Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (4)
$3,999.00
Guitar Center
$3,999.00
Reverb
$3,999.00 New
$2,700.00 Used
Musician's Friend
2.0 (1)
$3,999.00
zZounds
$3,599.00
Thomann
$3,490.00

Average Price: $3,723

High-end/Boutique

$200

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Taylor 812ce". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Taylor 812ce is a masterful blend of craftsmanship and innovation, designed for guitarists who appreciate the nuances of a finely tuned instrument. With its V-Class bracing, this Grand Concert acoustic-electric guitar offers exceptional sustain, volume, and intonation, setting a new standard for acoustic performances. The combination of a solid Sitka spruce top and Indian rosewood back and sides creates a rich, resonant sound with a broad dynamic range, perfect for both fingerstyle enthusiasts and light strummers.

Crafted with a smaller body, the 812ce is comfortable to hold and play, especially for extended sessions or for players with smaller hands. The short scale neck reduces string tension, making it easier on the fingers, while the rosewood armrest adds an extra touch of ergonomic comfort. The guitar's Expression System 2 electronics ensure that its natural tone is captured and amplified with stunning clarity, whether you're on stage or in the studio.

The aesthetic appeal of the 812ce is enhanced by its elegant appointments—maple binding, an abalone rosette, and ebony fingerboard with Element inlays. Every detail speaks to Taylor’s commitment to quality and innovation, making the 812ce not just an instrument, but a true work of art that inspires creativity.

Key Features:

  • Grand Concert body shape with cutaway
  • Solid Sitka spruce top and solid Indian rosewood back and sides
  • V-Class bracing for enhanced sustain and volume
  • Short scale neck for reduced tension and increased playability
  • Rosewood armrest and ebony fingerboard
  • Expression System 2 electronics for clear and accurate amplification
  • Deluxe hardshell case included
  • Made in the USA

Product specs

String Type Steel
Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Shape Grand Concert
Back & Sides Wood Indian Rosewood
Top Wood Sitka Spruce
Finish Gloss
Body Bracing V-Class
Binding Maple
Neck Wood Tropical Mahogany
Neck Shape Standard
Radius 15"
Fingerboard Inlay Element
Number of Frets 20
Scale Length 24.875"
Nut Width 1.75"
Nut/Saddle Material Tusq/Micarta
Bridge Material West African Ebony
Tuning Machines Taylor Open Gear
Electronics ES-2
Strings D'Addario XS Phosphor Bronze, .012-.053
Case/Gig Bag Hardshell Case

FAQs

What type of wood is used for the Taylor 812ce's body?

The Taylor 812ce features a body made with Indian Rosewood for the back and sides and a Sitka Spruce top, providing a rich, balanced tone ideal for various playing styles.

What is the body shape of the Taylor 812ce and how does it affect the sound?

The Taylor 812ce has a Grand Concert body shape, which offers a focused, articulate sound perfect for fingerstyle playing and light strumming, with excellent clarity and balance.

Does the Taylor 812ce come with electronics for amplification?

Yes, the Taylor 812ce is equipped with Taylor's ES-2 electronics, providing high-quality amplified sound suitable for live performances and recording.

What type of bracing does the Taylor 812ce use and what are its benefits?

The Taylor 812ce features V-Class bracing, which enhances sustain and volume while improving intonation and overall tonal balance.

Is the neck of the Taylor 812ce comfortable for playing?

The Taylor 812ce has a Tropical Mahogany neck with a standard shape and a 15" radius, offering a smooth and comfortable playing experience suitable for various hand sizes and playing techniques.

What type of strings come with the Taylor 812ce?

The Taylor 812ce is strung with D'Addario XS Phosphor Bronze strings, gauges .012-.053, providing a warm and expressive tone with excellent longevity.

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Taylor 812ce V-Class Grand Concert Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Video thumbnail for Taylor 812ce V-Class Grand Concert Acoustic-Electric Guitar by Musician's Friend

Taylor 812ce V-Class Grand Concert Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Video thumbnail for Taylor 812ce Demo from Peghead Nation by Peghead Nation

Taylor 812ce Demo from Peghead Nation

Peghead Nation

Peghead Nation

Video thumbnail for Taylor 812ce Guitar Demo by Ken Stanton Music

Taylor 812ce Guitar Demo

Ken Stanton Music

Ken Stanton Music

Reviews

PROS

  • Gorgeous acoustic sound with incredible playability

  • Shorter scale ideal for fingerstyle playing

  • Beveled edge adds comfort and luxury

  • V-Class bracing offers clarity and controlled overtones

  • Balanced sound with satisfying low end

  • Handles fingerstyle, leads, and strumming well

  • Smaller body but delivers a big tone

  • Comfortable fit both sitting and standing

CONS

  • ES2 pickup system produces weak signal

  • Plugged-in sound can be harsh and unnatural

  • Difficulty adjusting pickup for better tone

  • Pickup issues require aftermarket solutions

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Taylor 812ce.

Build quality

  • Owners appreciate the unique marbled wood patterns on the fretboard, noting each 812ce has its own distinct appearance, enhancing its visual appeal.

    Source
  • The 800 series features routed channels along the edges of the top for freer vibration, enhancing tonal response.

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  • 1995 models feature a glued neck joint, differing from later two-piece neck designs, offering a unique construction preference for some players.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The rosewood armrest is highlighted as a key feature for comfort during extended play sessions.

    Source
  • 90s models often have x bracing and bone nut and saddle, differing from modern ES2 systems with plastic components and v bracing.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The 812ce is compared to the 312 model, with a user expressing previous ownership and satisfaction, noting the 812ce as an upgrade.

    Source
  • A user noted a significant difference in neck finish, binding, and fretwork as you move up from the 312 to the 812 series.

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  • Some players prefer the classic sound of older Taylors, describing them as more "opened up" compared to newer models' tonal profiles.

    Source

User experience

  • Multiple owners find the smaller body of the 12 series more comfortable, preferring its slightly brighter tone over the larger 14 series.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the 12-fret design for its softer handfeel and ease in forming chords, particularly suited for fingerstyle playing.

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Use cases and applications

  • 12-fret versions offer reduced string tension, beneficial for players seeking less stress on their fretting hand.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners frequently choose LR Baggs pickups for aftermarket installations, citing its blending microphone capabilities for enhanced sound during gigs.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • For 90s models, humidity control is crucial; neglecting it can lead to cracks in the guitar's finish due to wood drying out.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Taylor 812ce - Peghead Nation

pegheadnation.com

The Taylor 812ce stands as a testament to the brand's commitment to refinement and quality. With its top-tier materials, including Indian rosewood and Sitka spruce, and the addition of a rosewood armrest bevel, this model exudes luxury. The V-Class bracing ensures clarity and tonal precision, making it a versatile choice for fingerstyle players and strummers alike. While it may lack the booming projection of larger guitars, it compensates with balanced sound and a satisfying low end. The ES2 electronics deliver reliable performance when plugged in. However, the price tag of $3,699 might be a hurdle for some. Overall, the 812ce's blend of comfort and tonal versatility makes it a standout in Taylor's lineup.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Takahiro Morita uses Taylor 812ce

Takahiro Morita

Singer

One Ok Rock

...
Verified via Photo

Taylor 812ce was used by Taka while he sang a Heartache in live in South Korea

See how Gabriella Quevedo uses Taylor 812ce

Gabriella Quevedo

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Fifteen-year-old Gabriella Quevedo performing on a 812ce to a crowd of fans at a recent Taylor Guitars Road Show at Andreasson Musik in Gothenburg, Sweden.

See how Ron Sexsmith uses Taylor 812ce

Ron Sexsmith

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Ron has played a Taylor 812ce acoustic for many years now, it is his main acoustic guitar. Though it can be seen in the above video, I have spoken with Ron and he has confirmed the model number.

See how Becca Stevens uses Taylor 812ce

Becca Stevens

Singer, Guitarist

The Lighthouse Band

...
Verified via Instagram

Used for the recording of Maple and Paper, as written in the description of this July 10, 2024 Instagram post.

I recorded everything live on two Lauten Audio @lautenaudio microphones on a @taylorguitars 812ce with @thomastikinfeld flat wound acoustic strings. I eventually upgraded to a @uaudio Apollo interface but otherwise the set up stayed the same as what is pictured.

See how Troy Cartwright uses Taylor 812ce

Troy Cartwright

Guitarist, Singer

...
Verified via YouTube

Troy Cartwright can be seen playing a Taylor 814ce in his video for Hammer.

See how Martin O’Malley uses Taylor 812ce

Martin O’Malley

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In September 2015, Martin O'Malley performed with a Taylor 414ce guitar in New York City. A user-uploaded photo from the event is available on The Hill's website.

Album Usage

The Taylor 812ce has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

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

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Taylor 812ce, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

AEA KU5A
AEA KU5A Ribbon Microphones
1

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