Taylor 324 vs Taylor 322 12 fret.

[bil40272]

I'm thinking about purchasing another guitar.
I have had my eye on the new 322 12 fret, but no one locally has one that I can try out.
A local shop has a new 324 with the Blackwood back and sides.
I really like the sound of this guitar.
Has any one on here played both guitars?
I am wondering if the larger body size of the 324 vs the 12 fret of the smaller guitar make a similar sounding guitar.

Thanks

Bill

[Athens]

The 12 fret will have a completely different sound. The 322 12fret is a great guitar for the money and worth serious consideration.

Where are you located, someone may know of a shop near you with one.

If not, GC can order one for you and their return policy is generous.

[RP]

Originally Posted by bil40272

...I am wondering if the larger body size of the 324 vs the 12 fret of the smaller guitar make a similar sounding guitar.

In a word, no. The 324 will have a noticeably larger sound and IMO be a more versatile guitar....

[DukeX]

Originally Posted by RP

In a word, no. The 324 will have a noticeably larger sound and IMO be a more versatile guitar....

Agreed, these guitars are not alike. Both are great, but the GA 324 is more versatile IMO. It will have more bass and be better for medium strumming while fine for fingerstyle. The GC 322 can be lightly strummed but is more for fingerstyle IMO.

[rob2966]

I have the 322ce 12-fret and have played the 324 as well. For me the 322 was the winner.

- I play mostly fingerstyle and it is definitely voiced toward that direction.
- I don't need the extra 2 frets of access, if you do that might be the decider.
- I love the look of the slotted headstock, again, others don't.
- The 322 can take a reasonable amount of strumming too, all the headroom I need. However, it can't take the "gorilla strumming" like a D-style instrument.
- Overall volume is a bit lower (small body, etc). I am generally not competing acoustically with others so no an issue. I amplify it live anyway.
- The mahogany top w/ tasmanian blackwood b/s is a fantastic wood combo so both models truly benefit from that.

Later
Rob

[ataylor]

I feel like several of these responses, while well-meaning, are a little bit hyperbolic. Yes, the guitars will sound different to a point, but let’s not forget that they are both small/medium-sized guitars made from the same manufacturer from the same types of woods.

Because of that, my thinking is that if you like the 324, you’re more likely to like the 322 12-fret than you are to dislike it, if that makes sense.

The 12-fret is going to have slightly less depth and volume because of the smaller body, but will also have a bit of a warmer tone because of the 12-fret construction. The 12-fret guitars are as close as Taylor gets to a “vintage” sound, while still retaining the DNA of what makes them a Taylor.

That being said, the 12-frets I’ve played were more versatile than I expected. They sound great strummed, and produce more volume than you’d think. Though if you’re going to be playing aggressively more often than not, you’re probably ultimately after a dreadnought or a GS rather than either of the guitars you mentioned.

If you can’t find a 322 12-fret to audition, you might see if you can try a different Taylor 12-fret model — with whichever cutaway or non-cutaway preference you intend to go for — just to see how you feel about the playability. You may find you prefer the familiar 14-fret feel of the 324. Or you may like the shorter scale and more compact feel of the 12-fret.

Good luck!

[guitargeak99]

I ordered a 322 12 Fret from GC without electronics, and will be picking it up tomorrow. I've played 2 different ones and they were consistent with each other, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
The 322 will fit my needs - small short scale for a small guy (5' 7"), intermediate player sitting in my den playing finger style, some arpeggio picking, & light strumming.
Not a lot of real estate on this model if you like playing way up on the frets or when using a capo.

I agree with previous comment on the 14 fret being more versatile.
It just depends on what you play.

[Swamp Yankee]

I've played both, and owned a hog/ sapele 324.

Yes, versatility, volume and bass go to the 324, but I'd pass by a 324 for a 322 12 fret any day of the week.

The hog/blackwood 322 is a dark little beauty that's full of magic. I've fallen in love with every one I've played.

How's that for hylerbole?

[guitargeak99]

Originally Posted by Swamp Yankee

How's that for hylerbole?

I don't know about the OP, but it sure gives me hope.
I'm supposed to get mine today.

[Swamp Yankee]

Originally Posted by guitargeak99

I don't know about the OP, but it sure gives me hope.
I'm supposed to get mine today.

I'm jealous!

[rpatkin]

I've got the 322 12 fret, no electronics or cutaway. The 12 fret configuration gives back a lot of bass that might be lost in the smaller body, plays wonderfully, it is, if anything, almost too loud in some circumstances. I mostly play hybrid picking style, chord melody kinda stuff, so that plays into my opinion, FWIW.

[guitargeak99]

Originally Posted by rpatkin

I've got the 322 12 fret, no electronics or cutaway.

That's exactly what I ordered.
Note: I probably shouldn't post to this thread anymore, as I'm probably hijacking it.
Apologies to the Op

[jjrpilot]

I can't speak for the 12 fret Tas version, but I have the Taz 324 with no electronics.

It's absolutely wonderful. So woody and warm. When I have time, I'll post a diff thread with a review of it after having owned it now for over a year.

[jkilgour2000]

Which one... it's a tough call. I own both, simply because I couldn't decide either.I bought 'em both last January.

They both sound great, but the 322-12 doesn't like me digging in with hard strums (obviously).

The 324 will take the pounding.

But nice gentle strumming on both will yield a very similar sound.

The 322 is a bit quieter. I prefer the comfort of the 322, since I just play sitting around on the couch all the time, and would never ever part with it.

I know this prolly won't help you decide, but thats my 2-cents

[HOF dad]

Originally Posted by guitargeak99

That's exactly what I ordered.
Note: I probably shouldn't post to this thread anymore, as I'm probably hijacking it.
Apologies to the Op

I disagree - I think your experience totally adds to the OP's question.
Besides....I'm really interested to see how you like your 322.


Dan