I just purchased this guitar, yesterday, and I love it. It was not even on my radar. I got into a motorcycle accident that put me in a wheelchair and I can’t handle a full size, full weight guitar as well as I used to. I discovered a variety of “travel” guitars in the electric guitar realm and they are much easier for me to play. So I wanted to get an acoustic that was lighter. My friend had let me use his Mini-Martin and it was great but I already have a full size Martin and I’ve always liked Taylor guitars. So after some online research I was pretty sure that I was going to get a GS mini. In fact I gave the guitar shop a heads up that I was coming in and wanted to compare the spruce vs mahogany. I liked them but I didn’t love them and I tried quite a few other brands in the same small-ish category. While I was sitting waiting for the salesman to check the storage room I saw the 12e on the wall, right within reach, gently calling to me, “pick me up. Go ahead, you have to admit I’m very beautiful!” So I took it off the wall and it immediately felt comfortable and I loved the feel of the neck. It sounded smooth and played smooth. I did try a few others but I kept going back to the 12e. I wasn’t looking for a guitar with electronics but it’s a nice bonus. And the beveled edge is such a wonderful feature. I just love the ease of holding and playing it and the tuner is another nice bonus. However I did try plugging it in tonight and there’s no sounds whatsoever. I tried all the standard things and I read somewhere that if it was connected and on there should be a light on inside the guitar where the inner part of the unit sits. No light so I will pick up a new battery tomorrow. I’m assuming that it is possible that the tuner could work but not the pick up. Anyway I’ll get that sorted out but so far I’m very pleased and I am going to relearn all the finger picking songs that I used to play. I already noticed that I haven’t been using my third finger enough so it’s time to get those fingers back in action!

@AverageReviewsFromAnAverageGuy

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for your story and I’m so pleased you’ve found your guitar match! The battery has been the only downside for me so far...fingers crossed that that is your only issue. Keep us posted on how you get on with it 😉🎵

@JenBirdMusic

4 жыл бұрын

I’ve had similar problems with the battery... I think what’s happening is the tuner button is getting turned on by accident which then drains the battery... I’ve taken to removing the battery in between gigs which seems to have solved the problem. 🙂 Either way she’s still a joy to play! ❤️🎵

@jessecarson3021

3 жыл бұрын

I'm in a wheelchair too. I bought this guitar myself. Would you wanna possibly sale your full size martin guitar?

@nomadman123

3 жыл бұрын

@@jessecarson3021 - No, I couldn't do it. I've had it for a long time and I still love playing it. I don't bring it out very often but I still like having it.

@jessecarson3021

3 жыл бұрын

@@nomadman123 I totally understand that completely. I said a prayer for you buddy 🙏 GOD BLESS YOU friend

So i just bought this guitar, my local shop carrys about 20 new and used taylors. I picked up the academy 12e played it a bit i played every Martin on the wall as well and also a taylor 214CE IMO this was THE best sounding and playing guitar in that room. Obviously its no match for a taylor 300 series and up but honestly, it sounded WAY nicer than the 214CE. Now its extremely balanced tone, lacks a tiny bit in bass but where this guitar shines is mid high range fingerpicking and also capod sounds insanely nice. One thing to be weary of the finish is EXTREMELY soft, be gentle with this series. Its one of my top 3 guitars iv owned in 25 years as you said ita perfect for gigs and plays about as easy as an electric guitar, taylor absolutely KILLED it with this guitar👏👏👏👏

@AverageReviewsFromAnAverageGuy

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for that...of course now I need to know the other 2 guitars in your top 3 😉

Hello, Your video helped me to choose the best option to me. I have just bought the Academy 12 and it as an awesome guitar. I love it. Thanks buddy, greetings from Aguascalientes, Mexico. 👍

@AverageReviewsFromAnAverageGuy

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for watching and happy new guitar day!! It’s a great instrument and I’m sure it will serve you well 😉🎵

Thanks for the review man. I’ve been on the fence between the 114e and the Academy 12e. This is by far the best review that I have seen. Keep up the good work.

@AverageReviewsFromAnAverageGuy

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much! I do love the 114e too...a bit pricier, but a solid “low” cost guitar. There are (as I’m sure you’ve seen) pros and cons to each. My advise would always be to try both out. You’ll normally walk away with a preference. If possible I like to take a guitarist friend to play each at me while I look away to see which sound I prefer without knowing which is which. Let me know what you end up with 🎶

Just ordered one of these. Your playing is the best I've heard to get the sweetest sounds out of this guitar. I've had expensive Taylors and always wind up selling them because bling is distracting to me. I am petite and hope that the grand concert size will feel comfortable. I've had GS mini's and not been all that satisfied with the way they feel. Thanks for a great review!

I personally cannot say enough good things about this guitar!! ❤️ Looks beautiful, sounds beautiful, soooo comfortable to play - and what a bargain to boot. The action is low which is a must for me, and I agree - that bevelled edge is life changing!! I’m on the shorter side too and this is the first time I haven’t struggled with the guitar eventually digging into my arm. And my God, how she sings... I’m not fussed about the solid wood, for me the tuner/battery issue is the one real downside. But aside from that this a gorgeous guitar at a steal of a price. Can’t recommend it enough. Try it and fall in love! 😍

@AverageReviewsFromAnAverageGuy

6 жыл бұрын

It truly is a wonderful instrument for the price range.....playable and sounds great ;)

I own it and it is an amazing smaller bodied guitar its not too much smaller than average. It plays beautifully. Responds well with a light touch and has beautiful tone. I wouldnt strum super super hard on it because it doesnt sound awesome but if you find the sweet spot with your strumming it is a perfect sounding guitar for under 1000

Just bought one and I’ve played for 47 years now and I think it’s superb. I play mostly electric and needed an acoustic for recording/writing and strumming for fun. So far it fills all these needs and more!

I just ordered the left-handed version of this exact guitar. It should arrive in 3 to 4 days, hopefully. Can't wait!! It's replacing a Fender CD-60S Dreadnought guitar that I've been trying to learn on for quite some time now. I just never could get comfortable with the Dreadnought. This guitar seems like a much better size for me, and based on all the videos I've seen here, it really doesn't seem to give up much in the way of sound quality compared to the Dreadnought. Very much looking forward to owning this guitar! 🙂

Just bought one today & I don`t know whether to keep strumming it, or staring at it, what a beauty!

I only play for personal hobby at home and use a BOSS Acoustic Singer Pro Amp. Don't need more guitar than this. Great review.

@AverageReviewsFromAnAverageGuy

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks...how’s the Boss working out for you?

Got one and I love it, $850 in long and mcQuade

I own and like this guitar. The main thing I don't like is the fairly narrow string spacing, particularly for a smaller guitar that might normally be finger picked more than strummed.

@AverageReviewsFromAnAverageGuy

4 жыл бұрын

I’ve not personally had any problems with that, but I don’t have very large hands.

Hey mate, really appreciate you giving both the pros and cons for this review. Most reviews I’ve seen just heap praise on it but I want to hear both pros and cons! It’s helped give me more honest info - thank you

@samuelteddy9665

4 жыл бұрын

Also do you find this is easier to play than other guitars? Particularly the fretting hand. I found it a bit easier when trying in a shop

@AverageReviewsFromAnAverageGuy

4 жыл бұрын

You are most welcome and thanks for watching! I do find this a relatively easy guitar to play, but that seems to be true of all Taylors I’ve played. The biggest pro for me has to be the beveled edge...so comfortable over long periods of playing!

Was looking to buy this guitar so thank you for the comprehensive review

@AverageReviewsFromAnAverageGuy

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment...let me know if you do buy it 😉🎵

This video definitely helped me make up my mind about buying a Taylor Academy 12. Based on your review I decided to go with the 12 instead of the 12 e. I have an acoustic-electric which I like a lot, but I did not feel I needed another , especially after what you said about the battery life and the built in tuner. Thanks for your honest opinion.

@AverageReviewsFromAnAverageGuy

5 жыл бұрын

Korba Zorbzeebop I’m so pleased I could help. Happy new guitar day!

Seriously considering one of these and this video is helping the case 👍

@AverageReviewsFromAnAverageGuy

4 жыл бұрын

It’s a great guitar...let me know if you decide to take the plunge 😉

@BassGuyRy

4 жыл бұрын

@@AverageReviewsFromAnAverageGuy I will do 👍

@BassGuyRy

4 жыл бұрын

@@AverageReviewsFromAnAverageGuy well I went out this morning, tested it and fell in love with it, I am now a Taylor player! Amazing guitar, I opted for the 12a as have no need for an electro but what a guitar!

@AverageReviewsFromAnAverageGuy

4 жыл бұрын

Great! Welcome to the club...I’m sure it will serve you well 😉🎵

@wesleyduarte4512

4 жыл бұрын

Average Reviews From An Average Guy hey I have a question do you reccomend this Taylor academy 12e or the Martin 000x1ae I’m wanting to use one of these guitars for gigging

Just purchased one and everything you said was true , just can’t vouch for tuner or battery yet , but the guitar sounds great fingerpicked or strummed great tone big sound for a small body guitar,

Thank you for the review! I am a beginner and this will be my first guitar-I've never even held one before-other than Guitar Hero haha!! I think I have settled on this model due to your great video. I've been looking online for hours and hours. I think the armrest will be important to me so that I don't quit practicing. I think it's currently at $649 at Guitar Center though I will try to find it at a more local shop in CA or have it shipped from TX. Your affiliate link doesn't have it in stock or I would have bought it there.

@AverageReviewsFromAnAverageGuy

3 жыл бұрын

That’s great news! Good luck on the beginning of your guitar journey 🎶 No worries about the affiliate link, thanks for trying 😉 You get yourself the best deal you can and keep me posted on how you’re getting on.

Picked mine up yesterday. Now I need to learn how to play it.

This is probably a stupid question but if the battery runs out on the guitar does that mean it won’t work properly when plugged into an amp?

@AverageReviewsFromAnAverageGuy

4 жыл бұрын

Exactly that. No battery means that electronic side of it stops working...the sound when amplified and the in built tuner too.

@DaRealSlimDavie

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you

Beautiful bright guitar...Played lovely...Another added to my want list...

Nice playing brother and rad scally cap

@AverageReviewsFromAnAverageGuy

3 жыл бұрын

Cheers matey! Glad you liked both the hat and the playing 😉🎶

May I know what song you are playing at 2:52 and 3:35? Thank you!

@AverageReviewsFromAnAverageGuy

5 жыл бұрын

Alessio Innocenti Both of those are pieces that will be released on my next album with my duo Tomorrow Bird.

Great video !! Loved your playing. I have two more pricey Taylors now but I have been looking for another one to travel with cause the other ones do not leave the house !

@AverageReviewsFromAnAverageGuy

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much! I know what you mean...sometimes you don’t want to risk it. What are your other Taylors?

@752brickie

4 жыл бұрын

@@AverageReviewsFromAnAverageGuy I have an old 812 that I bought off a good friend who's health issues made it impossible for him to play any more. I cried when I LEFT HIS HOUSE . And I have a XXV GA 25th anniversary guitar that is mint. I love the Martins too but you have to watch them with their action. I have never got hold of a Taylor that was hard to play.

@AverageReviewsFromAnAverageGuy

4 жыл бұрын

That’s a sweet couple of guitars you have there! I’m sure your friend is pleased that it’s gone to a good home. I know what you mean about Martins...I’ve been very lucky with mine.

@752brickie

4 жыл бұрын

@@AverageReviewsFromAnAverageGuy Which Martins do you have ? have the little Martin special for the Owners Meeting, an OM 21 and an old 1953 00 18G that is worn almost as bad as Willie's N 20 ! I took it to Martin and they reset the bridge and glued some cracks for me. It has had a rough life but since it came to live with me it has been treated a lot better.

@AverageReviewsFromAnAverageGuy

4 жыл бұрын

I have a DCX1KE which was one of my first acoustics and is one of the most playable guitars I have...I use it as my go to knock about guitar... And then my other is a Retro 0015 which is my pride and joy! Of course...that’s only for now. Who knows what the future holds...

Play mine fingerstyle thru a loud box mini with reverb at about 7 and it’s heavenly

@AverageReviewsFromAnAverageGuy

4 жыл бұрын

I bet it does... The Loudbox mini is a sweet amp!

@tonyc2570

4 жыл бұрын

@@AverageReviewsFromAnAverageGuy yes sir!

Great review!! In terms of the battery life, how long would you say it lasts for??

@AverageReviewsFromAnAverageGuy

5 жыл бұрын

The main problem that I think I had with the battery life was that the tuner button would turn itself on within the case and drain it...at least this is the conclusion that I’ve drawn. I have since tried hard to check it every so often which has led to the battery life lasting pretty much as long as the standard 9 volt.

@jakmontague1753

5 жыл бұрын

@Average Reviews From An Average Guy thank you! Tried one of these out today and it was pretty damn good! Very helpful, thanks again.

*Well done!* Mine is on order:)

@AverageReviewsFromAnAverageGuy

4 жыл бұрын

Amazing! Let me know how you get on with it 🎵

Thank you for your discription of this guitar.

@AverageReviewsFromAnAverageGuy

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

Great review by the way!

@AverageReviewsFromAnAverageGuy

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much! ☺️🎶

How would you rate the 12 vs the Martin 000 X2 ? I just bought the 12 to replace my Big Baby which i gave to my 11 yr old to learn on. I'm honestly not in love with the 12. Too tinny for my liking. Probably going to return it. That's a shame because it is super comfy to play just not loving the lack of mid range. Sooooooo, I will either grab another BBT or will try the Martin. Decisions decisions.

@AverageReviewsFromAnAverageGuy

3 жыл бұрын

I haven’t tried out the 000X2 yet, but I have played others in the X series. I think they’re great guitars for the price. The HPL back and sides tend to put people off, but they have a decent tone and those things are tough! I actually still have (and occasionally use) my DCX1KE after years of ownership and after gigging the guitar is looking worn and well played, but the back and sides look almost mint condition! I would do what I always advise…go try it out. Not just one, but a couple of the same guitar. Get feel for the sound and how it actual feels and plays. What works for one person may not for another, so always worth putting in the time to try them out. Let me know how you get on and thanks for watching ☺️🎶

@neilmartin99

3 жыл бұрын

@@AverageReviewsFromAnAverageGuy update: So I found an X2 at my local Sam Ash. Sounded great in the showroom. Clean, crisp, mellow with a perfect blend in tone. One big problem, when I got home I was shocked at low the volume output is when played acoustically in a normal noise environment.

@AverageReviewsFromAnAverageGuy

3 жыл бұрын

That’s annoying!! What are you going to do, keep it or take it back?

@neilmartin99

3 жыл бұрын

@@AverageReviewsFromAnAverageGuy Tough question. Actually, my apologies, I gave you the wrong model. It is the Martin 000 10E that I just purchased and not X2. It is easily the best sounding guitar I have played in the under $800 range in terms of balanced tone. But it's just so darn quiet. I may keep it and use it as my late night guitar because it def isn't loud enough to wake anybody in the house or my neighbors. LOL Will decide this week. I actually have 45 days with Sam Ash return policy but I'll decide much sooner than that.

@AverageReviewsFromAnAverageGuy

3 жыл бұрын

Ah, the Road series? These are very nice guitars for the money. I really like the necks on them, slightly slimmer than average. Is it solid sapele? From what I can remember they have a richlite fingerboard which is one tough material! Apparently it will not shrink or expand. I’ve never noticed an issue with projection on them, but I’ve only played them in studio conditions myself. Keep me posted with what you decide 🎵☺️

I have question! What is the difference between 12e and 12 besides the electric because I hope they sound the same. I don’t really care about electric so.

@AverageReviewsFromAnAverageGuy

3 жыл бұрын

They are the same guitar, just that 12e has electronics. 🎶

At $850.00 now do you think is still worth it? THANKS!

I just purchased this guitar...and I actually have almost the same Thalia capo you have :P So far nice guitar.

@AverageReviewsFromAnAverageGuy

3 жыл бұрын

Amazing 🤣 Happy new guitar day! Those Thalia capos are pretty sweet too 😉🎵

Great review. Thank you!

@alessioinnocenti2966

5 жыл бұрын

Considering the same price range would you suggest this guitar or the GS Mini?

@AverageReviewsFromAnAverageGuy

5 жыл бұрын

That all depends on you....when my partner was looking for a new guitar in this price range it came down to either the Academy or the GS mini. After she tried them both back and forth the only way she could decided was via a blindfold sound test. I played each guitar and she choose on just the sound. In her case she landed on The Academy. And that’s pretty much all I can suggest. Both are great guitars at great value. You should try them both and see which sounds, looks, and feels right. Hope that helps 😊

@AverageReviewsFromAnAverageGuy

5 жыл бұрын

Also, it’s worth thinking about what you want from the guitar. If you’re after a guitar to play at home and the occasional gig, then in my opinion the academy has a slightly fuller sound. However, if you’re looking to travel a lot with a guitar than the mini is absolutely ideal.

@alessioinnocenti2966

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much! I’ll go for the Academy as I don’t like the reduced scale lenght of the GS Mini too...

What a beautiful sounding guitar at any price ..more than a beginners guitar ..easy us that in a pro set up,..Some of the wood is layered to ..

@AverageReviewsFromAnAverageGuy

4 жыл бұрын

It’s a beaut for sure!

@eugeniustheodidactus8890

4 жыл бұрын

With a solid spruce top, beveled arm rest and electronics, it's not really a beginner's guitar. I just started playing guitar three months ago on a $200 Yamaha, which is truly a _beginner's guitar!_ Lol. _(...but it actually sounds good for the money...)_

Have you played the Ibanez AE295?

@AverageReviewsFromAnAverageGuy

3 жыл бұрын

I haven’t I’m afraid...I started my guitar journey on an Ibanez, but that was many moons ago now 🤣

Would you take this over the GS Mini?

@AverageReviewsFromAnAverageGuy

4 жыл бұрын

They’re both great for different reasons...the mini is fantastic and very portable due to the small size . I find the academy is better suited to finger picking than the mini and has a more delicate tone. It also has that bevelled edge which is insanely comfy! I really do love them both. When shopping for a guitar I tend to have in my mind the sound I’m after and will take another guitarist with me. If it comes down to a couple of guitars then I can do a blind test and pick the sound I’m after. This happened between the academy and mini for me. The academy had the sound I was after at that point. Not the clearest answer, sorry, but like most guitars it comes down to personal preference.

Do you know the stock string GAUGE? I need to buy new string.. thanks

@AverageReviewsFromAnAverageGuy

4 жыл бұрын

They come with Elixir Phosphor Bronze lights as standard.

I picked up the Academy 12 non electric model and it is ok but the Academy 12 does not compare to the tone and fullness of the Big Baby Taylor. If you are looking to plug in then for about the same price I would take the BBT E over the Academy 12E. 12 has decent low end but severely lacks any mid range. If you are looking for comfort and a fun guitar, then the 12 is great. If you are looking for better tonal quality and projection then go for the BBT.

@AverageReviewsFromAnAverageGuy

3 жыл бұрын

I’ve not played the BBT…mainly because if not a huge fan of the look of it, but I shall suck that up and give it a try next time I see one 😉🎶

@hsvjackie2734

Жыл бұрын

2023-2-26 Ned, I have both the BBTe and the A12e. I really love them both. The BBT is a 15/16 body size dreadnought and has a 25 1/2" scale length, which gives it a more complex, harmonic rich sound. Sometimes I crave that. The BBT is a truly unique guitar, and the neck is attached differently to the body. It works! Bob Taylor is not afraid to innovate. The A12e is a Grand Concert with a 24 7/8" scale length, so the harmonics are just a little lower relative amplitude. However, sometimes that slightly less complex sound is what I want, depending on my mood. Both are comfortable to play. Both of them prefer a light touch for the best tone, which suits me fine. I'm a musically moody guy, and they are both fabulous guitars for well under $1,000. The A12 price has gone up quite a bit since this video. This month, a new A12e is going for $850. I have to agree though. If someone is seeking the absolutely best sub $1,000 Taylor, FOR THE MONEY, the Big Baby is in the running. I find myself however, with the Academy 12e in my arms most often.

Excuse me ! Is this guitar sold for only $ 500? Including the Taylor ESB ?

@AverageReviewsFromAnAverageGuy

5 жыл бұрын

It’s a remarkable guitar! Not a solid wood build which is part of what keeps the price down, but it is a great guitar....especially for the price

@AverageReviewsFromAnAverageGuy

5 жыл бұрын

Full specs are here - www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/acoustic/academy-12e

@ucthinh5275

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for giving me feedback !

@craigllacour649

5 жыл бұрын

649.00

@stevecummins6179

5 жыл бұрын

@@craigllacour649 I also just bought this one. $649 is what I gave.

A única diferença dele ligado no piezo e no microfone é que fica mais brilhante as cordas ( mi prima, si e sol), quase não se nota diferença.

@AverageReviewsFromAnAverageGuy

5 жыл бұрын

é um bom piezo :)

@thiagooliveira3560

5 жыл бұрын

@@AverageReviewsFromAnAverageGuy 👏👏😍😍🎸

@thiagooliveira3560

5 жыл бұрын

Aqui no Brasil esses instrumentos é muito caro, um violão que custa 700 dólares aí e é de muita boa qualidade, aqui ele sai para nós na média de 6.000 mil Reais, são muitos impostos, nosso salário mínimo aqui é menos de 1.000 mil Reais, é super difícil ter um instrumento desse, belo vídeo amigo 👏🙏

@AverageReviewsFromAnAverageGuy

5 жыл бұрын

@@thiagooliveira3560 Mesmo? Isso é caro! Qual guitarra você possui?

@thiagooliveira3560

5 жыл бұрын

@@AverageReviewsFromAnAverageGuy sim, corresponde a 6 salários mínimos na nossa moeda.

blows my mind how good taylors sound despite the corny name taylor i think

@AverageReviewsFromAnAverageGuy

4 жыл бұрын

🤣 They are beautiful guitars!...

What system is your mic plugged into ?

@AverageReviewsFromAnAverageGuy

4 жыл бұрын

It’s just going into a Komplete Audio 6 interface and then Logic Pro X. No reverb or eq or anything.

@diraddz

4 жыл бұрын

Average Reviews From An Average Guy so then how is the sound being portrait out loud ? Dont you need a output source ?

@AverageReviewsFromAnAverageGuy

4 жыл бұрын

I record direct into logic and then bounce the track down for the film. No output.

@diraddz

4 жыл бұрын

Average Reviews From An Average Guy wait what do you mean bounce the track down for the film?

@AverageReviewsFromAnAverageGuy

4 жыл бұрын

When I prepare a video I record all the sound directly into Logic Pro and film it on a separate camera. When I’m done I finalise the audio track (bounce it down) and then add it to the film footage in Final Cut Pro. Hope that helps.

With that high end sound and price that is not a beginner's guitar...

Like the Taylor Academy 12. What the heck is in your left eye brow?

@AverageReviewsFromAnAverageGuy

4 жыл бұрын

🤣

The pickup system sounds horrible

I just bought the taylor academy 12 for $454

@AverageReviewsFromAnAverageGuy

3 жыл бұрын

Amazing! Happy new guitar day ☺️🎉🎵

Sorry but, I cannot take anyone seriously who has a nail in his face. Cheers.

@AverageReviewsFromAnAverageGuy

5 жыл бұрын

🤣🤣🤣 Well....I would ignore me and just watch the guitars 😉🎵

@JenBirdMusic

4 жыл бұрын

sequi- tur testify 🙌🏼

@JenBirdMusic

4 жыл бұрын

Nailist.

@financeni5076

3 жыл бұрын

This is so rude