Taylor 552CE 12-String Cedar Top

A compact, easy-playing 12-string with a focused voice that sounds huge plugged in.

A 12-string can be a big commitment, both in the size of the guitar and the work it takes to play one, and the Taylor 552ce 12-Fret takes a lot of that work out of the equation. It has been a shop favorite for years whenever a player needs a 12-string that is comfortable to play and still sounds huge once it is plugged in.

The comfort starts with the compact Grand Concert body, which sits close and easy against you, especially next to a traditional jumbo or dreadnought 12-string. The neck joins the body at the 12th fret, and paired with a shorter 24-7/8" scale, it gives the strings a slinkier feel that makes chords and fingerstyle lines noticeably easier under the hand. Taylor considers these among the most playable 12-strings they have ever built, and it is hard to argue once you get one in your hands.

Tonally, the smaller body gives the 552ce a focused, articulate voice, so all that 12-string shimmer comes through clearly instead of turning into a wash, and it sits beautifully in a mix with other instruments. A cedar top over mahogany back and sides adds natural warmth, and the top responds quickly to a light touch, which fingerstyle players will especially appreciate. Taylor’s Performance bracing helps balance power and projection evenly across the range, and the Venetian cutaway opens up easy access to the upper frets.

When it is time to plug in, the Expression System 2 electronics do a great job of capturing the guitar’s natural voice, which is a big part of why this one is our go-to recommendation for 12-string players who perform.