There’s an undeniable allure to a Small Acoustic Guitar. It’s often the instrument you pick up on a whim, drawn in by its comfortable size and inviting presence. That lightness, that sense of ease – it whispers promises of music, even when you weren’t planning to play. But the real magic happens once it’s in your hands. An impulse grab needs to turn into sustained inspiration, a reason to keep the music flowing. Otherwise, the guitar returns to its stand, and daily life resumes.
However, the Taylor AD12e-SB Grand Concert has a knack for staying off the stand and in your hands.
Part of Taylor’s acclaimed American Dream series, known for its balance of quality and value, the $1,999 AD12e-SB is a versatile instrument that punches above its weight. Taylor accurately describes its Grand Concert shape as compact, a perfect descriptor for a small acoustic guitar that produces a surprisingly rich and full tone. It boasts the renowned Taylor playability, alongside the reliable performance of the Expression System 2 electronics. Its understated, organic aesthetic perfectly complements the American Dream ethos.
For those unfamiliar, the American Dream series represents Taylor’s commitment to crafting American-made, all-solid-wood guitars that deliver exceptional tone at a more accessible price point. While “accessible” is subjective, and a guitar nearing the $2,000 mark isn’t exactly budget-friendly, it’s worth considering the value proposition. Having previously explored the larger and more affordable AD27 (currently priced at $1,699 with electronics) and with other AD models starting at $1,499, the AD12e-SB’s roughly 18% price increase is notable. From a pragmatic perspective, around $2,000 is where the focus shifts from “bargain” to prioritizing premium performance.
Taylor AD12e-SB grand concert acoustic guitar back view showing walnut wood grain.
Understated Elegance in a Small Body
Our evaluation of the AD12e-SB reveals a successful marriage of price and performance. Its design prioritizes tonal quality and playability over elaborate ornamentation. The analogy of well-worn jeans, previously used for the AD27, remains fitting here. This small acoustic guitar exudes an understated elegance – not just visually, but also in its tactile feel. There’s a natural, almost raw quality to the wood, a sense of functional beauty. While not unfinished, the ultra-thin (.002″) finish enhances resonance, allowing the wood to breathe and vibrate freely. The tobacco sunburst top, a new addition to the American Dream series, coupled with the thin matte finish, provides a distinctive visual appeal despite the minimalist appointments.
The tonewood combination features a Sitka spruce top and solid walnut back and sides, complemented by Taylor’s V-Class bracing. Taylor highlights walnut’s midrange focus, and our experience confirms this sonic characteristic.
The neck is crafted from tropical mahogany, a sustainable alternative to African mahogany, and topped with a eucalyptus fretboard. The scale length is 24-7/8 inches. With a 1-3/4-inch nut width, the neck profile embodies typical Taylor comfort: substantial yet not overly thick. The playing experience bridges the gap between a traditional acoustic and an electric guitar, offering a highly playable platform.
Other material choices include white body binding, Tusq nut and saddle, a faux tortoiseshell pickguard, black top purfling, and satin black tuners. Taylor emphasizes the minimal appointments as a cost-saving measure, but the AD12e-SB’s aesthetic arguably benefits from this simplicity. It’s a refined, no-frills approach, reminiscent of classic Levi’s 501s compared to more embellished designer denim.
Small Size, Expansive Sound
Prior to experiencing the AD12e-SB, the sonic possibilities of a walnut acoustic were intriguing but somewhat unknown. Interestingly, the guitar’s construction wasn’t examined until after its sound had already made an impression. The AeroCase (a well-regarded compromise between a hardshell case and gig bag) offered a hint of the quality within. The anticipation was, in a way, bypassed by the immediate auditory experience, as the guitar’s voice spoke for itself before any technical specifications were considered.
Taylor’s description of walnut imparting a warm midrange is accurate, but it only scratches the surface. This small acoustic guitar in particular showcased a captivating blend of mids and highs that immediately grabbed attention, along with a surprisingly robust bass response that defied its compact dimensions.
Describing tone is often subjective, relying on descriptors that can be interpreted differently. Words like “bold” and “warm” can sound like coffee shop jargon. One person’s “warm” might be another’s “dull.” “Resonant?” Isn’t that a given for a guitar?
However, two words genuinely encapsulate the AD12e-SB’s sonic character: balanced and responsive. The balance is immediately apparent: the warm midrange Taylor emphasizes is indeed centered, harmoniously interacting with the highs and lows. The clarity and depth of the lower strings were particularly impressive. There were no noticeable dips or spikes in resonance as you descended the fretboard, and while the bass strings possessed a satisfying treble bite, they avoided the rolled-off low-end often associated with small acoustic guitars.
As Taylor’s marketing suggests, the AD12e-SB excels in fingerstyle playing and accompaniment, and this balanced tonal spectrum is a key factor. But it’s equally adept at strumming. It’s not a powerhouse in terms of volume, but it readily fills a room unplugged without demanding excessive force.
Responsiveness is where this small acoustic guitar truly shines, especially for fingerstyle techniques. Effortless tone production is a hallmark. This allows the fretting hand to focus on articulation while the picking hand dictates tone, attack, shaping, and dynamics. The instrument offers a wide palette of nuance and texture within chords and arpeggios, rewarding attention to the subtle details of each note.
Single notes are rich with overtones. The higher strings are particularly noteworthy, sounding harmonically complex without any thinness or reediness. While “tight” often describes the bass response of small guitars, “punchy” is more fitting here. The low notes possess unexpected body and depth.
Strummed chords are equally balanced. The guitar’s volume is ample enough to support vocals without needing to be played aggressively. Like many smaller guitars, excessive force can introduce harshness, but conversely, even a gentle touch produces a satisfyingly full tone.
While fingerstyle might be the AD12e-SB’s intended forte, its rich midrange and balanced treble surprisingly impressed with a flatpick. Many smallish guitars can sound somewhat brittle or “clickety” when picked, as the attack accentuates the higher frequencies. The Taylor’s fuller low-end mitigates this effect while retaining the desired cut for picked playing.
Low action and precise intonation are standard expectations for Taylor guitars, and the AD12e-SB delivers. No fret buzz was detected – another positive aspect of its tonal performance. The only minor imperfection was slightly jagged fret edges, potentially attributable to dry winter air. Intonation and action remained stable despite temperature fluctuations into early spring.
Intelligent Electronics
The Expression System 2 has been thoroughly reviewed previously, so extensive detail isn’t needed here. However, recording direct, bypassing microphones to capture room ambience, effectively demonstrated the system’s capabilities when properly adjusted. Did it sound exactly like a miked acoustic? Not precisely. But did it faithfully preserve the balance and dynamics of the guitar’s natural acoustic tone? To a remarkable extent, yes. For live performance, it transcends mere “acoustic-sounding” amplification.
The control placement (bass, treble, volume), the tactile feel of the knobs, and the seamless visual integration of the system within the guitar’s aesthetic are all commendable design elements.
Close-up of the Expression System 2 electronics on the side of the Taylor AD12e-SB small body guitar.A Fresh Voice in the Acoustic Landscape
Having recently tested numerous Taylor guitars, as well as a range of smaller guitars, the AD12e-SB distinguishes itself within both categories. Despite Taylor’s large-scale production, this instrument retains a handmade feel, which is a significant appeal. Its appearance is unique while still adhering to the fundamental characteristics of a traditional flattop acoustic. The electronics are excellent. The neck profile is comfortable and familiar. If you appreciate Taylor guitars, this small acoustic guitar embodies the Taylor essence exceptionally well.
Ultimately, the tonal balance and responsiveness elevate these qualities to a new level. Based on this instrument, walnut proves to be a compelling tonewood: warmer than maple, with a clarity reminiscent of rosewood and the warmth of mahogany. As someone who appreciates small mahogany guitars like the Martin 00-18, the AD12e-SB introduces a fresh and welcome voice to the acoustic guitar spectrum.
SPECS
BODY Taylor Grand Concert size; solid Sitka spruce top with V-Class bracing; solid walnut back and sides; ebony bridge and bridge pins; Tusq saddle; firestripe faux tortoiseshell pickguard; matte finish with Tobacco Sunburst top
NECK 24-7/8″-scale tropical mahogany neck; 1-3/4″ Tusq nut; 20-fret eucalyptus fingerboard with acrylic dot inlays; Taylor satin black tuners; matte finish
OTHER Taylor Expression System 2 electronics; D’Addario XS Phosphor Bronze Light coated strings (.012–.053); Taylor AeroCase
MADE IN United States
PRICE $1,999 street
