NGD, belated, 456ce SLTD

[Frettingflyer]

A quick story about my NOS 456ce SLTD from 2014. As some here know I have been searching for a 12 string that would motivate me but not break the bank, and I found this guitar NOS for less than I could get a 356ce. It is also a sibling to my 414ce SLTD and to make it even better, after buying it and looking at the serial number I realized that it was made the very day we took my family to the factory for a tour in January, 2014!
Anyway, I didn't dare to try the 656-K66 line for fear I would love them too much for an instrument I don't plan to use quite so much, and I should have another NGD post in the next week or so as a result of my visit to Wildwood Guitars last week which would not have been possible if I spent more on this.
I have never played a 12 string other than in my search, but I really like the sound of the Ovangkul and Spruce in both the 6 and 12.
Thank you to all for your GAS enabling attitudes, but also for the in depth discussions around the various models of guitars and 12 strings in particular.

[timfitz63]

Congratulations, Dave!  That's a nice-looking 456ce!  I always say a 12-string is twice as much fun as a 6-string; hope you find it's the case as well!

[TaylorGirl]

Very nice, Dave! I played one of those last year and was very impressed. In fact, it's what gave me the bug to look to upgrade from my 150e, once I found that I was having too much fun with the 12 string. I have always loved ovangkol. The birthdate of your new guitar is cool and special. Enjoy!

[BobSol]

Hi Dave
            They really are a bit special. I love mine, enjoy.

[Amos514]

Congratulations. I really like mine, too.

[mgap]

Congratulations on you new taylor 12 string!  There must be a 12 string bug going around.  I have never seen so many being bought as this year.

[Guitarsan]

Congrats, had one and only the revoiced 600 series got me to replace it. Otherwise, I think this is the sweetspot for Taylor 12 strings.

[Evan]

Congratulations!! I know the feeling -- I just got a 756ce and can't keep my hands off of it.

Side note: I've been experimenting running mine through a couple Eventide reverbs and delays, and I can't remember ever having more fun with a pair of headphones on. That, and a loop pedal, and I'm happily lost for hours.

[MarcC]

Very cool, congrats! I agree with you, the Ovangkol / Spruce combo has a really a great tone... I recently got the new 416ce with the same pairing. The Ovangkol with a clear coat makes such a big difference verses the satin finish, looks so much nicer... I've not played one like yours, so now I'm a little curious..Oh no..., so this is what you meant by GAS enabling!

Enjoy...Now you can learn all those cool 12 string songs that are out there!

[NorCal Strummer]

Congrats!  12 strings are a lot of fun. I am playing mine much more than I thought I would. Still fairly new, but I don't see that changing!  I hope you enjoy yours as much as I enjoy mine. Great looking guitar.

[Frettingflyer]

Thanks for all the kind words. I haven't played it much because I decided to have a setup done, I pick it up early next week. Almost like getting it new again! Lots of 12 string learning to occur here, thats for sure.

[Earl]

All the 12-string love around here lately makes me want to get my 354 LTD out for a session or two.  I was planning to sell it, since it rarely gets played anymore.  Maybe I should not be in a hurry.

[MarcC]

Hey Frettingflyer, so I'm curious as to why your getting it setup being a new guitar? Or what is it that you are particularly looking to improve or change about the factory setup?

Based more on price I had purchased a 150e shortly after they came out, not real impressed and returned it two weeks later, but I've often wondered had it been a higher end one....maybe could be a keeper? Did you check out the 150e? And if so, how would you compare it yours?

Since I can't find one local to play I may have to order one and would appreciate your feedback.
Thanks, Marc

[Frettingflyer]

Sure Marc. It was NOS and had sat out in the shop for the year and a quarter and the action seemed a touch high to me. My Taylor repair approved luthier agreed and just reset it to factory specs. I got it back today and it is much easier to play now.
I did play the 150e in the store, as well as both 356ce and GA4-12 string. I felt that if I purchased the 150e, while a great guitar for the price, I would not be as satisfied for as long and would want to trade up to a solid wood. I did really like the 356ce but then I found this 456ce SLTD for less money. Being from the same LTD run as my 414ce and started on the day we toured the factory it seemed worth it to try at that price.
I am new to 12 string, but love my 414ce and the sound does seem to me to translate well to the 12 string based on my initial experience. I think it is a fuller sound than the 150e, maybe less "tinny" and a stronger bass?
Hope that helps.