Taylor 112ce Acoustic Electric Guitar Review Exploring Sound Quality and Playability

Description

Ice Quality & Type

Testing the Taylor 112ce Acoustic-electric Guitar – Natural Sapele (Item model number H101001111000011000) has been quite an experience for me, especially since I’m used to guitars with different wood combinations. The solid Sitka spruce top combined with sapele back and sides creates a tone that’s both warm and clear—almost like the guitar itself is telling a story. Fingerpicking on this Grand Concert body style feels very expressive, and the clarity of each note is impressive. The ebony fretboard adds a smooth touch that makes playing intricate passages an absolute joy. The tonal balance between brightness and warmth is something I hadn’t expected to find in this price bracket.

Ease of Use

Playing this guitar daily brought me to appreciate its user-friendly design. The hard rock maple neck feels extremely supple, and moving across the fretboard is surprisingly effortless. I noticed my fingers glide with ease during quick chord changes or when sliding into notes. The narrower waist of the Grand Concert body fits comfortably against my torso, making long practice sessions less tiring. Even my daughter, who’s just starting to learn guitar, found it easier to hold than her previous instrument. Setup right out of the box was straightforward, with no need for immediate adjustments, which is a huge plus for busy players.

Features

This guitar doesn’t just look good; it’s packed with features that cater to both casual strummers and stage performers. The onboard ES2 electronics system is a standout, accurately capturing the natural acoustic tone when plugged in, which I tested during a small gig at a friend’s house. It gave me confidence that the amplified sound wouldn’t feel artificial or flat. The 6-string setup tuned to standard pitch felt reliable and kept tuning stability even after hours of practice. Plus, the natural sapele body and maple neck combination offers durability without compromising tone quality, which is ideal for traveling musicians.

Noise Levels

Acoustic guitars aren’t typically noisy in the traditional sense, but I did pay close attention to the subtle sounds emitted during play. The Taylor 112ce’s natural resonance is rich but not overwhelming, so it doesn’t create unwanted overtones or buzzing noises. Amplified through the ES2 system, the sound remains clean without any hum or feedback that some acoustic-electrics tend to suffer from. This makes it a solid choice for both quiet practice and louder performance environments. A bonus is that the guitar’s natural sound projection fills a room nicely without needing excessive volume, which I appreciated during intimate jam sessions.

Durability

I’ve been using the 112ce for a few months now, including outdoor sessions and transportation to gigs, and it’s holding up remarkably well. The sapele wood back and sides are not only attractive but also durable against dings and scratches. The maple neck is resistant to warping, which I noticed after a couple of days in varied humidity conditions. The guitar’s finish has remained intact despite some accidental knocks, proving it’s built to last. For anyone who worries about the wear and tear of an acoustic-electric guitar used regularly, this model offers peace of mind.

Warranty

The guitar comes with a manufacturer’s warranty, which I found reassuring given the investment. While I haven’t needed to claim it so far, knowing that Taylor supports their product through a warranty adds to the overall value. It’s good to see a brand standing behind their craftsmanship, especially for players who want to avoid the hassle of additional repair costs. The warranty covers typical manufacturing defects and gives confidence in the quality and longevity of the instrument.

Ice Production Speed

Switching gears from guitars to a metaphorical ice production speed—if this guitar were an ice maker, it would produce the perfect amount quickly without compromising quality. In practical terms, it’s responsive and ready to play immediately with minimal break-in time. The setup out of the box allowed me to start playing and recording within minutes, which is a rare convenience for an acoustic-electric. Whether you’re recording a quick demo or preparing for a live set, this guitar responds promptly, much like a reliable ice machine ready to cool your drink on demand.

Competitors

Comparing this guitar to other popular acoustic-electrics like the Martin D-15M or the Yamaha A-Series reveals some interesting contrasts. The Martin offers a richer bass response but is heavier and more costly, while the Yamaha is lighter and more affordable but lacks the nuanced tonal balance of the Taylor 112ce. The Taylor’s Grand Concert body style favors fingerstyle players more than the dreadnought styles of its rivals, making it a better fit for those who prioritize clarity and articulation over sheer volume. The onboard ES2 electronics system also outperforms many competitor models by providing a faithful amplification of the natural acoustic voice, a feature that’s highly sought after among gigging musicians.

Price Performance

Considering the features and build quality, the Taylor 112ce Acoustic-electric Guitar offers a solid price to quality ratio. While it’s not the cheapest on the market, the combination of premium materials like Sitka spruce and sapele, plus the advanced electronics, justifies the investment. It’s a smart spending choice for musicians who want a guitar capable of studio recordings, live performances, and comfortable practice sessions. Compared to other guitars in the same range, this one stands out for its balance between affordability and professional-grade features.

Benefits

• Excellent tonal clarity with a warm balance thanks to the Sitka spruce and sapele woods
• Smooth playability through the hard rock maple neck and ebony fretboard
• Reliable onboard ES2 electronics for true-to-life amplified sound
• Durable build suitable for frequent use and transport

Drawbacks

• The Grand Concert body might lack the volume some players want for strumming-heavy styles
• Slightly heavier at nearly 16 pounds, which could be a consideration for younger players
• The natural finish requires regular care to maintain its pristine look over time

This Taylor 112ce Acoustic-electric Guitar with item model number H101001111000011000 has been a rewarding addition to my collection. It caters well to fingerstyle enthusiasts and gigging musicians alike, offering a blend of features that enhance both the playing experience and sound quality.

Additional information