitar’s playability is incredibly comfortable, and its tone is better than anything else in its class. As I strummed the strings, the 12e-N delivered a classic acoustic tone with a surprisingly powerful and assertive voice despite its shorter scale length and light-gauge strings. With its rich midrange, unexpectedly voluptuous treble, and disciplined bass, the 12e-N is a honey for fingerstyle players. It also shines as a rhythm guitar for solo singer-guitarists.
It’s incredible how such a compact guitar can produce such a well-balanced sound. The mid-range frequencies are beautifully emphasized, giving my chords and fingerstyle playing a rich and expressive quality. The Academy 12e-N is a dream for intricate melodies and chord work, with each note standing out clearly.
Additional Features of the Taylor 12e N
The Taylor Academy 12e N comes equipped with the ES-B electronics system, which combines a pickup, preamp, and tuner for an all-in-one experience. While it may not match the sophistication of the Expression 2 System found in more expensive Taylor guitars, the ES-B system is highly functional and gets the job done. I appreciate having dedicated tone and volume controls, as they allow me to easily adjust the amplified sound to my liking.
When I plug the guitar into an acoustic combo or my trusty Fender Acoustic amp, I’m delighted by its warm and realistic tones. The ES-B system truly captures the guitar’s natural essence, faithfully reproducing its nuances and delivering an expressive, amplified performance.
Although it’s not as complex as high-end systems, the ES-B system effectively enhances the versatility and amplification capabilities of my Taylor Academy 12e N.
Pros & Cons of the Taylor Academy 12e N
Pros
- Ergonomic Design: Including the armrest bevel on the lower bass enhances comfort and playability, reducing fatigue during extended playing sessions.
- High-Quality Construction: The guitar features a solid Sitka spruce top, laySapeleapele back and sides, and an ebony fingerboard and bridge. These premium materials contribute to the guitar’s resonant, bright trebles and overall sound quality.
- Versatile Sound: The Academy 12e N, with its Grand Concert size, offers a warm and round tone well-suited for various playing styles, including fingerpicking, folk, and even fingerstyle jazz. It balances registers and strings well, making it versatile for different musical genres.
Cons
- Limited Low-End Response: The guitar’s streamlined EQ system does not effectively boost low-end frequencies. The tone control acts as a treble roll-off, which may restrict the tonal options for players seeking a stronger bass response.
Taylor Academy 12e N FAQ
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