Taylor Guitars Showdown: 12 Fret vs. 14 Fret | 812ce 12 Fret vs. 812ce (14 Fret)

[@xutprof]

I bought one of the first 12-fret from the Taylor factory, the 8 series that just came back from NAMM. And I sold all my other 14-fret Taylors. That sums up what I think 😉

[@seigoJPN]

strumming 2:18 14fret 2:46 12fret finger 3:41 14fret 4:09 12fret

[@mikemcnevin1785]

I think the 12 fret sounds amazing, both strummed and finger picked. It would make a great 'singers' guitar. The voice and crispness of 14 fret board would make a very powerful bluegrass guitar. Great job, Taylor

[@jgmo53]

I totally agree with Daniel. The 14 fret sounded superior and actually a bit warmer than the 12 during the strum comparison while the 12 fret was the clear winner for sound while being finger picked. I actually thought that the 12 fret was a bit too punchy and rang out too much during the strumming but, of course, that may have had something to do with the fact I watched this on my phone.

[@Whatsamattau2]

Confused captions aside, I have a 12-fret CE with Brazilian back and sides and I love it. Nice video and Daniel's reactions seem refreshingly genuine, honest and on-point. Thx much

[@danielgannon9502]

Love that 12 fret warmth! If I am someday fortunate enough to own another Taylor, it will be the 812ce 12 fret. I felt that way before watching this video and now I'm certain. Daniel has such a nice touch and brings out the best in these beautiful instruments.

[@Tigford]

You might want to also try playing a 5 series. I love the warmth and playability of my 522ce 12-fret in mahogany.

[@danielgannon9502]

@@Tigford I love the mahogany guitars. I have a 322e 12 fret with mahogany top/ blackwood back and sides that is my favorite, but I'd sure like to check out the all mahogany 522.

[@AdrianBoisclair]

Daniel’s opinion of playability is so honest and relatable. Aaron’s explanation of the specs is super informative and detailed. What a great team! Thanks guys!

[@joenice529]

12 fret , I just purchased a 912 ce builders edition honey burst , trading my Martin 000-28 custom shop I was playing my friends Taylor yesterday and enjoyed playing it more than my Martin so I was sold, gotta have the Taylor for comfort and ease of playing, your video made me decide to go with 12 fret

[@Indigo-lucky]

This video leans people more towards a 12-fret, maybe unintentionally, and even though it didn’t do a 14-fret guitar deserved justice, I still liked it the same or better than the 12-fretter. I had many hands-on comparisons and have to point out that it does depend on the choice of wood: For example, I was after an all-Koa guitar, which already provides plenty midrange and has lots of overtones and crazy sustain. With K22ce the 12-fret sounded muddier and the overtones seemed to almost deaden out each other. We even had the tech put new strings on all guitars I compared. I came chasing the 12-fret but left with a 14-fret K22ce and am very happy with it. If note separation and clarity is important then I’d pick 14-fret guitars, especially for fingerstyle. It sounds more like the GA, whereas 12-fretters sound more like the messy sounds of a jumbo but stuck in a small body with all the oomph taken out. But again, it would be good to see 12 vs 14 fret comparisons for at least a few types of wood combos besides this: one with all Koa, one with all mahogany (also midrange rich but less overtones), one with maple (has crisp articulation but quick decay), then let people make a more objective opinion on the differences between 12 vs 14 fret GC guitars.

[@TheSingingDoctor325]

I just got a 14-fret, 25" Alvarez parlor with Macassar ebony back/sides (laminated) and cedar top (AMPE915EAR Artist Elite). After 2 days with my ToneRite on it, it already sounds wonderful. I'll be keeping it.

[@danandfaith]

I play a GC8 from 2007 (bought at a Taylor Road Show). It's been my primary stage guitar all these years. Today it would be an 812e in the model naming, but in 2007, the GC5,6,7,8 models were all slot head. I am primarily a fingerstyle player. A few days ago I got a chance to play the 812CE-12 a friend recently bought, and he got to play my older GC8. I really like the slot-head for its feel when playing, and so the comparison between my GC8 and the 812CE-12 from a playing feel was quite similar. Sound-wise, it was harder to judge the difference in tone given my 14 year old guitar has opened up so much in that time, resulting in a warmth similar to the 12 fret. That said, the 12 fret will likely age similarly. I don't feel the need for the cutaway on my 14-fret GC8, but playing the 12 fret 812ce-12, the cutaway was essential. Taylor can build the 14 fret with slot head as a custom order, I believe. When strumming, right-hand damping feels better to me on the 14 fret, as I tend to want to strum at the sound hole, so the bridge being farther from the sound hole would take some getting used to.

[@LevinLg17]

I have the 12 fret, I bought it last spring. I have gotten so fond of it. I play mainly fingerstyle. Often classical pieces because it suites it so well with its warm, rich sound.

[@chrismanheim1224]

I just purchased a 322ce 12 fret for both the neck design and the mahogany and Blackwood warmth. For fingerstyle and mid-range, it compares favorably to my 2006 Taylor NC62n nylon. Both are grand concerts and are warm and precise for fingerstyle. They also sound very good on recording. My other Taylor is a 2016 614ce that’s maple back and sides. It’s a much brighter sounding guitar, and lacks some of the warmth of the 322. For playing with a piano at church, the 12 frets seem to be a better voicing choice.

[@mer1red]

For me, the 14 fret is clearly the winner. The 12 fret has a more boomy sound, accentuating not only the midrange but also the bass side, at the expense of the higher voices. You can get a 14 fret with more warmth and a less crispy sound than sitka offers if you take for instance a lutz top.

[@Rod_Daigle]

Cant afford the 812 so I opted for a 314ce 14 fret in 2000 and recently picked up a 322ce 12 fret for the mahogany/blackwood combination. I absolutely love the very different sound of both with the 314 being a fuller, balanced sound overall and the 322 more midrange articulate soaked in warmth which compliments fingerstyle playing...again I love them both. imo I don't believe the fancier inlays and options on the more expensive models make them sound any better, just nice and pretty to look at.

[@MrAbrazor]

I have a 322 12 fret and now with the time the sound is being more powerful,wait for it !

[@TomZola1]

Great series of videos! The side by side comparison is really useful for those of us who never get the chance to compare guitars like this in our local shop.

[@timblissATT]

My impression was that the 14 sounded better & fuller for strumming but the 12 had better articulation for finger style. I was listening on an iPad though so it might not reflect the sound in real life!

[@chrisstanford3652]

I have 4 different 12 frets: Taylor 812 DLX, Eastman 20, Blueridge 371 & Breedlove Legacy Concertina . They all have small bodies, a short scale with a reduced reach for easier play and incredible for finger style. They match my 3 different branded 7/8 sized classical guitars for playability 🤗🤗

[@markmiller-mclemore6511]

nice comparison. I love the way the 14 fret 812 rings--the classic Taylor sound.

[@JohnHorneGuitar]

I have never considered a 12-fret model but I'm rethinking that now!

[@joycesampsonmusic9553]

Both guitars sound great - depends on what you're looking for. The 14 fret sounds very tight and singer-songwriters might like it because of the way it could keep separation between the vocal and the guitar. Lead players might like the Xtra frets. The 12 fret had a warmer overall sound to it. I liked the 14 fret for strumming, and the 12 fret for finger style. It would be hard to pick between these two guitars if buying one, so it would come down to how it felt in my hands.

[@carlosdlc1664]

I bought an 812 12 fret nylon over 4 years ago for the sound that the bridge produced due to its location on the body. It's the best guitar I've ever played and I've played many.

[@JeffreySprague]

I just played a new 812 12-fret at McKenzie River music in Eugene. I loved the tone and playability and I will be a great compliment to my (older) 514ce Taylor.

[@tomkeating4152]

And since you live just across town, I'll get to check it out too!😁

[@davidsarauz6016]

Hi ! Which one would you pick for a singer songwriter?

[@ronmcc4]

I traded my 812ce for an 812ce 12-fret. I also have a 512 12-fret. For me and my style of playing, it’s 12-fret all the way. I love the warmer sound and the wonderful playability. Thanks for the comparison.

[@eddye8203]

that 12 sounds stunning!

[@LeeOLumbroso]

I own a great 1999 Taylor 514ce and a special black Taylor DDSM, love the sound of those two 812ce, and definitely lean toward the sound of the 14-fret as the most satisfying to me. It’s round, very well-balanced in all frequency ranges, and crisp, without spill. The 12-fret sound is impressive, somewhat more so than the other, but there’s too much medium to my taste, covering the other ranges, and a lot of resonance/spill. My 514ce generates a lot of harmonics too, but that’s through the cedar top; here, I understand it’s produced by a different string tension setup, shifting the sound hole along the strings’ length and hollowing the head, and for a similar sound “brilliance”, I like my possibly warmer cedar-produced type better. That said, thank you very much for this great comparative test!

[@mbshark33024]

I am curious to know what I am actually hearing; is it a blend of the mic near the sound hole with the onboard es system or just one or the other?

[@hervecastre7359]

The 12th fret sounds great in the mid-range and is much better for fingerstyle for me but I own a 714 CE and must admit it is a very nice guitar, better for strumming

[@clpennz]

Both are so beautiful and Daniel has amazing touch. I love the warmth of the 12 fret. Can't wait to get my hands on one.

[@harryharris1619]

The difference really starts showing when you play further up the neck, although Daniel did not do that. The 12 fret will start to sound somewhat muted while a 14 fret will still have some zing to it. It also depends on how the guitar is built and the woods used etc etc. There are a few examples of 12 fret guitars that do have some sustain and ring further up the neck but not many and more rare to find.

[@chris99171]

Definitely the 12 Fret 812ce for fingerstyle all day every day.

[@songsage]

God bless this amazing guitarist and his soulful playing and expressiveness.

[@tommyg8142]

Are you saying the strong tension is higher near the head stock than it is near the bridge?

[@davehunt9817]

I have a 322ce 12 fret and Its the best guitar I have ever played. I would like to try the 12 string 12 fret.

[@danielgannon9502]

@Dave Hunt I agree. I have a 322e (non cutaway)12 fret that plays like a dream. It's my favorite guitar. The 300 series instruments offer great value for the money.

[@Suninitib]

Usually I can’t tell much difference with comparisons but yes I definitely heard a difference and liked the 12 fret very slightly better. Both beautiful guitars though. And beautifully played. 🤗

[@gosman949]

I need a smaller guitar because of my arthritis in my shoulder. The 12 frets do it for me!

[@jaycowell3494]

12 Fret warmer, richer with deeper bass especially finger style. 14 fret louder and brighter.

[@avrumykalter867]

Why does the 14 fret sound warmer and a little more muffled to me, and the 12 brighter more twangy and also crisper? Especially during the fingers demo. Isn’t that the opposite of what was said in the video?

[@anonw3829]

My new 812ce 12 fret, V class shipped from El Cajon Tuesday, but now gotta wait for snow delays...AARGH! Patients Grasshopper! Double AARGH!

[@tomohara6996]

I loved!! the 12 fret. Now I have to see if I can find one to try. Thanks.

[@mboyer68]

I really wish they talked about setup differences. Guns and guitars KZbin channel has this great way to get lower action, he tapes off the 9th fret and then uses a tool to remove material which ends up starting at the 12th fret. He removes maybe 5 or 10 thousandths from those frets so you can get lower action without fret buzz. That 12 fret guitar being shorter and less frets, I wonder if you can get a better setup. I've got a Taylor 114 with semi high action and I'm afraid to go lower because I really don't want to kill that luscious Taylor sound with fret buzz! But when playing like Bon Jovi dead or alive, the strings at the 13th and 14th frets are so high it's ridiculous. I might try that guns and guitars method. And for the record, he doesn't claim to have created that fret lowering idea, he just made it easy for the masses to get it done!

[@stevenkirkpatrick7258]

My first acoustic 12 fret guitar was a Martin 000 -16 series Nylon crossover guitar and I absolutely love it. It’s the only nylon guitar I’ve ever played that I enjoyed and sounds like a piano or an organ so I love it. So my second 12 fret acoustic guitar I decided had to be a steel string 12 fret and I decided I wanted another Martin so I got the Martin 00028VS -12 fret both of them slot head 12 fret . I absolutely love the way a 12 fret sounds, feels and is more comfortable for me as it’s easier on my shoulder not having to reach as far for the first position… I have a Gibson G-45 and it’s a 14 fret of course and I’m thinking about selling it as I never play it anymore and I would like to try getting maybe an all Mahogany 12 fret guitar next .

[@TheSingingDoctor325]

Check out the Alvarez MAP66 for an all solid mahogany 12 fret 24" scale. You can't beat the value and Musician's Friend currently has it for $180 off retail.

[@stevenkirkpatrick7258]

@@TheSingingDoctor325 Funny that you mentioned that particular guitar as I have checked it out but to be honest with you I’d rather have the Alvarez Yairi PYM66HD with the Honduran Mahogany 12 fret says it is a parlor but it looks more like a 000 or maybe even a 00 either way I sure would rather have that one than the regular Alvarez masterwork MAP66 with African Mahogany, yeah the price is a hell of a lot less although I have found one of those PYM66HD it’s a floor model that has been played and has a scratch or 3 but it’s also probably broken in more and sounds really good… anyways I found it for $2100. But I think I can get it for a little cheaper with cash. I wish I would’ve gotten the Martin 00017S all mahogany that I let slip by me on Reverb and it was only $1700. But I was waiting for the price to drop and it sold before I had time to rethink it. It was worth it, full gloss finish double binded front and back, what’s so bad is I had the cash … sigh I need to sell my Gibson G-45 that I never play anymore since I got bit by the 12 fret bug …. Yeah it’s only like 2 years old and I bought it new at Guitar Center and it’s a shame to let it not be played and if I free up that cash it will be easier to justify to myself to get another 12 fret but an all Mahogany one . Oh yeah thanks for the tip on “Musicians Friend “ wow , I had never heard of this platform before, thanks for that.

[@TheSingingDoctor325]

@@stevenkirkpatrick7258 Wow! A PYM66HD for $2,100 - you can't pass that up. Yes, I saw a 000-17S a couple of yr ago on Reverb that sold quickly. A friend of mine has one and I was very impressed how easy it was to play.

[@edbrenton3214]

12 fret has a much moe pronounced mid range, but neither sound "bad"! I guess I'd have to play both to see if the finger pressure is more desirable on either one.

[@thetechq]

Check your settings when you listen to this one. The first time my system (Apple) was down-converting the audio which distorted the audio. With conversion the 14 fret sounded better, the 12 fret sounded muted. With the right settings they both sounded good but the 12 fret opened up in the mid range.

[@stevecooper6483]

I was surprised at the difference. Going in, I thought for sure I would like the 14 fret model, but it was quite opposite. The 12 fret was much warmer. I liked the tone of the 12 fret better.

[@wlodell]

Maybe if Taylor introduces a 12 fret configuration in the Academy series, perhaps then I can afford to buy one!

[@jonahswager4892]

Does string-break angle past the nut have any effect on string tension : tuning.? Tension seems to only be relevant with scale length, string gauge and tuning.. more info much appreciated!

[@awesomeimpressions]

Have you (or anyone) compared the 912ce VS 912ce Builders Edition?

[@jmw510]

What are the names of the songs he is playing?

[@spiritzweispirit1st638]

Thank You! Each Both Have Their Beautiful Place's, In Personally Transcendent and Individually Sonic Experiences!🎼 ie' Really Amazing Tones As Expected!🖖🇺🇸

[@routhless007]

Love the 12 fret. Both sound amazing but overall the 12 fret takes it in my opinion. I own and love my 2006 Taylor 312ce but after watching this video I’m going to have to work out a way to try one and have the best of both.

[@trailheadinspired]

Nice 🎸🎸 would be super 🆒 to try these guitars out 🙌

[@Whatsamattau2]

You've got your captions messed up. You start playing the 14-fret but the on-screen text says 812-ce.

[@danielgannon9502]

Both guitars in this video are 812ce models. One has the neck join the body at the 14th fret. The other has the neck join the body at the 12th fret.

[@taylorguitars]

the model name for the 14-fret is simply 812ce and for the 12-fret the model name is 812ce 12-fret. Make sense?

[@nicholasanderson31]

The 14 fret had more attack strummed but the 12 was just wonderful. Now if I can find an excuse to buy another........................

[@hogsplitter]

I like both, the 12 fret setup is more for me.

[@morrisonreed1]

I agree with the player .the 12 was warmer and it may sound strange but,, it had more emotion

[@supermanny73]

Love the 12 fret!

[@Zed.90]

bought the 12-fret cause i liked strumming and fingerpicking with it. And the playability on this thing … i mean get outta town …

[@terjeavner2133]

I have an 814, and love it👍🏻 (But take a look at your headline and correct it to 812 vs 814!)

[@boshi9]

The title is correct, they are both 812.

[@ronchappell216]

I thought the same thing, but the third digit designates body size/style . . . not frets! (I had to go to their website to verify I'm so hard headed!)

[@danielgannon9502]

The 814 model is a Grand Auditorium body and the 812 is a Grand Concert body. Both guitars in this video are 812ce models (ce means "cutaway/electronics"). One with 14 frets where the neck joins the body and one with 12 frets where the neck joins the body.

[@terjeavner2133]

Oops, my fault. I thought I saw a 814 GA 😀👍🏻

[@MegaChoo2]

This is purely subjective. I typically find Taylor’s 14 frets too bright for me. I lean into a dirty and or warmer sound. For me, Im digging the 12 fret.

[@Roland96351]

I'm having the finding a 12 fret on a budget. I can't find one in the Omaha area for less than $1000.

[@allanmasonmusic9505]

I wish you had had more fast a/b comparisons like at the end. The breaks between the other comparisons made it harder to appreciate the differences

[@charlesbranch4120]

Taylor Guitars Primetime compiles Daniel Fraire"s playing clips In the comparison video episodes featuring various models of a specific body size, as suggested.

[@JoeBotti]

12 fret sounded much richer to me.

[@MelvinHughesatp]

12-fret and short scale!!!!

[@janwezwick369]

I have been looking for a guitar that is easier to play than my 814 as my finger arthritis is starting to make playing a bit difficult. Was hoping the 12 fret was The answer. Was disappointed to hear that the 12 fret was actually more difficult to play closer to the nut where I spend a lot of time. Still have yet to try a 12 fret but have lost my enthusiasm.

[@gam1471]

Jan: I started to get finger joint problems about 5 years ago, when I was 67 years old. Determined to carry on playing, I bought a low action guitar and fitted it with extra-light (.010-.047) strings. There was bit of string buzz here and there, but did I care? No, I could still play! I'd use this guitar when my fingers began to complain after playing my others. It worked! My fingers are fine now - they withstand rhythm jazz playing with no problems. I've stayed with the extra light strings. I think that my finger problems were ligament related rather than the surfaces within the joint itself. If I occasionally get warning twinges now, I stop right away, and the next day everything's fine. I hope this helps you.

[@ToddRichmond]

his comment was odd - string tension will be identical between the 12 fret and 14 fret (assuming the are both grand concert body, ie same scale length). The only difference will be how far your hand is reaching to the nut, so your wrist/elbow/shoulder will have slightly different angles. So it may be more or less painful for you depending on where the arthritis is and your playing posture/etc. Best to go try one if you can as people's. body mechanics can be pretty different.

[@Guitaural.]

@@ToddRichmond I think though his point was that on the 12-fret the bridge is moved further toward the bottom of the guitar, so the bridge is shifted back further toward your right elbow. Apparently that puts the _perceived_ tension in different spots, assuming they're both "loosest" at the 12-fret.

[@Guitaural.]

Hey Jan, there's an 811 model now that is actually a shorter scale length. Might check that one out also..

[@ryanbachmeier6979]

Guy narrating could do the next Fantasia 3 😆 🤣

[@chrisstanford3652]

I can actually hear a slight difference. Maybe an

[@stanwest3529]

the 12 fret gets it every time

[@howardrosario6068]

12.

[@benabbottguitar]

4:10

[@lova_string]

Hey, pero si es el gran danielfraire

[@juzzie]

Yeah that’s 12 fret all the way .. strumming not much difference .. but fingerstyle was def 12 fret

[@gigifara9312]

taylor 14 fret sound horrible. their 12 frets are the only guitars id play from them