After much research, reading lots of advice in this forum (and before, in the AGF), and playing some Taylors with various wood combinations, I've ordered a 2012 812ce Grand Concert from L.A. Guitar Sales. This will be all standard except I've ordered the optional western red cedar top, which on Taylor's price list is $X00 extra.
This guitar comes standard with India rosewood back and sides, curly maple binding, the newer CV bracing with relief rout, the beautiful 800 series "pearl" fretboard inlays, abalone dot bridge pins, abalone rosette, Taylor gold tuners etc. etc. The curly maple binding runs around the body, of course, and also on the sides of the fretboard, and peghead. It'll look great against the rosewood and cedar. I decided to stick with the standard 1 3/4 nut width.
It was time for me to step up. I haven't owned a real acoustic for a real long time. It will take up to 8 weeks for my new guitar to arrive because it's an optional special order top (not a "BTO", though).
As others have reported here, my experience with Ted has been great, all on the phone. We both believe the rosewood/cedar combination is a great sound. I sent him my T5-S1 as a trade and received a fair value for it; I also got a very good price on the new 812ce. It'll be hard to wait for this guitar to arrive but I'll think I'll make it with group therapy from the UTGF members!
edited for price
