The Taylor 412CE was part of Taylor's entry-level line before adding the 300 series in 1998.

The 412CE sports a solid spruce top and solid mahogany sides, back, and neck with an ebony fingerboard and bridge. The bridge is Taylor's pin-less bridge wherein strings load from the back. New Taylors in this range have the traditional pin bridge as well as sapele (300 series) or ovangkol (400 series) back and sides. My 412CE actually has mahogany sides and back, not sapele.

The guitar has a satin finish which resists scratches much better than a high gloss finish. With the thinner finish, the top is allowed to vibrate a little more for better resonance.

When I first bought the guitar in 1998, it sounded somewhat boxy and tight which I attributed to it being new and unplayed. In the time I have had this guitar, it has opened up acoustically with the sweetest tone: bright, chimey, and resonant. Amplified, the guitar is unreal! I expect it will get only better.

The electronics include a mutli-band equalizer, preamp, and piezo pickup termed the Fishman Prefix. The onboard preamp includes a feedback eliminator control to diminish offending frequencies.

The 412CE sounds absolutely superb when amplified. My Fender Acoustasonic JR pickups the tonal nuances perfectly. Everyone that comes over comments on how sweet the 412CE sounds.

The playability of the 412CE is excellent, but contrary to popular opinion, Taylor's do not have the action of a solid body electric. Yes, they have slim feeling necks and are easier to play than many other a/e guitars. Even so, the 412CE's neck is 1.75" at the nut - perfect for fingerpicking!

The 412CE has been superceded by Taylor's new 400 series which uses ovangkol for the back and sides.

I am very happy with my Taylor and plan to hold on to it, since I'll probably never be able to afford a decent a/e like this again.

New, the 412CE's went for $1,450 list. Used prices are lower, though you don't see many 412CE's on the block. This particular model is used by many musicians as a fingerstyle guitar. While strumming sounds nice, it is not a low end, boomy guitar like you might need for bluegrass rhythm.

Lastly, the guitar was manufactured 3 years ago, yet still retains a wonderful scent!