Introduction
Taylor Guitars has been crafting premium acoustic guitars since 1974 when founder Bob Taylor and partner Kurt Listug set up shop in Lemon Grove, California. Known for their meticulous attention to detail and innovative design, Taylor has become one of the most respected and sought-after acoustic guitar brands. The Taylor 454ce represents the pinnacle of their 12-string line, blending high-end appointments and Taylor’s signature playability in a versatile Grand Auditorium body shape.
The 454ce is Taylor’s flagship 12-string acoustic-electric, exemplifying the brand’s pursuit of the perfect musical experience. As a 12-string, it offers a rich, complex sound courtesy of the paired octave strings that deliver a lush, shimmering tone. The jangly, chiming quality of a 12-string guitar has an undeniable magic that has captivated players and audiences alike. From the Beatles and Byrds of the 60s folk-rock movement to modern troubadours like Ed Sheeran, the 12-string remains an iconic staple of popular music. For the player, a quality 12-string is a highly inspiring instrument that stimulates creativity and exploration thanks to its uniquely colorful voice.
Taylor 454ce Features & Specifications
The Taylor 454ce has an elegantly designed Grand Auditorium body shape with a total length of 20 inches, width of 16 inches, and depth of 4 5/8 inches. This moderate size and comfortable contours make it an exceptionally playable 12-string guitar.
For the top, Taylor selected solid Sitka spruce which is known for its strength, dynamic range and crisp, bell-like high end. The back and sides are either solid Indian rosewood, which provides rich overtones and strong midrange, or solid tropical mahogany which adds warmth and focus to the midrange.
The neck is made from tropical mahogany and has a 25.5 inch scale length with 20 frets. It has a comfortable low profile that makes it easy to play complex chords and quick runs even with the additional string spacing of a 12-string.
For electronics, the 454ce uses Taylor’s ES2 pickup system which utilizes a proprietary behind-the-saddle pickup and preamp with built-in tone controls. This allows you to plug into an amplifier and shape your amplified tone with the onboard bass, midrange and treble controls.
Some of the aesthetic details that make the 454ce stand out are its abalone rosette, binding, small diamond inlays, gloss-finished body, and satin-finished neck. It’s clear this guitar was crafted with care and built to last.
Here are the key specifications for the Taylor 454ce:
- Top Wood: Solid Sitka Spruce
- Back/Sides Wood: Solid Indian Rosewood or Solid Tropical Mahogany
- Neck Wood: Tropical Mahogany
- Scale Length: 25.5"
- Nut Width: 1.75"
- Fretboard Inlay: Small Diamonds
- Bridge Pins: Ebony with Abalone Dots
- Bridge: Ebony
- Saddle: Micarta
- Fretboard Binding: Single-Ring Abalone
- Rosette: Multiple-Ring Abalone
- Bracing: Taylor’s NT Neck Profile with Relief Route
Playability & Feel
The Taylor 454ce delivers superb playability and feel for a 12-string guitar thanks to several standout design elements.
First, Taylor uses a comfortable, slim neck profile on the 454ce that makes it easier to wrap your hand around compared to many other 12-strings. The neck has a smooth satin finish that allows for fast, slick movements up and down the rosewood or mahogany fretboard.
In terms of nut width, the 454ce measures 1.75", providing a decent amount of space between the strings. This allows for solid fingerpicking and chord work without feeling too cramped. While not as roomy as a 1.8" classical guitar, the 454ce finds a nice balance for most playing styles.
Overall, the 454ce is renowned as one of the most playable and easiest-to-handle 12-string guitars thanks to Taylor’s smart neck design. The compact Grand Auditorium body size coupled with the slim neck profile makes this a very comfortable guitar to practice on for long sessions without fatigue.
The ebony fretboard uses a 25.5" scale length with tall, narrow frets that are expertly dressed and polished. This facilitates easier bending and fretting compared to many vintage-style 12-string guitars. Simply put, the 454ce plays incredibly smooth for a 12-string.
Sound & Tone
The Taylor 454ce produces a warm, lush, and shimmering acoustic tone, as is expected from a quality 12-string guitar. The solid Sitka spruce top provides crispness and articulation in the highs, while still letting the overtones of the 12-string pairs bloom and resonate. The rosewood back and sides offer a rich, deep low end with strong and clear midrange focus.
The combination of tonewoods allows the 454ce to achieve that signature 12-string sound – bright and jangly up top, with a smooth and full-bodied voice throughout the frequency range. When strummed, the 454ce has incredible sustain and resonance. Notes seem to hang in the air with beautiful, ringing overtones.
When plugged in, the ES2 pickup system does an excellent job of capturing the 454ce’s natural acoustic voice. The undersaddle piezo pickup combined with the body sensor allows for a balanced amplified tone. The onboard preamp with bass, midrange, and treble controls provides the ability to tweak and shape the amplified sound for live performance or recording. The 454ce can easily keep up in a full band mix without getting lost.
The Taylor 454ce is tonally versatile enough to handle a variety of playing styles and genres. Its balanced voice works well for fingerpicking, flatpicking, and strumming applications across folk, rock, country, blues, and more. The crisp top end cuts through strumming, while the warm lows and pronounced midrange support fingerstyle playing. Overall, the 454ce is an extremely inspiring instrument tonally.
Build Quality & Craftsmanship
Taylor Guitars has earned a reputation for meticulous attention to detail and flawless craftsmanship over decades of guitar building. The 454ce continues this tradition with its premium tonewood construction, precise fretwork, and immaculate fit and finish.
Every Taylor guitar is inspected multiple times during production to ensure the utmost quality. Master craftspeople hand-shape the solid wood back and sides, carving the braces and kerfing by hand. The solid spruce top is voiced to Taylor’s exacting specifications to produce the ideal tap tone and responsiveness. Even small details like the abalone inlays and gloss body finish receive careful attention from Taylor’s skilled luthiers.
The 454ce is designed to last a lifetime thanks to its durable build and solid woods that improve with age. The mahogany neck is rock solid and resistant to warping. The dovetail neck joint provides a strong connection to the body that will stand the test of time. Plek technology guarantees low action and perfectly leveled frets right out of the box.
Made entirely in Taylor’s El Cajon, California factory, the 454ce exemplifies their commitment to world-class quality through handcrafted construction. Each instrument must pass numerous checkpoints before being approved for sale. This diligence results in exquisite guitars that truly represent the pinnacle of acoustic craftsmanship.
Price & Value
The Taylor 454ce typically has a street price around $3,000, though prices can vary slightly between different retailers. This positions it squarely in the premium price tier for high-end acoustic guitars.
For this price, the 454ce comes with Taylor’s deluxe hardshell guitar case, providing safe and secure transport for the instrument. Some other acoustic brands in this price range may only include a gig bag.
Comparing to other all-solid wood 12-string acoustics, the Taylor 454ce is priced similarly to flagship models from Martin, Guild, Larrivee and other premium brands. So it’s very competitively priced given the quality and reputation Taylor has built.
While not inexpensive, the 454ce delivers superb tonewoods, immaculate craftsmanship, and top-notch playability. For intermediate to advanced players seeking the ultimate 12-string acoustic experience, it represents a worthwhile investment that will last a lifetime when properly cared for. The tone and playability rival that of many 6-string acoustics two or three times the price.
So while not an inexpensive purchase, the 454ce provides excellent value for money considering everything that goes into it. For discerning players who can afford it, it’s a 12-string acoustic you can count on to inspire your playing for many years to come.
Alternatives & Competitors
The Taylor 454ce sits at the top of the 12-string world, but there are some other great options to consider from Taylor and other brands:
Other Taylor 12-Strings
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Taylor 556ce – Similar specs to the 454ce but with layered Rosewood back and sides instead of solid wood. More affordable but still great tone.
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Taylor 562ce – A jumbo body 12-string with Sitka Spruce top and layered Indian Rosewood back and sides. Boomy low end and crisp highs.
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Taylor 150e 12 String – An entry-level all-solid mahogany 12-string. Great value for the money.
Martin 12-Strings
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Martin D12-28 – Sitka Spruce top with solid East Indian Rosewood back and sides. Iconic Martin dreadnought tone. Around the same price point as the 454ce.
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Martin D12X1AE – An affordable 12-string option with a Spruce top and Mahogany back and sides. Fishman electronics and cutaway.
Guild 12-String Guitars
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Guild F-512 – Jumbo shape 12-string with solid Spruce and Rosewood. Hand-built in the USA. Highly regarded premium model.
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Guild F-512NT – Same specs as above but with a narrower 1-11/16" nut width. Easier playability.
Other Notable 12-String Options
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Breedlove Discovery Concert CE – Aggressive price under $1000 for an all-solid 12-string.
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Blueridge BR-160 – Vintage-inspired 12-string dreadnought with all-solid woods. Amazing value under $900.
So while the 454ce sits at the pinnacle, there are quality 12-string options at lower price points for players on a budget. The Taylors and Martins will be closest in build quality and tone.
Who Is the Taylor 454ce Best Suited For?
The Taylor 454ce is an extremely versatile 12-string guitar that can excel in a variety of musical genres and playing scenarios, but it will be best suited for certain players.
Genres
The lush, full-bodied tone of the 454ce makes it a great fit for many softer and more melodic styles of music where its voice can shine through. It’s an exceptional guitar for folk, country, Americana, soft rock, singer-songwriter material, and various worship or gospel styles. The sparkling and shimmering sound of the 12-string is perfect for adding texture and atmosphere to these genres.
However, the 454ce is so well-made and playable that it can still handle some higher-gain rock or pop styles as long as aggressive strumming and bashing is avoided. The guitar has enough punch and projection to work for more uptempo material if needed.
Live Playing vs Recording
With its clear ES2 electronics, the 454ce works excellently as a stage and live performance guitar where its lush acoustic tone can be accurately reproduced through a sound system. The onboard EQ also helps shape the amplified sound.
It’s also an exceptional studio guitar for recording thanks to its balanced tone and versatility. The 454ce allows players to get a variety of polished recorded tones without swapping out instruments.
Skill Level
The Taylor 454ce is a pro-level instrument aimed at serious players, so it best suits intermediate to advanced guitarists who can truly appreciate the nuances in its tone and playability. The high price tag makes it hard to recommend for beginners.
However, the 454ce’s comfortable neck profile and impressive playability means advanced beginners could still appreciate this guitar as an investment. But it will really shine in the hands of seasoned musicians.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Premium all-solid wood construction with Sitka spruce top and Indian rosewood back/sides
- Impressive tone with all the lush, shimmering qualities expected of a 12-string
- Taylor’s signature playability thanks to comfortable neck profile and 25.5" scale length
- Onboard ES2 electronics accurately capture the guitar’s acoustic voice
- Top-notch craftsmanship and attention to detail as expected from Taylor
- Comes with a deluxe hardshell case for protection
Cons:
- High price tag, around $3,000 makes this a serious investment
- Not ideal for aggressive rhythmic strumming styles
- 12-string setup requires more intricate maintenance
The Taylor 454ce 12-string Grand Auditorium acoustic-electric guitar delivers exceptional tone and playability. While the premium price tag makes it more of an investment, the all-solid wood construction, rich 12-string sound, and Taylor’s signature playability make this a highly recommended guitar for discerning players looking for a top-tier 12-string acoustic.
Conclusion
The Taylor 454ce is an exceptional 12-string acoustic-electric guitar that delivers top-tier performance across the board. It represents the pinnacle of Taylor’s craftsmanship and expertise when it comes to building premium 12-string instruments.
For the discerning player seeking the ultimate 12-string experience, the 454ce is an inspiring choice. The all-solid wood construction and Taylor’s meticulous attention to detail result in a guitar with outstanding tone, playability and long-term durability. It’s built to be an heirloom-quality instrument.
The 454ce is best suited for intermediate to advanced level players who appreciate the nuances of a high-end 12-string and play styles like fingerstyle and softer rhythms. The price tag does limit its accessibility, but for those with the budget, it’s a superb investment. While no guitar is perfect for every player, the 454ce hits a sweet spot that will satisfy many seasoned acoustic guitarists.
Final Verdict: The Taylor 454ce is a world-class 12-string acoustic-electric worthy of a 5-star rating. It nails the tone, playability and aesthetics that discerning players expect from a premium instrument.
Who Is It For? The 454ce is an ideal fit for fingerstyle players, recording musicians, and experienced 12-string enthusiasts who can justify the price.
Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars. A stunning 12-string that represents the best Taylor has to offer. Highly recommended for players who appreciate fine craftsmanship and top-shelf acoustic tone.