I wonder why the new 512ce's don't have cedar tops?

[Lillis]

I just bought a mint 2021 512ce cedar/mahogany. wonderful guitar. I'm curious why they went away from cedar tops. I'm not too sure about the ironbark bodies either.

[Edward]

I get ya!  For several years now Taylor has offered other than cedar on their 7-series line when the 5 and 7 series defined them as cedar top, with either mahogany or rw b/s.  I understand they still offer cedar, but it is no longer the defining wood for that series, and I don't get it either.

Edward

[woozone]

Agreed.  Love the sounds and look of my 2022 512ce!

[SDTaylorman]

I just bought a mint 2021 512ce cedar/mahogany. wonderful guitar. I'm curious why they went away from cedar tops. I'm not too sure about the ironbark bodies either.

No idea. You know who might?

THESE guys: https://www.taylorguitars.com/support

[Earl]

I recall reading that cedar is tougher to reliably get good glue joints.  In a factory environment, that is a challenge.  Don't know any other details.  I always wanted a rosewood / cedar 714 but by the time I could afford one, they had stopped making them.

[Edward]

Hey Earl,

I had owned and played live my GA7 (the non-cutaway version of the 714 for those not familiar with Taylor's old nomenclature) for many years.  Many years, long ago.  What a great live guitar that defied the "fingerstyle" stereotype cedar gets placed in: it was a fabulous strummer and picker with a midrange and overall punchiness that in no small way was what cedar brings to the table.  The old GA7/714 can be found used, but admittedly in much smaller numbers than the more popular models.  Worth looking for imo!

Edward

[mgap]

Taylor is definitely moving away from some of the more traditional wood tones I think.  The 500 series has changed quite a bit as of late.  Urban Ironbark is the flavor of choice nowadays.  Tropical Mahogany is only offered with the Builders edition of the 517e and the 517e WHB (same model just different stain on the top).  As you know Cedar is not even on the table as an offering in any model.

I have a feeling those woods are becoming harder to source through actual scarcity, plus Taylor is trying to be that company not known for destroying the forests, but responsibly using wood that would be destined for recycling anyway.

I own a 514ce paired with Cedar and Mahogany, it is the sweetest tone wood combination I own.  I would love to see Taylor begin producing the Cedar/Mahogany combination again, I think the V-class bracing would work well with that model, and,or with the 714.

[beninma]

I would try the 512ce/514ce before you write them off.

I bought a 514ce recently and absolutely love it.  I played the 512ce as well.   I greatly prefer both of them to the 812/912 and 814/914.

They have a really distinct voice.   Whether or not that is enough to make up for the loss of the Cedar/Mahogany 500 series is another question but the new ones definitely add something really wonderful to the lineup.

[ScottSD]

There's a gorgeous GC7, rosewood with a cedar top sitting in my favorite LGS right now....  It plays and sounds really nice.  Y'all got me anxious to test drive a mahogany/cedar combo so I can see what all the hubbub is about!

Scott

[mgap]

They have a really distinct voice.   Whether or not that is enough to make up for the loss of the Cedar/Mahogany 500 series is another question but the new ones definitely add something really wonderful to the lineup.

I am sure the new 500 series sounds and plays nicely.  So I think I should say that the Cedar/Mahogany tone is beautiful, and I wish they still offered them.  Since I own and have owned several Mahogany combinations I have to say the Ceder/Mahogany flavor is one of my favorite.