What is the primary body shape of the Taylor Gold Label 712e?

The 712e features a Grand Concert body shape. This design is slightly deeper than traditional small-body acoustics to increase low-end presence while remaining compact.

What does the 'torrefied' top signify?

Torrefaction is a roasting process applied to the Sitka spruce top. It alters the wood's cellular structure to mimic aged wood, resulting in a sweeter, more resonant tone.

What woods are used for the back and sides?

The guitar uses Indian rosewood for the back and sides. This tonewood is selected for its ability to produce deep lows and complex overtones.

What is the typical price for this model?

The Taylor Gold Label 712e typically retails for approximately GBP 2729. This reflects its status as a premium, professional-grade instrument.

What material is the neck made from?

The neck is constructed from neo-tropical mahogany. It is designed with Taylor's specific action for a comfortable and responsive playing experience.

How does the sound differ from a standard 700 series Taylor?

As a Gold Label model with a torrefied top, it offers a more 'aged' and sophisticated tonal character than standard models. It focuses on vintage-inspired sweetness and warmth.

Is this guitar suitable for fingerstyle playing?

Yes, the Grand Concert body and articulate voice make it exceptionally well-suited for fingerstyle. Its compact size allows for great clarity and note separation.

What finish is applied to the Taylor 712e?

The guitar features a gloss finish in a Natural colour. This provides both visual elegance and protection for the tonewoods.

Does the 712e have electronics?

The 'e' in 712e denotes that it is an acoustic-electric model. It is designed to be plugged into an amplifier or PA system for live performances.

How does the body depth compare to other Grand Concert models?

This specific version features a slightly deeper body design. This modification is intended to provide more bass and volume than a standard shallow Grand Concert.

Is the Taylor 712e suitable for beginners?

While its playability is excellent for all levels, its high price point typically makes it more suitable for advanced players or professionals rather than students.

How does this model compare to the Hartwood Sonata?

The Hartwood Sonata is a Grand Auditorium shaped guitar, which is generally larger. The Taylor 712e uses more premium materials, such as torrefied spruce, and offers a more refined, articulate sound.

Gear article

Taylor Gold Label 712e Grand Concert

The Taylor Gold Label 712e Grand Concert is a premium steel-string acoustic guitar designed to combine heritage-inspired tonal characteristics with modern playability. It features a torrefied Sitka spruce top and Indian rosewood back and sides, delivering a warm, responsive sound in a compact, comfortable body shape.

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Overview

The Taylor Gold Label 712e is a sophisticated steel-string acoustic guitar that sits within Taylor's high-end production line. It is built around the Grand Concert body shape, which is historically favoured by fingerstyle players for its intimacy and ergonomics. This specific Gold Label iteration focuses on blending vintage-inspired aesthetics and tonal 'sweetness' with the precision of contemporary manufacturing. The instrument is finished in a high-gloss Natural treatment, highlighting the grain of its premium tonewoods.

Design and Construction

The construction of the 712e is defined by its choice of materials. The back and sides are crafted from Indian rosewood, known for its frequency range and harmonic complexity. The soundboard consists of torrefied Sitka spruce. Torrefaction is a specialized roasting process that mimics the cellular structure of aged wood, resulting in a more stable top with a 'broken-in' sound right out of the case.

The neck is made from neo-tropical mahogany, featuring Taylor's signature action for ease of fretting. To enhance its sonic footprint, this Grand Concert model utilizes a slightly deeper body design than standard small-bodied acoustics, which helps bolster the low-end response without sacrificing the comfort of a compact instrument.

Tonal Character

The 712e is described as having a warm and articulate voice. The combination of rosewood and torrefied spruce produces clear highs and deep lows, supported by complex overtones. Because of the roasting process applied to the top, the guitar exhibits an aged tonal character characterized by increased sweetness and depth. Despite its smaller footprint, the 712e maintains strong projection, making it suitable for both recording environments and live performances.

Target Audience

This instrument is positioned for a wide range of players who prioritise comfort and articulation. Its compact Grand Concert dimensions make it an ideal choice for fingerstyle guitarists and those with smaller frames who find dreadnoughts cumbersome. However, the increased body depth ensures it remains versatile enough for light to medium strumming. Given its price point and specifications, it is aimed at professional musicians and serious enthusiasts seeking a refined, vintage-voiced acoustic experience.

Market Comparisons

Within the wider acoustic market, the Taylor 712e occupies a premium tier. While entry-level or student models such as the Gear4Music Student Acoustic or the Tanglewood Northstar Pro series offer accessibility for beginners, they lack the solid-wood complexity and torrefaction technology of the 712e. Compared to larger body styles like the Hartwood Artiste Dreadnought or the Hartwood Sonata Grand Auditorium, the 712e offers a more focused, mid-range-rich sound profile with superior ergonomic comfort for seated playing.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary body shape of the Taylor Gold Label 712e?: The 712e features a Grand Concert body shape. This design is slightly deeper than traditional small-body acoustics to increase low-end presence while remaining compact.
What does the 'torrefied' top signify?: Torrefaction is a roasting process applied to the Sitka spruce top. It alters the wood's cellular structure to mimic aged wood, resulting in a sweeter, more resonant tone.
What woods are used for the back and sides?: The guitar uses Indian rosewood for the back and sides. This tonewood is selected for its ability to produce deep lows and complex overtones.
What is the typical price for this model?: The Taylor Gold Label 712e typically retails for approximately GBP 2729. This reflects its status as a premium, professional-grade instrument.
What material is the neck made from?: The neck is constructed from neo-tropical mahogany. It is designed with Taylor's specific action for a comfortable and responsive playing experience.
How does the sound differ from a standard 700 series Taylor?: As a Gold Label model with a torrefied top, it offers a more 'aged' and sophisticated tonal character than standard models. It focuses on vintage-inspired sweetness and warmth.
Is this guitar suitable for fingerstyle playing?: Yes, the Grand Concert body and articulate voice make it exceptionally well-suited for fingerstyle. Its compact size allows for great clarity and note separation.
What finish is applied to the Taylor 712e?: The guitar features a gloss finish in a Natural colour. This provides both visual elegance and protection for the tonewoods.
Does the 712e have electronics?: The 'e' in 712e denotes that it is an acoustic-electric model. It is designed to be plugged into an amplifier or PA system for live performances.
How does the body depth compare to other Grand Concert models?: This specific version features a slightly deeper body design. This modification is intended to provide more bass and volume than a standard shallow Grand Concert.
Is the Taylor 712e suitable for beginners?: While its playability is excellent for all levels, its high price point typically makes it more suitable for advanced players or professionals rather than students.
How does this model compare to the Hartwood Sonata?: The Hartwood Sonata is a Grand Auditorium shaped guitar, which is generally larger. The Taylor 712e uses more premium materials, such as torrefied spruce, and offers a more refined, articulate sound.