Introduction
Taylor is renowned for making some of the finest acoustic guitars in the world. Their attention to detail, innovative designs, and premium tonewoods have earned them a stellar reputation among discerning players. The Taylor 562ce 12-Fret 12-String represents one of their flagship models, aimed at players seeking the ultimate 12-string acoustic-electric experience.
This guitar combines several of Taylor’s most advanced technologies into one impressive package. It features their V-Class bracing pattern, which allows the top to vibrate more freely for increased volume and sustain. The grand concert body style provides a comfortable playing feel in a compact size. Premium tonewoods like tropical mahogany give the 562ce a rich, balanced tone. Topped off with a shaded edgeburst finish and quality electronics, this 12-string leaves little to be desired.
In this review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the Taylor 562ce’s construction, sound quality, playability, electronics and aesthetics. We’ll summarize who this premium 12-string is best suited for and help you determine if it’s worth the investment for your needs. Read on to see why the 562ce is one of Taylor’s finest 12-string masterpieces.
Construction
The Taylor 562ce 12-Fret 12-string acoustic-electric guitar features premium tonewoods and innovative bracing that give it a rich, balanced sound. The top is made from solid Sitka spruce, which provides crisp, detailed highs and good volume and projection. The back and sides are tropical mahogany, which adds warmth and fullness to the overall tone.
One of the most notable features of the 562ce’s construction is the V-Class bracing. This patented bracing design allows more top vibration for increased volume, sustain, and tuning stability. The braces are strategically placed and shaped to optimize resonance while preventing feedback. Compared to traditional X-bracing, the V-Class system provides a more open, organic tone.
The 562ce has a compact grand concert body shape, which gives it a comfortable feel and enhanced playability compared to larger jumbo-sized 12-strings. The narrower waist allows easy access to the upper frets. At the same time, the grand concert body provides enough internal air space for balanced bass and sufficient projection. The compact dimensions make the 562ce a versatile choice for fingerstyle, strumming, and stage use.
Sound Quality
The Taylor 562ce 12-string produces a remarkably balanced, nuanced tone. The mahogany top and back, along with Taylor’s V-Class bracing, deliver excellent volume, sustain, and resonance across the tonal spectrum.
When strummed, the 562ce projects with a rich, full sound. The mahogany body provides a pleasing warmth in the low end and mids, while the spruce bracing contributes to the shimmering high end. Each string rings out with impressive clarity and definition. Even when strummed vigorously, the individual note articulation remains clean.
Fingerpicking reveals the 562ce’s dynamic range and harmonic complexity. Notes bloom with a piano-like sustain, especially on the wound bass strings. The treble strings have a crystalline chime that lingers. Chords sound remarkably balanced from string to string.
The V-Class bracing is key to the 562ce’s superior volume and sustain. Taylor redesigned their bracing pattern to allow more natural top movement, resulting in better intonation and a more open sound. It’s impressive how the 562ce maintains tuning stability and consistent tone despite having 12 strings.
In terms of tonal character, the 562ce leans slightly warm and rounded in the mids, with clear, shimmering treble response. It has enough brightness to cut through a mix, but with a smooth, refined quality. The mahogany body contributes to the guitar’s vintage, organic flavor. Overall, the 562ce delivers exceptional tone and musicality for a 12-string.
Playability and Feel
The Taylor 562ce 12-fret has excellent playability right out of the box, thanks to its comfortable neck profile and low string action. The guitar features a slim C-shaped neck made from tropical mahogany, which has a smooth satin finish that feels great against the hand.
Many players find 12-string guitars difficult to play due to their wider string spacing and higher action. However, Taylor has optimized the 562ce for comfort – the string spacing at the nut is kept tight at 1 3/8 inches, allowing for easy fretting across all 12 strings. The action is set incredibly low from the factory without any fret buzz. This makes the 562ce feel more like playing a regular 6-string in terms of comfort and ease of fretting.
The ebony fretboard is silky smooth, and the fret ends are rounded off nicely. Bending notes and sliding up the neck poses no issues. The neck also features stylish pearl dot inlays for positional reference. Overall, the 562ce’s excellent setup and attention to detail makes it a joy to play, whether strumming chords or fingerpicking melodies. The compact grand concert body size adds to the comfort, unlike many jumbo-bodied 12-strings which can feel bulky.
Electronics and Plugged-In Sound
The Taylor 562ce comes equipped with Taylor’s ES2 pickup system, which utilizes three uniquely positioned and individually calibrated undersaddle piezo sensors to accurately capture the guitar’s natural acoustic resonance and tone. This pickup system delivers exceptional amplified tone that retains the rich, organic character of the guitar.
The onboard preamp features simple but versatile tone-shaping controls, including volume, bass and treble. This allows the player to easily dial in a balanced amplified tone, with boosted lows and highs as desired. There’s also a phase switch to help eliminate feedback at higher volumes. The preamp is powered by a 9V battery or the guitar can be plugged into an AC power supply.
Overall, the ES2 pickup and preamp perform impressively, translating the Taylor 562ce’s intricate 12-string sound very well in amplified settings. The amplified tone has plenty of warmth while still retaining shimmer and clarity. The guitar also exhibits good feedback resistance for live playing. The preamp gives just enough tone-shaping control without overwhelming the user with too many knobs and switches.
Craftsmanship
The Taylor 562ce 12-string showcases Taylor’s renowned high-end craftsmanship and attention to detail. This guitar features only the finest materials and components, assembled with expert care and precision.
The 562ce has a beautiful solid tropical mahogany top, back and sides. Mahogany is known for its warm, balanced tone and rich appearance. The wood is nicely figured, with an attractive grain pattern visible under the thin finish.
The edges are bound with crisp white binding, elegantly framing the body and neck. The fretboard extends over the body in a "fretboard overhang" design, a classy Taylor touch. The fretboard itself is rich ebony, which offers a smooth feel. The frets are neatly finished with ends nicely rounded off.
The headstock features the iconic Taylor slotted shape, with a beautiful shaded edgeburst finish that matches the body. The headstock overlay is Italian acrylic with colorful abalone logo inlay.
The guitar’s body binding features multi-ply purfling with maple and koa strips, an upscale aesthetic detail. The fretboard inlays are small diamond shapes in abalone, providing a touch of understated elegance.
The attention to fine details like these reflect Taylor’s commitment to outstanding craftsmanship in every aspect of their guitars. From the wood selection to the appointments to the final setup, these instruments are built to the highest standards.
Versatility
The Taylor 562ce 12-Fret 12-String is a highly versatile acoustic-electric guitar suitable for a wide range of musical genres and playing styles.
Its balanced tone profile makes it a great choice for various genres like folk, country, bluegrass, rock, and pop. The jangly, chimey sound of the 12-string suits strumming chordal accompaniment, while the crisp trebles allow single-note lines to cut through a mix. The mahogany body provides a touch of vintage-inspired warmth that works for classic rock and blues. Overall, the Taylor 562ce can adapt to most popular music styles.
In terms of playing styles, the 562ce accommodates both rhythmic strumming and fingerpicking approaches. The comfortable neck profile and accessible upper fret access facilitate lead playing up and down the neck. The compact grand concert body size makes it easy to handle for intricate fingerpicking patterns. The onboard pickup and preamp also make this an ideal gigging and recording guitar for singer-songwriters who need amplified tones.
With its tonal flexibility, playing comfort, stage-ready electronics, and refined Taylor craftsmanship, the 562ce 12-Fret 12-String proves itself as an adaptable, professional-quality instrument for guitarists from all backgrounds. It’s a 12-string that can cover a lot of musical ground.
Alternatives
When considering the Taylor 562ce 12-Fret 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar, it’s worth comparing it to other high-end 12-string guitars on the market. Here are some alternatives in the same class:
Martin D-12X1AE – This is another premium 12-string acoustic-electric from a respected guitar maker. It features a Sitka spruce top with mahogany back and sides, a sleek high-performance neck, and Fishman electronics. The tone is very balanced and clear. It’s slightly less expensive than the Taylor.
Guild F-51212E – Guild offers this all-solid mahogany 12-string with a Sitka spruce top. It has a warm, full tone and comes equipped with a Guild Red Cherry pickup. The build quality is superb. It’s comparable to the Taylor in price.
Takamine TF340SB – For those seeking value, the Takamine TF340SB 12-string provides impressive looks and sound at a more affordable price point. With a solid spruce top and rosewood back/sides, it offers that classic jumbo 12-string jangle. The electronics are Takamine’s CT4B II preamp.
Gibson J-45 12-String – This legendary 12-string has a Sitka spruce top and walnut back/sides. The tone is very balanced and warm. It features Gibson’s L.R. Baggs VTC pickup for amplified use. If you want that vintage Gibson vibe in a 12-string, it’s a great choice but costs more than the Taylor.
The Taylor stands out from these alternatives with its innovative V-Class bracing, compact grand concert body, and excellent electronics from the ES2 pickup system. The shaded edgeburst finish is also unique. While the other models are great 12-strings, the Taylor offers exceptional tone, playability, and craftsmanship.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Rich, balanced tone with clear highs and robust low end
- Impressive volume and sustain thanks to V-Class bracing
- Excellent intonation and tuning stability for a 12-string
- Smooth, comfortable neck profile and fretwork
- Quality electronics accurately capture acoustic tone
- Beautifully crafted with fine details and aesthetics
- Compact grand concert body provides accessible playing feel
Cons
- Higher price tag, though justified by premium build
- Electronics can feedback at very high volumes
- Not as loud as a jumbo 12-string unplugged
- Less bass response than rosewood models
- Requires careful handling to avoid finish wear
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Verdict
The Taylor 562ce 12-Fret 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar is a top-tier instrument that delivers impressive quality and performance. Its innovative design features like the V-Class bracing and compact grand concert body make it an excellent choice for players looking for a versatile, stage-ready 12-string.
This guitar really shines when it comes to its full, balanced tone and easy playability. The mahogany body produces a rich, warm sound with shimmering highs and tight lows. Combined with the comfortable neck profile and low action, it’s a joy to play for long periods. Whether fingerpicking, strumming chords, or playing single-note runs, this Taylor plays and sounds fantastic.
The 562ce’s premium appointment details, flawless craftsmanship, and elegant aesthetics make it a beautiful instrument inside and out. It certainly justifies its higher price tag for those seeking the ultimate 12-string experience.
Overall, the Taylor 562ce 12-Fret is an exceptional 12-string that would suit songwriters, gigging musicians, or any player wanting to upgrade to a top-shelf acoustic. It’s built to inspire, with looks and tone to match its impressive quality and engineering. For discerning players in the market for a new 12-string, the 562ce comes highly recommended.