Taylor

109
april 2017 Guitarist
review TAYLOR ACADEMY SERIES 10E & 12E
Verdict
Even at their comparatively low price
points by the company’s standards, Taylor
has serious competition in the market
from cheaper models. This is where
the ‘Andy Powers difference’ comes
into play: these guitars sound and feel
superior acoustically and plugged in than
most models we’ve played in their class,
with the exception of Martin. There the
preference will be personal, but the ES-B
makes a strong case for those who need
an electro. The Academy Series represent
a very clear vision, and in many ways, a
dream beginner guitar, as well as potential
trade-up for some existing players – one
that can inspire and go the distance with
a guitarist from bedroom to stage.
TAYLOR ACADEMY
SERIES 10E
PRICE: £659 (inc gigbag)
ORIGIN: Mexico
TYPE: Dreadnought electro
TOP: Solid Sitka spruce
BACK/SIDES: Layered sapele
MAX RIM DEPTH: 117mm
MAX BODY WIDTH: 406mm
NECK: Sapele
SCALE LENGTH: 632mm (24.9”)
TUNERS: Taylor 100/200 enclosed,
chrome-plated
NUT/WIDTH: Nubone/42.86mm
FINGERBOARD: Ebony, 4mm
dot inlays
FRETS: 20, small
BRIDGE/SPACING:
Micarta/55.5mm
ELECTRICS: Taylor ES-B with
volume, tone (treble roll-off), tuner
WEIGHT (kg/lb): 1.95/4.29
OPTIONS: Non-electro 10 (£563)
also available
LEFT-HANDERS: Yes, no
extra charge
FINISHES: Natural matt varnish
Taylor Guitars
[phone]
www.taylorguitars.com
TAYLOR ACADEMY
SERIES 12E
PRICE: £659 (inc gigbag)
ORIGIN: Mexico
TYPE: Grand concert electro
TOP: Solid Sitka spruce
BACK/SIDES: Layered sapele
MAX RIM DEPTH: 111mm
MAX BODY WIDTH: 381mm
NECK: Sapele
SCALE LENGTH: 632mm (24.9”)
TUNERS: Taylor 100/200 enclosed,
chrome-plated
NUT/WIDTH: Nubone/42.9mm
FINGERBOARD: Ebony, 4mm
dot inlays
FRETS: 20, small
BRIDGE/SPACING: Micarta/55.5mm
ELECTRICS: Taylor ES-B with volume,
tone (treble roll-off), tuner
WEIGHT (kg/lb): 1.725/3.8
OPTIONS: Non-electro 12 (£563),
nylon-string 12-N (£611) and electro
12e-N (£707) also available
LEFT-HANDERS: Yes, no extra charge
FINISHES: Natural matt varnish
8. The NT neck design
is a very welcoming
experience on both
models, and makes for
an accessible learning
journey for beginners
9. The choice of
mahogany for the
armrest certainly
makes it stand out,
and when playing it
feels immediately
comfortable. The
verdict on the armrest
in the
Guitarist offi ce
was unanimous: we
could instantly see the
benefi ts for beginners
and younger players,
especially
PROS Inspiring high mids and
trebles; responsive playing
experience; ES-B outclasses a lot of
the piezo competition
CONS As before, the lack of bass
control on the ES-B could be an issue
PROS Great playability; very well
balanced across the spectrum;
armrest enhances playing comfort
CONS The ES-B’s lack of bass
control, as found on the ES-2, may
be an issue for some live players
9 9
7
9
GIT418.rev_taylor.indd 109 2/22/17 3:12 PM