Taylor Guitars Launches New 12-Fret Grand Concert Models

Taylor Guitars, the leading manufacturer of premium acoustic guitars, has introduced a new lineup of 12-fret Grand Concert models, designed to offer players a full voice with an effortless feel. The new series, which includes five models in the 500, 700, Koa, and Presentation Series, are set to transform the 12-fret experience with their innovative features and tonal qualities.

"We've always believed the 12-fret Grand Concert delivers an incredibly intimate playing experience," said Andy Powers, Taylor Guitars' Chief Guitar Designer, President, and CEO. "Integrating Next Generation features into this platform felt like the natural next step for players who want both a full voice and a relaxed, responsive feel."

The new lineup includes the PS12ce 12-Fret, K22ce 12-Fret Special Edition, 712ce 12-Fret, 552ce (12-String), and 512ce 12-Fret. Each model is crafted with the company's latest design innovations, ensuring a superior playing experience.

One of the key features is the 12-fret configuration, which creates a compact relationship between the player's hands and the guitar, making it easier to fret and play. This design also shifts the bridge closer to the center of the lower bout, contributing to the guitar's distinctive tonal character.

"The 12-fret connection allows the soundboard to move more efficiently, resulting in a warmer tone, stronger midrange, longer sustain, and surprising projection," Powers explained. "This is all wrapped in a compact, lap-friendly body that's versatile enough for virtually any style."

The 552ce (12-String) stands out with its remarkable comfort and versatility. Its 12-fret design, combined with Taylor's double-mounted string anchoring system, ensures a consistent break angle for the strings, providing a more consistent voice across each course.

The Next Generation 12-fret Grand Concert models incorporate Taylor's latest innovations, including the patented Action Control Neck™, scalloped V-Class® bracing, and Claria™ System electronics. The Action Control Neck enhances sustain, warmth, and resonance, allowing players to adjust string height on the fly. Scalloped V-Class bracing bolsters sonic depth while preserving the hallmark pitch accuracy, volume, and sustain of the original V-Class platform. The Claria System pairs a reimagined under-saddle pickup with a proprietary preamp for natural, reliable amplified tone, featuring intuitive soundhole-mounted controls.

Among the models, the PS12ce 12-Fret is a standout, showcasing Taylor's finest craftsmanship. Crafted from sinker redwood and Honduran rosewood, it offers a warm, bold projection and rich harmonic complexity. The K22ce 12-Fret Special Edition features select-grade Hawaiian koa, delivering a woody voice with midrange swagger that opens up over time. The 712ce 12-Fret pairs a Western red cedar top with Indian rosewood back and sides, producing a richly textured voice with lush overtones and deep lows. The 552ce (12-String) and 512ce 12-Fret models each offer their unique tonal qualities, with the 552ce emphasizing warmth and touch sensitivity, and the 512ce providing a warm, intimate voice with rich midrange focus.

All models feature a 24-⅞-inch scale length and a cutaway body, with detailed appointments such as mother-of-pearl and paua inlays, shaded edgeburst finishes, and proprietary inlay systems. The guitars are available now through authorized Taylor dealers worldwide, starting at $2,999, and come with Taylor's Deluxe Hardshell Case.

Taylor Guitars continues to push the boundaries of guitar design and craftsmanship, offering musicians a new level of playability and tonal richness with these Next Generation 12-fret Grand Concert models.