Taylor Guitars 355 Jumbo 12-String

-My 355 is a 1999, made in California like all Taylors
-Twenty frets
-Solid spruce top (with a bit of bearclaw), solid sapele back, and sides
-There are no controls and no pickup was included (B-band installed)
-I installed a B-band Core99 pickup system
-No electronics were included
-Body of sapele (African mahogany), sitka spruce top, mahogany neck, ebony bridge and fingerboard
-Gloss finish on the top, satin finish on the back and sides
-Jumbo acoustic body style; no cutaway
-12 pin ebony bridge
-12 mini Grover tuners (chrome)
-25.5" scale length with a fairly wide (1 7/8" at the nut) neck
-The instrument came with an SKB case

-It suits my style(s) which include folk, rock, celtic, fingerstyle, and liturgical
-I'm running it through an LR Baggs ParaDI and either into the house PA or my SWR California Blonde
-It has a very full and rich sound, leaning towards the bright end of the tonal spectrum; the jumbo body compensates for this with added bass
-The 355 sound sweet when played softly or fingerstyle; it becomes more brash when strummed hard. I tend to do a lot of stumming up closer to the neck on this guitar to get more bass response (which it gives)
-Basically I like it's sound a great deal; it's not quite as rich as a Taylor Kottke 12-string, but it cost less than half the price. If you're strumming hard near the bridge end of the soundhole it can become brash, hence you do have to pay attention to where you're strumming along it's strings.

-Awesome setup, especially for a 12-string: low actions without string buzz
-The build quality is quite high; on the exterior it's top notch. On the interior it could be neater, but I've seen worse and at higher cost. The spruce top has reddened nicely, and I really can't complain about the sapele mahogany. It's not as rich visually as American mahogany, but it's sound is right there with American mahogany
-There was some slop internally, but not bad really. I've seen Martins that were worse, and at a higher cost

-This is a tough catagory, since I just bought the thing last week. If it's up to typical Taylor standards, I've nothing to worry about
-The mini Grovers are smooth and solid feeling; I don't anticipate any problems. I'll probably replace bridge pins with abalone-tipped ones
-The finish, if up to the Taylor norm, will not present a problem
-There was no neck strap button installed, so that had to be done. The strap button housing the B-band that I installed ain't going anywhere
-I've no reservations depending upon this instrument
-Since 12-strings don't work on all songs, I can't say it'd be the only guitar I'd take on a gig. If I were playing only 12-string songs, I could play with it all night without a backup

-Taylor sets the large manufacturer gold standard for customer support. They are extremely helpful and go to great lengths to make and keep their customers happy. I wish the same could be said for Martin's dang near nonexistant customer support.
-Since I've only owned it a week, there've been no reasons for repair
-The guitar has a lifetime warranty to the original owner; can't ask for much more

-I've been playing guitar for over 25 years, and acoustic guitar for the past two
-My salesman was very thorough; I had no additional questions
-If it were stolen I'd track the scumbag down and evicerate him (her); otherwise I'd definately replace the guitar, most probably with the same model
-I love the way the guitar plays, it's incredible sustain, and it's full orchestra sound
-I wish it were more ornate, perhaps some abalone or pau around the soundhole
-I think my favorite feature is it's ease of playing
-I compared it against a Martin, a Takamine, and a Guild. I chose the Taylor for its playability, tone, and price, as well as Taylor's reputation for taking care of their customers
-For the price, this thing's a bargain. If you're in the market for a 12-string, definately give this model a look

Fantastic sound. Like having a whole orchestra at your fingertips. It all depends on how it's played, it can be subtle, it can be brash.

Beautiful set-uo straight out of the case. The most comfortable 12-string I've used

No need

I have been playing 40 years. I compared it with a Martin and preferred the versatility of tone. I also compared it with a couple of Takamines, one Korean, the other Japanese. The Korean one was horrible and the Japanese one was a handful - not a pleasant one.
I would certainly replace it.
I wish it had a second strap button fitted.
My only complaint is the price in the UK compared with the US. I know all about import duty and shipping costs but I still can't help a niggling feeling that dealers are ripping us off.

Year 2001, USA, Spruce top, African Mahogany back & sides, Ebony bridge & fretboard, No pickup, Satin finish, Jumbo body, Grover tuners, nice molded harshell case.

Beautiful sound. I use an AKG instrument mic. into a PA system. Sounds beautiful. All listeners can't believe the sound. I've never heard such long sustain from a new guitar.

Typical Taylor set up. Taylor set ups for me are usually too low on 6 strings but on 12 strings, it's a must. Perfect intonation. Not a good guitar for lower tunings. Outside finish is great. Inside is sort of bad - a lot of glue, some white stuff, and maybe a Blood Stain?

Brand new, don't know yet.

Brand new, don't know yet.

I've been playing 32 years and own 6 guitars. (Martins & a Guild) This is the best 12 string I've ever heard or played. I would buy another one if stolen. The only thing weird about the guitar is when you open the case Watch Out, put on the gasmasks. The glue they use in the case is the smelliest glue I've ever smelled. Let it air out for a year or 2 maybe? Guitar is definitely worth the 1K price.

Already summited a review, but wanted to correct my opinion about this guitar. It is very bright sounding and does not respond well to strumming. I took it back and got a Martin. I currently own a Martin and could not adjust from a Martin sound to the very bright sounfd of this guitar. If you play celtic style and fingerpick then this guitar is perfect.

Made in USA, Mahogony sides and back, spruce top, ebony fingerboard. Included SKB case

Heavy Treble sound (bright). OK for a 12 strings though. Had to put in a Fishman Matrix to be able to get some bass. Plays best when played lightly.

It's a Taylor! They are made extremely well! Action is very low and you can actually play barre chords at the first and second position. Top is not bookmatched, but matches well, although, I did see one that was terrible. From my experience 3 of 4 match well. Tuners are great. Stays in tune better than my Martin.

Made unbelievably well. Quality and materials are first rate. Durability will not be a question.

I have not needed any support here, but I know several owners ands they all rave about Taylor. Also personally know a dealer and have alot of insight on how well Talyor interfaces with dealers on issues. Probably the best I have ever heard about. With this experience I'll give them a rating here.

I've been playing off and on for 20 years. I have a SRV Strat, Les Paul Std., and a Martin 000-15c. If this guitar was stolen and I could get another for the same price, I would buy it again. I love the action and string spacing (which fosters fingerpicking)I am used to a Martin sound, so the brightness is not my favorite feature. I could not find another 12 string guitar thay would play anywhere near as well as this one though.

See other reviews for all the nitty gritty stuff. Mine seems be be like all the others reviewed. Came with a Taylor molded HSC (SKB style)

Pretty good overall. I own a dreadnought 12 that sounds very thin in comparison to this baby. I had wanted a jumbo 12 string for a long time but couldn't see paying megabucks for one that only gets played maybe 3-4 times a month. I'm not a fan of Sapele, mainly for it's phony looks but I have to admit is sounds like other Mahogany jumbo 12's I've played.

The action on this guitar is very low which really helps when gripping the obviously wider neck. Not too crazy about the closeness of the tuners to one another (they seem sort of crammed/jammed into the headstock). But fortunately it stays in tune well and I don't have to mess with tuning so often. I have one minor gripe. The ebony wood in the fretboard has an almost yellow spot the size of a pencil eraser or position marker on the neck which makes the guitar look like a second, which it is not.

So far so good. Taylor makes good guitars that hold up well.

Taylor has always been very helpful with their guitars (this is the 3rd one in my meager collection) they even did a factory reset on the neck of a previous Taylor I owned at no charge.

Nice guitar, good sound and will probably out last me. They should can the Sapele, it looks like a laminate. If you'd like to write to me about this guitar please do so directly at: rmorris@jcc.mepcom.army.mil and/or include your e-mail address in the body of the message. Harmony Central adds some NO SPAM crap to the hearder that wipes out the senders return address.

Got this great guitar about 3 weeks ago after finding a great price on it - what a sweet sounding guitar. Solid woods, sitka spruce top (gloss) and sapele (African) mahogany (satin), ebony fingerboard. No electronics, grover tuners, what I would call typical medium-small frets. SKB-type custom fit hard case. Just lacks some of the fancy touches of the 555 - abalone soundhole trim, plain dot markers.

I use primarily for folk services at church, and some acoustic rock. What great shimmer and sparkle! Keeps a tune well, the best setup I've had on a new guitar, perfect intonation and action. As I was buying it, another customer told me I wouldn't be sorry - he had bought a Taylor earlier in the year, and it quickly became his favorite guitar. Well-balanced tone, rich and complex.

Perfect setup - as I said, the best I've had over about 10 guitars. Very clean construction inside and out, flawless finish. I like having the gloss top - it's a nice touch in a reasonably priced guitar. Compensated bridge - overall great materials and hardware.

Seems very sturdy and solid for the great sound - it can play delicately, but doesn't feel it. Seems like the tortoise shell pickguard has pick up a lot of the hairline scratches more quickly than some other guitars I've had.

Included in the case were some great materials about maintaining proper humidity and the truss rod. A truss rod tool was also included. I would expect great service from Taylor. I would only consider Taylor and Martin in buying an acoustic.

Been playing since I was 14 - had an Epiphone 12-string when I was a teenager, and have considered one off and on for the past 5 years. Glad I found this one - it is light years ahead of anything else I've played and be affordable.

Solid wood mahogany back and sides, spruce top, chrome Grovers. Jumbo body 12-string. Satin back and sides, gloss top. Typical Taylor neck. SKB case (nothing special there).

This bad boy is a cannon. 80% of volume with 20% pick presure. Loud, even by jumbo standards. Full clean sound. Adequate base, but shines in the mids and highs. The Elixirs are a must.

Mars basically just confirmed the factory set up. Outstanding. Action was very low for a 12, yet no fret buzz. Fit and finish were fine. Pretty much a plain Jane, but the sound overpowered the pricier 955.

This is a solid well-built guitar. Had it for a year now with no problems. Should last forever and it just keeps getting louder. I trust it.

None better. These guys like to talk guitars and know their stuff. Lifetime warranty. That says it all.

Playing for 30 years. Own Taylors, Martins, Ovations, Gibson, Fender, Epiphone. Taylors are the tops. If it were stolen (and I could find another with this sound) I'd definitely buy again. Love the fact that you can strum pretty lightly and put out a powerful tone. But you can drive it hard and it goes up when things get loud. Blew away the Martin and Ovation 12's I compared it to. I know Taylor was trying to hit a price point here, but it really should have come standard with the luggage case.

1999 model, USA. Gloss Sitka Spruce top. Satin Sapele (African Mahogony) back/sides. No electronics. Jumbo 12 string. Ebony bridge and fingerboard. Grover mini tuners. ABS plastic case.

I play folk rock, bluegrass, and stuff like that. The 355 has a nice range of tone, with a lot of sustain. Very clear sound when tuned to concert pitch.

The guitar is set to factory specs as far as action, 5/64" on the top E. 12 string guitars take some getting used to. They are more difficult to play because they have more strings thus more tension. The 355 has a very nice feel to the neck...smooth and substantial. I am kind of surprised that the top is not bookmatched. It doesn't look bad, it just doesn't match. No flaws that I've seen yet, except for a microdot piece of dust under the finish on the neck near the body. No other complaints. Everything else is what I expect in a new guitar...perfection.

I had a cheap Epi 12 string a long time ago, and it self destructed due to 1.) Lack of care on my part and 2.) The high tension on the bridge from 12 strings. I believe that with proper humidity control and use of light string guages that this guitar will last a long time. Also, it has a lifetime warranty so that's a good deal. The store (Baltimore Bluegrass) where I purchased the guitar from put on a heel strap button (no charge). It seems like it's built to last.

No need. Lifetime warranty to the original owner. They did respond quickly to an email question. They seem pretty customer focused.

I've been playing for about 6 dog years. I own a Simon & Patrick string acoustic, plus an Am. Std. Strat, Black & Gold Tele, and custom Washburn electric. I originally wanted to buy a Taylor 510 6 string, but it wasn't that big a difference between my S&P and the 510...at least not $1500 difference. I was considering a 12 string and I ran into a good deal so I bought it. I looked at Martins, Takamine, Epiphone, and Yamaha. Taylors had the best "feel" and sound. I really like the ebony neck and overall neck design. I'd definitely buy again at $1000.

See above. Added a stap button at the neck heel.

Excelent 12 string sound. Good volume and nice balance. Jumbo size holds up the low end. Very easy to get that Eagles sound. I use it with both a Christian praise band and for acoustic set with rock band. I currently using a Seymour Duncan Woody XL pickup. Sounds great for Goo Goodolls stuff we do.

BEst action of all the 12 strings I tried (Guild, Martin, Takamine and Yamaha). The neck is very similar to my Gibson CL30. Fast with decently low action. Good spacing for alternate picking styles. Set up is very good. Tuning and intonation are excellent.

I've been dragging it out for about a month now. Came with the upgraded Taylor case. Worth the extra money. The guitar is pretty rugged and the finish seams quite durable. Satin finish seems to resist sweat better than gloss.

Got a nice catalog and video from Taylors web sight. Interesting video shows the science and details of their new adjustable neck. No occasion for service yet.

I really love this guitar. I wanted a close match to my Gibson CL30 in sound and playability and this is the only one in this price range to come close.