Taylor 856 12-String Custom Order (2015)

Nothing sounds as lush as a 12-string guitar and with a single strum you realize that this is an instrument you won't want to put down. This 12-string with the body of a Grand Symphony is custom-made and has a solid Sitka spruce top, Indian rosewood back and sides and classic maple binding. It does not come with the usual cutaway and pickup as the previous owner sensibly wanted to do without these features on a 12-string acoustic. Based on the 800 series, which was launched to celebrate Taylor's 40th anniversary, this 856 uses only extremely innovative and sophisticated techniques and components, from the top bracing to the thickness of the finish and the glue used. The robust construction of the “Grand Symphony” body shape alone provides plenty of volume. This allows the sound to develop appropriately appearing strong in the mids and bass and the trebles respond extremely quickly. This effect is only intensified by doubling the number of strings, so that this acoustic can be heard in all its tonal nuances even without amplification. The neck made of “Tropical American Mahogany” is extremely comfortable to play with its pleasant medium profile, the look is wonderfully classic and elegant with attractive Pearl Abalone inlays on the rosette and ebony fingerboard. It is rare to come across such a fantastic, specially crafted 12-string from Taylor, and in mint condition on top. The ambitious acoustic aficionado certainly doesn't need to think twice...

• Includes original case, Taylor documentation