NGD: Taylor Academy 12e

botofogo · #1 02-21-2018, 07:37 AM

I’ve been hesitant to post this NGD because, frankly, all of the wonderful and expensive guitars discussed in this forum are a bit intimidating for someone like me. I’m just starting out on the guitar journey and was in the market for my first acoustic. I went to the local GC mainly because it was convenient and started playing around in the acoustic room. I “played” a lot of guitars but was drawn to the Yamahas and ended up buying an FG830.

It was a beautiful instrument and easy for my left hand to play. Not so much the right. After playing the Yamaha for a week I came to the conclusion that the Dreadnought size was just too big for my comfort. After some more online research I had a list of guitars I wanted to try. I had also decided I was going to double my budget to the $600 range. Looking at concert sized guitars I quickly narrowed the search to the Yamaha AC12R and the Taylor Academy 12e. What I was looking for was comfort and playability. In appearance, these two couldn’t be more different, but they both played wonderfully. But it came down to comfort— the Taylor was more comfortable in my arms than the Yamaha. It was that simple. I imagine the Yamaha has a better tone and overall sound, but for me, at this point, I need to maximize my time playing the guitar so I went the comfortable route.

I know that GC doesn’t get a lot of love and I’m sure there are very good reasons, but my experience was really positive. Friendly and helpful sales folk that left me alone when I wanted to be. The process of exchanging the Yamaha for the Taylor was simple and straightforward. Also, the electronics on the first Taylor I brought home crapped out after one day and GC made the exchange for a new instrument painless. When I get to the point of looking for my next guitar I’m going to check out some of the independent shops I’v learned about since reading this forum, but won’t necessarily rule out doing business with GC.

The Academy 12e is elegant in its simplicity. No binding, no gloss finish. But it does have some nice touches such as the armrest, which, in my opinion, greatly adds to the comfortability of this guitar.

https://imgur.com/a/dA4wS

Ten · #2 02-21-2018, 08:08 AM

Based on your description of what you were looking for and why, it seems to me you made an excellent decision. I enjoyed your honesty, dig the guitar, and hope you find it to be as enjoyable of an activity I do. Good looking Taylor, and thanks for posting!

ataylor · #3 02-21-2018, 09:21 AM

Congrats! Looks fantastic, I think the rosette on those models is one of Taylor’s best-looking at any price point. I’ll have to try one of the A12 models sometime.

No need to be shy about a less expensive Taylor — I personally prefer them to their more expensive siblings in most cases, and I’m not the only one.

Same goes for Guitar Center — when you’ve got a nice store with good selection and attentive staff, it’s a good place to try and buy guitars and gear. Sounds like you’ve got a good one and took advantage of a player-friendly return policy to end up with something great.

Enjoy the new guitar!

cotten · #4 02-21-2018, 10:09 AM

No need to be hesitant, botofogo. Yes, we love wonderful, expensive guitars here, and many of us have been playing for a long time. But the greater truth is that every last one of us were once beginners, too, and for many of us, we could only dream of owning a guitar that sounded as good and played as well as your new Academy 12e. It is much nicer than the guitar I started with, and I think you are wise to get a guitar that feels comfortable - anything that doesn't is sure to hinder your practice time and progress.

And you don't even have to worry about saying nice things about Guitar Center. Sure, some of their stores are pretty bad, but not all, though they share the same parent company and policies. One good manager and a couple of good employees can make a world of difference from a customer's perspective. Personally, I have had far more positive experiences with Guitar Center than I have negative.

Yes, there are many more possible choices in both guitars and dealers, but I think you did just fine, and I'm glad you've shared your experience here with us. Hope you hang around, and enjoy joining in the conversation!

cotten

Acousticado · #5 02-21-2018, 10:27 AM

Nice choice, boto. Your rationale is spot-on for where you’re at in your guitar journey. The Academy series sits nicely in that GC size at a very affordable price that you’d otherwise have to opt for much more expensive 312 to get. With a bevel to boot, it’s a great choice.

I’m in the market for a Taylor to leave at my SW Florida vacation home. So yesterday, a playing buddy joined me for a visit to the local Guitar Center during a quiet time of day. For the most part, we were alone in the acoustic room. I had called before going and knew that they had all the models in stock that I wanted to try...a 214ceDLX, a 114ce, an Academy A12e, a Big Baby, a GSMini and a 150e 12 string. My buddy and I took turns listening to and playing each. We were in agreement. For my needs, I’ll likely be getting a 214ceDLX and a 150e-12. We were both surprised at how good the Big Baby sounded. The A12 was next in terms of tone, but the size and playability, especially with the bevel was really nice.

There are no bad decisions when it comes to these lower cost Taylors and again, boto, all considered for what you know you need and like, the A12 is a fine choice. Although it looks great in its simplicity, I’ve seen some owners add a pickguard, truss rod cover and abalone bridge bins to dress it up a bit which looks great too. Below is an example...

Enjoy your A12!!!

Godfather · #6 02-21-2018, 12:02 PM

Welcome to the AGF and CONGRATULATIONS on a great guitar. You made a very wise choice to buy what is comfortable for you. I am sure you will love your new Taylor for a long time.

Do not be intimidated by the expensive guitars. It's all about the enjoyment and fun of making music. I have seen/heard many a poser struggling to make an Em on their $3000 guitar as well as folks playing fantastic arrangements on a $50 garage sale special.

Have fun...Enjoy the journey!

drawshot1975 · #7 02-21-2018, 12:10 PM

Congratulations on a fantastic choice of guitar.

The Academy Series is excellent. Tons of bang for the proverbial buck.

Enjoy it, and treat it like it's priceless. It will serve you well!

FWIW - It seems that while tons of folks on here have insanely expensive guitars, a good portion of those very same people have lower cost instruments that they equally enjoy.

End of the day - if it sounds, feels, and plays good for you...then you made the best decision possible!

BrunoBlack · #8 02-21-2018, 12:11 PM

Great guitar, congratulations.

jeanray1113 · #9 02-21-2018, 12:36 PM

Congrats on your new guitar! You have a fine guitar, that, as Cotten said, is many times over better than what many of us started with. I didn't have anything close to the quality of the Academy series for a few decades! Yamahas does make some good guitars at very reasonable prices, but you were right to search for a guitar that is comfortable for you. You'll want to play it and be able to play it longer without fatigue. I think Taylor has really done a service to new players in bringing out this line.

I like to support independent shops when I can too, but the one local one has an extremely limited selection. Our local GC is pretty small, but still has a lot more to offer, and my experiences there have always been good.

Congrats again on your new guitar. There are lots of helpful people here, so don't be afraid to ask questions. We've all been beginners at some point. Enjoy the journey!

Chedeng88 · #10 02-21-2018, 03:21 PM

Congrats! My GAS journey would have probably started with a Taylor Academy too if it was available back then. For me, it was a Taylor 314ce that opened the doors.

Kh1967 · #11 02-21-2018, 03:23 PM

Congratulations on a super guitar choice! You did well for yourself. Enjoy every moment!

GBG · #12 02-21-2018, 04:27 PM

You bought the academy for exactly its intended purpose! I read an article about how they designed it for people learning to take away some of the discomforts. The light strings and the armrest allow you to practice more often and for longer!

Nice choice! enjoy!

Matt McGriff · #13 02-21-2018, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Acousticado

Nice choice, boto. Your rationale is spot-on for where you’re at in your guitar journey. The Academy series sits nicely in that GC size at a very affordable price that you’d otherwise have to opt for much more expensive 312 to get. With a bevel to boot, it’s a great choice.

I’m in the market for a Taylor to leave at my SW Florida vacation home. So yesterday, a playing buddy joined me for a visit to the local Guitar Center during a quiet time of day. For the most part, we were alone in the acoustic room. I had called before going and knew that they had all the models in stock that I wanted to try...a 214ceDLX, a 114ce, an Academy A12e, a Big Baby, a GSMini and a 150e 12 string. My buddy and I took turns listening to and playing each. We were in agreement. For my needs, I’ll likely be getting a 214ceDLX and a 150e-12. We were both surprised at how good the Big Baby sounded. The A12 was next in terms of tone, but the size and playability, especially with the bevel was really nice.

There are no bad decisions when it comes to these lower cost Taylors and again, boto, all considered for what you know you need and like, the A12 is a fine choice. Although it looks great in its simplicity, I’ve seen some owners add a pickguard, truss rod cover and abalone bridge bins to dress it up a bit which looks great too. Below is an example...

Enjoy your A12!!!

Hey, that’s mine! Agree completely-I really like the A12e. Even though it will work great as a beginner guitar I also think it is a guitar that you can enjoy playing even as you become more experienced as a player. Enjoy it!

rokdog49 · #14 02-21-2018, 05:56 PM

Very nice. Taylor does do a great job on their affordable products.
As many have already said, I wish I had something that nice when I got started. My first acoustic was horrific. I soon switched to playing electric for a long, long time.

Acousticado · #15 02-21-2018, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt McGriff

Hey, that’s mine! Agree completely-I really like the A12e. Even though it will work great as a beginner guitar I also think it is a guitar that you can enjoy playing even as you become more experienced as a player. Enjoy it!

Haha! Matt, sorry I lifted your images. I thought you might see this thread. I was quite impressed when I saw the tasteful additions you made. Makes a great little guitar even greater.