Taylor: 12-fret vs. 14-fret Guitars Explained

Summary

In this engaging transcript, Mike Austin from Taylor Guitars explores the distinctions between 12-fret and 14-fret acoustic guitars. He highlights the growing popularity of 12-fret models and how they offer a snug, comfortable playing experience. The unique structural features of each guitar, from the slot peghead of 12-frets to the varied sound profiles, cater to different playing styles. A 12-fret guitar offers a warmer and more balanced sound, while a 14-fret guitar presents a spankier, mid-range sound. This guide is essential for those choosing between the intimate sound of a 12-fret for crooning or the vibrant tone of a 14-fret for strumming. Mike underscores the Sonic benefits of each model, urging players to consult Sweetwater experts for detailed guidance.

Highlights

• 12-fret guitars focus on warmth and balance, perfect for intimate settings. 🌟
• 14-fret guitars deliver a spankier sound, ideal for energetic strumming. 🎶
• The scale length and bridge position enhance each guitar's unique sound profile. 🎸
• Taylor’s innovation in 12-fret models offers guitarists new sonic horizons. 🚀
• Collaborate with Sweetwater for expert guitar selection advice. 🤝

Key Takeaways

• 12-fret guitars offer warmer, more balanced tones ideal for a cozy, intimate playing experience. 🎸
• 14-fret guitars provide a spankier, mid-range sound perfect for strummers looking for vibrant tones. 🌟
• Choosing between a 12-fret and 14-fret should depend on your playing style and desired sonic palette. 🎶
• Taylor’s 12-fret guitars come with a distinctive slot peghead and shorter neck, enhancing comfort. 🧡
• Consulting with Sweetwater experts can help tailor your choice to your musical needs. 🤝

Overview

Thinking about diving into the world of Taylor guitars? Mike Austin offers a smooth introduction to the nuanced differences between 12-fret and 14-fret models. Taylor has been trailblazing the 12-fret scene with sleek designs and distinctive slot pegheads. These guitars promise a snug, comfy experience alongside their full-bodied, balanced sound—the perfect combo for those quiet, melodic moments.

On the flip side, 14-fret guitars still hold their ground for those who favor a more traditional, strummer-friendly setup. Known for their mid-range punch, these guitars dish out a spankier sound that's perfect for getting your groove on. It's all about what suits your jam: 12-frets for the warm, intimate vibes or 14-frets for that lively, spirited play.

If you're at crossroads deciding your guitar journey, seeking advice from Sweetwater's team could be a game-changer. They bring to the table detailed insights that can help refine your choice, ensuring it aligns perfectly with your style and musical goals. Both guitar types hold great potential; it’s just about picking the right one for your sonic story.

Chapters

• 00:00 - 00:30: Introduction The chapter introduces Mike Austin from Taylor Guitars, who begins a discussion at Sweetwater about the differences between 12-fret and 14-fret acoustic guitars. The topic has gained popularity as Taylor Guitars has increasingly focused on the 12-fret acoustic market, marking significant growth in this area due to the ergonomic benefits it offers players, reducing arm movement fatigue.
• 00:30 - 01:00: Taylor 12-Fret Guitars Features The chapter discusses the features of Taylor 12-fret guitars, specifically focusing on the 322 E model. These guitars are praised for their comfort, playability, and sound quality. A distinctive feature of the 12-fret models is the slot peghead, which easily identifies them as 12-fret instruments. The necks of these guitars have a slightly shorter feel because the body joins at the 12th fret instead of the 14th.
• 01:00 - 01:30: Comparison with 14-Fret Guitars The chapter discusses the differences in sound and playing experience between 12-fret and 14-fret guitars. By sliding the bridge backwards away from the sound hole on a 12-fret guitar with a scale length of 24 7/8 inches, it alters the sonic characteristics by driving the center of the top more. This adjustment results in a warmer and more balanced sound compared to a 14-fret guitar, where the neck meets the body at 14 frets, influencing its tonal qualities.
• 01:30 - 02:00: Choosing the Right Guitar The chapter 'Choosing the Right Guitar' discusses the different attributes of a small body guitar, focusing on the number of frets and their impact on sound quality. A 14-fret guitar is ideal for strummers seeking a mid-range experience, while a 12-fret guitar suits those who desire a warmer, more intimate sound. It guides readers to consider these features when selecting a guitar to find an instrument that meets their playing needs.
• 02:00 - 02:30: Conclusion and Contact Information The chapter concludes by emphasizing the unique and innovative aspects of customizing an instrument's color palette. It provides information on how to distinguish between 12-fret and 14-fret grain concerts, covering various series from the 300 series to the presentation series. For further details, the chapter suggests contacting a Sweetwater sales engineer, who can provide comprehensive information and assistance.
• 02:30 - 03:00: Outro Music The chapter titled 'Outro Music' seems to have a transcript that indicates the presence of music playing as an outro. Given the minimal content of 'you [Music]', it suggests a closing section of an audio or video content where music is used to signal the end of the session.

Taylor: 12-fret vs. 14-fret Guitars Explained Transcription

• 00:00 - 00:30 [Music] hey everybody Mike Austin from Taylor guitars sitting at Sweetwater and I wanted to talk about the difference between 12 frets and 14th fret acoustic guitars and I know it's been such a unique topic of conversation taylor has started to really get involved in the 12th fret acoustic game over the last couple years and it's a product category that it's just growing like crazy because everybody's really tired of doing this with their arm and they
• 00:30 - 01:00 really want to snuggle down with a guitar that's it's just as comfortable as it is great to play and sonically rewarding so in that case I'm showing you a 322 E 12 fret and Taylor has some very specific attributes when it comes to its twelfth fret models first is that the peghead will always be a slot peghead that lets you know that you're looking at a twelfth fret instrument and obviously when we mean 12 frets it's 12 frets to the body so the neck will feel a little bit shorter but to compensate
• 01:00 - 01:30 that scale length at 24 and 7/8 inches we actually slide the bridge backwards away from the sound hole that keeps the plane experience the same and it also adds to the sonic flavor of that 12th fret guitar because it's now driving the center of that top a little bit harder which in turn gives it a much warmer and more balanced experience versus its counterpart which be the 14th fret guitar which is essentially 14 frets before it meets the body and that's gonna actually give that that guitar
• 01:30 - 02:00 kind of a spank years kind of more mid-range e experience so folks who want to strum a smaller grand concert frame with 14 frets they're gonna get everything they're used to for somebody who wants to croon and get a warmer more vibrant low-end out of the small body frame the 12th fret is really a more appropriate thing so when you're considering moving into a small body guitar think about 14 frets for the Strummer think about 12 frets to the body for that really warm intimate experience and you'll find something
• 02:00 - 02:30 that's really new and unique to your color palette so for more information about twelve frets versus 14th fret grain concerts on any of this series between our 300 series all the way up to a presentation series just contact your Sweetwater sales engineer they have all the details and they'll get you set up [Music]
• 02:30 - 03:00 you [Music]