Which Taylor to Get?

[Cabarone]

Greetings all,

I'm brand-spanking new here and looking forward to interacting/learning/having a good time...

I was looking at a 150e (12 string) and found it very playable. I was planning on ordering one (GC sold the one I tried) but, after browsing Taylor's website, am considering upgrading to the 254ce. Money is a factor so I'm limiting my range of temptation right there.

My question is: is the 254 worth the extra money? Or is it an "apples and oranges" kinda thing since they're different body types?

I appreciate any and all input...thanks!

[Oldguy64]

Originally Posted by Cabarone

Greetings all,

I'm brand-spanking new here and looking forward to interacting/learning/having a good time...

I was looking at a 150e (12 string) and found it very playable. I was planning on ordering one (GC sold the one I tried) but, after browsing Taylor's website, am considering upgrading to the 254ce. Money is a factor so I'm limiting my range of temptation right there.

My question is: is the 254 worth the extra money? Or is it an "apples and oranges" kinda thing since they're different body types?

I appreciate any and all input...thanks!

Since you're looking for a 12 string, I'm assuming that you are new to Taylor, but not guitar.
It truly depends on your style of play, and the sound you're looking for.
Do you play higher on the neck? Then the 254.
Are you a bigger person? Or a smaller person?
The GA body is going to be more comfortable if you are smaller.
Do you play out?
The ES2 is not as plug and play, and may require some professional adjustment to kill feedback.
I play my 150 at pretty high volume and it doesn't feed back.

Bottom line, try and ask all the pertinent questions to how you will use the guitar. Buy the one that ticks the most boxes.

[Cabarone]

Thanks, I think I'll go back and see if they have any GA models on hand and try it on...

I've got a Gibson B-45 that I just love but the Taylor actually plays like a six-string, comparatively...

[Ozzy the dog]

Any guitar is down to personal choice and feel so just get out there and try as many as you can. One brand that suits might not be the best at the full range of guitar builds. I've never been much of a fan of Guild six strings, for example, but their 12 strings are amazing and well worth a try if you haven't already.

[Brucebubs]

I would be surprised if the Sitka/Walnut 150e dread sounded better acoustically than the Sitka/Rosewood 254 Grand Auditorium.
They're both Taylors so they'll both be very playable.

[robrick]

Depends what you want it for. Is it your main guitar? Or do you play 12 string less than your 6 string? The 254ce is almost twice the price of the 150e. I currently own the 150e with walnut back and sides. It certainly can compete with the 200 series, but that is up to you really. I also wanted the 254ce, but I could not justify paying almost double, since I play 12 string at home mainly, and use my Taylor 214ce DLX guitars to gig with. Should I find myself gigging with my 12 string a lot, then I may be able to justify purchasing the 254ce model.

[mkitman]

All of the above makes sense; however, I wouldn't let a price difference like the one between the 100 & 200 series be the sole determining factor. If you're going to be keeping it for a number of years, you don't want to be spending the time bemoaning not getting the one you really like.

That said, if it were the difference between a Taylor 150 price & a $2000+ guitar, I think that the price is a far more driving factor...

[martingitdave]

Given a choice between only those two, I'd probably take the 254. The one I played was a touch mellower than the 150e.

[leew3]

I have had the 150e for about a year and really like it. It's very playable and sounds good...for the price. Yes, that's somewhat '****ing with faint praise' for if you're to have a 12 string for your primary guitar I would support the rest of the responses that suggest looking to an upgrade. That said, the 150e is a well made entry level 12 string that is my 4th Taylor. I got it to see whether I still liked a 12 string-turns out I do and play this one often. It's loud, has good dynamics and is comfortable to play. I'm a large person, so if that's not you the advice to look for a GA style body might be helpful. My 814 feels (and is!) much smaller than the 150e.

[martingitdave]

Do you have access to either the Yamaha LL16-12 or the Guild 1512e? Both are solid spruce/solid rosewood and play very well.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Brucebubs]

Originally Posted by martingitdave

Do you have access to either the Yamaha LL16-12 or the Guild 1512e? Both are solid spruce/solid rosewood and play very well.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

These are good suggestions.
Be careful with the Guild models, the rosewood 1512e has much better reviews than the newer maple 2512e model.
I've also read favorable comments about the Martin D12X guitars.

[martingitdave]

Originally Posted by Brucebubs

These are good suggestions.

Be careful with the Guild models, the rosewood 1512e has much better reviews than the newer maple 2512e model.

I've also read favorable comments about the Martin D12X guitars.

I forgot about the Martin X! Good honking Bruce.

That's also a surprisingly good sounding 12 string for the money. It sounds big a bold. Plays easy too.

My thought on Taylor 12 strings is that they are some of the easiest to play. And, at the higher end, they sound delicious. At the lower end, you're paying mostly for the neck and less for the tone. The others we mentioned at the lower price give a bit more tone in exchange for a slightly thicker neck profile. Good luck!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Ted @ LA Guitar Sales]

Yes, it really comes down to body size, Dreadnought vs Grand Auditorium. Acoustically I prefer the 150e, but YMMV.