Taylor GS5-12

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Page last updated Aug 11, 2025

Pricing and availability

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Price

Average Price: $2,126

High-end/Boutique

$200

$601+

Price Tier

In the Steel-string Acoustic Guitars category, Taylor GS5-12 is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

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The Taylor GS5-12 is a 12-string acoustic guitar that offers an enchanting blend of warmth, power, and richness. Crafted with a tropical mahogany body and a cedar top, this guitar delivers a wide dynamic range that caters to both strummers and fingerstyle players. Its Grand Symphony design adds a touch of elegance, while enhancing the guitar's ability to produce a lush, potent sound that sets it apart from standard acoustic models.

The Grand Symphony shape provides a robust acoustic voice, making it a favorite among musicians who demand fullness, volume, and sustain. The GS5-12's piano-like bass, meaty midrange, and thick, shimmering highs create a well-balanced tone perfect for a variety of musical styles. This versatility is further enhanced by the unique tonal qualities of mahogany, which is celebrated for its midrange character and rich overtones.

Whether you're a dynamic player looking for an instrument that responds well to both aggressive strumming and delicate picking, or a musician seeking a guitar with the horsepower to compete with other acoustic powerhouses, the GS5-12 is a compelling choice. Its ability to produce a resonant, full-bodied sound makes it an ideal companion for blues, folk, and other roots music, making it a beloved choice for artists who appreciate a well-balanced tone.

Key Features:

12-string Grand Symphony acoustic guitar
Tropical mahogany back and sides
Cedar top
Wide dynamic range with rich, balanced tone
Ideal for versatile playing styles
Enhanced bass, midrange, and highs for a full-bodied sound

Product specs

Brand	Taylor
Model	GS5-12
Finish	Mahogany Burst, Natural
Year	2009 - 2012
Made In	United States
Categories	12-String Acoustic Guitars, Jumbo Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp	No
Back Material	Mahogany
Body Shape	Grand Symphony
Color Family	Brown, Natural, Tan
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Finish Style	Gloss
Fretboard Material	Ebony
Model Family	Taylor GS
Model Sub-Family	Taylor GS5
Neck Material	Mahogany
Number of Frets	20
Number of Strings	12-String
Pickup	None
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Series	Taylor Acoustic Series
Sides Material	Mahogany
String Type	Steel
Top Material	Cedar
Wood Top Style	Plain

FAQs

What makes the Taylor GS5-12 suitable for certain music genres?: The Taylor GS5-12, with its 12-string configuration and Grand Symphony body shape, offers rich harmonic overtones and a full-bodied sound, making it ideal for folk, rock, and jazz music.
How does the cedar top affect the sound of the Taylor GS5-12?: The Western Red Cedar top provides a warm, responsive tone with excellent projection, which is perfect for fingerstyle playing and dynamic strumming.
What is the neck profile of the Taylor GS5-12 like?: The Taylor GS5-12 features a mahogany neck with a comfortable profile that facilitates easy playability, especially for those transitioning from a 6-string to a 12-string guitar.
Does the Taylor GS5-12 come with built-in electronics?: No, the Taylor GS5-12 does not have built-in electronics, making it a purely acoustic guitar designed for natural sound projection.
Is the Taylor GS5-12 a good choice for beginners?: While the Taylor GS5-12 offers exceptional sound quality, its 12-string setup may be challenging for beginners. It is better suited for players with some experience looking to expand their tonal palette.

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Taylor GS5-12.

Setup and maintenance

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Owners often tune the Taylor GS5-12 down to D standard or D flat standard with heavier gauge strings like 13s to improve playability and tone.
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Initial high action is a common issue; sanding the bridge and adjusting the truss rod are recommended solutions.
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Buyers are advised to inspect for loose internal bracing, which can sometimes occur from being dropped, using tools like a dentist's mirror for internal inspection.
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User experience

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The guitar's performance is praised for fingerstyle playing, with the tone being described as wonderful and particularly rich in lower tunings.
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Owners describe a strong emotional bond with the instrument, enhancing its value beyond just sound and playability.
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It's common for buyers to request additional photos and videos to determine the extent of damage and ensure sound quality isn't compromised.
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Use cases and applications

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The GS5-12 is noted for handling aggressive strumming when tuned down, though it can sound thin without these adjustments.
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Comparisons

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The GS5 is equivalent to a 516 model, offering a warm and mid-heavy sound due to its mahogany and cedar construction, distinct from other Taylors.
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One insight noted the GS5-12 offers volume and presence comparable to a dreadnaught but without excessive boominess, highlighting its unique tonal balance.
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Value and pricing

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A used GS5 priced at $1000 is considered an excellent deal, especially if the guitar is in good condition.
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A GS5-12 listed at $550 USD with surface scratches is considered a rare bargain, but potential buyers should verify the condition for structural integrity.
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