Taylor Guitars 355-CE 12 string

Sitka Spruce top; Tropical American Mahogany neck, Back and sides Sapele.

Normally to an Englishman, if you mention Sapele it refers to a plain wooden internal door. Not very strong and you would want something more substantial between and the maniac trying to get you. Last time I put my foot through one (accidentally, as an 11 year old kid) I remember the sapele door looked cheap and nasty- a bit like ply wood around the hole. I presume the Sapele on this guitar is a bit more upmarket than what was in that door. I cannot recall an angelic sound emanating around that door or any resonance from my foot impacting. No, nothing but my blood-curdling scream as I saw my dad's face - a bit like Tom and Jerry! Conversely, the woods used in this guitar give it a sound which I owuld probably describe as bordering on the angelic. (Not that I believe in all that stuff)

I don't know what my style is - it depends on my mood, but Rock and Roll, Country and Western (to a point) R & B; Keb Mo etc etc/ Basically melodic music, intended for someone with a brain and the type that I can play and sing along to. I don't like crash, bang wallop stuff anymore. I think I am quite diverse and fairly competent with chord work and harmonising, but I am not very good. I enjoy my playing though and no-one has ever cringed in disgust. I do get complimented when people overhear me. Normally, I would steer clear of a famous name guitar, because I don't like paying for a badge.
This guitar has left me absolutely stunned. It is a wonderfully rich, balanced sound, particularly plugged in and using the Expression System. It is fairly versatile, relatively easy to play for a 12 string and simply a credit to the company. Well done Taylor Guitars!

I cannot find a single fault with it. Except for a couple of user marks and a small ding from the previous owner. I bought it at a near 40% reduction on the new UK price. You have to look very close to see the marks. It was very near immaculate for a second hand instrument.

I noticed one very minor tiny flaw in the pattern of the wood near a machine head, but really that is being hyper-critical. For me to raise cane over that would be like seeing your first new born boy nd saying "It's all right but it's a bit wrinkled!" It really is a beauty
and to play it refreshes the soul. (Am I going a bit over the top here?). Truly, it has been well put together and finished so that it does what it is supposed to. It plays your music as well as you can and sounds really pleasant to the ear. Inspirational is probably a good word!

Yes, Yes, Yes (but don't smack anybody with it, it is not a tank).

It is well put together and, were it that I had to (or could) make my living out of entertaining people, then this would be the one I'd stand up there with.

If you are after a very good 12 string Acoustic electric and you are not too poor, then this is a highly recommended guitar. It is my firm favourite out of a personal line-up of 12 guitars.

Not required. It looks like they get it right and check it several times before they let go

Been playing since mid 1960's. I own Gibson SJ200; Tanglewood Black Mountain; Freshman Parlour guitar; Lag Autumn Classical; Ozark Resonator; Hagstrom Super Swede; Fender Strat & Tele; ES335 Sheraton; Richwood RE415 (Gretsch Country Gent copy; Washburn Cumberland 12 string; Marshall Stack; Laney all valve amp; Crate valve and a host of pedals; effects and wireless guitar system etc. I am a bit of a collector. Some of it is crap and starter stiff that I have had a few years. Thanks to China a lot of second hand stuff is now pretty worthless, so I just keep hold. As I get older, I get a bit more discerning, the kids are gorwn up and gone, so I treat myself now and again. This guitar has answered a big question - I can play better than I thought, having the right tools do sometimes help.

I would replace it and I would recommend it to anyone who wants a 12 string acoustic. It is not the cheapest around, but I genuinely have never heard a 12 string sound so good all round. It can be bright, but has enough back up bass.