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Average Price: $697

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$200

$601+

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Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Taylor Academy 12 Left-Handed". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 25, 2026.

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Description

Meet the left-handed guitarist's new best friend: the Taylor Academy 12 Left-Handed Acoustic Guitar. This instrument redefines the acoustic playing experience, merging Taylor's renowned craftsmanship with innovative touches designed to enhance comfort and playability. Featuring a Grand Concert body shape, it offers a snug fit that’s perfect for fingerstyle enthusiasts, delivering a balanced, articulate sound with every strum.

The guitar’s solid Sitka spruce top is complemented by layered sapele back and sides, creating a rich, resonant tone that supports a wide range of musical styles. The neck, made from maple, is adorned with an ebony fingerboard, ensuring smooth playability for beginners and experienced players alike. Taylor’s unique torrefaction process gives the spruce top an aged-in resonance, offering the sound maturity of a vintage guitar straight out of the box.

An innovative armrest, typically a luxury feature, is incorporated to maximize comfort during long playing sessions. This, coupled with a shorter neck and light-gauge strings, makes the Academy 12 Left-Handed incredibly easy to play, reducing fatigue and encouraging hours of practice.

Key Features:

  • Grand Concert body shape for a comfortable, articulate profile
  • Solid Sitka spruce top with torrefaction for enhanced tonal maturity
  • Layered sapele back and sides for warm, resonant sound
  • Maple neck with ebony fingerboard for smooth playability
  • Built-in armrest for added comfort
  • Taylor ES-B pickup system for amplified performance
  • Includes a Taylor gig bag for easy transport

Product specs

Available since May 2018
Design Grand Concert
Top Solid Spruce
Back and Sides Walnut
Cutaway No
Fretboard Ebony
Nut width in mm 42,90 mm
Frets 20
Pickup System Yes
Colour Natural
Case No
Incl. Gigbag Yes

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Taylor Academy 12 Left-Handed guitar?

The Taylor Academy 12 Left-Handed features a comfortable neck profile designed for easy playability, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced players.

Is the Taylor Academy 12 Left-Handed suitable for fingerstyle playing?

Yes, the Grand Concert design and solid spruce top provide a clear and balanced tone, ideal for fingerstyle playing.

Does the Taylor Academy 12 Left-Handed come with a pickup system?

Yes, this guitar includes a pickup system, allowing you to amplify your sound for performances or recording.

What type of wood is used for the back and sides of the Taylor Academy 12 Left-Handed?

The back and sides are made of walnut, which contributes to a warm and rich tonal quality.

Does the Taylor Academy 12 Left-Handed guitar come with a case?

The guitar does not include a hard case, but it comes with a gig bag for protection and easy transport.

Is the Taylor Academy 12 Left-Handed guitar suitable for beginners?

Yes, its comfortable neck profile and manageable Grand Concert size make it a great choice for beginners.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Taylor Academy 12 Left-Handed.

Setup and maintenance

  • Some owners report confusion over the need for a specific Taylor truss rod wrench, noting that universal tools can suffice for adjustments on the Academy 12.

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  • It's noted that changing to heavier strings necessitates checking intonation and action, which can be done without a branded truss rod tool.

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  • The Taylor 314's bolt-on neck allows for easy and inexpensive neck resets compared to glued-in necks of brands like Martin, Guild, or Gibson.

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  • Lighter strings, such as silk and steel, are recommended to reduce finger pressure, especially for those with muscle conditions.

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User experience

  • Users with similar models like the Academy 10 find it straightforward to adjust the truss rod themselves, suggesting ease of DIY maintenance.

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  • Owners note that Yamaha's LL16 ARE models, labeled as "jumbos," are actually more similar in size to dreadnoughts, making them more comfortable for players with longer arms.

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  • Players with joint issues note the importance of a proper setup to avoid high action, making the instrument easier to play.

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Build quality

  • The Taylor 314's classic looks and comfortable design are enhanced by its scalloped bracing and sapele back and sides, contributing to its versatile sound.

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Features and functionality

  • The Taylor 310's old ES1 pickup system is seen as outdated, with limited upgrade options unless retrofitting with an ES2, which requires sending it to Taylor.

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  • Electric acoustics offer similar sound to traditional acoustics but include a pickup system, useful for larger audience performances.

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Comparisons

  • The Taylor AD17e offers more bass and a dreadnought sound compared to typical Taylors, attributed to its V-class bracing and Grand Pacific body shape.

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  • The Taylor Academy Series 12N is considered superior for players with tendonitis or CTS, offering a narrower neck compared to standard classical nylons.

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Use cases and applications

  • Short scale guitars like parlours or 3/4 sizes are suggested for those with muscle weakness due to easier playability.

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