Introduction to Taylor’s 752ce Model
Taylor Guitars has been crafting high-quality acoustic guitars since 1974 when founder Bob Taylor started the company. Over nearly 50 years, Taylor has built a reputation for making exceptionally playable, great-sounding, and beautifully-crafted guitars using innovative techniques.
The 752ce model introduced in 2018 is a special limited edition 12-string guitar in Taylor’s 700 Series. It features a Grand Concert body shape, 12-fret neck design, Lutz spruce top, Indian rosewood back and sides, elegant koa binding, and other premium appointments.
What makes the 752ce truly unique is the combination of the resonant 12-fret neck design, which improves tonal balance, along with the use of premium tonewoods like Lutz spruce and Indian rosewood. The koa binding adds visual flair. As a limited edition guitar, the 752ce has collectible appeal and shows off Taylor’s craftsmanship.
The Taylor 752ce 12-Fret Limited Edition Specs & Features
The Taylor 752ce 12-Fret Limited Edition delivers the premium build quality and attention to detail that Taylor is known for. This special 12-string model features Taylor’s compact Grand Concert body shape, which provides comfort and easy playability in a sleek, modern package.
A key component of the 752ce is the 12-fret neck design. By moving the neck joint closer to the center of the body, this guitar achieves improved intonation and a more balanced, articulate tone across the strings. The 12-fret layout also allows easier access to upper frets.
For the top wood, Taylor selected Lutz spruce, a strong and resonant tonewood prized for its complexity and headroom when paired with a rosewood back and sides. The back and sides are crafted from exotic Indian rosewood, adding a rich warmth and strong low-end to the mix.
Luxurious koa wood binding provides an elegant aesthetic touch to nicely complement the natural gloss finish. Under the hood, Taylor’s patented V-Class bracing enables this 12-string to sing with impressive volume and sustain.
Plugged in, the 752ce shines thanks to the ES2 pickup system, which utilizes discreet transducers to capture a natural amplified tone. Gotoh 510 tuning machines provide smooth tuning stability you can count on. Other premium appointments include an ebony fingerboard and bridge for enhanced note articulation.
Here are the detailed specifications of the Taylor 752ce 12-Fret Limited Edition:
- Body Shape: Grand Concert
- Top Wood: Lutz Spruce
- Back/Sides Wood: Indian Rosewood
- Neck: 12-Fret Design
- Scale Length: 24-7/8"
- Nut Width: 1-11/16"
- Electronics: Taylor ES2 Pickup System
- Tuning Machines: Gotoh 510
- Bracing: Forward-Shifted Pattern with Relief Rout
- Binding: Koa
- Fingerboard Inlay: Small Diamonds
- Bridge Pins: Ebony with Abalone Dots
- Bridge: Ebony
- Saddle: Ebony
- Fretboard: Ebony
- Finish: Gloss Top, Satin Back/Sides
- Case: Taylor Deluxe Hardshell Case
752ce Sound and Tone
The Taylor 752ce produces a remarkably articulate and balanced tone for a 12-string guitar. The 12-fret neck design brings the bridge closer to the center of the lower bout, resulting in improved note separation and clarity across the sonic range. Each string rings out with pristine definition without muddiness.
The Lutz spruce top and Indian rosewood back and sides provide a robust low end that highlights the additional bass strings without obscuring the treble notes. There’s a clear yet warm midrange, allowing the complex overtones of the 12-string voicing to shine. The mids have a focused attack combined with singing sustain.
When strummed, the 752ce projects with impressive volume and sustain due to Taylor’s V-Class bracing. Single note lines have a bell-like chime in the higher register. There’s no unwanted boominess despite the two sets of strings. The note decay is even across all frequencies.
Compared to classic 12-strings like the Martin D12-28, the 752ce has a more contemporary, refined voice. The overtones are more controlled thanks to the Grand Concert body shape. Overall, it’s one of the most tonally balanced and articulate 12-string acoustics available from a major manufacturer.
Playability & Feel
The Taylor 752ce 12-Fret Limited Edition offers top-notch playability and feel that both beginners and professionals can appreciate.
The neck profile on the 752ce is designed for comfort, with a rounded C-shape that fits nicely in the hand. The 12-fret neck combined with the Grand Concert body shape allows for shorter string lengths compared to larger dreadnought models, making it easier on the fingers during long practice or gigging sessions.
The string spacing is optimized for fingerpicking and strumming alike. There is ample space between each string to allow clear note separation without feeling too wide for smaller hands. This makes complex fingerstyle passages cleaner and easier to play.
The action on the 752ce right out of the factory is set to perfection, with very comfortable medium-low action. Fretting notes anywhere on the neck feels effortless and natural thanks to Taylor’s meticulous and consistent setup. Intonation is spot-on accurate.
Despite being a 12-string model, which traditionally have higher actions, the 752ce maintains Taylor’s dedication to playability. The action is just as smooth and easy as their standard 6-string models.
The Grand Concert body shape provides an intimate feel and is comfortable to hold in any playing position. The compact body style and forearm contour make this guitar a joy to play for hours on end.
As expected from Taylor’s impeccable craftsmanship, every detail on the 752ce is built to last with top-tier quality. From the fretwork to the tuners, this guitar’s construction and hardware allow it to be played with ease for many years.
Electronics & Amplification
The 752ce comes equipped with Taylor’s ES2 pickup system, featuring three uniquely positioned and individually calibrated behind-the-saddle pickup sensors. This design allows each string to have its own pickup, providing a balanced and natural amplified tone.
When plugged in, the 752ce delivers the same impressive dynamics and resonance as its unplugged sound. The ES2 system captures the guitar’s true acoustic voice and articulation. There’s plenty of headroom available, making this guitar suitable for live performances or studio recording scenarios.
Compared to other popular acoustic guitar pickup systems like the LR Baggs Anthem or Fishman Prefix Plus, the ES2 stands out for its natural sound reproduction and feedback resistance. It doesn’t overly color the inherent acoustic tone, retaining the 752ce’s balanced character. The intelligent string-by-string sensing also means each note comes through with clarity and definition.
Overall, Taylor’s ES2 pickup allows players to harness the 752ce’s exquisite craftsmanship and tonewoods when plugging in. It’s an ideal pairing that doesn’t compromise the unplugged experience, making this an extremely versatile modern acoustic-electric.
Aesthetics & Finish
The Taylor 752ce 12-Fret Limited Edition features an elegant gloss finish that allows the beautiful tonewoods to shine. The gloss finish highlights the tight, straight grain of the Lutz spruce top, giving it an almost 3D appearance when the light hits it. The Indian rosewood back and sides are also displayed in their full glory, with the gloss finish bringing out the dramatic color striations in the wood.
The koa binding on the top and back is another aesthetic flourish that elevates the 752ce’s premium appeal. The koa’s brown and amber hues form a complementary contrast against the spruce and rosewood, adding a touch of visual flair. Koa is not only beautiful but also durable, helping protect the guitar’s edges.
The craftsmanship and attention to detail on the 752ce are evident when examining it up close. The gloss finish is smooth and consistent, with no blemishes or irregularities. The binding is neatly and cleanly executed with no gaps or excess adhesive. It’s clear this guitar has been meticulously hand-crafted by Taylor’s expert luthiers.
Here are some high-quality photos showcasing the 752ce’s stunning looks:
As you can see from these photos, the 752ce is a work of art unto itself, even before you start playing it. Any guitarist would be proud to own and display this visually striking limited edition Taylor.
Value and Price
The Taylor 752ce 12-Fret Limited Edition commands a premium price, even by Taylor’s standards. The MSRP for a new 752ce is $4,999, placing it among Taylor’s most expensive acoustic guitars. However, this price tag is justified given the 752ce’s status as a limited edition model, along with its meticulous craftsmanship and use of rare tonewoods.
Compared to other high-end Taylor acoustics like the 800 Series, the 752ce is priced similarly and represents an equal level of quality and attention to detail. Those familiar with the value of exotic tonewoods like Indian rosewood will recognize that the materials alone are worth a good portion of the asking price.
For guitar collectors and Taylor enthusiasts, the 752ce’s limited availability and unique specs make it worth the investment. There were only 150 of these guitars built, meaning it will only gain value as a collectible over time. This is a guitar meant for discerning players who recognize and appreciate the effort that went into its construction.
That said, the 752ce’s price means it is out of reach for some players. One way around this is to consider used or pre-owned models, which can often be found for $1,000-$2,000 less than a new guitar. There is a healthy used market for Taylor guitars, and the 752ce is no exception. Going this route allows more players to experience the 752ce’s impressive craftsmanship at a more affordable price point, though any instrument wear and tear should be closely examined.
In summary, the Taylor 752ce 12-Fret Limited Edition is a premium instrument with a price to match. For collectors and those who recognize its merits, it represents an investment grade acoustic. But used models make this limited edition more accessible for Taylor fans on a budget, albeit without the collectability of a brand new 752ce.
Ideal Buyer for the 752ce
The Taylor 752ce 12-Fret Limited Edition is an ideal guitar for certain players who will appreciate what this instrument offers. Here’s a look at the types of guitarists who will really enjoy this premium 12-string:
Intermediate to Advanced Players – While a beginner could certainly learn on the 752ce, this guitar is probably overkill for a new player. The higher price tag and ornate appointments make it better suited for someone who has been playing for a while and wants a high-end instrument. The Grand Concert body shape is comfortable for most playing styles too.
Collectors and Enthusiasts – Given the "Limited Edition" moniker, the 752ce is aimed at collectors who want a special Taylor guitar to add to their collection. The exotic tonewoods like Indian rosewood and limited production numbers appeal to collectors.
12-String Players – For those specifically seeking a 12-string in this price range, the 752ce is an excellent choice. The 12-fret design provides easy playability on a 12-string neck, and the balanced tone caters to those who love the jangly 12-string sound.
The 752ce certainly isn’t cheap, but for the right type of discerning player, this guitar represents the pinnacle of Taylor’s 12-string offerings. The ideal buyer recognizes the value of premium components, ornate craftsmanship, and Taylor’s commitment to quality with this special edition model.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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Balanced and articulate tone – The 12-fret design provides excellent tonal balance across the frequency spectrum, with a clear and precise treble response and tight, focused bass.
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Easy playability – The hand-friendly 12-fret neck profile and comfortable string spacing make this guitar very playable and accessible, even for a 12-string.
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Stunning looks – Between the elegant koa binding, glossy finish, and premium tonewoods, this is simply a gorgeous guitar that looks as good as it sounds.
Cons
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Premium pricing – As expected for a limited edition Taylor, this guitar sits at a higher price point than standard production models. Budget-minded buyers may want to consider more affordable 12-string options.
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Availability – Since it’s a limited run, finding this model new may prove challenging as existing stock sells out over time. The pre-owned market may need to be explored.
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Not as loud as bigger 12-strings – While no slouch, the Grand Concert body doesn’t pump out quite as much raw volume as a jumbo 12-string like the Martin D-12-28.
Conclusion and Rating
The Taylor 752ce 12-Fret Limited Edition is a stunning 12-string acoustic guitar that lives up to Taylor’s reputation for quality and innovation. The 12-fret neck design provides excellent balance and clarity, allowing the Lutz spruce and Indian rosewood to sing with articulate highs and warm low end. The smaller Grand Concert body gives it a very playable feel, while the ES2 electronics faithfully amplify its acoustic tones. Visually, it’s a work of art with the koa binding and gloss finish.
Overall, the 752ce delivers impressive specs, tone, and playability despite its 12-string design. The attention to detail and limited production make this a special guitar for the discerning player. While the premium price tag is steep, it’s reasonable for a U.S.-made Taylor limited edition.
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
The Taylor 752ce 12-Fret Limited Edition is highly recommended for 12-string players and collectors seeking the ultimate Taylor acoustic. It’s an investment, but delivers outstanding performance. This could be a lifelong guitar for recording, gigging, or simply enjoying at home. While stocks last, it’s worth checking out this limited edition model.