I own a Taylor T5Z, and a Taylor 714. They are my most expensive guitars. I also own an Academy 12. As God as my witness, the Academy 12 is always the first guitar I reach for. It has such a handle on the low end (E, A, and D strings) you can almost feel it in your lower jaw, that’s no lie! The "tone freak" that I am, I swear by this guitar. It offers a "rawness" that is blatantly crude. I consider it nothing short of a God given miracle that I was gifted with this guitar. The entry level guitar that it’s considered to be, its anything but, it’s still very studio worthy. Yes, it’s just that good.

Such a beautiful guitar. Gonna be making the splurge and put my all into learning.

Thank you! Love your sound on the steel 12 here! I'm still saving up, so I started my fingerpicking adventure on the Fender CC 60S. It is more than fine for the 160 Euros I paid and was worth the upgrade I made on tuners and a Tusq saddle. I hear a lot of her voice in the Taylor 12... there is something about the sound of the concert size body.

These guitars are truly amazing. Bought one from my local music store just over 2 years ago. Haven't played anything else since. So comfy to play, the sound is amazing and I've had plenty people say how loud it is. I've played it that much there's literally almost a hole through the top from where I've strummed 😂 I put a pickguard on it but not long after took it back off. A pickguard restricts the sound quite a bit. Basically, it's a no brainer and there's literally nothing to fault about it. Love it!

Great video. I have looked at these before but being a big guy I went a different direction. My wife however would like to spend time with me playing so I think I will look into these. She’s a tiny thing so I believe these might be a great option for her. Lots of wonderful information in this video. Thank you for sharing. Greetings from Lubbock and stay safe out there. 🤠🎸

I am happy to read comments of people who are more experienced and swear by this guitar. I went guitar shopping yesterday and wanted a good mid-level guitar. I stumbled upon this one was is a ‘beginner’ guitar. I loved it right away when I played it! It’s so comfortable! Some other guitar did sound ‘bigger’. This one had a more modest output, but it beautiful nonetheless. Good to see that it is a great guitar to consider for any player! I’m buying it.

I have the Taylor A12 and I love it! Learning on it. Hands down the best acoustic under $500 imo.

The only thing I would disagree with in this video is labeling them as just a beginner guitar. These Academy guitars are excellent instruments in their own right. For the money they are a great choice for a primary guitar. Being laminated they are not as susceptible to weather changes as a solid wood instrument is. Probably not going to see a pro playing one but that’s just because of appearances. 😂 But they sound great.

Had my GS mini Koa for 18 months now, my progression is massive, ( I’m 44 & struggled to learn prior) it’s playability alone , even as old beginning it sounds simply amazing it my hands, & keeps you wanting to play it as much as possible. Brilliant Guitars Taylors.🤘

Wonderful Chris! Got my hoodie! These are the best reviews on the internet!

I’ve been play for a few years. And then found the 12-E. Completely in love with it. 4 Acoustic Guitars, 2 Electric Guitars. That little Guitar is just great.

Gracias Chris. Muy difíciles de conseguir en México (se agotan de volada en las pocas tiendas que las venden). Todo lo que dices sobre la necesidad de aprender en una guitarra inspiradora por su excelente sonido, confortable y accionable, y perseverar con el menor sufrimiento, es esencial para todo principiante. Muchas gracias por tan excelente video.

I have an Academy 10 and I love it. It sounds great, and I am able to play bar chords on it. I have small hands and I have tried a lot of guitars before finding this one.

I have a Taylor Academy 12 e-N it sounds great and the price worth it. Your videos helped me make the right choice. After that, I continue to see your videos and got the GS-Mini and the Baby Taylor. I don´t regret buying them. They are fantastic.

Chris, great video. Listeners pay attention. He speaks the truth. Earlier this year, my granddaughter, who'll be 10 next month, wanted to learn to play so I got her a Luna Aurora Borealis 3/4 size guitar. It's not a bad instrument, but it was difficult for her to play and she soon became frustrated. However, she still wanted to learn, so when I purchased my second Taylor, I took advantage of their promotion and got her an Academy 10. It made a world of difference. She was having difficulty playing a D chord on the Luna because of the action. With the Academy she had no problem making a clean sounding D. She's now learned several more chords and the excitement is back. She really loves the beveled armrest. Every time she comes for a visit she has her guitar and wants to practice. It makes my heart happy.

I’ve owned a A12 for about a year and love it. Has great tone and is easy to play. My daughter has been playing it more and more so she would probably say it’s hers.

Thank you for this update, Chris! You're partly responsible for my becoming a 'Taylor Insider' with the registration of a 12 and 12e, and regular attender of "Taylor Guitars Primetime" on Tuesdays 6 p.m. Pacific, 8 p.m. Central on youtube, live for an hour plus, and viewable later. Andy Lund plays the themes (with his T5z at my request 7/28), Chris Sharp and host Jay Parkin, with a special guest (August 4: it's Andy Powers!). This week, I asked an online seller about their brand new A12EWP, and he confirmed that it is a prototype with layered walnut, replaced the GS-mini photo series in the listing with those of the actual guitar. Enjoying the experience of learning and the invitations to play (at my dental appointment and with a local group gathering for learning evenings) as I get comfortable with it. Love the Alamo Music "I'm a Guitar Nut" T-shirt, by the way. Sorta looks like a sausage roll in need of a bratwurst. Thank you for your service to customers, viewers and fans.

I manage to score a new yamaha fg820-sb for $260 on reverb somehow; no gig bag or anything, but that's fine with me, I'll just buy it separately. Pretty excited to get it and start playing!

Still in love with your stuff ♥

The academy or the gs mini series, Taylor really hit the price point with great value - low action & solid top!

I took up guitar and my teacher suggested that I should go with a Taylor GS Mini. I've been really happy with the guitar because it is great for someone with smaller hands and shorter fingers. Also I'm smaller in stature so it is comfortable for me to hold. The sound is great and I continue with my journey in learning how to play. I'm a fan of Taylor. I agree with you as well as my teacher that if you don't find a guitar that is comfortable for you and your needs, you won't continue learning to play. I hope I'm not taking away from your video on the Taylor Academy Series, but I highly recommend Taylor guitars no matter what series.

I have the Academy 10, perfect size, great tone, low action, like others said, this line up are not just for children or beginners. The only thing Taylor should add, a pickguard specially on the dreadnut version when you strum the guitar, I did install one on mine that purchased from Taylor but they do not offer the one specific for the Academy series. Last week, I tried couple days at home a Taylor 214CE Plus that sounds awesome that cost much more than my Academy, but after couple hours of play, I started to get pain in my arm because the 214CE doesn’t have the arm rest and back pain because of the size of the guitar that is standard GA size. When I switched over my Academy, what a comfortable shoes that guitar is, awesome guitar for the price stop searching and buy the Academy of your choice for watch style you want to play!

Thank You!

I'd love to see a more affordable Grand Theater line (with arm bevel). The small GS Mini line was a huge success. I can only imagine the slightly bigger body and 24.125" scale would be well received. For a company with such massive production numbers and modern production techniques, why not?

If I didn't already have a yamaha fs800 (same size as academy) I would definitely be getting the academy 12. Just the fact that you can shim the neck and adjust the string action on the academy is a big plus. Also, in future there is no need for neck reset on the academy as it has a bolt on neck like the more expensive models. Just buy the taylor shims for fifty bucks. My fs800 does have higher string action, it's playable but will eventually need the nut and saddle sanded down a bit for more comfort. However brand new it cost me $220.

Great comparison Chris. I got a Taylor GS Mini & an Academy A12 for my grandchildren. THEY USE THEM. I also have them at my house so they don't have to haul them back and forth. The A12 sits next to the TV so I can catch guitar parts from shows & commercials and practice during the news.

I’ve been playing the 12eN for about 2 years now and it’s probably my favorite guitar I’ve ever owned. The spruce top (which has some crazy figuring) has opened up nicely. I use it for classical, finger style, strumming, everything. Sounds good and is so comfortable. I wouldn’t call this a beginner guitar. It’s an affordable work horse that sounds great.

That little riff you did on the Taylor academy 12 Steel was a beautiful!! Was is that if you don't mind me asking?? I have a GS mini mahogany I love it, I just bought an academy 12 Steel, I've been playing for 20 years. I just like the guitar and love the way it sounds lol

Chris, enjoy your videos. I keep bouncing back & forth as to what guitar I want to learn to play. I am like an olympic ping pong Gold Metal Round, trying to keep up. Taylor GS Mini or the Academy 12. I am older than most newbies. Sputnik & I are the same age. Thank you again for your videos.

Haven’t played the guitar and years and wanted to get back to playing. Been looking for a good one. This video really help. Although I’m not technically a beginner, I wouldn’t call myself an intermediate just due to the fact that I haven’t played so long and it just feels awkward playing again.

I’m not a beginner I have one I like it. Sounds and plays great.

Love the 12s

at about 7:10 you said that there is nothing wrong. Maybe, it's only me. I found the sharp corner of the nut uncomfortable and sanded it round. I tried other Taylors in the shop with all having the same problem. Other makes have rounded nut corners. It is easy to fix and hardly worth mentioning 😉. Apart from this, it is an excellent beginners guitar and fun to play

I'm not a beginner, been playing for 20 years. I just bought one. I played 10 acoustics and this one felt comfortable, and sounded better than a few 1200+ ones.

You identified the key factor that has become a stumbling block to my effort in learning to play guitar: string height . I bought one of the suggested beginner classical guitars. I decided based on what I knew about the products the company manufactures. After all how bad could a guitar manufactured by a company that also make concert Piano's be?? I don't remember having this much trouble 50 years ago when I played around with a room mates steel string sears special. Now I wish I had spent the extra money and bought a better guitar. How different is the Nylon string guitar from a classical model as a learning tool.

I'm in Australia so prices are different (Australian Dollars). I purchased a new guitar for $222 from a department store and taught myself for 12 months (at least 1 hour per day of practise). I spent 6 of those months trying to play the F barr chord. I decided to travel around music shops trying to find a guitar I could play F chord on. I found quite a few starting from $650, below that price they were all bad. I narrowed it down to about 3 guitars because they all had pretty good action at the nut end as well as good action towards the bridge. The Taylor academy 10e was the one I purchased even though it was the most expensive ($1150). I bought the Taylor because it was the most comfortable and I preferred the sound. My progress accelerated. Simply an easier guitar to play. Since then I have learned that. Few guitars play well off the shelf, even some very expensive (thousands of $) are well built but awful to play ........ why ...... Its because they dont know how your going to use the guitar and have to allow for every possibility. You might want heavy strings with a super low action or maybe very light strings with a higher action etc. They fully expect that an experienced guitarist is going to setup the guitar or have a luthier do it. So, by making a beginner guitar Taylor has said. OK you can have our build quality in a guitar that already has a setup done for a beginner. With all that said (congrats if your still reading) I did change the strings to a lighter set. Most acoustic guitars (including the 10e) ship with 12/53 string gauge. I changed to 10/47 gauge which I find easier to play. I just get very slight buzzing if I bash the strings. What this tells me, is that, even the Taylor academy is a little conservative in the setup. If the guitar was setup perfectly (for a beginner) then switching to lighter strings should have made it buzz really badly. Anyway, my 10e plays great with 10/47's and I can play F barr chord well now (and I have torn and missing ligaments in my left thumb).

I’ve had the A12 for months and can’t recommend it enough✌🏾

Any decent guitar captures pretty much all of the points you touched with exception of the bevel. I agree with nylon strings for the little ones.

Alamo Music Center It feels like an Electric Guitar in a way. Electric Guitars are fantastic for beginners, but Acoustic Guitars that feel like Electrics are fantastic too.

Thank you.

Really close to getting the A12 but managed to A/B test a 114 and it was also amazing. Anyone have anything to add about pros and cons of each? I love the size, shape and price of the A12 but the 114 seemed to have a larger sonic palatte. As someone who gigs in a singer/guitar duo and a 3 piece band, what would you recommend?

I'm trying to decide between an A12 and GS mini. There are no videos with sound comparisons of these two. I've tried the gs mini but I can't find a model A12 to try in my area. It would be helpful since they're in the same price range. If you have the time, can you please do a video comparing spruce to spruce? Thanks.

Those academy guitars sound amazing

$499 for a beginner guitar is definitely not expensive. if you want something for less, then take a friend that knows guitars and look for used. taylor makes quality guitars...i have 2, myself!

Can you do a video comparing Taylor academy e to Taylor gs mini e?. I wanna know which one is better to buy

I have played for 40 years.My current classical guitar neck width is 5'6/8 at 1st fret.i am not a beginner, but need a smaller width, which is best that does not sacrifice ability to play classical classics. Which nylon guitar would be one to look at ?

Please mention the setup, the Craigslist guitars I’ve bought spent years unused because the beginner hadn’t heard about a setup.All because the seller didn’t tell them.

Looking for a new guitar wich one should i get? The Taylor academy 12/ epiphone dove or the seagull s6?

Can you use extra light strings without adjustments?

I have this steel strings Taylor Guitar.I was a little over 800$.I have owned so many great guitars.This Guitar is the best sounding guitar ever since I started playing in 1955 .I feel like I stole this Taylor made in California.I put light gauge strings on.I would play this guitar any on any stage.The sound is beautiful and would not trade for a Martin or Gibson.I will get another Taylor auditorium.I will play my guitar until God says come home.I will ask him if he has a Taylor in Heaven .If he doesn't I will ask him can I bring mine?

I have an ianez talman. Would you say this is a better sounding, easier to play etc? I am looking at an a10

Hi, one question, Taylor Academy or Martin X series? with are better? Tanks in advance

These aren't bad guitars, I just take issue with the price point for features given the newer competition. I comparison I've yet to see is the Martin 000-Jr ($549) compared to the Taylor Academy 12 ($699). For 30% less, C.F. Martin's offering (also made in Mexico) gives you all solid wood construction, proper binding and a nice rosette. Tone wise, I'm a bigger fan of the 000-Jr, again not hating on the Academy 12, just recommend buyers consider the 000-Jr... With the Taylor, you're trading solid wood construction and binding you get on the Martin for Taylor's bolt-on neck design, beveled armrest and Ebony fretboard (Taylor would rather the fretboard be solid wood than the back and sides... but it kind of works for their design), I much prefer Martin's offering and would say the 000-Jr I found to be a better guitar than the GS Mini as well. It seems marketed to compete with the GS Mini, but functionally the 000-Jr more a competitor to the Academy 12 to me.

What about someone who is an experienced player and wants to buy their first Taylor? Anyone have any suggestions? Spend the extra for the 300 and up series, or start out with the 100 series? Thanks in advance.

Which one sound better, academy 12e or gs mini??

Is the fret board on the nylon flat or radiused?

Should I get this or a fg830?

Bonjour, pensez-vous que sur la guitare Taylor 12 N je puisse installer un micro MiSi trio Air ? Cordialement JP

Do you know when these will be in stock?

Which will best gs mini or acadamy

Is it ok for Flamenco style playing ?

Hey guys. Thanks a bunch for your great reviews. Would you recommend the Academy 12e for a medium level classical guitar player who's looking to start playing acoustic? Or would you recommend looking for a more advanced level acoustic? Thanks!

I am kinda beginner and kinda not(though played about 4 years😅).I wanna change my guitar.so what do u say is this guitar ok for me? Everyone is saying this guitar is best for the beginners while reviewing...

How does the academy 10e compare to a 110e

Completely agree. 10 years ago bought a tanglewood £100, sounded rubbish, gave up after a few weeks. Then I bought a Ibanez £90 gave up sounded and played even worse. Covid lockdown, bought a GS Mini £529, have not put it down for 3 months. Pay that little more and you wont regret it. Atleast in the US it's a hell of a lot cheaper. Ps GS Mini Mohogany Rocks

Ok so for the people out there who know guitars im looking for a taylor guitar i know what model i want grand auditorium but which one should i get im taking lessons and im having alot of fun playing my budget is 1000 bucks

sweet music played on wonderful guitars by a beautiful guitar player. No hate mail plz. you know I'm right! lol

They still start at $1000.00 AUD here in Australia...with no case. We're so ripped off down here.

I am confused between taylor academy 12e and gs mini. Can you help me choose? I am buying it for recording purpose. And is there any difference in sound of 12e and 114e? The woods used are same only the body size different. Please help me out.

The entire Taylor Academy line went up $50 a guitar. Even then I still think these are good guitars but when it comes to value for your money, at $549 there’s a lot of other great options to consider

I have a Yamaha FS 800 on which I’m learning properly after several time. I really like the Taylor brand... could this be a good step up guitar or there’s no much difference and I’d better save for another guitar? Thank you.

Can you review the Martin GPC X2E? I see they now have a solid top and now have a solid wood neck.

Would you recomend it over a big baby? I read and hear so much positive reactions on that guitar.

I'm stuck choosing between the A10 and a Martin X2 now that the Martins come with a gigbag and have solid wood tops.

Hi man I want to buy the academy 12e... is it really LIGHT for the left hand?? because I have a lot of problerms with the heavy guitars I cant play them for more than 15 minutes...

10:25 where can i find the tabs ?

Ibanez AEWC300 Comfort Acoustic-Electric Guitar has those features..

I’m trying to choose between the Taylor Academy 12 and the Taylor GS Mini spruce or mahogany. Same price and it’s stressing me out which to get lol

Why is this only for beginners?

Chris. May I ask a couple of questions please? I have a basic grasp of chords (open and bar) and the fretboard. I’m still a beginner. I play basic strummed songs. But my intention is to learn fingerstyle. I only play at home on the couch, for myself. So I don’t ever see the need for electronics. I’m wondering if the Academy 12 model is suitable for my needs? I was actually thinking about a GS Mini until I watched this video. I do still want to play moderately strummed material too. Will this model handle that please? Which is more suitable for me? The Academy 12 or a GS Mini? Thanks in advance for your help Ian

Guys I need a little help here, I’m visually impaired, Blind, he has two guitars, is the second guitar that he plays in academy 10? Can any of you let me know what Guitar is playing first, and then will guitar is playing second. I would really appreciate it

I suck at changing strings and mine sounds awful after I change them. So I highly recommend someone else change your strings if you also suck at changing them.

Is this a perfect guitar for intermediate player who wants an upgrade? I want a versatile guitar which can handle strumming and fingerpicking very well. In India here the same guitar is selling for a price equivalent to $1250.

Why doesn't the Academy 12e have a pick guard?

Chris, I have suffered thru my GS mini as a portable guitar I keep in my office now for a few years -- frankly I hate it, its a Mahogany top and obviously the sapele back and sides -- please tell me these academy guitars are better than the GS minis ??? really want to shitcan my Mini for some thing better -- really love the slotted headstock nylon version, any good???

a lot of love from INDIA ❤️ DO YOU GUYS SHIFT GUITAR TO INDIA?

What is the song on the 12 steel string?

Breedlove at 275 = okay but is rather a Yamaha as a beginner.

Which one is better the academy 10, 12 or gs mini?

PLEASE COMPARE AND REVIEW THE PRS PARLOR P20 & P20E!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I CAN'T WAIT ANYMORE ARRRGRGRGRGRGRGHHHRHHHHHHHHH

Started learning to play 2 years back on a Fender Squier.. bought the A12E almost a year a go (promised myself a Taylor once I nailed barre chords!) I wish I’d bought the A12E as my first guitar.. would’ve probably nailed those barre chords a few months earlier! 😂 Excellent instrument.. can’t go wrong!

Iam in dilemma, 10e or 12e.. any pro and cons, suggestions?

Curious your thoughts for a beginner Taylor academy vs gs mini vs baby Taylor?

Sigh! My guitar is a beginner guitar. Too bad, I can only afford $650 as opposed to $800 for a 110e... Hehehe! Seriously, my first brand new Taylor (and only guitar as of today) is an A10e. Been using it for 3 years now. Brought it to many Open Mics and Gigs. Has battle scars but no worries, yeah, and it never failed a poor musician dude like me.

I agree , calling these beginner or entry level guitars turns me off on all levels...

What is the song he is playing while he playing the Academy 12-N ? i hear him use it a lot but cant find the song

Yamaha

Why are you selling all those cheaper models then?

Would you recommend me to get a 12 string fender or Ibanez?

They are waay too expensive at 850+ € tho