Revisiting Taylor's Nylon String Guitars 2021

Today we're taking a look at the oft-forgotten nylon-string Taylor guitars, through 3 different classes: The Academy 12E-N, The NS44ce, and the 812ce-N. Taylor brings a totally different flavor to the world of nylon guitars, including comfortable necks and premium tonewood combinations. Take a look and listen to a few demos from both Cooper and Chris, and let us know what you think!
Demos start at 12:05
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[@iliabashel]

its crazy how different these guitars sounds 14:04 bass on this one is amazing

[@nobtgms18]

solid rosewood material on the sides and back of 812ce-N may make the difference. I love base sounds of my 714ce.

[@Bokescreek]

I'd love to read folks' comments on how the Taylor 12e-n compares to the Cordoba fusion nylon strings. The price range would be about the same, around 800 +/- 100.

[@patchp1449]

These guitars sound really good, been looking for a nylon string for a while also the playing was very good you guys killed it great job!!!

[@nicolen.9642]

Great idea. I always thought nylon without being classical guitar was a must. Thanks guys for this review 🎶🎶🎶

[@texhaines9957]

Really like the 812ceN sound. Although the Academy 12NE may work. Thanks Cooper and Chris.

[@guitarzana688]

Loved the sound of the 812ce-N !

[@lajazzhot]

I own and have been playing my Tayor NS44 for the last Ten years. I played a Yamaha before that but was never really comfortable on it. I was browsing guitars in my local guitar shop in Edinburgh one day when I came across the NS44 the moment I started playing it I was hooked. You know that feeling you get when it feels like the guitar is helping you play? If you don't you haven't yet found the guitar for you. For me it was the NS44. Might be something different for you but these are well worth a play.

[@hidesertmusic]

This was a fun video for me to watch. I bought an NS42-ce from eBay after listening to the Wood & Steel CD of Steve Stephens. I love Taylor guitars! The guitar came to me in Southern California fro New Jersey. I opened the box, drooled a little bit, then expecting to spend time tuning the nylon strings sat down and strummed it. Did I say I love Taylor guitars? It was still in perfect tune!! I still have the CD but not the guitar. I haven’t stopped buying Taylor’s since then. Thanks for bringing back some great memories.

[@writereducator]

I have an Academy nylon. It's is wonderful and affordable. Light as a feather. Only regret is I did not get the electronics built in. Subsequently, I got a Fishman pickup installed. It sounds great with our without amplification.

[@bunchie7595]

You post this the same week I’m considering getting a nylon string. Same wavelength 😂

[@charlesbranch4120]

I enjoy the stories 6:30 as I'm sure Pau was smiling when he called the folks at Taylor to say, "Oh, by the way..." Nice to hear Cooper playing unplugged. and Chris as always. Keep on keepin'... Patrick away from a guitar in the outro. Maybe if he were to invade the set with a keyboard on a shoulder strap, with a wireless transmitter... and a big battery pack for keyboard power on another (third?) shoulder... Larry the Cable Guy could pull that (or anything) off. Thanks, guys, and to Josh. From "Camera 2" or "Projections", signing off to play with an Angel (2EC-RDBL) that was sampled after our church service this morning. Who knew a nut width of 1.73" could be so different that 1.6875"? It's so much easier to get around on, 44 mm vs. 1-11-16" for me! Shipped with the same Elixir Nanoweb 12-53 strings as the Taylor Academy 12 and 12e, very cool.

[@Iamnickdude09]

I have a Taylor NS24e which I believe was one of their first nylon string guitars. Its opened up in the years that I've had it and carries a sound that is unreplicable and wouldn't trade it for any guitar!!!

[@darrenalmeida1382]

I bought a Taylor 312ce N about a year ago. Nylon string guitars work well playing Hawaiian music. There are several Hawaiian music performers that use nylon string guitars as a preference.

[@jeanlouiscaron3868]

I bought Cooper’s Cordoba... lot’s of fun..

[@be.kind.to.animals]

excellent video as always guys

[@mikes2654]

Thanks for these great guitar reviews!

[@RVJunke1]

Just bought a K24ce from you all...stumbled on this video and again Chris and Cooper doing a great job for Taylor. May need to get one of these now!

[@autistichead8137]

I have an Academy 12 N it’s amazing for the price

[@soulvaccination8679]

The price is?

[@autistichead8137]

589 at Sweetwater not sure what the fine folks at Alamo are charging. I made a mistake I’m got Takamine 5 series and had to send it back- neck and fret issues. Replacement was the Academy and as an electric player who plays classical for fun I love it

[@soulvaccination8679]

@@autistichead8137 OH yeah..Im thinking about learning classical guitar.I might go with the Yamaha 172 sf when i purchase..What do you think?

[@autistichead8137]

@@soulvaccination8679 The reason I love the academy is it has a very familiar feel for us electric players. It also has the arm carve which is unbelievably comfortable -I’m with you I love playing classical pieces they are so beautiful. I love playing Bach… and Trower :)

[@toddbeeman5933]

That NS44 sounds great! Was it a Cedar top or just beautifully aged Spruce? Man, it had to perfect mix of warmth and clarity. The Academy is an excellent runner-up, especially for its price. I think it really shined in this comparison! I was really surprised when the 800 series was first being played.. the overall tone sounded uncomfortably compressed, it was incredibly unbalanced, and the lower strings weren't near loud enough. I get that it's an 812 body shape, but maybe it would help to be a 12 fret? Anyway, as always.. my ears have a crush on Cooper's fingers. Sending peace & love from Missouri -Todd

[@louiscyfer6944]

the 812 is a 12 fret. it's the playing. he is a great player, but he is playing it like it is a steel string. sounds terrible this way.

[@carlosdlc1664]

I play the 812ce N 12 fret, with the bridge location over the sweet spot, gives it a sound that only very few guitars have, in my opinion.

[@keithmahorney129]

I am not seeing Kremona on the Alamo site. I think Kremona gives you the best classical at a great price point. I like Taylor for steel string guitars, that said, I have never warmed up to Taylors Nylon string guitars. Great video as always.

[@desertdeke]

The most complaint I see about Taylor nylons is their lack of volume unplugged. Are the new ones better.

[@glorioskiola]

I have a cordoba crossover c9. I love it, so easy to play!

[@dougbeale4847]

Great playing, both sound great!!

[@WhereTheBASShasNoName]

I played the Academy 12 E-N at my local Guitar Center here in Dallas. The action was really high but still super easy to play, sounds much more warm than steel string guitars

[@allend3127]

I bought a used one that was the same way. I sanded the bridge down some and adjusted the truss rod a pinch, and it’s perfect.

[@PaulGAckerman]

Thank you! I've been thinking about learning to play guitar. I want to learn fingerstyle and have been looking at the A12-N. I should have bought it last year when Taylor had the buy a 300 series or better and get an Academy for $100 or something like that.

[@brianschuman912]

Name of the tune Cooper was playing?

[@TheStratSound]

hI! I need to know how Academy 12eN compares with the 212ceN. I can see different woods and preamp. It worth the difference of cost? And what is the difference in sound? I have 1 classical guitar and 1 flamenco spanish handmade guitar, but I need some with preamp..

[@autistichead8137]

The academy 12 N Is perfect for us electric players who want to play classical guitar, but we aren’t going to the conservatory.

[@katkazakoff4452]

So I really love your videos ! It has helped me so much in making of guitar purchases or at least to know which ones I want to try out ! Thanks ! I had a question about this episode - so nylon string guitars are different than a strictly classical guitar ? I am just starting my research ti purchase a nylon string guitar and this intrigues me bcs I’m aiming for Jose Gonzales / Sam Beam sound and I have yet to feel like I’m getting that from the ones I tried - any info you can give me ? Have you done a episode on this more in depth ? Thanks guys !

[@MarkPederson]

5:40 I would love to know if the model made for Zac Brown is generally available or if it was just a one-off, custom build because I exclusively play a 1/2 - full step down on my Larivée D-03 and would love to find a nylon string guitar that further expands my sound and capability! Thank you!

[@RogerThat902]

Nice video guys. I'm not sure if it's just my ears, but I swear the distinctiveness of each guitar sounds so different in these nylon-strings. Normally, at least through KZbin, the difference on steel string demos doesn't come across well. Something about the nylon makes each one sound so different.

[@stilloutside8887]

what was the first and second songs names please i would love to learn them

[@edhastie6074]

I think Chris could sell ice to an Eskimo. Your videos are great. Thanks

[@tomjackson7022]

Do you guys keep these in stock? I come to San Antonio about once a year. But I've yet to find a guitar or music store that stocks these and I just can't buy a guitar without trying it first.

[@Iknowurwhoami]

Wow! 😳 Just began my research on adding another nylon electric to my collection and found this amazing video, thanks! I love my Taylor 414ce steel and looking for an equivalent in nylon and 314ce-N seems closest match. Any opinions on why a concert might be a better choice than a Grand Auditorium? And what model would be closest to my 414ce in terms of quality and sound? The 812 too much 💰 for me Again, great video guys and excellent playing!

[@juanfra911]

what strings does it occupy for the taylor academy?

[@michaelluckett9436]

seems like the student model really shines...

[@JackTheRabbitMusic]

I am not a fan of Taylor guitars, however, that NS44ce sounded great! I am *almost* tempted to find one for sale, but I already have a classical Alvarez from the 1970’s that sounds incredible and plays like a dream. If I ever had to part with that guitar, it may be replaced by one of these Taylor NS44’s. Peace. 🐰💙🇺🇸🎸🎶🤝✌️

[@con-rob]

Love my NS44ce. Still have and play it :)

[@josephgiustiniani2834]

I am also an Alvarez owner. 5 total. All are Yairis. All nylon. They are great guitars and a couple are never to be sold. I also own Taylors {4}.. My nylon Taylor 214N is just fantastic. I own a bunch of guitars but the Taylor 214N gets more than its share of play time. You really can't go wrong with a Taylor nylon.

[@number6photo]

Regarding the comment of the neck shape for the older vs newer Taylor nylon string guitars: what is the difference? Compared to the newer models, are the older ones thicker or thinner, wider or narrower, C-shape or ??? Thanks!

[@dustinm661]

What are the best strings for Taylor Nylon Acoustics? I just got a 312ce-n.

[@badscrew4023]

Now, this is interesting - I liked the A12's sound better!

[@michaelp8856]

so...can you do drop D tuning on these? ..sounds like they can't due to the lower string tension

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

They're great for beginners cause you don't have to push down as hard on the strings to make a good sound.

[@markstaggs7342]

I've got seven high end Taylors guitars but I want to add a nylon string so which ones are made in Mexico and the United States,And which Taylor comes with a hard shell case.

[@staplercut]

What's the song name Cooper played?

[@LUIZS87]

Is there going to be an update to this?

[@kenholley1961]

What kind of guitar is Trigger?

[@romeovelasco4151]

How much is the 12E-N?

[@zeporoguy4350]

Love your reviews. Question: Would the nylon strings be easier/better on the fingers on an 9 year old boy wanting to learn guitar for the first time? If yes, when should the nylon strings be replaced for steel ones?

[@ZiggyCn07]

Nylon strings are easier to press than steel strings, they are thicker and have less tension.

[@glorioskiola]

Yes, but I would be careful about the neck width for a child. One compromise might be to get a smaller steel string guitar (such as a parlour size) and put “silk and steel” strings on it. Those strings are much softer than even “light” steel strings. Big difference!

[@allend3127]

GS-mini would be the best option for a 9 year old, imo

[@michaelogden5093]

Man do those sound pretty.

[@DavidJNann]

I think I've found my new Guitar 812ce N OMG May have to sell the Car first 👍👍👍👍👍

[@PescadorJim]

All of those would have been improved by using the LaBella Folk Singer 830, which is what Willie Nelson uses on Trigger. I have a 414CEn and it is a whole new ball game both plugged in and acoustic with the 830's

[@DaltonPhantom]

Flamenco!

[@johnpower2018]

I just took delivery of my 814ce-N. Beautiful guitar and sounds great amplified but do not expect a lot of volume. I was a bit surprised. Sounds wonderful but I expected more unamplified volume from a $3500 guitar. I am not saying don't buy it. I am saying it won't boom you off your seat like my Ramirez true classical does.

[@charliebryce3783]

Ive noticed this too with their steel strings as well. But I've also noticed that when a manufacturer are demoing condenser mics on KZbin, they almost always choose a Taylor. I'm sure this is because of Taylor's smooth rounded tone and with recording, less volume equal s less frequencies bouncing around the room causing dissident frequencies.

[@johnpower2018]

@@charliebryce3783 thanks for taking the time to respond to my comment. The Amplified tone is very good but the unamplified tone is nothing to write home about, that's for sure

[@CarlosGonzalez-tx4cb]

@John Power, I would say a true classical guitar would have a much better tone and projection, but I would also say that grand auditorium shape wouldn’t be as suited for nylon strings because the optimal transfer of energy from string vibration would be at the center of the lower bout. The grand auditorium shape moves the center away to achieve the 14 fret neck and so nylon strings having less tension plays the bridge is farther away from the center of the lower bout means less energy from string vibration going into the too

[@johnpower2018]

@@CarlosGonzalez-tx4cb thanks for that explanation. This guitar is obviously meant to be played Amplified. Had I known this I would have bought the 414

[@CarlosGonzalez-tx4cb]

@@johnpower2018 Exactly, it was meant to be amplified and it was meant for those who are used to a neck more similar to an acoustic guitar

[@KevinEllisGuitars]

Cool!

[@glennromabiles7772]

Latin singer Mon Laferte and her band play Taylor Nylon strings all the time!

[@fluteguitarbass]

FYI Lotsa, looootsa talk, sound samples begin at 12:05

[@bmoore5868]

while these nylon hybrids are much easier on the hands than a traditional classical guitar with a +=2.0 inch nut they sound nothing like a traditional classical guitar to my ears. The tension on the strings is way too high. They are easier to play but just don't pass the sound test for my liking. I have a classical with a 2.0" nut and while it's a difficult transition toggling between it and the steel string guitars the sound of the traditional classical for me is the only way to go.

[@romeovelasco4151]

Why don't you play it strumming?

[@tdw57]

Get a Cordoba.

[@eohippusone]

Why do you prefer Cordoba?

[@acousticsong-guitarco964]

They are really specialized in nylon string guitars. I played on the GK Pro, which is supposed to be a flamenco guitar, super articulate and powerful. I own the NS34 and I’d trade it for a Cordoba, even if I don’t dislike it.

[@TIM123451ERR]

hairs and no hair

[@mikeregan3265]

Awkward.

[@InnerLeaf]

You guys talk too much and play less

[@rananasim1852]

blab much...

[@swagner3105]

you talk too fast