Unofficial Taylor Guitar Forum - UTGF
Taylor Acoustic & Electric Guitars => Taylor Acoustic & Electric Guitars => Topic started by: MB on February 10, 2014, 10:29:36 PM
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I'm not sure what happened today but apparently I lost my mind and ordered a new 812ce 12 Fret!! First edition to boot!
I sold my 12 fret Spring LTD maccassar/cedar a few months ago. That wood combo was a bit on the mellow side for me. It looked great but it didn't have the zing factor, nor did it whisper in my ear. But the new 800 series has been screaming in my ears! It has everything I wanted. Rosewood/Spruce, short scale, 12 fret, GC body, Cut away, ES2 and a thin finish. Andy really knows how to hook a guy...
Parting with that much cash for another guitar was out of the question...until I made an online stop at Sweetwater today.
They have that 24 month credit card thing and I just could not resist! So yeah...it ships tomorrow! What have I done?!
So I am in that fortunate place of looking forward to a NGD!
I will post pics and impressions as soon as I have them.
Now I'm off to a meeting....Guitaraholics Anonymous!
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I have been lusting after that exact same model! Please reply after you get it and let us know!
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That's going to be one awesome guitar. Mazel tov.
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Nice... VERY nice! :)
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It never ends... 8)
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If I didn't have a few vacation's coming up in the next few months I might be tempted to indulge in a new 814 myself... but alas the family back home wants to see me...
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Your 812 should whisper..........and growl. Congrats
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Congrats. I've always like Taylor 12 Frets. I'm looking forward to your initial impressions of the new 812 12 Fret.
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Wow...exciting news for you. Sweetwater does a good job, you will be very happy. Looking forward to the pics.
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Boy, would I love to be in your shoes! Thanks for taking the plunge for the rest of us. It's been a joy reading about all the thought that's gone into the redesigned 800s. Your guitar has everything I've been looking for. Only thing I don't have yet is a GC 12-fret. Please let us know what you think asap! :P :P
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"I'm not sure what happened today but apparently I lost my mind and ordered a new 812ce 12 Fret!! First edition to boot!
I sold my 12 fret Spring LTD maccassar/cedar a few months ago. That wood combo was a bit on the mellow side for me. It looked great but it didn't have the zing factor, nor did it whisper in my ear. But the new 800 series has been screaming in my ears! It has everything I wanted. Rosewood/Spruce, short scale, 12 fret, GC body, Cut away"
I feel you bro, like the kids say. I'm on my second Taylor 12 fret and still not 100% with em. My first was the 2010 Taylor 12 Fret and it didn't grow on me due to it's really subdued volume and lack of Taylor crispness I'd grown to expect.
My current is an all mahogany 512 - 12 fret and the volume is much improved, the extra midrange and bass is killer, but still not enough crispness. Today GC let me try out the 712 12 fret that's been on the wall almost 2 years and thanks no doubt to it's spruce top, there was the crispness I've been missing, but unfortunately, not the volume, bass or midrange I expect from a 12 fret. It sounded surprisingly very much like my 812.
Not to highjack your thread, but does anyone know anything definitive about how Taylor has been adjusting the bracing on these over the last 4 years? The first 12 Fret had something called "12 Fret Bracing", subsequent X12 - 12 frets had something called "cross bracing with relief routing". Can't help but feel like I'm a beta tester for Taylor's 12 fret models, which can get kind of expensive.
However I think with the thinner wood and finish, plus the spruce top your 812 looks to be the one– the spruce sparkle along with that great bass and mid-range that comes from a dropped bridge. Best of luck with it and give us a review when you get it!
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However I think with the thinner wood and finish, plus the spruce top your 812 looks to be the one– the spruce sparkle along with that great bass and mid-range that comes from a dropped bridge. Best of luck with it and give us a review when you get it!
That is exactly what I am hoping for! Crisp highs, present mids and rich low end that will bark if you jump on it and still deliver when played soft with fingers....
I will post pics n clips.
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My 12 fret Taylor GC (sinker redwood on EIR) is well balanced with good volume. I would call it rich more than crisp. In comparision, my 12-fret Froggy Bottom(smaller than a GC, Martin 00 size) (Adi over Brazilian) is crisp and loud, with more base and, well, more everything--and is 3X the list price of the Taylor.
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My 12-fret GC is absolutely my go-to guitar that I play every day and gig with at open mics (ha, spell check wanted to change that to open mice!). The GC delivers such powerful sound and vibrant tone, I rarely play my 814 anymore. I regularly jam with a friend who plays a Martin D28, and my little GC holds its own beautifully. I hope you have a similar experience with yours.
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My '12 Fall Ltd 12 fret GC (Quilted Sapele/Euro) is certainly more intimate than the bigger guitars in the collection volume-wise, But I love complexity of the voice and the easy playability. When sitting in with a buddy, it handles lead work just fine. The 12 Fret is a definite winner!
Btw, congrats on your new addition!!!
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My local shop just got a 812ce-12fret in. Much as I would like to get it, timing sucks. >:(
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Its OK MB...In a week or two you will be so glad you did it! You are just suffering from a little NG purchase... Give it a little time and you will feel at ease. Been through this sooooo many times myself! 8) Enjoy...I am sure you have earned it!!!
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I'm not that way with women, cars, phones, computers, clothes, shoes or anything else really. Why am i always hankerin' for another guitar and now ukuleles too.
"Contentment is the treasure beyond price, but never will you find contentment." - Remembered from a Prince Valiant comic book from my youth. The wise man speaking to PV told it like it is . . . at least about me and guitars.
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Congrats MB, on your acquisition. I think this new 812 just might be the best 12-fret Taylor has built yet. And I really love the look of the new rosewood pickguard. Look forward to your impressions.
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;D HOLY SMOKES! THIS THING IS AWESOME!
Okay...so you can tell I'm a tad excited about this guitar....yes I am!
First off, I gotta hand it to the folks at Sweetwater. First class all the way with a tootsie roll to boot!
Cigarfan...you are exactly right. This may be the best 12 fret Taylor has come up with yet!
This is a first edition #14 of 50. Build date 1/14/14.
All the NGD details aside, here are my impressions:
The "smokey ebony" fingerboard is unreal. Just beautiful!
The new inlays in the neck are very classy...very classy.
The entire guitar wreaks of Taylor quality.
The ebony around the rosette is a very cool touch.
The combination of the new bracing and the thinner finish really makes this thing "lively" to say the least.
If you even look at it, it responds!
The piece of rosewood on the back and sides is spectacular!
The top has super tight grain and looks great.
The ES2 sounds awesome...a lot hotter signal than the previous system. Very natural sounding.
There were only 3 things that are not really complaints, just things I noticed.
1 - The rosewood pickguard, while it looks really cool, it feels different...the jury is still out on this.
It may be that it just will take some getting used to. OR...I might have to remove it!
2 - While I was playing and reached up into the cut away for a chord, the strap stopped my hand.
This may be typical on all Taylor 12 frets? I worked around it and it's no deal breaker, just something I noticed.
3 - The piece of mahogany they used for the neck was not as nice as the other Taylors I have, but I'm being VERY picky on this point.
Ironically, my copy of Wood & Steel arrived today too! I am super blessed today!
I recorded 2 pieces for you guys so you can hear what it sounds like.
The first piece is a finger style arrangement of My Favorite Things.
The second piece is my attempt at Tommy E's version of Classical Gas played with a pick.
Here are the links, and a few pics!
https://soundcloud.com/northland-jammer/my-favorite-things
https://soundcloud.com/northland-jammer/classical-gas-mstr
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I have had a 712 ce 12 fret since July and love it. It wasn't love at first. Getting use to the shorter scale took some time and some adjustment in technique, but it is a sweet sounding guitar with a surprisingly resonant base. So congratulations on your new purchase!
Related to this post, the latest edition of Wood & Steel introduced the new 800 line. I noticed that the 812 12 fret is equipped with a special edition Elixir phosphor Bronze HD lights (see link below for more info). But then I went to the 712 ce 12 fret specs on the Taylor site and discovered that the new strings are now spec'd for the 712 too.
They're basically bumping up the tension on the top three strings. According to the Elixir String engineer, "The increased tension of the treble strings improves their articulation, balancing their voice within the mix," he says. "The interaction of the tension profile with the soundboard also adds to the harmonic content of the bass strings, creating a warmer, fuller sound."
The site below says they will be available in March. I can't wait to give them a try.
http://www.elixirstrings.com/hdlight/
Although I am intrigued by the new 800 series, unless and until I play one and Taylor agrees to take mine in trade dollar for dollar (Ha!), I won't be upgrading anytime soon. With three Taylors I seem to be approaching the threshold of the limits of my wife's understanding. :)
Anyway, congratulations--I know you'll love your new 12 fret, it sounds like you already are!
Cheers!
Bill
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Thanks for the complete review Mike. Nice pics and playing my friend!
Sounds really nice. I like the tone of the new HD strings as well. May give those a shot on my 522 12-fret.
Congrats again!
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I have had a 712 ce 12 fret since July and love it. It wasn't love at first. Getting use to the shorter scale took some time and some adjustment in technique, but it is a sweet sounding guitar with a surprisingly resonant base. So congratulations on your new purchase!
Related to this post, the latest edition of Wood & Steel introduced the new 800 line. I noticed that the 812 12 fret is equipped with a special edition Elixir phosphor Bronze HD lights (see link below for more info). But then I went to the 712 ce 12 fret specs on the Taylor site and discovered that the new strings are now spec'd for the 712 too.
They're basically bumping up the tension on the top three strings. According to the Elixir String engineer, "The increased tension of the treble strings improves their articulation, balancing their voice within the mix," he says. "The interaction of the tension profile with the soundboard also adds to the harmonic content of the bass strings, creating a warmer, fuller sound."
The site below says they will be available in March. I can't wait to give them a try.
http://www.elixirstrings.com/hdlight/
Although I am intrigued by the new 800 series, unless and until I play one and Taylor agrees to take mine in trade dollar for dollar (Ha!), I won't be upgrading anytime soon. With three Taylors I seem to be approaching the threshold of the limits of my wife's understanding. :)
Anyway, congratulations--I know you'll love your new 12 fret, it sounds like you already are!
Cheers!
Bill
Hi Bill,
I'm glad you mentioned this. In all the excitement, I forgot to address the new strings!
The HD strings are a bit stiffer on the 1st 2nd & 3rd strings. They are not quite as slinky...but not in a bad way.
The only time I really noticed it was while bending strings. I think they do sound nice.
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Thanks for the complete review Mike. Nice pics and playing my friend!
Sounds really nice. I like the tone of the new HD strings as well. May give those a shot on my 522 12-fret.
Congrats again!
Thank you Cigarfan!
By the way, how do you like that 522?
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Thanks for the complete review Mike. Nice pics and playing my friend!
Sounds really nice. I like the tone of the new HD strings as well. May give those a shot on my 522 12-fret.
Congrats again!
Thank you Cigarfan!
By the way, how do you like that 522?
My thoughts, soundclip and pics in this post.
http://www.unofficialtaylorguitarforum.com/index.php?topic=4648.0
The 522 has a unique sound. Tayloresque but yet not. The balance is incredible. The mids just jump out and get you.
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Awesome beauty! Congrats and enjoy!
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MB,
Not only does this guitar sound awesome, so does your playing. Just excellent on both counts.
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MB,
Not only does this guitar sound awesome, so does your playing. Just excellent on both counts.
You are very kind Dennis...Thank you so much for the compliment on my playing.
I must thank Bob Taylor and Andy Powers for the awesome guitar!
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Gorgeous, and sounds great! Congrats!
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MB,
Thanks for posting an update. It sounds and looks beautiful!
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I own 3 12-fret guitars-- by Martin, Taylor, and Froggy Bottom. The Taylor is the least loud, but has the ES (with no controls for esthetic reasons). Froggy is loud strummed with the bare thumb. It is ridiculous with a pick.
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Here are some better pics of this 2014 812ce 12 Fret FE....
I think using the smokey ebony on the fingerboard was a brilliant move on Bob's part.
He said in W&S that these pieces of ebony were being thrown aside unused in favor of the black colored pieces.
This gives each guitar a unique identity and sets them apart from their brethren!
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This is a gorgeous guitar! Good pictures! Congratulations!!
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I have an update on this guitar that I would like to hear your opinions on.
I hadn't noticed it as I didn't play up the neck much until the other night, but I discovered that there were a few dead spots up the neck above the 7th fret. So I took it in to the authorized Taylor repair guy and left it with him for a few days for him to do a set up.
I picked it up this morning and asked how it went. He said he thinks it will be fine but there were a few surprises on this guitar.
I asked "like what?" He showed me how he puts a straight edge on the frets, 3 at a time and rocks it back and forth. All frets were even until he got to frets 7-8-9. They were uneven here and then again in 2 other places up the neck from there. He says that it could be that because the guitar went from the humidity controlled environment at Taylor, to mid America (Sweetwater) and then from there to northern Minnesota where it's been -30 with no humidity.
I asked if we needed to fix this. He says he set it up and it plays a lot better than it did when I brought it in. If I am happy with the way it plays, then it's all good. BUT if I wanted the action any lower (which I don't) then he would have to do a fret leveling procedure. I then played the guitar and the dead spots were gone and the guitar played a lot better. It was not as stiff as it was when I brought it in. In fact, if he had not told me about the problem, I would likely never have known.
So my questions are:
1. Is this acceptable on a guitar at this price point?
2. Should I just keep it? OR return it for another since I'm still within the 30 day honeymoon?
It will be curious to hear from you guys on this. I have not decided what to do for sure yet but I'm leaning towards just keeping it.
Acoustic instruments regardless of MFR have inherent issues, but on the other hand, I have guitars that do not have this problem!
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You are covered by warranty so if it plays well (the way you play it) I wouldn't worry. It might be prudent to let Taylor know what was done and what the rep said so the problem is documented.
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You are covered by warranty so if it plays well (the way you play it) I wouldn't worry. It might be prudent to let Taylor know what was done and what the rep said so the problem is documented.
Good advice...thank you CigarFan!
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No no no ...is my gentle advice :)
Keep the guitar if it sounds good and now plays right! While Taylor's QC is, IMHO, superb and second to none, there are still those little bugaboos that can pop up. Now that your guitar's shortcoming is remedied, to exchange it for another is rolling the dice; you've got your bird in your hand, why risk it for another in a bush?
BTW, that's a great looking fretboard. As there has been much typed as of late about this or that ebony figuring, what you have looks beautiful, IMHO. Every wood's figuring must be judged on its own merits, and I'd say you got a great one (another reason no to trade ;) ). Congrats!
Edward
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That particular piece of fretboard ebony is particularly appealing.
You should have Taylor remedy YOUR guitar, not exchange it.
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Thank you Edward. I needed to hear that with just the passion you delivered it with!
I've been playing it all evening and you are so right. Thank you!
And Jersey, are you saying Taylor would fix it? I guess I've never had to deal with any warranty issues with them.
Would this be a warranty item then?
BTW the set up was done with light strings and not the HD strings....because...you can't get the HD strings yet!
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Got to agree: If the problem's gone and you're loving the guitar, embrace it and treat this like the bumps and rough spots at the beginning of a long, happy relationship. ;D
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I would agree with Edward and others: keep it now that it plays well and feels fine. Your fret board might be a good lot from the lottery. I would certainly signal Taylor the defect which was found by an authorized Taylor repair guy, so that, if it would hinder you in the near future, you could claim reparation. I don't know US laws and practice but it would be nice if they can give you some recognition in writing. With my 812 which I bought only 6 months ago I envy you (a little).
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I live in the Northern PA area right now, and I can tell you the humidity thing is awful on guitars. I have a couple Taylors, a Martin, and a Collings, that last year were left out for too long in a non humidified room during the winter, and each had tops that sunk down a bit and played different/worse when I got home. (While on assignment, my son played the guitars and didn't put back in cases with humidifiers... could have killed the boy :))
Now that it plays well, I would be happy as a clam!
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You're most welcome MB!
It is also possible that your guitar suffered from a bit of both: passed QC at the factory but just barely on those particular frets, then when the humidity drops those frets at marginal spec now are just high enough to cause your dead spots. The fact you're with an authorized tech definitely suggests you have a warranty claim that Taylor will pick up. Call CS and see what they say. I've had to deal with only two warranty issues with them and both times they went above and beyond :D
Edward
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Thank YOU Edward!
Good advice. I did pay for the set up during which time the problem was discovered.
I'm not concerned with them paying a petty set up fee...I'm more concerned that it be noted so i I have some future issue that is related, I have some support. I have complete confidence that they would do so.
Well, I'm off to see The Band Perry tonight! Of course, it's -14 with a strong wind to welcome them.
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:'( :'( :'(
Well....it's over. I just sent the guitar back to Sweetwater.
I tried. I tried very hard for 3 weeks to love this guitar.
It just wasn't in the cards. The SW rep called the fret problem "a defect".
Offered to do the Plek free of charge. But I know in my heart that would not have changed the way I feel about the guitar.
I guess 12 frets just aren't my cup of tea.
Thanks for taking the journey with me! Sorry it ended on such a sad note, but I couldn't feel better!
The pressure is gone...along with the payments! I still have 2 beautiful Taylor's that I absolutely love.
Lesson learned...again.
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Lesson Learned is always a good thing! No regrets ...the true happy ending! Kudos to you! :D
Edward