NGD: Taylor American Dream AD12e Grand Concert

[Jeremy]

As reported here I came across this on Guitar Center's website. At this time it appears to be a GC exclusive as I'm not seeing it anywhere else, even Taylor's site. I did email Taylor with the serial number and asked for more information on it.

Spruce over ebony. Priced a bit high in my opinion for what the American Dream series is supposed to represent, and I expected to hate it and send it right back, but I am pleasantly surprised at how good it sounds. It sounds bigger than it is, a little boxy at times but not restrained, with some low end rumble reminiscent of the AP braced guitars that I really like.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyLKEpAkreU

[ataylor]

Looks and sounds great! I enjoyed the sound of the guitar progressively more with each sample. Very nice playing.

You’re right — it’s got a crisp, bright sound you’d expect from a guitar that size, but the bass comes through really nice as well. How does it compare to the GT size guitar you had shared with us recently?

[Shadowfox]

I think it sounds really good! Curious what strings you will decide on. It does remind me a bit of cocobolo with the glassiness, but then maybe overall most akin to Koa or Walnut imho.

[Jeremy]

Originally Posted by ataylor

Looks and sounds great! I enjoyed the sound of the guitar progressively more with each sample. Very nice playing.

You’re right — it’s got a crisp, bright sound you’d expect from a guitar that size, but the bass comes through really nice as well. How does it compare to the GT size guitar you had shared with us recently?

Thank you. I ended up returning the GT as it doesn't live up to its marketing in my opinion. This guitar, however, overperforms. The sound is bolder than you would expect, with pronounced bass, clear trebles, and a bit of a mid-range scoop. Being a GC with V-Class I expected it to be a bit thin and boring sonically, but I am pleased with the sound it produces.

[Jeremy]

Originally Posted by Shadowfox

I think it sounds really good! Curious what strings you will decide on. It does remind me a bit of cocobolo with the glassiness, but then maybe overall most akin to Koa or Walnut imho.

With Taylors I typically go with Elixir PB nanoweb. GC doesn't specify the type of strings on this one, but if it's like the other ADs, then they're probably D’Addario EXP16s and I like them enough to stick with them.

[Shadowfox]

Originally Posted by Jeremy

With Taylors I typically go with Elixir PB nanoweb. GC doesn't specify the type of strings on this one, but if it's like the other ADs, then they're probably D’Addario EXP16s and I like them enough to stick with them.

That's interesting. With more modern rosewood guitars (like my cocobolo Furch), I think 80/20's are the best sounding. However, on Hog, I generally like PB. Ebony I have no idea lol.

[ataylor]

Originally Posted by Jeremy

Thank you. I ended up returning the GT as it doesn't live up to its marketing in my opinion. This guitar, however, overperforms. The sound is bolder than you would expect, with pronounced bass, clear trebles, and a bit of a mid-range scoop. Being a GC with V-Class I expected it to be a bit thin and boring sonically, but I am pleased with the sound it produces.

Gotcha. I wondered if maybe this was taking the place of the GT. I’d have to go back and listen to the samples, but just based on what I remember, I’d give the edge to this newer guitar as well.

I’ll be curious to see if they offer a mahogany-top flavor of this guitar and/or a 12-fret version. I don’t need any more dreadnought-sized guitars (okay, I’d make an exception for a D-28 or a D-45), but I don’t have anything in the concert/auditorium size range and I’ve always liked the 12-fret Taylors.

[BluesKing777]

Congratulations!

You move quick!

In my collection, I have a custom build Cargill deep body 00, way more expensive, in Gabon Ebony with Italian Spruce top....which is why I noticed yours! It took quite a few years to break in, but now it is really delightful. It is rosewood(y) but way denser. Great fingerpicker! Mine!

Do they tell you what the faults are of your ebony to make it American Dream material...it is usually expensive!

Enjoy!

BluesKing777.

[LakewoodM32Fan]

Oh. My.

Jeremy that is a beauty. I had no idea this model was out. My local GC has one. I may have to go and try it out. Looks like it would be an amazing gigging travel/guitar, for both it's tone and it's great looks. A conversation starter for sure.

[btaylor]

Sounds wonderful! Congrats! I do agree about the price point being high for an AD, but that guitar sounds great!

[boneuphtoner]

Oh myyyy - absolutely love the look!

Please keep us updated!

Many congrats!

[fuman]

Golly. That's really cool.

[Jeremy]

Originally Posted by BluesKing777

Congratulations!

You move quick!

In my collection, I have a custom build Cargill deep body 00, way more expensive, in Gabon Ebony with Italian Spruce top....which is why I noticed yours! It took quite a few years to break in, but now it is really delightful. It is rosewood(y) but way denser. Great fingerpicker! Mine!

Do they tell you what the faults are of your ebony to make it American Dream material...it is usually expensive!

Enjoy!

BluesKing777.

Thanks. No mention of any issues with the ebony. Considering the AD12e is $300 more than the AD17e Blacktop, I imagine it's the ebony alone driving the price difference.

[Jeremy]

Originally Posted by btaylor

Sounds wonderful! Congrats! I do agree about the price point being high for an AD, but that guitar sounds great!

Thank you. I think for the specs the price is okay, but at $1,999 maybe they shouldn't be calling this an American Dream.

[Jeremy]

Originally Posted by boneuphtoner

Oh myyyy - absolutely love the look!

Please keep us updated!

Many congrats!

Thank you!