Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $522

Standard/Professional

$200

$1001+

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Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Taylor A12 Academy Series Grand Concert". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 25, 2026.

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Description

The Taylor A12 Academy Series Grand Concert is a thoughtfully crafted instrument designed for musicians of all levels. This acoustic-electric guitar combines Taylor’s renowned craftsmanship with a design that is both accessible and rewarding to play. Whether you're strumming at home or performing on stage, the A12 offers a rich tonal palette that captivates both the player and the audience.

The A12 features a solid Sitka spruce top, providing a bright and responsive sound that projects beautifully. This is complemented by the back and sides made from sapele plywood, which add depth and warmth to your music. The maple neck is smooth and durable, topped with an ebony fingerboard that feels luxurious to the touch, ensuring comfortable playability for extended sessions.

Designed with the player in mind, the Grand Concert shape is perfect for fingerpicking styles and offers a balanced sound profile that suits a variety of musical genres. The Academy Series bracing enhances the guitar's resonance and sustain, making it a standout choice in its class. With 20 frets and a TUSQ nut, intonation remains precise across the fretboard, allowing for expressive performances.

Included with the A12 is a Taylor gig bag for easy transport, making it an ideal companion for musicians on the go. Whether you're a seasoned performer or just starting out, the Taylor A12 Academy Series Grand Concert is an excellent choice that brings professional quality within reach.

Key Features:

  • Style: Grand Concert
  • Top: Solid Sitka Spruce
  • Back and Sides: Sapele Plywood
  • Neck: Maple
  • Fingerboard: Ebony
  • Scale Length: 632 mm
  • Nut Width: 42.9 mm
  • Nut Material: TUSQ
  • Frets: 20
  • Bridge: Micarta
  • Strings: D'Addario XSAPB1253
  • Includes Taylor Gig Bag
  • Made in Mexico

Product specs

Brand Taylor
Model Academy 12
Finish Natural
Year 2019 - 2023
Made In Mexico
Categories Concert Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp No
Back Material Sapele
Body Shape Grand Concert
Color Family Natural, Tan
Finish Style Satin
Fretboard Material Ebony
Model Family Taylor Academy 12
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 6-String
Nut Width 1.6875"
Pickup None
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Taylor Academy Series
Sides Material Sapele
String Type Steel
Top Material Spruce
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What type of music is the Taylor A12 Academy Series Grand Concert best suited for?

The Taylor A12 Academy Series Grand Concert is ideal for fingerstyle playing due to its Grand Concert body shape, which offers a balanced tone with clear trebles and punchy bass, making it versatile for various music styles.

Does the Taylor A12 Academy Series have a built-in pickup system?

No, the Taylor A12 Academy Series does not come with a built-in pickup system, making it a pure acoustic guitar suitable for unplugged performances.

What materials are used in the construction of the Taylor A12 Academy Series Grand Concert?

The Taylor A12 features a spruce top, sapele back and sides, and an ebony fretboard, providing a warm, resonant tone with excellent playability.

Is the Taylor A12 Academy Series Grand Concert suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Taylor A12 Academy Series is designed with beginners in mind, offering comfortable playability, a manageable body size, and a quality build that facilitates learning.

How does the neck profile of the Taylor A12 Academy Series affect playability?

The Taylor A12 features a slim neck profile crafted from maple, providing a smooth and comfortable playing experience, especially beneficial for players with smaller hands or those new to guitar.

Driftwood Guitars

Driftwood Guitars

A Full Review of a Taylor Academy 12 / The Guitar Breakdown

Video thumbnail for A Full Review of a Taylor Academy 12 / The Guitar Breakdown by Driftwood Guitars

A Full Review of a Taylor Academy 12 / The Guitar Breakdown

Driftwood Guitars

Driftwood Guitars

Video thumbnail for Taylor Academy 12 Grand Concert Acoustic Guitar | Brand New | Demonstration With James by Rimmers Music

Taylor Academy 12 Grand Concert Acoustic Guitar | Brand New | Demonstration With James

Rimmers Music

Rimmers Music

Reviews

PROS

  • Comfortable play with Taylor's beveled shoulder design

  • Rich tone, especially suited for fingerpicking

  • Holds pitch remarkably well

  • Excellent resonance for its price range

  • Ideal for beginner to intermediate players

  • Great value for money

  • Allows appreciation of nuanced sound textures

  • Beveled armrest allows for longer practice sessions

  • Flexible for live performance with added pickup or mic techniques

CONS

  • Lacks a cutaway for easier high fret access

  • Strings may need early replacement for better playability

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Taylor A12 Academy Series Grand Concert.

Comparisons

  • The A12 is noted for its brighter and more lithe sound compared to the bass-heavy tone of the A10 Dreadnought, making it ideal for those preferring a merrier sound.

    Source
  • Grand Concert size is ideal for fingerpicking and singing, while Dreadnought excels in volume and versatility, especially in bluegrass settings.

    Source
  • The Taylor 114e, a Grand Auditorium, offers a middle ground in size and tone between the A10 Dreadnought and A12 Grand Concert, suitable for varied playing styles.

    Source
  • Compared to more expensive guitars, the A12 has a sound that some players prefer, highlighting the subjective nature of tonal preferences.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners recommend using Elixir Phosphor Bronze strings in Light or Ultra-Light gauges for optimal sound, especially when playing in a casual setting like a living room.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners alternate between using their A12 and another acoustic guitar, often swapping every few weeks to manage humidity and maintain the guitar's condition.

    Source
  • Owners report that the minimalist aesthetic of the A12, including the ergonomic armrest, enhances playability and appeal for those who prefer understated designs.

    Source
  • The guitar is noted for its low action, making it easy to play and reducing strain, which is particularly appreciated by players with arm issues.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The A12 is praised for its comfort and playability, making it a suitable choice for beginners and experienced players alike.

    Source
  • Strong strumming on the Grand Concert can result in a muddy sound, making it less ideal for heavy strumming styles.

    Source
  • The A12 is favored for its high-end heavy sound, reminiscent of an electric guitar, appealing to players who prefer brighter tones.

    Source

Build quality

  • The A12 is described as having a fantastic feel in the hands, indicating high-quality craftsmanship and ergonomic design.

    Source
  • The Academy series uses sapele/poplar laminate sides and back, unlike the solid wood in the 300 series, affecting tone differences between models.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The ergonomic contour on the body top edge significantly enhances comfort, particularly beneficial for long playing sessions.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Owners find the Academy series offers sound quality comparable to guitars at double the price, making it a strong value option.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how Dominic Fike uses Taylor A12 Academy Series Grand Concert

Dominic Fike

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In this youtube video Dom is playing the Taylor

Genre Usage

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

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