A Taylor That Puts Playability First
Here's the thing about the Taylor Academy 12e: it's built specifically to make playing easier, but it doesn't sound like a compromise. This is a genuine Taylor guitar with a solid torrefied spruce top, layered walnut back and sides, and the company's signature neck design—all at a price that won't make you wince. The Grand Concert body shape keeps things comfortable and intimate, perfect for fingerpickers or anyone who finds big dreadnoughts a bit much. The carved armrest is one of those details you don't realize you need until you've played a guitar that has one, and then every other guitar feels a little less welcoming.
Taylor designed the Academy Series to support developing players, but you don't have to be new to the instrument to appreciate what this guitar offers. The 24-7/8" scale length is slightly shorter than standard, the 1-11/16" nut width gives your fretting hand a little more breathing room, and the low action with light-gauge strings creates what Taylor calls a "slinky handfeel." Everything about this guitar is optimized to reduce the physical effort of playing, which means more time making music and less time fighting your instrument. And with onboard ES-B electronics and a built-in digital tuner, you're ready to plug in whenever the moment calls for it.
Torrefied Spruce and Walnut: Sound Beyond the Price Tag
The Academy 12e features a solid torrefied spruce top—not laminate, not pressboard, but genuine solid wood that's been heat-treated to deliver a played-in tonal character right out of the case. Torrefaction is Taylor's roasting process that adds warmth and sweetness to the spruce's naturally bright, articulate voice. You get the clarity and projection you expect from a spruce top, with just a touch of aged-in depth that usually takes years of playing to develop.
The layered walnut back and sides bring their own personality to the mix. Walnut sits somewhere between mahogany and rosewood tonally, with crisp highs, present midrange, and a woody low end that continues to open up as the guitar is played in. It's a versatile tonewood that works equally well for strumming, flatpicking, or fingerstyle playing. Taylor's layered construction (walnut outer veneer with a poplar core and sapele inner layer) offers durability and affordability while still delivering rich, responsive tone.
Ready to Amplify: ES-B Electronics with Built-In Tuner
The ES-B electronics system incorporates design elements from Taylor's Expression System 2, offering natural, warm plugged-in tone without the artificial piezo harshness that plagues some acoustic-electrics at this price point. The onboard preamp features straightforward Volume and Tone controls—no complicated menus, no learning curve. The built-in digital chromatic tuner uses an LED display for quick, accurate tuning, and it doubles as a low-battery indicator. The system runs on two CR2032 button cell batteries that provide approximately 300 hours of use, and it automatically shuts off after three minutes to conserve power.
Whether you're playing open mics, recording at home, or just practicing with headphones through an interface, the ES-B system gives you flexibility without adding complexity. The guitar ships with a padded gig bag for safe transport between gigs, lessons, and practice sessions.
Product Features:
- Grand Concert body shape—compact and comfortable for fingerstyle and lighter playing
- Solid torrefied spruce top for warm, articulate tone with aged-in character
- Layered walnut back and sides with crisp highs and woody low end
- 24-7/8" scale length and 1-11/16" nut width for relaxed fretting and easier playability
- Carved armrest enhances comfort for extended playing sessions
- ES-B electronics with built-in digital chromatic tuner
- Ebony or eucalyptus fretboard (based on availability) with 20 frets
- Mahogany or hard rock maple neck (based on availability) with Taylor's patented slim profile
- Nubone nut and Micarta saddle
- Includes padded gig bag
Brand: Taylor
Model: Academy 12e
SKU: A12E
Condition: New
Since 1872, C.A. House Music has been helping musicians across the Ohio Valley find the right gear -- with real advice from a team that actually plays. We're your authorized dealer of all the big names in guitars, keyboards, band instruments, drums, pro audio, and more. With four family-owned and operated locations in Ohio and West Virginia (plus a full online store), you don't have to go far for instruments, lessons, rentals, and repairs. No matter your musical needs, our team of musicians wants to help you Play Music for Life.
