Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (2)
$649.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (1)
$599.00
Amazon
5.0 (1)
$699.00
Reverb
5.0 (3)
$697.33 New
$595.00 Used
Thomann
4.6 (9)
$564.00

Average Price: $643

High-end/Boutique

$100

$601+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Taylor Academy 12-N". 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

Discover the Taylor Academy 12-N, where impeccable craftsmanship meets intuitive playability. This nylon-string guitar from Taylor's Academy series is perfect for both budding musicians and seasoned performers seeking an instrument that combines comfort with superior sound quality. At the heart of the Academy 12-N is its torrefied spruce top, a feature that mimics the rich, mature tone of a well-seasoned guitar right out of the box. Complementing this is the layered walnut back and sides, which together produce a warm, resonant sound that is both balanced and full-bodied.

The Grand Concert body shape offers a slim profile ideal for fingerstyle playing, while the integrated armrest provides enhanced comfort during long sessions. The guitar's neck, crafted from sturdy maple and topped with an elegant ebony fingerboard, ensures smooth playability with a shorter scale length and soft string action, making it accessible for players at any skill level.

Whether you're strumming your first chords or performing on stage, the Taylor Academy 12-N promises a playing experience that's as enjoyable as it is rewarding. With its thoughtful design and high-quality materials, this guitar is built to accompany you on every musical journey.

Key Features:

  • Grand Concert body shape for a comfortable and articulate playing experience
  • Solid torrefied spruce top for a rich, aged-in tone
  • Layered walnut back and sides add depth and dimension to the sound
  • Hard-rock maple neck with an ebony fingerboard for smooth playability
  • Built-in armrest for enhanced playing comfort
  • 1.87-inch nut width for a comfortable fingerstyle feel
  • Nubone nut and micarta saddle for improved string-to-body resonance
  • Includes Taylor gig bag for easy transportation and protection
Heartbreaker Guitars

Heartbreaker Guitars

Taylor Academy 12N

Video thumbnail for Taylor Academy 12N by Heartbreaker Guitars

Taylor Academy 12N

Heartbreaker Guitars

Heartbreaker Guitars

Video thumbnail for Taylor Academy 12-N Comparison Demo by Cosmo Music - The Musical Instrument Superstore!

Taylor Academy 12-N Comparison Demo

Cosmo Music - The Musical Instrument Superstore!

Cosmo Music - The Musical Instrument Superstore!

Video thumbnail for Taylor Academy 12-N - Lutz Spruce / Layered Sapele Quickview by Cosmo Music - The Musical Instrument Superstore!

Taylor Academy 12-N - Lutz Spruce / Layered Sapele Quickview

Cosmo Music - The Musical Instrument Superstore!

Cosmo Music - The Musical Instrument Superstore!

Reviews

PROS

  • Beveled armrest enhances playing comfort and adds a unique visual appeal

  • Robust sound quality for its price range

  • Clear and resonant tone, surpasses more expensive models in volume

  • Lightweight finish allows for better tonal resonance

  • Ideal nut width and fingerboard curvature for smaller hands

  • Exceptional fretwork, rare even in pricier models

  • Versatile sound with variable tonal colors

  • Excellent sustain with no dead spots across the fretboard

  • Unique design elements like rope inlay around the sound hole

  • Easy playability for beginners and enjoyable for seasoned players

CONS

  • Arrived with poor intonation and playability issues for some users

  • Initial strong wood glue odor needs time to dissipate

  • Inconsistent build quality, requiring setup adjustments by users or luthiers

  • Matte finish may appear less premium to some buyers

Owner Insights

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

Comparisons

  • Some users felt the Taylor Academy 12-N lacked character compared to the Cordoba Fusion 12, particularly noting a flat sound without depth.

    Source

Build quality

  • An owner praised the Taylor's build quality and highlighted the comfort provided by the armrest, making it ideal for casual playing on a couch.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate Taylor's precise CNC manufacturing, even on entry-level models like the Academy series, contributing to solid build quality.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Multiple instances of fret buzz and sharp fret ends were reported with Cordoba guitars, indicating potential quality control issues.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Cordoba Fusion 12's ability to blend the microphone and pickup was noted as a significant advantage over the Taylor.

    Source

User experience

  • While some preferred the Cordoba for sound, others valued the Taylor for its playability and overall construction quality despite the simpler finish.

    Source
  • The mellow tone of the Taylor Academy 12-N is preferred by users who also appreciate softer instruments like pianos.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Perpetual beginners find the Academy 12-N easy to play, aiding consistent practice by minimizing barriers.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Adding D'Addario XS custom light strings is noted to significantly enhance the guitar’s tone.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

5 star
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1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Zoloto uses Taylor Academy 12-N

Zoloto

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Zoloto uses the Taylor Academy 12-N guitar, as evidenced by an image on Equipboard.

See how Joshua Hyslop uses Taylor Academy 12-N

Joshua Hyslop

Singer

...
Verified via Taylor Guitars

According to Joshua Hyslop's artist page on the official Taylor Guitars website, he uses a Taylor Academy 12-N Acoustic Guitar.

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 Academy 12-N, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Taylor 614ce
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1

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