Taylor 12 string question

[CaineIsCarter]

Hi folks, hope you're well

I have a Taylor 150e which, whilst is by no means a bad guitar, I've never been completely happy with. It sounds reasonably good, and I think it's by far the best budget 12er you can buy, but I really don't like how it looks.

I've been looking at the 254ce DLX, which definitely looks the part and would look mighty purdy alongside my 416ce. The problem is, no shop in my area (or even close to it) has it in stock. I can only go by online videos.

Has anyone any experience of both instruments? I'd love to hear your opinion on how much better than the 150 the 254 sounds.

Many thanks.

[martingitdave]

I've owned the 150e Walnut and I've played the 254e. I don't think the 254 is an upgrade in terms of tone. The 254 is a slightly smaller size. I liked the 150e, but I got GAS for a special order Taylor 12 string. My advice would be to enjoy the one you have until you can afford a GS or larger sized Taylor, or another brand of 12 string guitar.

[Brucebubs]

Originally Posted by martingitdave

I've owned the 150e Walnut and I've played the 254e. I don't think the 254 is an upgrade in terms of tone. The 254 is a slightly smaller size. I liked the 150e, but I got GAS for a special order Taylor 12 string. My advice would be to enjoy the one you have until you can afford a GS or larger sized Taylor, or another brand of 12 string guitar.

Great answer.
Looking through the line up of Taylor 12-strings I think the 458e-R is the stand out build for the bucks.
- Grand Orchestra body.
- Spruce/Rosewood.
- Electronics.

[martingitdave]

Originally Posted by Brucebubs

Great answer.
Looking through the line up of Taylor 12-strings I think the 458e-R is the stand out build for the bucks.
- Grand Orchestra body.
- Spruce/Rosewood.
- Electronics.

Agreed. The ovangkol version is also very nice if you like some more mid range like mahogany.

[donlyn]

Originally Posted by Brucebubs

Great answer.
Looking through the line up of Taylor 12-strings I think the 458e-R is the stand out build for the bucks.
- Grand Orchestra body.
- Spruce/Rosewood.
- Electronics.

Oh Yeah!

I think the 458e-R is a stand out build, period.

[pastorchuck]

I think one of Taylor's most underrated 12 strings is the LKSM model, which, although a discontinued model, is amazing in tone and playability.

https://www.taylorguitars.com/guitar...ignature-model

I have one for sale if you might be interested.

[Neil K Walk]

I’m with Brucebubs on this one. My local shop had the 150e Walnut, 254ce DLX and the 458e Ovangkul. Like my story short, the 458e is gone. I wish I could say I was the one who took it home.

On paper I like the 254ce DLX because it ticks the budget box but the tone does not compare to that of a jumbo like the GO size. I’d dare say that compared to the 254ce DLX the 150e sounds better but as far as finish goes I’ve always felt the 100 series were too rough in feel for what the asking price is.

The 458e though? Hoo boy. It really sang. I wish they’d make a 258e DLX this th. I just can’t see me spending $2k on a 12 string.

[CaineIsCarter]

Thanks for the replies, much obliged. You've saved me some money; I can't justify spending very much on a 12 as it's an occasional player, and from the sound of things, I'd be better off sticking with the 150e.

[martingitdave]

Originally Posted by CaineIsCarter

Thanks for the replies, much obliged. You've saved me some money; I can't justify spending very much on a 12 as it's an occasional player, and from the sound of things, I'd be better off sticking with the 150e.

You bet. Remember the finish on the 100s is super thin. Heck it’s thinner than the fancy finish on the new builders model. It makes the 100s sound better than some of the heavier finished 200s. Enjoy what you bought. It’s the best playing and one of the best sounding 12 strings for that price. And some of us really like the satin look. It makes it look like a real working musician’s instrument.

[BT55]

First, you can’t go wrong selecting a Taylor 12 string. Their quality and setup are the best. Your next decision is either sound and/or budget. My Taylor 12 string is definitely not my go to guitar but when you need a 12 string, you need a 12 string. I picked mine up as a NOS model, three years old with a full warranty and a lot off the price. This is your decision, do what works for you.

[Oldguy64]

Does it have to be a Taylor?
I loved my 150e.
I thought nothing would supplant it.
It was perfect for my guitarsenal.
Then I played a Takamine GJ72-CE-Nat. (That’s a handful to type).
It has a big full 12-string jangle. But it also has deep, articulate bass.
It is in the same neighborhood price wise as the 150.
Just my two cents.

[Brucebubs]

Originally Posted by Oldguy64

Does it have to be a Taylor?
I loved my 150e.
I thought nothing would supplant it.
It was perfect for my guitarsenal.
Then I played a Takamine GJ72-CE-Nat. (That’s a handful to type).
It has a big full 12-string jangle. But it also has deep, articulate bass.
It is in the same neighborhood price wise as the 150.
Just my two cents.

Nice looking guitar too.
Takamine GJ72-CE-Nat

[Judson]

Look around for a used Taylor GA3-12 ... usually around +/- $750 ... discontinued, but a very nice 12-string.