Taylor 456ce Grand Symphony Acoustic-Electric Guitar, 12-String (with Case)

No longer available at zZounds
Strum chords that shimmer thanks to this 456ce's Sitka spruce top and ovangkol back and sides. The onboard ES-2 system provides clear, dynamic tone.

What's special about this item?

Feature: What it does:
Sitka spruce top Projects rich, crisp and responsive tone
Ovangkol back and sides Wide and full midrange; smooth lows and highs
Ebony fretboard Dark color, tight grain; premium fretboard wood
Taylor Expression System 2 Captures dynamic range of acoustic sound

The cutaway 12-string Taylor 456ce showcases solid African ovangkol's responsive, rosewood-like tone, which pairs well with Sitka spruce and can accommodate a range of playing styles. Like all Taylor models, the sleek profile and low action of the neck makes our 12-strings incredibly comfortable to play, with crisp tonal separation. White binding applies a clean counterpoint, while the Expression System 2 delivers high-fidelity amplified acoustic sound.

Expression System 2

The Taylor Expression System(R) 2 (ES2) is a revolutionary pickup design that delivers the latest in Taylor's ongoing innovation in acoustic guitar amplification. The heart of the Expression System 2 is Taylor's proprietary behind-the-saddle pickup (patent pending), which features three uniquely positioned and individually calibrated pickup sensors. The location of the sensors enables a more dynamic range of acoustic sound to be captured than ever before. Together with Taylor's custom-designed "professional audio"-grade preamp, this system produces exceptional amplified tone and responsiveness. On stage through a PA, plugged into your favorite acoustic amplifier, or direct into recording software, the Expression System 2 faithfully conveys the voice of your Taylor guitar.

Behind the ES2 Design: Rethinking the Piezo Pickup

For decades, piezo-electric transducers have been positioned under the saddle of a guitar based on the long-held belief that the string and top vibration cause the saddle to read more "bounce" up and down. But Taylor's electronics team, led by developer David Hosler, discovered that the vertical movement is actually heavily restricted, and that the saddle gets "locked down" due to the string tension's downward pressure. That's why a traditional under-saddle pickup with piezo-electric crystals often responds with a sound often characterized as thin, brittle, brash or synthetic, especially with more aggressive playing.

The saddle's natural range of movement as the guitar is being played is actually back and forth like a pendulum. That revelation led Taylor's design team to relocate the crystals from under the saddle to behind it. The new positioning enables the crystals to respond more naturally to the guitar's energy as it is transferred through the saddle. Three pickup sensors are installed behind the saddle, through the bridge, with three tiny Allen screws that calibrate the position of the sensors in relation to the saddle.

Like the original Expression System, the ES2 features the same volume and tone control knobs. The preamp is similar but with a slightly different gain structure. As a result it will be about 25 percent hotter, which is more in line with other pickups. This makes it plug-and-play friendly both for artists and live sound mixers.
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For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 800-943-6782

No longer available at zZounds

In most cases, a product is unavailable because it has been discontinued by the manufacturer