Taylor Guitars 355 Jumbo 12-String

2002 Taylor 355 acoustic dreadnaught jumbo body 12-string... satin finish mahogany back and sides, with solid spruce top, ebony bridge, and 1-15/16 nut width. Twenty fret neck. No nonsense pretty... Standard Taylor tuners; very low action with no buzz. No electronics; plays dreamlike...

I'm a real 12-string fan and this is one of seven 12s in my acoustic armada. 'Jimbo' is one of my very favorites. Warm, mellow sound as you would expect from mahogony. Great rich highs and impressive sustain.

Bought it as a consignment sale from Elderly instruments. It was set up perfectly. No flaws; I wouldn't change a thing...

Very reliable in that it rarely needs tuning. It will easily withstand live playing In terms of durability, I would rank it very highly, slightly behind Guild which are built like tanks (dual 12-string model truss rods). At the same time, I prefer the lighter feel vs. one of my jumbo Guild 12s; the Taylor although not as loud, is easier to play; the neck is easy to fret low to high.

One of three previously owned Taylors in the fleet. I hear a lot of good stuff concerning Taylor customer service, but have not personally experienced it.

I've played at it for three decades. Other 12s in the fleet include two Martins; three Guilds; an Epiphone 12 and this Taylor. Would I buy another? Yes; in fact I purchased another 355ce-12 from ebay just this week; hopefully it will live up to this one's impressive characteristics...

Comfortable guitar to play with low action. Tunes easily and stays there. Very little neck movement just requires the occasional tweak. Nice sound with Elixir strings which last for ages. Only gripe is poor finishing on end of frets otherwise superb

Gorgeous sound and just cries out to be played, both fingerstyle and pick sound great. Put a capo on and it sings up the fretboard Try a capo at 9th fret and play Here comes the sun. Fantastic! Full sound with rich bass even at concert pitch. I hate messing with guitars and just want to take it out the case and play it. Only 2 manufacturers let you do that. Yamaha and Taylor. Mine has had a couple of knocks. One required returning to Taylor for a refinish as it couldn't be done in the UK. They did it free and I only had to pay shipping. They also fitted me a second strap button. Mine is a 2001 model and sounds as good as the day I bought it for a bargain. RRP of ??1395 got it ??900 cash new! Only changed strings once although now needs new set. Fret wear minimal.

Well set up and apart from previously mentioned fret finishing no complaints although there were some minor blemishes on lower bout. You never will find a perfect guitar without some minor flaws. What do you want to just look at it or play it! Look at the state of pro players guitars!

Totally reliable will withstand the test of time easily. Mine is a pure acoustic- never felt right putting a battery in a guitar! Have used mine constantly.

Taylor are fantastic for after sales support as was Sound Technology UK who were most helpful when I had to get mine returned to the States

Been playing guitar since 1963!! god! This is the best sounding guitar I have ever owned. Have had Rickenbackers which produce one sound only and their finioshing leaves a lot to be desired.

2001 Taylor 355 acoustic jumbo body 12-string...I put this guitar on lay-away in late 2001. It's the older mahogany back and sides, with spruce top, ebony bridge, and 1-15/16 nut width. The neck has 20 frets. It has a rather plain brown binding around the body and neck. That's cool, I was looking for a good meat and potatoes 12-string. I had a "Martin Gold" active pickup added a few weeks after I bought it, so I could take it out gigging. The top is a high gloss finish, and the sides and back are a satin finish. It came with the truss rod wrench, and info on care and maintenance.

I generally use no effects. I either run it straight into a small Marshall practice amp's clean channel or a PA, if I'm out playing. Since I added the pickup, it has no controls. I plug the guitar into a Baggs preamp that clips to my guitar strap.
I was in love with this guitar when I first layed my hands on it. It has a shimmering sound. Played acoustically, it sometimes sounds like it's plugged into a chorus unit. It's somewhat bright. When I play plugged in, I've noticed that it can be a little top-heavy. When using a flat-pick I'll pick closer to the neck...If I'm playing fingerstyle, I'll play closer to the bridge. I've never ever played a 12-string that I thought was this easy to play, finger style. Actually, this 12-string plays easier than some 6-strings I've owned. I also tend to bang out chords when I'm playing a rocker. It stands up very well to aggressively strummed chording. I sometimes wish it had more bottom when strumming with a pick. With a pre-amp, I do have a little control over that. My rating of 8 is ONLY because I think the sound leans a bit to the treble side. I wish it were a bit more balanced in sound. Someone who prefers that sound would give it a 10 no doubt.

I tried this guitar and another one just like it, in the store. This one sang to me...then spoke my name. Both were set up perfectly, I assume from the factory. I think the frets are medium...perhaps medium jumbo. Frets were filed down so smoothly. The binding was perfect. There were no defects on this guitar. Perfect!

This instrument has withstood playing live for several years. It stays in tune for days! I play some private parties, open mic nights, and an occasional gig. I usually take a 6-string along with me to a gig. Not everything lends itself to a 12-string. I've had this guitar now for nearly 4 years. It's rock solid, dependable. It has a few dings from playing live...my fault. I knew I wanted another Taylor within weeks after I bought it. Matter of fact, I just bought a T-5. I'll write a review on that, after I've hand time to digest.

No repairs have been necessary. The pickup was professionally installed locally. Questions I've had have been answered promptly by the guys in the store, where I bought it, or by email from Taylor. I've had no serious issues.

I started playing in 1968...or was it '69? I have a '65 Gibson ES-125 that I learned to play on. Epiphone Les Paul, Alvarez acoustic 12-string, and I just purchased a Taylor T-5. This Taylor 355 12-string was immediately my favorite guitar. The sustain lasts forever, the overtones are amazing. It stays in tune for days. What's not to love?I do wish I'd waited for the Taylor Expression System to come along. The one thing I wish were different is the somewhat top-heavy sound. Though, I watch where I strum, to adapt to that. If stolen, I'd buy another in a heartbeat.

1998 model with Fishman bridge pickup installed (no eq). Solid wood like all Taylors. Found it on consignment at an out-of-the-way bluegrass shop. Appears never to have been played - no scratches at all on the pickguard and no fret wear. Molded case. I told my wife "I had no choice". Nothing fancy on the 355, just great tone and playability.

I play fingerstyle most of the time, and the tone is sweet even with a very light tough. Most fingerstyle strokes are up (except thumb) so you can miss the octave string sometimes with a ligth touch, but this is true for any 12. With a pick, this thing jumps! I am re-discovering picking techniques. As other have said, this guitar has tons of tone - The only thing in this league would be another Taylor IMHO. My main guitar is a 1994 Taylor 420 (maple) and I have a '72 Guild (mahogany), and a solid wood EPI (rosewood). They all are excellent, but the Taylors have such great string balance - every string is right up front, nothing muddied or muted. I

Even sitting under someone's bed for 7 years, all this guitar needed was a new set of strings and a new battery for the pickup. Action is just right for me. The back, sides, and neck are all perfect and the top looks like the same piece of spruce (not all Taylors do). The ebony fretboard has a few streaks of "character" in it, but I do not mind such stuff. The only "flaw" in this guitar is what is almost certainly a small fingerprint underneath the finish near an edge on the top. It can be seen clearly when the light hits the top just so. To be truthful, this annoys me a little because the rest of the guitar is dead mint (unless it turns out to be Bob Taylor's fingerprint!). Oh well, it gets a 9 cause it came from El Cajon that way. The machineheads are mini-rovers 16:1 and really packed close together. With my big fingers, it is easy to de-tune an adjacent string accidently. The Larrivee has 18:1 machines (a bit more precision) and a little more spacing, but I was buying tone not design.

I've had my Taylor 420 for ten years and it is holding up great. The 355 will, too. I'd gig without a backup, but then again the 12 is not the main refrain anyway. This one apparantly did just fine in its case for almost 7 years. I'd guess this next 7 will go just as well.

Never dealt with them. No warranty on used guitar, but the fact that they offer a lifetime warranty to original owners says something I think.

Playing 25 years or so. I have Fender tex-mex strat, Fender Jazz bass, Ovation 6 string, Takamine 6 string, Epi P350SR, Guild D-25, Taylor 420, and the Taylor 355. If stolen, I might not get another 12-string, but if I did it would be this one. Can't beat the price.

My Pamela (Ser. 990803063) was started on Sept. 3, 1999. I bought it in October of that year.
Details are available in previous posts.
No electronics, no fancy bindings, soundhole or headstock decorations.

This is the kind of sound you can get lost in. Many incredible players have commented on the voice of this guitar. This is my main guitar, and I've been playing the hell out of it for five years now. The sound just keeps getting better.
One old Troubador from E. Tennessee (T-Bone) said, "Yore guitar sounds like bells a-ringin'."

Action came low from the factory. I made it a little bit lower. No flaws. I do love the 12-String jingle-jangle, so I use brass bridge pins from D'Addario. Two sets at $15 each cost me $30.
Sustain goes on for about 11 seconds.
This guitar defies the myth that 12-strings are harder to play.

Everything on the guitar is solid. I'm not a professional musician, but yes, I would use it to gig without backup. Although I must confess, when there are drastic changes in altitude and humidity, it sometimes pitches a fit and is difficult for me to tune. But hell, I have difficulty tuning anyway, so I rely on a korg tuner.
I hope one of my grandchildren will be playing this guitar. Lifetime warranty is good, if you're going to keep it forever.
I am a fanatic about monitoring the humidity and using a DampIt in the dry climate where I live.

I've already worn out one case, because I carry it with me nearly everywhere I go, including work, camping and the Rainbow Gathering. Taylor gave me a luggage case to replace the SKB. Gotta love those guys, they are dedicated to customer service.
Apart from the flimsy handles that have broken on both of my cases (which I repaired), I am totally satisfied.
If you're travelling a lot, avoid the luggage case...it's too damn heavy.

I've been playing seriously since the moment I bought this guitar five years ago.
I own a 26-year old Yamaha dreadnaught that was given to me when I was 11. It was a handkiller, with terribly high action, which has been remedied. I would have been playing seriously for 26 years, if it hadn't been for that awful action.
There is no replacing a guitar you've carried and played everywhere for 5 years. But I would try.
I actually get high off of that pungent glue smell in the case. It still makes me smile after all this time.
I tried Guild 12s, Larrivee 12s, Martin 12s, and owned a Yamaha 12 previously. No other guitar can touch this sound.
(Although the best-sounding guitar I every heard was a 1974 Guild 6...I'll still tip my hat to it, no offense to Pamela)
If you think you're 12-string sounds better than mine, I'll drive a thousand miles to let you hear my Pamela!
I chose this guitar because it sang to me the very first time I touched the strings.
Some guitars are magic. This is one of them.

Mine is a 2003 model..I believe the last model before Taylor went with Mahoghany sides/back.

It's very full sounding. I'd say it leans toward bright sounding. I mainly play fingerstyle guitar...Kottke, Fahey, Hedges, me...When I got it--it was the best sounding guitar for the money, probably still is. I have played guitars that sounded and played better--Taylor 855 But for the $$, it's clearly the best.

Factory set up is good. I tune down a couple of 1/2 steps and use the factory string gauge. The guitar is beautiful, very well made..Smells good too. The action may need to come down a tad but it is kind of a personal choice.

Acoustics are not Les Pauls, you have to take a little care..But she's solid. Plus it's a Taylor warranty

I have not had the pleasure

If I had the money, I'd probably take the Taylor 855 12 string but that cost like $2,700 or so. So for the $$, it's a great guitar.

Taylor 355 made in May of 2003; new neck design, no pickup, gloss top, satin back/sides, jumbo style, nickel grover tuners, simple appointments: dot inlays, black binding; came with case. Back/sides are sapele, which looks like the wood that was on the old Yamahas from the 1960's and 70's. Nothing fancy, henceforth the '8' rating.

My second twelve-string; the first one I bought was a Washburn from the 1980's about six month ago to get the feel of a '12'. The Taylor has a nice full sound with piano-like quality of tones, no doubt the characteristics of solid wood, the jumbo shape and their style of bracing. Since it has no pickup, I will probably start with a Seymour/Duncan soundhole pickup(since I have one on the Washburn---they sound pretty good on twelve string guitars). I use DAddario EJ38's instead of Elixirs--I can buy almost 3 packs of them for the price of one set of Elixirs. It has good volume, yet can be fingerpicked easily as the strings aren't too close together, like the Washburn 12. The neck is slim, characteristic of Taylors, and not chunky like the 12's of old...

The Taylor 12's are very easy to play; the one thing that had kept me from even being remotely interested in 12's in the past was their punishing action---not the case here. The top is nicely figured and bookmatched 'bearclaw' spruce; the tuners keep well in tune and the frets are comfortable. Nice intonation right up the neck. My only beef is that the case had two holes that had been plugged up after someone at the factory goofed up and drilled the wrong ones; not a big deal but I am surprised that Taylor QControl let it out of the factory. I didn't complain because I got a good price from the dealer for the guitar. Who cares---can't get sound out of a case anyway!

I am sure it will withstand live playing; if you believe the Taylor hype, it would seem that every major performer has one in their arsenal(not a 12, but some kind of Taylor)! The hardware is solid, the gloss top is a plus(satin tops can be noisy from your fingers)and I would use it without a backup no problem. One thing about Taylors---they are very consistent in their quality and tone, no matter what model you play.

They have a high reputation for customer service; I am confident in their warranty that the company is going to be around for awhile. The warranty is limited lifetime(at least with their new necks they are easy to take off and reset). We have a great store/repair facility for them(Dusty Strings/Seattle) so if I have a problem, they can handle it.

Been playing for 25+years; own Martins, Taylors, Gibsons. I wish they would have given me another set of Elixirs when I bought the guitar(those sets are $25!) If it were lost or stolen, I would look for another. I love the easy playability and the rich tone; I wish it had a pickup installed in it from the factory. Compared to the other higher priced Taylor 12's, I think this is the best Taylor 12 for the money. I compared it over several years to Guilds, Seagulls, Washburns, Breedloves, Epiphone's,and Ovation 12's---the Taylor 355 beat them all in ease of playability and tone. Bob Taylor started in the 70's making 12's, and he has learned how to do it right. Alot of 12's in stores just sit there because people are intimidated by them(the one I bought had a missing string and had sat there for six months); as a result, they don't stock a lot of them.
This one felt right, sounded great, played great, so I went for it.

This is a 2003 355 made in El Cajun, CA. It is a 14 fret solid wood guitar without electronics. I prefer to not plug in unless I begin playing out and feel that guitars sound better without the electronics hanging off them. This guitar has a excellent neck with perfect finish. The 355 is a simple guitar without a lot of flash but a ton of substance.

The first Taylor I ever played was in 1990 and it was a 550. I didn't know that mahaghony could sound so great. When I bought this 355, they didn't have 12 strings in the 5,6,7,8,9, categories from Taylor, so I used the 14's as the standard for sound. Personnaly, I beleive that the Taylor 3&5 series are their best sounding guitars. I must be partial to mahaghony. The rosewood are muddier and the maples too bright for my taste. They're probably great plugged in though. I love the clean bass response of the 355 and the tonal and volume changes possible through changing your attack. What's not to like. I traded a Ovation Custom Elite for this guitar.

I tried to 355 and thought the one I bought was perfect. The other one had a higher action. All finishing on the guitar is exceptional for this price point. Flawlessly bookmatched with no cosmetic issues.

Very solid feeling. I also have a Yairi DY74C that I love and is really the only reason I don't have a Taylor 6 string. The Yairi feels much ligher weight and I'm very careful about ensuring it's not abused. The Taylor feels like you could throw it around.

Don't know yet, but the reputations great. Lifetime warranty

Been playing about 25 years. I had a 12 string Ovation a while back but the action was exhausting. After playing the 555, I've always wanted a Taylor 12 if the budget ever allowed. I personally believe the mahaoghany Taylors are the best sounding but that people buy the looks of the higher end models. I tend to buy things for lifetime and would definately replace if stolen, etc.

2001 Jumbo body 12 string manufactured in El Cajon, CA. Gloss sitka spruce solid top, with satin finish solid mahogany sides and back. It has black plastic binding. The incredible thin Taylor neck is a satin finish mahogany. Fret board and bridge are ebony, with large perle dot inlays. Tuners are chrome Grovers. It came with a Taylor luggage-style case, which is a work of art, itself. No frills. Just the basic elements of a fine instrument.

I'm a strummer, and this guitar, like most 12 stings, was made for strumming. The sound is rich and bright, with minimal buzzing. I can take barre chords all the way up the neck on this one with very minimal loss of clarity.

I had my wife pick this one up without ever playing it. This can be risky, but I already have three other Taylors, and felt confident in the factory set-up. I was not disappointed. The action is low and quick, especially when combined with the very thin neck. I don't consider myself to be a great(or even good) guitarist, but these Taylors seem to play themselves and make a mediocre player look good. I have noted no structural or cosmetic flaws on any of my Taylors.

No guitar is gorilla-proof. I just got it two days ago, and it seems solid. I just play for personal enjoyment, and am well beyond the smashing guitars on stage phase of my life.

Fortunately, I have not had problems with any of my Taylors. I have heard good things about their customer support, but hopefully will never need to put it to the test. They sure do stay in touch with their newsletters and clinic invitations.

I took lessons as a kid, then stopped playing for about 25 years. I now regret the loss of those many years of playing time. In addition to the 355, I have an old Epiphone Jumb 6-string, Taylor 310-K, Baby Taylor, Taylor W14ce, Ovation Adamas 6-string, Seagull 12-string cedar, Martin Backpacker, Simon & Patrick SP6 Spruce, Ibanez Classical, Peavy Predator plus, and an Epiphone LP Limited. My wife complains at times, but I remind her that the combined cost does not come close to her grand piano, and I think the guitars are played more. Compared to the Seagull, the Taylor 12-string is easier to play (lower action), sounds richer, and has much less "buzz". I've looked at Takamines and Fenders, and there is no comparison in finish, sound, or playability. It costs much more than most, but you get what you pay for. This is a great 12-string, and I would quickly replace it if lost or stolen.

It's a year 2000 model with the old neck design. I was a little hesitant to get it at first because it didn't have the new neck design but so far I have had absoultely no problems with the neck. It doesn't have many "frills" but that is what it is known for. It's as good as the more expensive Taylors it just doesn't have the "frills" such as abalone inlays or fancy bindings.

Sounds awesome just as it is. It's pretty loud and the jumbo body really helps balance out the extra treble that goes with a 12 string guitar. I decided to have the L.R. Baggs Dual Sorce installed into it so I could use it to lead worship at church. When I plug it in through the church soundsystem it sounds absolutely awesome without any added effects or preamps. It is great for songs that really heavily on strumming. It is also great for doing fingerpicking. It has a very nice sound because of the extra strings. It sounds very full and complete.

I can not complain at all here. It was set up awesome from the factory. It is easier to play than many other six string acoustics. The top is beautiful with a good amount of bear claw figuring.

It's a Taylor and built to last a lifetime or two or three as long as it is properly maintained. I use it to lead worship with at church without a backup. So far I have had absolutely no problems at all except for the occasional broken string and this is just because I tend to strum somewhat hard at times.

Haven't really been able to deal with them with regards to this guitar. I did however request a catalog and a video from them and it was at my house within days. The warranty is a lifetime one.

I love this guitar. It sounds great simply acoustic for jamming in my room. It also sounds awesome plugged in at church. It actually sounds like a louder acoustic guitar rather than an electrified acoustic. I have no regrets in buying this guitar. If it were lost or stolen I would save up and buy another one. Feel free to ask me any questions.

-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.

1999 Taylor entry level 12 string. Jumbo body like all Taylor 12's. All gloss finished solid spruce top with satin finished solid mahogany back and sides. Ebony fret board and bridge. Mini chrome-plated Grover tuners. Added Fishman Acoustic Matrix under saddle active piezo pick-up. Came with molded plastic hardshell case. Elixer strings.

Use mostly for strumming. This guitar sounds like an orchestra. Very loud, clear, bright sound. Jumbo body style helps punch the low-end. 12 strings are somewhat limiting since only certain songs sound good on them.

Without a doubt the Taylor's have the best action of all 12 strings. Finish is beautiful with no flaws. Gloss top and black and white bindings really make this look like a high-end instrument.

This is a heavy guitar (but not as heavy as the Guild's) which seems very solidly built. Case is kind of cheap, though. Mostly play at home and take the 6 string out so this guitar should last a lifetime.

Have not had to use their customer support group.

I had a hard time spending more on a 12 string than the Martin DM six string I use more and also really like but nothing came close to the Taylor's sound and action. I tried Takamine's, Yamaha's, Martin's and Ovation's and they all sounded terrible next to the Taylor. (For $500 the Sigma 12 string is not bad though.) I still have second thoughts about spending so much on a 12 string until people say how great it sounds.