Taylor T5z-12 String Guitar: A Classic Hollowbody Reimagined for the Modern Player

Electric 12-string guitars hold a special place in music history, instantly recognizable in iconic songs across genres. While brands like Rickenbacker are often credited with popularizing them, many guitar makers have explored their own versions. Taylor Guitars, renowned for their acoustic 12-strings, surprised the guitar world in 2005 with the T5, a revolutionary hybrid electric. It didn’t take long for players to wonder when Taylor would combine their 12-string expertise with this innovative electric design. The answer arrived in 2007 with the T5 12-string, a fusion of acoustic and electric elements that quickly became a favorite. The subsequent, more compact T5z series continued the 12-string legacy, cementing its place in electric 12-string history. The Taylor T5z-12 Classic DLX Special Edition is the latest iteration, and we recently had the chance to put this model through its paces in the studio.

This particular T5z-12 Classic DLX Special Edition arrived in a sleek black finish, one of three available colors alongside cherry sunburst and arctic white. The black is consistently applied across the body, neck, and headstock, creating a striking monochromatic aesthetic further enhanced by the dark Crelicam ebony fingerboard and bridge. This guitar makes a bold statement in black. Construction-wise, it features a sapele body, a neo-tropical mahogany top, and a neo-tropical mahogany neck. While the “Pro” and “Custom” T5z models boast more elaborate appointments like intricate inlays, body binding, and transparent finishes, the Classic DLX Special Edition opts for a more understated elegance. Simple Italian acrylic “spire” inlays mark the fret positions, and subtle black fingerboard binding adds a touch of refinement without being visually loud. The overall impression is one of sophisticated simplicity.

Like its T5 and T5z siblings, the Taylor T5z-12 Classic DLX Special Edition is equipped with a versatile three-pickup system. This includes two magnetic humbuckers – one visibly positioned at the bridge and another concealed near the neck joint – and a body sensor discreetly mounted inside the top, behind the bridge. A five-way switch located on the upper bout provides a wide array of tonal possibilities, allowing players to move seamlessly from acoustic-like tones to powerful electric sounds. This electronic versatility is a key feature of the T5z design, and it’s fully realized in this 12-string model.

One distinctive feature of the T5z-12 Classic DLX Special Edition is its “reverse stringing” configuration. Unlike traditional 12-string setups where the octave string sits below the standard string in each pair, here, the octave strings are positioned above. This reverse arrangement, popularized by Rickenbacker, alters both the sound and feel of the instrument. When downstrokes are played, the pick initially strikes the standard string in each pair, resulting in a richer, less overtly bright tone compared to when the octave string is hit first. While playing technique significantly influences the final sound, reverse stringing generally helps to temper the sometimes excessively bright character often associated with electric 12-strings. This contributes to a more balanced and nuanced sonic profile.

Approaching the T5z-12 Classic DLX Special Edition primarily as an acoustic 12-string player, with years of experience owning a Taylor 355, the immediate impression was one of exceptional playability. For guitarists who anticipate primarily playing plugged in, and who find traditional 12-strings physically demanding, this guitar is a highly recommended option. However, the true appeal lies in the instrument’s sonic capabilities. Experimenting with both a Fishman Loudbox Mini Charge acoustic amplifier and a Fender Pro Jr. tube amp revealed a broad spectrum of sounds. The T5z-12 delivered everything from convincing amplified acoustic tones to classic electric 12-string textures. The range and quality of sounds are truly impressive, making it a versatile tool for various musical styles.

In conclusion, the Taylor T5z-12 Classic DLX Special Edition is more than just a niche instrument for achieving familiar electric 12-string sounds. It’s a wonderfully versatile guitar with broad appeal. While many of its core qualities are shared with other T5z 12-string models, this Special Edition exemplifies Taylor’s commitment to expanding the T5 concept and offering players innovative and high-quality instruments. For those seeking a comfortable, sonically rich, and visually striking 12-string electric guitar, the Taylor T5z-12 Classic DLX Special Edition is a compelling choice.