Pricing and availability

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

Guitar Center
5.0 (9)
$799.00
Reverb
$799.00 7 available New
Musician's Friend
4.0 (1)
$799.00
Thomann
4.9 (37)
$733.00

Average Price: $804

Standard/Professional

$200

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Taylor Academy 12e". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Taylor Academy 12e is a Grand Concert acoustic-electric guitar that combines rich sound with smooth playability, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and seasoned players. This guitar is crafted to deliver a full, resonant tone right from your first strum, thanks to its solid Sitka spruce top and layered sapele back and sides. The genuine African ebony fingerboard and bridge add a touch of elegance and ensure durability, while the patented Taylor neck design, with a 24-7/8" scale length and 1-11/16" nut width, offers a comfortable and inviting playing experience.

One of the standout features of the Academy 12e is its built-in armrest, a feature usually found on Taylor's premium models, which enhances comfort by softening the body's edges. The guitar's ES-B electronics system is a streamlined version of Taylor's flagship ES2 system, providing a reliable preamp with a built-in digital chromatic tuner and a 3-band EQ for tone-sculpting versatility. Powered by a 9V battery, the system also features an LED display for easy tuning and low battery indication.

Whether you're just starting your musical journey or seeking a reliable strumming companion, the Taylor Academy 12e offers a balanced tonal response with a sweet low end and clear treble. It's not just an instrument—it's a gateway to a rewarding musical experience.

Key Features:

  • Solid Sitka spruce top with layered sapele back and sides
  • Genuine African ebony fingerboard and bridge
  • Patented Taylor neck with 24-7/8" scale length
  • Comfortable built-in armrest
  • Taylor ES-B electronics with built-in tuner and 3-band EQ
  • Deluxe gig bag included for protection and portability

Product specs

Available since May 2017
Design Grand Concert
Top Solid Spruce
Back And Sides Sapele
Cutaway No
Fretboard Ebony
Nut width in mm 42,90 mm
Frets 20
Pickups Yes
Colour Natural
Case No
Incl. Gigbag Yes

FAQs

What kind of sound can I expect from the Taylor Academy 12e?

The Taylor Academy 12e offers a balanced and articulate sound with a warm tone, thanks to its solid spruce top and sapele back and sides. It's well-suited for fingerstyle playing and light strumming.

Is the Taylor Academy 12e suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Taylor Academy 12e is ideal for beginners due to its comfortable armrest, slim neck, and shorter scale length, which make it easier to play, especially for those with smaller hands.

Does the Taylor Academy 12e come with a case?

The Taylor Academy 12e does not come with a hard case, but it includes a gig bag for basic protection and easy transportation.

What type of pickup system does the Taylor Academy 12e have?

The Taylor Academy 12e is equipped with an ES-B pickup system, which includes a built-in digital chromatic tuner and tone controls for easy amplification.

How does the Grand Concert body shape affect the Taylor Academy 12e's playability?

The Grand Concert body shape of the Taylor Academy 12e provides a comfortable playing experience, especially for seated playing, and offers a focused sound that is well-suited for fingerpicking and light strumming.

Kahimo Acoustic 🎸🎵

Kahimo Acoustic 🎸🎵

TAYLOR GUITAR ACADEMY SERIES 12E REVIEW

Video thumbnail for TAYLOR GUITAR ACADEMY SERIES 12E REVIEW by Kahimo Acoustic 🎸🎵

TAYLOR GUITAR ACADEMY SERIES 12E REVIEW

Kahimo Acoustic 🎸🎵

Kahimo Acoustic 🎸🎵

Reviews

PROS

  • Comfortable bevelled edge for extended playing sessions

  • Tremendous volume when played with a pick

  • Rarely goes out of tune, reliable for performances

  • High-quality gig bag included

  • Bright, clear sound encourages technique improvement

  • Easy-to-use and reliable built-in tuner

  • Remarkably easy to play, with just the right action

  • High value for money, mirrors higher-end Taylor models

  • Smooth side enhances comfort, ideal for fingerpicking

  • Solid pre-amp and pickup, maintains acoustic sound when plugged in

CONS

  • Built-in tuner can be spotty at times

  • Tinny sound when plugged in with high treble and mids

  • No pickguard, making it prone to scratches

  • Soft wood, requires careful handling

  • Sides and neck are not solid wood

Critic Reviews

Taylor Academy Series 12e review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Taylor Academy 12e stands out as an inspiring beginner guitar, offering bright, resonant highs and a responsive playing experience. Its innovative armrest design enhances comfort for new players, while the ES-B electronics provide a surprisingly organic plugged-in sound. However, the limited bass control may disappoint some, as the tone control only rolls off treble. Despite its few drawbacks, this model offers exceptional value for those looking to transition from bedroom strumming to stage performance, making it a solid choice for both novices and seasoned players seeking a budget-friendly option.

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 6 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
paul_fisher

Best Acoustic Guitar I've Ever Picked Up

Smoothed side provides comfort for endless hours of playing, perfect guitar for finger picking, provides a song that gets you hooked from the first few chords.

liamnicholson

Simple, no nonsense live acoustic.

This is an entry level Taylor, so for all intents and purposes it should be kinda average. It's far from it. Well built, solid woods, solid pre-amp and pickup, it's an acoustic that sounds like an acoustic even when it's plugged in. If you're in need of an awesome acoustic electric and have a spare $1000 AUD I'd jump at the chance.

jordan_mitchell

Amazing guitar

One of the best affordable acoustics you can get.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jaret Reddick uses Taylor Academy 12e

Jaret Reddick

Singer, Guitarist

Bowling for Soup

...
Verified via Flickr

In this 2012 photo of Reddick performing in Glasgow, he can be seen playing the Taylor Academy 12e.

S

Santiago Chano Moreno Charpentier

Singer

Tan Biónica

...
Verified via YouTube

In the minute 1:20 of his videoclip of "Claramente" Chano uses it. He also use it in so many concerts and streams trough the last 4 years

See how Looking for Juno uses Taylor Academy 12e

Looking for Juno

Guitarist, Composer

...
Verified via Photo

Got this for my 18th bday :) I write lyrics on this!

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 12e, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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joeynowd

joeynowd

Gear IQ 165

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