Thoughts on the Taylor Academy 12N or 12eN?

[BoneDigger]

I am looking for a crossover for folk and cowboy music and have tried a few entry level instruments including the Cordoba C5 and Fusion 5. The one that has caught my attention is the Taylor 12N or 12eN. I have played two and they really seem to hit the right spot for crossover playability and tone. However, they are not cheap (cost). Any thoughts on this model? I usually play with a pick, but also do some light finger picking. I do not play "classical" style.

[Rudy4]

I'm not a classical player, either.

I played the Taylor 12n when it first came out and thought it was a well-built and easy to play guitar. I think it's not nearly as resonant as my Cordoba Orchestra Fusion, my crossover. It has a simple presentation that I find very appealing, although I do wish the top wood was a bit darker. It's my main complaint about the Academy series, although they are offering the dread and Grand Concert in walnut now. Perhaps they may introduce the nylon in an alternative darker wood in the near future.

As far as price goes, it sits at the lower end of the Taylor price spectrum, and it has all of the benefits of being a Taylor and will hold it's rsle value well if you choose to go for a higher level guitar later.

I would not hesitate to obtain one as a main guitar if I wanted to concentrate on crossover.

[BoneDigger]

Originally Posted by Rudy4

I'm not a classical player, either.

I played the Taylor 12n when it first came out and thought it was a well-built and easy to play guitar. I think it's not nearly as resonant as my Cordoba Orchestra Fusion, my crossover. It has a simple presentation that I find very appealing, although I do wish the top wood was a bit darker. It's my main complaint about the Academy series, although they are offering the dread and Grand Concert in walnut now. Perhaps they may introduce the nylon in an alternative darker wood in the near future.

As far as price goes, it sits at the lower end of the Taylor price spectrum, and it has all of the benefits of being a Taylor and will hold it's rsle value well if you choose to go for a higher level guitar later.

I would not hesitate to obtain one as a main guitar if I wanted to concentrate on crossover.

Thanks for the info! I played the Taylor against a Cordoba Fusion 5 and a C5 but thought the Taylor sounded better than those two. I don't doubt that the higher end ones sound much better! The Fusion sounded pretty good, but it had almost zero saddle on it. The C5 was better in terms of saddle but I just liked the feel of the Taylor. However, it costs twice as much.

[BoneDigger]

I have decided to order a Fusion 5, which is on sale now, and see if it will be set up correctly.