Unofficial Taylor Guitar Forum - UTGF
Taylor Acoustic & Electric Guitars => Taylor Acoustic & Electric Guitars => Topic started by: erwinem on November 24, 2024, 08:50:43 AM
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I was just on the Taylor site and it seems there only a couple of their 12 string grand court models left. What happened?
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There is a cost associated with producing and especially asking your dealer network to stock a model or a series. No matter how much you might like it, if the ongoing sales do not justify keeping it around.... My personal perspective is that a twelve string really needs more bottom end (larger body size like GA or GS) to better balance its naturally jangly tone profile. A cedar top helps too. YMMV.
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Yup, what Earl said on all counts.
Fwiw, when the GC 12s first came out long ago, I was excited. I love the GC body for its very comfortable dimensions and focused tone. I am also a long-time devotee of Taylor's 12 as the absolute benchmark for 12-string playability, period. So it was with anticipation that I expected these to be great; I was disappointed. Not one GC but several, at diff shops, over time: the build is simply too small for all those octaves for my taste. For a purely live guitar in a full band context, then yeah, I think this guit would excel as your bassist and drummer are going to handle the thump. But for playing solo, a 12 requires bottom end, good amounts, IMO. I used to own a jumbo which was great, but had finally arrived at the GS body to be their best 12, best size for deep bass to balance the jangle, but not so big as to be unwieldy.
In today's hotly contested market, it's no wonder models face the chopping block: witness the AD series, perhaps a trimming of the GT, and unexpectedly, the intro of the Legacy line arguably to shore up diminishing sales (pure speculation, of course). I don't "think" there were many GC12s made, but if one has that specific hankering, finding one used is likely your best at a good price.
Edward
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I really like my 552ce. 12 frets, 24.75” scale, cedar over Mahogany, and X bracing.
I tune it down to D and it sounds real sweet. Plays Suoer easy too. Sold one and missed it so I bought another a few years back. Now I am glad I did!
Happy Thanksgiving to all
Paul