522e 12-Fret All Mahogany 1st Edition

[Scriptor]

Went into the local shop today ... as always, I had to look around for any new acoustics that were calling out to me ... saw and played this 522e 12-Fret All Mahogany 1st Edition ... very, very nice ... I am in the process of selling some gear ... while I am waiting for gear to convert to cash, this 522 is whirling around in my head as a possibility once the dust settles if it is still there ...

What struck me, other than the obvious beauty of this guitar and the consistent Taylor feel and playability, was the richer, more mellow tone (compared to Spruce over either hog or rosewood) ... anyone else played one of these (or any others in the all hog series)? If so, what did you think?

I probably should have stayed very far away from the shop today ... 

[rolleiguy54]

I own a 12 fret all hog custom. It is the easiest playing guitar I've played. i love the balanced sound and it has plenty of bass and volume.
We all say go for it if you canswing it.

[Scriptor]

Thanks ... yeah, I am selling an electric and some effects pedals ... if all goes well, I could just about swing it after these sell (or if they do and it is still at the shop) ... I'll take it as it comes and trust it will all be for the best no matter how it goes ... I definitely am not in a position to buy it w/o selling some things ... thanks for your feedback ... I really like the 12-frets and have had one on my list for a while ...

[rolleiguy54]

Good luck with your sales. Been there. I really like my two 12 frets. I don't know if I'll buy any more 14 frets.

[Scriptor]

I was lucky enough to get a Wechter 12-fret several months ago and love it ... solid Sitka/Rosewood ... they went out of business and I got it for a REALLY good price ... I like everything about it tone-wise ... the only thing is it doesn't have that sweet Taylor neck ... ... but even so, it is a keeper ... and I am leaning toward your position of favoring 12-frets from now on ... I am a finger stylist at heart and found once I got the Wechter smaller body 12-fret I was hardly playing any other acoustic ... I would not part with my 814ce for versatility but I really like playing the 12-frets ...

[Edward]

... I would not part with my 814ce for versatility but I really like playing the 12-frets ...

You have a swiss-army acoustic ...done.  Taylor's 12-fret models never cease to make me want one.  A good strummer/all-purpose guit is a must, IMHO.  But the 12F always seem to call out to me for their sweet, round tone that is just "all there" IMHO.  Never played a hog-top, but every 12F I've tried had "that" lovely voice.  Your wanting one is only going to get you my enabling approval

Edward

[M19]

Here's the sound (no effects applied):  https://app.box.com/s/94d86cd4a392a96dd688

Here's the look:



Love my Custom 12-fret GC a LOT.

[Edward]

Love seeing your wife's work, Marty ...another great shot, man!  Not to mention it's blatantly obvious you are loving that guitar...next to a boy and his dog, it's tough to beat ...lol!
Nice sounding clip and tasty playing ...thanks for sharing!  12F sure are special

Edward

[Ted @ LA Guitar Sales]

We've been building all Mahogany 12-fret BTO's using both GC and GA bodies since 2009, they are fantastic! Nice to see Taylor making the all Mahogany 12-Frt GC available as a standard item. Now if they would only add the GA body to the lineup. 

[ataylor]

I haven't played a 522 12-fret... yet... but my local guitar shop has what is basically the same thing plus some expensive cocobolo trim. Were it not for said expensive trim, I might have bought the guitar on the spot -- best Taylor I've played in years. Several people in the shop said they couldn't believe the volume and richness coming from that little mahogany guitar.

[MB]

Pretty guitar! Nice sounding clip...I am assuming you recorded that with a mic?

[M19]

Just the built-in twin mics on a Zoom H4n.

[Jimmer]

Thanks for sharing that with us Marty.. it was wonderful. I am convinced. I know the 322 14f wont sound quite as nice but it looks like the 322 is in my future.

Thanks again

Jim

[ctkarslake]

Very nice sample M19!  thanks for that.  I  have a 14fret 412-M,and I too can say what a wonderful sound these have.  No lack in volume, a sweet midrange and unbeatable looks all make for a great guitar.  All this 12 fret talk makes me wonder...

[Jersey tuning]

My 1930 Martin 2-17 all hog has a voice all its own.  Enjoy yours--like my Martin, the Taylor is built to last 80 years plus and just get better and better......................