Taylor 522e vs 712e fltd vs 512e vs 512ce fltd 12 fretters - which u pick?

[dancingfool1979]

Helping a friend with this post. He's looking to buy a 12-fretter taylor and was wondering what your opinions are for strumming/vocal accompaniment (he also only plays solo) of the:

taylor 522e (all mahogany)
712e fltd (spruce/sassafras back/sides)
512e (cedar top/mahog)
512ce fltd (spruce/blackwood back/sides).

He is hoping to buy tomorrow so prompt response is appreciated. He can play 3 of the 4 here locally.

[Maximus]

He's going to have to play them all and decide for himself.

For what's its worth, I bought a 516ce-FLTD last weekend and love the tonewood combo of the Tasmanian blackwood and Spruce top. The tone is very well balanced to my ears, however, this is on a much larger grand symphony body. I am a strummer, not a picker, so his opinion and milage may vary grately from mine.

[jmontgomery]

I bought the 522e 12 fret and couldn't be happier.

[rolleiguy54]

I had a custom 12 fret all hog and traded it for the new 812 12 fret. It took only a few minutes to decide.
My new 812 does everything well. I know that is not a direct comparison for you but the sitka top is
louder and has more sustain.

Good luck.