Here's a recent review of a 712ce by Musician's Friend
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T20woyFrRw0quote: "big, big sound coming out of it for sure"So far the two 700 series guitars I have played both had fantastic sound. Concern with volume didn't cross my mind. My own 712ce-N has volumes of sound as did the 714ce. The store I frequently visit has a 712ce due this week. If it disappoints I will post a note.
Having played many 800 series models there's no concern in my mind about a lack of power in the 700 series. We will see what the 712ce 12 fret brings. If its anything like the other 12 frets from Taylor it shouldn't disappoint. But given the option to take an 800 series home for free or one of the 700 series (all two of them) I have played, I would walk away with the 700 series.
I love the new top wood of the new 700s. The Lutz Spruce gives them a very credible (if not competitive) and unique voice among the Taylor lines, as well as compelling visual appeal. If you do not mind a lighter color for the top, the visuals are as great as the sound. If you don't like the lighter color, the burst looks good too. Check out the stunning visuals on this 710e model recently reviewed by Musician's Friend:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVQK9RMMfN0 I have very much enjoyed the voice of my 712ce-N and the tonal influence the lutz spruce has on it. The steel string 714ce was also great. I highly suggest testing it first hand and forming a personal opinion.
If interested in the comments of a credible luthier, John Greven has made a comment about lutz in his guide to voicing steel string guitars.
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http://www.grevenguitars.com/pdfs/VoicingtheGuitar.pdf)
In my opinion the new 700 series hold its own and both I have played are fantastic. In both cases I was tempted to take them home, and did buy the 712ce-N. No regrets.
As is always the case, each individual guitar will have its own voice. So many variables are at play that sometimes you find a fantastic guitar that doesn't represent the "average" of that series, and sometimes you find a dud. My local store has a 312e that I am tempted to buy every time I pick it up. I picked up an 812e this morning that was a dud. And yesterday picked up an 812 12-fret (no cutaway, no electronics) that was among the best sounding Taylor guitars I have ever played. Hopefully the two 700 models I have played are representative of the series. Will add another data point later this week.
