NGD- Taylor 812E 12-fret

[jonbee]

I've mostly been playing larger bodies- dreads (most recently a superb Yairi Masterworks DY-95) and a Taylor GS, but I've been having left wrist problems. Many write about how much easier the 12 frets are to play so I looked at what is out there at a "reasonable" price. I didn't want to lose much tonally, and most Concert and Parlor 12-frets are much smaller sounding, with anemic bass by my standards.
The Taylor 812, although a concert size, sounded appealing. The Taylors also have a shorter scale and thus a bit lower tension as well, both good by my spec. So I bought a very good used 2016 812, post re-design version.
I'm happy to say it is what I hoped for. While not as loud or powerful at the bottom end as my dread, it still gives a solid account down to the low E. The sustain is excellent as you might expect from Taylor, but there is a fair bit of warmth to the sound, un-Taylor like, and the top end is very clean and a bit reserved, also unexpected.
Overall, a bit warm and full tonally.
Most importantly, the ease of playing is off the charts, which is a real treat. My left wrist moves from the 1st to 12th fret with hardly a bend. Very comfortable.
It came with Elixir PB HD Lights, but I didn't care for the presentation, which seemed a bit hollow, but switching to D'Addario Nickel Bronze BT Lights gave me the tone and clarity I wanted.
So- the 812 12-fret is not a mini-dreadnought. Not as loud or powerful as the Yairi dread, with a bit less bass impact and projection, but it has a surprising strong voice and is very musical and satisfyingly full on its own terms.
Hopefully it will extend my playing a good while into the future.
I don't amplify, so I haven't evaluated the Expression 2.
Of course, the 812 is a Taylor- a lovely piece of work, with subtle, beautiful wood/abalone detailing all around. The spruce top in particular is reputedly the thinnest Taylor uses, and it has gorgeous silking from top to bottom (see last pic-much more prominent in the flesh).
All in all, I'm not sure there is a bigger sounding small guitar out there with this kind of playing comfort. I'm very pleased.
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[beyeond]

Congrats, sounds like a great guitar. Lets see it!

[ManyMartinMan]

Congratulations. The 812’s can be very sweet instruments. Enjoy.

[Rev Roy]

Congrats. I had a 812e 12 fret for a while. Taylor makes some gorgeous guitars.

[ziapack]

I've had one as well for the last few months and loving it. Good write up by the way. I'm feeling it has plenty of volume when you dig in, and does play superb. Playing a lot of drop D tuning which really gives it a good bottom end. Really a great guitar.

[Ameridane]

Congrats on your Taylor and for the nice review. 🙂

I had the good fortune to play a 912ce 12 fret this summer and had very much the same reaction as you did with the 812. So comfortable to play and simple chords just sounded wonderful. Two months on and I’m still thinking about that guitar almost daily. What’s a fella to do?! 😎

[jazzguy]

Good choice! Need pics!

[SprintBob]

The AP re-designed 812 is one of Taylor’s best guitars. It can really do a lot and it is so comfortable to play. Plus, it’s so pretty to look at, the aesthetics are just right. Congrats and have a lot of fun with it.

[Dru Edwards]

Sweet! Congrats and enjoy the 12-fret.

[s2y]

I have a walnut back/sides and maple necked 12 fret. LOL, it's an oddball guitar and I feel like it's a mix of a 600 and 800 series with no real identity. It was built before the redesign.

I recently played a new 812ce DLX. Sounded every bit as full as my walnut 12 fret. Would love to hear a non-cutaway 12 fret at some point. If I would have probably picked the new 12 fret over mine if I had the option to do over.

[SpruceTop]

Originally Posted by jonbee

I've mostly been playing larger bodies- dreads (most recently a superb Yairi Masterworks DY-95) and a Taylor GS, but I've been having left wrist problems. Many write about how much easier the 12 frets are to play so I looked at what is out there at a "reasonable" price. I didn't want to lose much tonally, and most Concert and Parlor 12-frets are much smaller sounding, with anemic bass by my standards.
The Taylor 812, although a concert size, sounded appealing. The Taylors also have a shorter scale and thus a bit lower tension as well, both good by my spec. So I bought a very good used 2016 812, post re-design version.
I'm happy to say it is what I hoped for. While not as loud or powerful at the bottom end as my dread, it still gives a solid account down to the low E. The sustain is excellent as you might expect from Taylor, but there is a fair bit of warmth to the sound, un-Taylor like, and the top end is very clean and a bit reserved, also unexpected.
Overall, a bit warm and full tonally.
Most importantly, the ease of playing is off the charts, which is a real treat. My left wrist moves from the 1st to 12th fret with hardly a bend. Very comfortable.
It came with Elixir PB HD Lights, but I didn't care for the presentation, which seemed a bit hollow, but switching to D'Addario Nickel Bronze BT Lights gave me the tone and clarity I wanted.
So- the 812 12-fret is not a mini-dreadnought. Not as loud or powerful as the Yairi dread, with a bit less bass impact and projection, but it has a surprising strong voice and is very musical and satisfyingly full on its own terms.
Hopefully it will extend my playing a good while into the future.
I don't amplify, so I haven't evaluated the Expression 2.
Of course, the 812 is a Taylor- a lovely piece of work. The spruce top in particular is reputedly the thinnest Taylor uses, and it has gorgeous silking from top to bottom.
All in all, I'm not sure there is a bigger sounding small guitar out there with this kind of playing comfort. I'm very pleased.

Congratulations On Acquiring Your Taylor! Now apply a John Pearse SlimLine Armrest to your Taylor and take that wonderful tone to another level!

[jonbee]

Originally Posted by SpruceTop

Congratulations On Acquiring Your Taylor! Now apply a John Pearse SlimLine Armrest to your Taylor and take that wonderful tone to another level!

Already done!
I consider them to be indispensable.
Also, just visible on the lower side is a De Oro Flamenco Loco Guitar Support. It lifts the guitar a bit higher and allows angle adjustment in 2 dimensions. It makes it even more comfortable. Attaches and adjusts easily, doesn't damage the finish.

[SpruceTop]

Originally Posted by jonbee

Already done!
I consider them to be indispensable.
Also, just visible on the lower side is a De Oro Flamenco Loco Guitar Support. It lifts the guitar a bit higher and allows angle adjustment in 2 dimensions. It makes it even more comfortable. Attaches and adjusts easily, doesn't damage the finish.

Well Done, Enjoy!

[jonbee]

I've been playing it for a week now. The new strings have settled in, and I can say I really love this instrument. It has gorgeous, balanced tone, plays without strain, and fits my body like a glove. Looks fantastic too. After trying a dozen or so fine guitars I've recently owned, I think this is THE one for the long haul.
I think Taylor got this one very right for my purposes.

[The Growler]

Very nice! Enjoy!