Introduction to the Taylor 362ce 12-String Guitar
Renowned acoustic guitar maker Taylor has built a reputation for crafting high-end, professional instruments with impeccable playability and tone. The Taylor 362ce 12-string acoustic-electric guitar represents the pinnacle of their compact Grand Concert 12-string line, offering fingerstyle players, singer-songwriters, and recording artists an ideal blend of comfort, articulation, and beauty.
Introduced in 2019, the 362ce 12-string packs Taylor’s latest innovations into a stunning small-bodied frame. It starts with all-solid tropical mahogany construction, which produces a warm, balanced tone perfect for lush 12-string chorusing. This pairs with Taylor’s V-Class bracing, which improves volume, sustain, and intonation. The compact Grand Concert body strikes an ideal balance between comfort and full-bodied resonance, while the 12-fret neck improves upper fret access. Topping it off is the Expression System 2 electronics, providing natural amplified tone.
With premium appointments like Italian acrylic inlays, a tortoise pickguard, and Taylor’s shaded edgeburst finish, the 362ce looks as good as it sounds. Offering fingerstylists enhanced clarity and articulation and singer-songwriters rich 12-string accompaniment, the 362ce stands out as Taylor’s most versatile high-end compact 12-string.
Taylor 362ce Specs and Features
The Taylor 362ce showcases Taylor’s premium tonewoods, construction, and electronics in a compact 12-string package. It starts with solid tropical mahogany for the top, back, and sides. Mahogany provides a warm, balanced sound with excellent resonance and articulation. This pairs beautifully with the 362ce’s elegant shaded edgeburst finish, which has lighter edges that gradually burst into a rich brown center. Visually striking, it allows the mahogany’s grain patterns to shine.
Inside, the 362ce utilizes Taylor’s innovative V-Class bracing. This patented bracing design improves volume, sustain, and intonation by better transferring vibration across the top. The result is a 12-string with enhanced resonance, articulation, and tuning stability.
The 362ce has a compact Grand Concert body shape, which provides a comfortable playing experience along with balanced and articulate tone. The shorter 24-7/8" scale length further enhances playability. The neck has a slim, fast 12-string profile with a 12-fret joint for easy upper fret access.
For amplification, the 362ce comes equipped with Taylor’s Expression System 2 electronics. This combines a dynamic under-saddle piezo pickup with patented behind-the-saddle sensors to accurately capture the guitar’s natural acoustic tone and responsiveness. Together with the mahogany tonewoods and V-Class bracing, it gives the 362ce excellent amplified versatility.
Comparison to Other Taylor 12-Strings
The Taylor 362ce stands out from other Taylor 12-string models in several notable ways. Compared to the mid-range 352ce, the 362ce offers all-solid wood construction with tropical mahogany top, back and sides. The 352ce features layered rosewood back and sides, which don’t resonate as deeply. The 362ce also utilizes Taylor’s advanced V-Class bracing, while the 352ce has standard X-bracing. This gives the 362ce better volume, sustain and articulation.
Aesthetically, the 362ce sports an elegant shaded edgeburst finish, while the 352ce has a plainer gloss top. And the 362ce’s small diamond inlays and Italian acrylic binding add ornate visual flair. The premium appointments of the 362ce help justify its higher price tag.
In contrast to Taylor’s standard 300 Series 6-string models, the 362ce tweaks the formula specifically for 12-string playability and sound. It has a Grand Concert body shape, which is smaller than a standard dreadnought, along with a slimmer neck profile. This allows easier fretting and comfort when playing 12 doubled strings. The shorter 24-7/8" scale length also increases playability.
Tonally, the 12-string configuration adds chorusing and richness compared to a standard 6-string. The mahogany woods and V-Class bracing optimize the 362ce for bringing out a balanced, articulate 12-string sound. So while it shares DNA with Taylor’s 300 series, the 362ce stands apart as Taylor’s premier compact 12-string guitar.
Playability and Comfort
The Taylor 362ce’s compact Grand Concert body shape and slim 12-string neck profile make it a very playable and comfortable guitar, especially compared to larger dreadnought 12-strings.
The Grand Concert body has a nice balanced feel on the lap or strap. It’s not too large like a dreadnought, yet still provides enough surface area for good projection and volume. Players find the 362ce very comfortable for long practice or gigging sessions thanks to its modest proportions.
The shorter 24-7/8" scale length is another ergonomic advantage on the 362ce. This makes it easier to fret and bend the doubled courses of strings compared to guitars with a 25.5" scale. There’s less tension on the strings, allowing for smoother chord changes and lead playing.
One of the most innovative features on the 362ce is its slim mahogany neck with a 12-string specific profile. Taylor narrowed and contoured the neck to make it as playable as possible for a 12-string. Chording is very smooth, even when playing complex jazz chords up the neck. Single note lines are also easier thanks to the slim profile. Overall the neck feels fast, slick, and very accessible on the 362ce.
The Grand Concert body size, shorter scale, and slim neck really set the 362ce apart from other full-size 12-strings in terms of all-around playing comfort. It’s a very ergonomic and enjoyable guitar to play for extended periods.
Tonal Characteristics
The Taylor 362ce delivers an exceptionally warm and balanced mahogany tone that is further enhanced by the guitar’s V-Class bracing. The all-mahogany construction produces a rich, resonant sound with plenty of depth and character. The mahogany top, back, and sides work together seamlessly to generate a lush, chorused 12-string sound across the tonal spectrum.
Compared to spruce and other tonewoods, mahogany has a more subdued treble response while emphasizing the guitar’s midrange. This results in a very smooth and even 12-string effect without the shrillness or harshness that can sometimes occur in the upper registers. The mahogany provides enough crispness and articulation but remains mellow and relaxed. It’s an extremely balanced and playable tone.
The 362ce’s V-Class bracing also plays a key role in shaping the guitar’s voice. Taylor’s innovative bracing architecture improves the guitar’s dynamic range, volume, sustain, and intonation. On a 12-string guitar, this translates into better note separation and definition. The intricate voicings of a 12-string can quickly turn to mush without proper bracing. The 362ce’s V-Class system keeps the guitar articulate and responsive across the fretboard.
When plugging in, the 362ce’s Expression System 2 electronics accurately reproduce the guitar’s natural acoustic tone. The ES-2 pickup has a transparent, balanced sound that captures the warm mahogany resonance along with the lively 12-string chorus effect. The EQ gives players flexibility for shaping their amplified tone while avoiding excessive electric artifacts or coloring. Overall, the 362ce provides an exceptional plugged-in performance.
Aesthetic Appointments
The Taylor 362ce 12-string showcases several elegant aesthetic appointments that give it a refined, high-end look. The most striking visual feature is its shaded edgeburst finish. This finish starts with a warm honey sunburst in the center that gradually shifts into a darker walnut burst along the edges. It provides beautiful visual depth and dimension, complementing the rich tones of the all-mahogany body.
The guitar also comes equipped with a classy tortoise shell pickguard that protects the spruce top from pick scratches while also enhancing the instrument’s vintage vibe. Tortoise pickguards have been used for decades on classic acoustic guitars, so the look immediately gives the 362ce a timeless aesthetic.
Finally, the fretboard is appointed with Italian acrylic small diamond inlays in an understated dot pattern. The small diamonds add just a touch of elegance, providing a more refined and upscale look compared to standard dot inlays. They also subtly catch and reflect the stage lights during performances.
Overall, these appointments give the Taylor 362ce 12-string a refined, pro-level aesthetic to match its impressive sound and playability. The shaded edgeburst finish, tortoise pickguard, and diamond inlays come together to create a guitar that looks as good as it sounds.
Value for Money
The Taylor 362ce 12-string represents one of the best values in Taylor’s acoustic lineup, offering high-end craftsmanship, materials, sound and playability at a price that undercuts the company’s more expensive Presentation Series 12-string models.
When you consider the guitar’s all-solid tropical mahogany construction, elegant appointments like the Italian acrylic fretboard inlays, and Taylor’s premium V-Class bracing, the 362ce delivers professional-grade specs and detailing you’d expect in a guitar costing much more. Both the materials and expert craftsmanship exemplify Taylor’s renowned reputation for building high-quality, road-ready acoustic guitars.
Beyond just looks, the 362ce also punches above its weight class when it comes to sound and playability. The mahogany tonewoods produce a rich, balanced sound with plenty of warmth and resonance. And Taylor’s signature neck design, including the slimmer 12-string profile, makes the 362ce easier and more comfortable to play than many other 12-strings in its price tier. It’s a guitar ready to shine whether you’re fingerpicking at home or plugged in on stage.
When weighing all of these factors, the 362ce emerges as the sweet spot in Taylor’s 12-string lineup. While Taylor’s presentation models like the 562ce or 712ce may offer some incremental upgrades, most players will find the 362ce provides professional-grade performance and craftsmanship at a price that represents excellent value compared to the competition. It’s an ideal 12-string for those who want Taylor quality and playability without breaking the bank.
Who the Taylor 362ce is Best Suited For
The Taylor 362ce is an excellent choice for fingerstyle guitarists who want the shimmer and richness of a 12-string without the bulky size and difficult playability of a full dreadnought model. The compact Grand Concert body provides an intimate feel and balanced resonance that pairs perfectly with intricate fingerstyle arrangements. The shorter 24-7/8" scale length reduces string tension, making it easier to fret and bend notes across the doubled courses. And Taylor’s slim mahogany neck with a smooth satin finish allows for speedy runs and comfortable chording required in fingerstyle playing. The enhanced volume and sustain from the 362ce’s V-Class bracing also helps notes bloom and resonate when played fingerstyle.
Singer-songwriters will appreciate the Taylor 362ce for capturing their vocals and accompaniment beautifully in live gigs or recordings. The crisp and articulate 12-string tones blend in harmony with the voice, while adding dimension and interest to the overall arrangement. The onboard ES2 electronics faithfully translate those pristine acoustic tones when plugging into a PA or recording interface. And the Grand Concert body strikes an ideal balance between being comfortable to sing and play over long sets, while still offering enough projection to be heard alongside vocals.
For players who love the idea of a 12-string guitar but find many models too large and difficult to play, the Taylor 362ce is an excellent compromise. The Grand Concert body size significantly reduces the stretching and maneuvering compared to bigger dreadnought 12-strings. And the slim mahogany neck, shorter 24-7/8" scale, and comfortable body contours make this one of the most playable and accessible 12-string models available today. The 362ce retains the rich 12-string sound but in a package that seasoned players and enthusiastic novices alike will find easy and enjoyable to play for extended periods.
Accessories and Options
The Taylor 362ce pairs beautifully with a few key accessories for protecting, amplifying, and optimizing the 12-string experience.
Deluxe Taylor Hardshell Case
Taylor offers an optional deluxe hardshell case specifically designed for the Grand Concert 362ce. The Taylor #962 Deluxe Brown Hardshell Case provides rugged protection thanks to its archtop hard case build with plush interior padding. The brown exterior looks classy while the interior features Taylor’s Terrastampa suede-like lining. The case also includes locking latches and a convenient storage compartment for small accessories. With a street price around $159, the deluxe case is a worthwhile investment to protect the 362ce for years to come.
ES-2 Pickup Upgrades
While the 362ce comes equipped with Taylor’s superb Expression System 2 electronics, players can choose to upgrade the ES-2 pickup. Options like the ES-2 Vector Duo provide enhanced dynamic range along with discrete volume and tone controls for the low and high string pairs. This allows shaping the amplified 12-string chorus effect. Other ES-2 models like the Vector Coil offer a more focused and balanced amplified tone. Upgraded ES-2 pickups run $200-300 but can take the 362ce’s plugged-in performance to an even higher level.
Conclusion and Recommendations
The Taylor 362ce is an exceptional 12-string acoustic-electric guitar that delivers top-notch sound, playability, and craftsmanship. Its solid tropical mahogany top, back, and sides provide a rich, balanced tone perfect for fingerstyle playing and accompaniment. The compact Grand Concert body offers great comfort and balance. V-Class bracing gives it enhanced volume, sustain, and articulation. The Expression System 2 electronics faithfully amplify its acoustic resonance.
For players wanting a premium 12-string in a compact, comfortable package, the 362ce is easy to recommend. It provides Taylor’s renowned quality and attention to detail at a price that undercuts their high-end models. The mahogany woods and shaded edgeburst finish give it an elegant aesthetic to match its inspiring musicality.
In summary, the Taylor 362ce punches well above its weight, delivering pro-level appointments and performance. For fingerstylists, singer-songwriters, and recording artists, it’s an excellent choice. While not cheap, it gives you real value by skipping the bling but keeping the substance. Unless a booming dreadnought sound is required, the 362ce has all the warmth, playability, and craftsmanship discerning players need. It earns our hearty recommendation as Taylor’s best mid-priced 12-string.