Pricing and availability

Average Price: $2,199

High-end/Boutique

$200

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Discover the exceptional craftsmanship and sonic brilliance of the Taylor 512-CE Acoustic Guitar. A standout in the world of steel-string acoustics, this guitar marries elegant aesthetics with superior playability, making it a favorite among seasoned musicians and aspiring artists alike. The Grand Concert body shape is designed for comfort and clarity, ensuring each note resonates with precision whether you're strumming in a studio or performing on stage.

The marriage of a solid Sitka spruce top with tropical mahogany back and sides not only provides a rich tonal palette but also enhances the guitar's durability. Its Venetian cutaway design allows for effortless access to higher frets, expanding your creative possibilities. Amplify your sound with the integrated Taylor Expression System 2 electronics, which capture the natural voice of the guitar with remarkable fidelity.

Adorned with shimmering abalone inlays and a delicate rosette, the 512-CE is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the ear. Whether you're fingerpicking intricate melodies or strumming powerful chords, this guitar responds with warmth and balance, making it an indispensable companion for any musical journey.

Key Features:

  • Grand Concert body shape for enhanced comfort and clarity
  • Solid Sitka spruce top paired with tropical mahogany back and sides
  • Venetian cutaway for easy access to upper frets
  • Taylor Expression System 2 electronics for superior sound amplification
  • Abalone inlays and rosette for a touch of elegance

Product specs

Brand Taylor
Model 512ce, 512ce with ES2 Electronics, 512ce with ES2 Electronics, Cedar Top
Finish Natural, Shaded Edgeburst, Sunburst
Year 2014 - 2018
Made In United States
Categories Acoustic-Electric Guitars, Concert Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp Yes
Back Material Mahogany
Body Shape Grand Concert
Color Family Brown, Natural, Tan
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Ebony
Model Family Taylor 512
Model Sub-Family Taylor 512ce
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Internal Piezo Pickup
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Taylor 500 Series
Sides Material Mahogany
String Type Steel
Top Material Cedar, Spruce
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Taylor 512ce Acoustic Guitar?

The Taylor 512ce features a comfortable neck profile designed for ease of playability, making it suitable for both fingerstyle and strumming techniques.

What kind of tonal qualities does the cedar top provide on the Taylor 512ce?

The cedar top of the Taylor 512ce offers a warm, rich sound with a quick response, making it ideal for fingerstyle players and those seeking a more intimate tone.

How does the ES2 electronics system enhance the Taylor 512ce's sound?

The ES2 electronics system in the Taylor 512ce captures the guitar's natural acoustic sound with exceptional clarity and balance, providing a reliable amplified performance for live settings.

Is the Taylor 512ce suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Taylor 512ce is equipped with a cutaway design and onboard ES2 electronics, making it an excellent choice for live performances and easy access to higher frets.

What is the body shape of the Taylor 512ce, and how does it affect the sound?

The Taylor 512ce features a Grand Concert body shape, which offers a balanced tone with clear articulation, ideal for fingerstyle playing and smaller venues.

Shoreline Music

Shoreline Music

Taylor 512ce

Video thumbnail for Taylor 512ce by Shoreline Music

Taylor 512ce

Shoreline Music

Shoreline Music

Video thumbnail for Brand New Taylor 514ce & 512ce Urban Ironbark Acoustics - Review & Demo! by PMTVUK

Brand New Taylor 514ce & 512ce Urban Ironbark Acoustics - Review & Demo!

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Video thumbnail for Taylor 512ce Launch Demo by Haggerty's MusicWorks

Taylor 512ce Launch Demo

Haggerty's MusicWorks

Haggerty's MusicWorks

Video thumbnail for Reviewed - Taylor 512ce // Full Review & Demo... by Acoustic Review

Reviewed - Taylor 512ce // Full Review & Demo...

Acoustic Review

Acoustic Review

Video thumbnail for Checking Out Taylor's BRAND NEW 500 Series! | 514ce & 512ce by Peach Guitars

Checking Out Taylor's BRAND NEW 500 Series! | 514ce & 512ce

Peach Guitars

Peach Guitars

Video thumbnail for The Truth About The NEW Taylor 512ce | DEMO by Palen Music Center

The Truth About The NEW Taylor 512ce | DEMO

Palen Music Center

Palen Music Center

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Taylor 512-CE Acoustic Guitar.

Build quality

  • Cedar tops are reported to be softer than spruce, making them more prone to dings and scratches, affecting long-term durability.

    Source
  • The 312ce is considered a great value, with some users preferring it over the 314 model.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Cedar tops provide a warm, mellow tone but can sound muddy with hard strumming, better suited for fingerstyle or soft strumming.

    Source
  • Despite some criticisms, Taylor's ES system is appreciated for its sound quality when the guitar is plugged in.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Cedar top guitars like the Taylor 512ce are compared to redwood for their warm tones but may lack clarity compared to spruce.

    Source
  • The 312ce is noted for having a special appeal, potentially swaying buyers away from more expensive models like the 512ce.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A used 2012 Taylor 514ce with significant scratches was deemed overpriced at $2200, with mint condition models maxing out at $1699.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners recommend not purchasing acoustics without playing them first due to individual tonal and playability preferences.

    Source
  • Owners find the 312ce model delightful for fingerstyle, while some are disappointed with the ironbark 514ce’s response compared to cedar/mahogany versions.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The 312ce is praised for its size and comfort, making it a preferred choice for fingerstyle over electric guitars.

    Source

3.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
M

Taylor 512

I have this without cutaway, just 512, not- ce.Straight acoustic only, no electronics.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Richie Kotzen uses Taylor 512-CE Acoustic Guitar

Richie Kotzen

Singer, Guitarist

Poison

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "Richie Kotzen's Acoustic Performance in Las Vegas," Richie Kotzen is seen playing a Taylor 512-CE Acoustic Guitar. The guitar is identifiable by its steel strings, distinctive headstock, and tortoise pickguard.

See how Lisa Loeb uses Taylor 512-CE Acoustic Guitar

Lisa Loeb

Guitarist

Nine Stories

...
Verified via Photo

Lisa is seen playing Taylor guitars

In this blog she talks about her taylor: https://blog.taylorguitars.com/feel-u-feel-grammy-winner-lisa-loeb-guitars-writing-across-generations

I play a custom 512c bought at Matt Umanov Guitars, so the neck is a little bit thinner and it has old tuners on it. I’ve had it since 1989 or 1990. I have another Taylor I play and it’s also a 512ce but it’s a regular one, not a custom like my first one.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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