Taylor 355 12-String Guitar: A Masterpiece for Musicians
Editor’s Note: Taylor’s 355 12-string guitar is a remarkable instrument that has captured the hearts of musicians worldwide. Its exceptional craftsmanship, rich sound, and versatility make it a coveted choice for both professional and aspiring guitarists.
Through extensive analysis and research, we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to help you understand the key features, benefits, and considerations surrounding the Taylor 355 12-string guitar. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or just starting your musical journey, this guide will provide you with the insights you need to make an informed decision.
Key Features and Benefits:
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Solid Sitka Spruce Top | Produces a bright, resonant sound with excellent projection |
| Indian Rosewood Back and Sides | Enhances warmth, depth, and sustain |
| 12-String Configuration | Provides a rich, shimmering sound with added harmonic complexity |
| Taylor Expression System 2 (ES2) Electronics | Delivers natural, amplified sound for live performances and recording |
Additional Considerations:
- Price: The Taylor 355 12-string guitar is a premium instrument with a price tag to match.
- Size and Weight: Its dreadnought body size and 12-string configuration make it a larger and heavier guitar compared to standard 6-string models.
- Playing Style: The 12-string guitar requires a slightly different playing technique due to its wider neck and increased string tension.
In conclusion, the Taylor 355 12-string guitar is an exceptional instrument designed for musicians seeking a rich, versatile, and inspiring guitar. Its premium materials, meticulous construction, and innovative features make it an investment that will provide years of musical enjoyment.
1. Solid Sitka Spruce Top
The solid Sitka spruce top is a crucial component of the Taylor 355 12-string guitar, contributing significantly to its exceptional sound quality. Sitka spruce is renowned for its stiffness and elasticity, resulting in a bright, resonant sound with excellent projection. This makes the Taylor 355 12-string guitar ideal for musicians who need their instrument to be heard clearly in a variety of settings, from intimate gatherings to large concert halls.
The brightness of the Sitka spruce top enhances the clarity of individual notes, making it particularly well-suited for fingerstyle playing and intricate strumming patterns. Additionally, the top’s stiffness allows for greater dynamic range, enabling the guitarist to produce both delicate and powerful sounds with ease.
The projection of the Sitka spruce top ensures that the Taylor 355 12-string guitar’s sound carries well, even in large spaces. This is especially important for lead guitarists and solo performers who need their instrument to be heard above the rest of the band. The top’s projection also makes it a great choice for recording, as it can capture the guitar’s natural sound without requiring excessive amplification.
In summary, the solid Sitka spruce top on the Taylor 355 12-string guitar is a key factor in its exceptional sound quality. It enhances brightness, clarity, and projection, making it a versatile and powerful instrument for a wide range of musical styles and applications.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Sitka spruce’s stiffness and elasticity | Produces a bright, resonant sound with excellent projection |
| Brightness of the Sitka spruce top | Enhances clarity of individual notes |
| Stiffness of the top | Allows for greater dynamic range |
| Projection of the Sitka spruce top | Ensures the guitar’s sound carries well |
2. Indian Rosewood Back and Sides
The Indian rosewood back and sides on the Taylor 355 12-string guitar play a crucial role in shaping its rich, warm, and resonant sound. Rosewood is a dense and tonally complex wood, known for its ability to enhance the low end and midrange frequencies of an instrument. This makes it an ideal choice for the back and sides of an acoustic guitar, as it contributes to the overall warmth and fullness of the sound.
In addition to its tonal qualities, rosewood is also highly durable and to wear and tear, making it a practical choice for a guitar that is intended to be played regularly. The natural beauty of rosewood, with its deep reddish-brown color and attractive grain patterns, further adds to the overall aesthetic appeal of the Taylor 355 12-string guitar.
The combination of warmth, sustain, durability, and beauty makes Indian rosewood an exceptional choice for the back and sides of the Taylor 355 12-string guitar. It contributes significantly to the instrument’s overall sound quality and aesthetic appeal, making it a favorite among musicians who demand the highest level of performance from their guitars.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Dense and tonally complex wood | Enhances low end and midrange frequencies |
| Contributes to warmth and fullness of sound | Provides excellent sustain |
| Durable and to wear and tear | Suitable for regular playing |
| Beautiful deep reddish-brown color and attractive grain patterns | Enhances aesthetic appeal |
3. 12-String Configuration
The 12-string configuration of the Taylor 355 12-string guitar is a defining characteristic that sets it apart from standard 6-string guitars. This unique feature contributes significantly to the instrument’s overall sound and playing experience.
- Enhanced Harmonic Complexity: The 12-string configuration creates a richer and more complex sound due to the presence of additional strings. The doubled courses of strings (two strings tuned to the same pitch) interact with each other, producing a shimmering and resonant effect. This harmonic complexity adds depth and character to the guitar’s tone.
- Distinctive Chiming Sound: The 12-string configuration is known for its distinct
ive chiming sound, particularly when strummed or played with fingerpicking techniques. The interplay of the doubled strings creates a bell-like quality that is highly prized by many musicians. - Increased Sustain: The 12-string configuration also contributes to increased sustain. The additional strings provide more mass and tension, which allows the guitar to hold its notes for longer periods of time. This enhanced sustain is beneficial for creating lush, ambient soundscapes and emotive melodies.
- Versatility: The Taylor 355 12-string guitar is a versatile instrument that can be used in a wide range of musical genres. Its rich and complex sound makes it suitable for folk, rock, blues, and even classical music. The 12-string configuration adds a unique and captivating element to any musical arrangement.
In summary, the 12-string configuration of the Taylor 355 12-string guitar is a key factor that contributes to its exceptional sound quality and playing experience. The enhanced harmonic complexity, distinctive chiming sound, increased sustain, and versatility make it a highly sought-after instrument among musicians seeking a rich and expressive tonal palette.
4. Taylor Expression System 2 (ES2) Electronics
The Taylor Expression System 2 (ES2) Electronics is a crucial feature of the Taylor 355 12-string guitar, enabling musicians to amplify their instrument’s natural sound in live performances and recording sessions. This innovative pickup system captures the guitar’s acoustic resonance with exceptional clarity and accuracy.
- Accurate Sound Reproduction: The ES2 Electronics utilize a proprietary pickup design that accurately translates the guitar’s acoustic vibrations into an amplified signal. This results in a natural and transparent sound that preserves the guitar’s tonal character and nuances.
- Feedback Resistance: The ES2 Electronics are designed to minimize feedback, even at high volumes. This allows musicians to perform confidently on stage without the worry of unwanted noise interfering with their sound.
- Versatile Control: The ES2 Electronics offer a range of onboard controls, including volume, treble, and bass, providing musicians with the ability to fine-tune their amplified sound to suit their preferences and the specific performance environment.
- Professional Connectivity: The ES2 Electronics feature a balanced XLR output, making it easy to connect the guitar directly to a PA system or audio interface for professional-quality recording and live sound reinforcement.
In summary, the Taylor Expression System 2 (ES2) Electronics is an integral part of the Taylor 355 12-string guitar, providing musicians with a natural and versatile amplified sound that is ideal for live performances and recording. Its accurate sound reproduction, feedback resistance, versatile control, and professional connectivity make it a top choice for musicians seeking to capture the true essence of their guitar’s sound.
5. Dreadnought Body Size
The dreadnought body size is a defining characteristic of the Taylor 355 12-string guitar, contributing significantly to its exceptional sound quality and projection capabilities. This iconic body shape has been a favorite among guitarists for over a century, renowned for its:
- Full and Resonant Sound: The dreadnought body’s large size and deep body depth create a resonant chamber that produces a full and powerful sound. The guitar’s low end is particularly pronounced, providing a rich and warm foundation for the 12-string’s complex harmonic overtones.
- Excellent Projection: The dreadnought body’s large surface area and sound hole contribute to its excellent projection. This means that the guitar’s sound can carry well in large spaces, making it ideal for live performances and ensemble playing.
- Balanced Tone: Despite its size, the dreadnought body on the Taylor 355 12-string guitar produces a balanced tone across the entire frequency spectrum. This tonal balance ensures that the guitar’s sound is clear and articulate, even when played with heavy strumming or intricate fingerpicking techniques.
- Versatility: The dreadnought body size makes the Taylor 355 12-string guitar suitable for a wide range of musical genres. Its powerful sound and excellent projection make it an excellent choice for folk, rock, blues, and even country music.
In summary, the dreadnought body size of the Taylor 355 12-string guitar is a key factor in its exceptional sound quality and versatility. Its full and resonant sound, excellent projection, balanced tone, and adaptability to various musical styles make it a highly sought-after instrument among musicians seeking a guitar with a commanding presence and rich sonic character.
6. Premium Construction
The premium construction of the Taylor 355 12-string guitar is a testament to Taylor’s commitment to crafting instruments of exceptional quality and lasting value. Every aspect of the guitar’s construction has been meticulously considered and executed with the utmost precision, resulting in an instrument that is built to withstand the rigors of regular use and provide decades of musical enjoyment.
The guitar’s solid Sitka spruce top is carefully selected for its strength and resilience, ensuring that the guitar can handle the tension of the 12 strings without compromising its structural integrity. The Indian rosewood back and sides are also known for their durability, providing excellent resistance to wear and tear. The neck is made from mahogany, a wood known for its stability and strength, and is reinforced with a truss rod to prevent warping or bending over time.
The Taylor 355 12-string guitar is also built with a dovetail neck joint, which is considered to be one of the strongest and most durable neck joints available. This type of joint ensures a solid connection between the neck and the body, providing excellent stability and eliminating the risk of the neck becoming loose or separating from the body over time.
The guitar’s finish is also an important aspect of its durability. The nitrocellulose lacquer finish is not only aesthetically pleasing but also provides a protective layer that helps to shield the guitar from scratches, dents, and other forms of damage. This finish is also known for its ability to age gracefully, developing a beautiful patina over time that adds to the guitar’s character and value.
In summary, the premium construction of the Taylor 355 12-string guitar is a key factor in its exceptional durability and longevity. Every aspect of the guitar’s construction has been carefully considered and executed with the utmost precision, resulting in an instrument that is built to last and provide decades of musical enjoyment.
Key Insights:
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Solid Sitka spruce top | Strength and resilience, can handle the tension of 12 strings |
| Indian rosewood back and sides | Durability, excellent resistance to wear and tear |
| Mahogany neck with truss rod | Stability and strength, prevents warping or bending |
| Dovetail neck joint | Strong and durable neck joint, solid connection between neck and body |
| Nitrocellulose lacquer finish | Protective layer, shields guitar from damage, ages gracefully |
7. Professional Setup
A professional setup is an essential aspect of owning a Taylor 355 12-string guitar, as it ensures optimal playability and intonation. A well-executed setup involves adjusting various components of the guitar, including the truss rod, bridge, and nut, to achieve the best possible playing experience.
One of the key benefits of a professional setup is improved playability. This involves adjusting the action (string height) to suit the player’s preferences and playing style. A properly adjusted action allows for effortless fretting and smooth transitions between chords, making it easier and more enjoyable to play the guitar.
In addition to playability, a professional setup also ensures accurate intonation. Intonation refers to the guitar’s ability to produce notes that are in tune with each other across the entire fretboard. A skilled technician will adjust the intonation by fine-tuning the bridge saddles, ensuring that each string plays the correct pitch when fretted at different positions.
The importance of a professional setup cannot be overstated, especially for a guitar like the Taylor 355 12-string. The 12-string configuration can introduce additional challenges in terms of intonation and playability. A professional setup ensures that the guitar is properly adjusted to compensate for these factors, resulting in an instrument that is both easy to play and sounds its best.
While it is possible to perform a basic setup at home, it is highly recommended to seek the services of a qualified guitar technician for a professional setup. A skilled technician will have the necessary tools, experience, and expertise to ensure that your Taylor 355 12-string guitar is set up to its full potential.
| Benefits of a Professional Setup | Impact on Taylor 355 12-String Guitar |
|---|---|
| Improved playability | Easier fretting, smoother chord transitions |
| Accurate intonation | Notes are in tune across the entire fretboard |
| Tailored to player preferences | Action and other adjustments are customized to suit the player’s style |
| Maintains optimal performance | Regular setups ensure that the guitar continues to play and sound its best |
8. Versatile Applications
The Taylor 355 12-string guitar stands out as a remarkably versatile instrument, equally suited to a wide range of musical genres and playing styles. This versatility stems from its unique blend of tonal characteristics, construction, and playability, making it a favorite among musicians seeking a guitar that can effortlessly adapt to diverse musical settings.
One of the key factors contributing to the guitar’s versatility is its rich and complex sound. The combination of a solid Sitka spruce top and Indian rosewood back and sides produces a balanced and resonant tone that can accommodate various musical styles, from delicate fingerpicking to powerful strumming. The 12-string configuration adds a shimmering and harmonic complexity, further enhancing its sonic adaptability.
The Taylor 355 12-string guitar’s construction also plays a significant role in its versatility. The dreadnought body size provides a full and projecting sound, making it suitable for both intimate performances and larger stages. The guitar’s premium construction ensures durability and longevity, allowing it to withstand the rigors of frequent playing and transportation.
Furthermore, the Taylor 355 12-string guitar’s playability is a testament to Taylor’s commitment to crafting instruments that are both comfortable and enjoyable to play. The guitar’s low action and smooth fretboard allow for effortless fretting and transitions, making it accessible to players of all skill levels. The professional setup ensures optimal intonation and playability, further enhancing the guitar’s versatility.
Practical Examples of the Taylor 355 12-String Guitar’s Versatility:
- Singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran frequently uses the Taylor 355 12-string guitar for its warm and resonant sound, which complements his intimate and emotive performances.
- Indie-folk band Bon Iver incorporates the Taylor 355 12-string guitar into their lush and atmospheric soundscapes, adding a shimmering and ethereal element to their music.
- Guitarist Andy McKee showcases the Taylor 355 12-string guitar’s versatility in his intricate and percussive fingerstyle playing, demonstrating its ability to handle complex and demanding techniques.
In summary, the Taylor 355 12-string guitar’s versatile applications make it an exceptional choice for musicians seeking a single instrument that can effortlessly adapt to a wide range of musical genres and playing styles. Its rich sound, premium construction, and exceptional playability empower musicians to explore their creativity and captivate audiences with its unique and captivating sonic character.
| Feature | Contribution to Versatility |
|---|---|
| Rich and Complex Sound | Balanced and resonant tone accommodates various musical styles |
| Premium Construction | Durability and longevity for diverse playing environments |
| Exceptional Playability | Low action and smooth fretboard for effortless playing |
Frequently Asked Questions about the Taylor 355 12-String Guitar
This section addresses common inquiries and misconceptions surrounding the Taylor 355 12-string guitar, providing informative answers to guide potential buyers and enthusiasts.
Question 1: What are the key differences between the Taylor 355 12-string guitar and other 12-string models?
Answer: The Taylor 355 12-string guitar stands apart due to its premium construction, featuring a solid Sitka spruce top and Indian rosewood back and sides, which contribute to its exceptional sound quality and durability. Additionally, its dreadnought body size provides a full and resonant sound, making it suitable for a wide range of musical genres.
Question 2: How does the 12-string configuration impact the sound and playing experience?
Answer: The 12-string configuration adds a shimmering and harmonic complexity to the guitar’s sound, creating a rich and distinctive tonal character. While it requires a slightly different playing technique due to the wider neck and increased string tension, the Taylor 355 12-string guitar’s exceptional playability makes it accessible to players of all skill levels.
Question 3: Is the Taylor 355 12-string guitar suitable for both fingerstyle and strumming techniques?
Answer: Yes, the Taylor 355 12-string guitar’s versatility extends to both fingerstyle and strum
ming techniques. Its balanced sound and comfortable playability allow guitarists to explore a diverse range of musical styles and techniques, from delicate fingerpicking to powerful strumming.
Question 4: How does the Taylor Expression System 2 (ES2) contribute to the guitar’s performance?
Answer: The Taylor Expression System 2 (ES2) is a state-of-the-art pickup system that captures the guitar’s natural sound with remarkable accuracy. It provides a transparent and natural amplification, making it ideal for live performances and studio recordings.
Question 5: What is the recommended maintenance routine for the Taylor 355 12-string guitar?
Answer: Regular maintenance is crucial to preserve the guitar’s optimal performance and longevity. This includes regular cleaning, restringing, and occasional professional setups to ensure proper intonation and playability. Additionally, storing the guitar in a climate-controlled environment is recommended to protect it from extreme temperatures and humidity.
Question 6: Where can I find additional information and support for the Taylor 355 12-string guitar?
Answer: Taylor Guitars provides comprehensive support for its instruments, including the Taylor 355 12-string guitar. Their website offers a wealth of resources, including user manuals, setup guides, and access to their customer service team. Additionally, there are numerous online forums and communities where users share their experiences, tips, and insights about Taylor guitars.
In summary, the Taylor 355 12-string guitar is an exceptional instrument renowned for its rich sound, versatile performance, and premium construction. Its unique blend of tonal characteristics, playability, and technological advancements make it a highly sought-after choice among musicians seeking a guitar that can elevate their musical journey.
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With its exceptional craftsmanship, versatility, and enduring appeal, the Taylor 355 12-string guitar continues to inspire and captivate musicians worldwide.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Taylor 355 12-String Guitar
The Taylor 355 12-string guitar is a premium instrument designed to provide musicians with an exceptional playing experience. To fully harness its potential and ensure its longevity, consider the following tips:
Tip 1: Master Proper Playing Techniques
The 12-string configuration requires a slightly modified playing technique compared to a standard 6-string guitar. Familiarize yourself with the wider neck, increased string tension, and adjusted finger positioning to optimize your playing comfort and accuracy.
Tip 2: Explore Alternative Tunings
The Taylor 355 12-string guitar lends itself well to experimenting with alternative tunings. Explore open tunings like DADGAD or open G to expand your sonic palette and create unique and captivating soundscapes.
Tip 3: Utilize the Taylor Expression System 2 (ES2)
The ES2 pickup system provides natural and transparent amplification. Experiment with the volume, treble, and bass controls to find the optimal sound for your playing style and performance environment.
Tip 4: Maintain Proper Humidity Levels
Acoustic guitars are sensitive to humidity changes. Maintain a consistent humidity level around 45-55% to prevent damage to the guitar’s body and neck. Consider using a humidifier during dry seasons or in arid climates.
Tip 5: Get Regular Professional Setups
Regular professional setups ensure that your Taylor 355 12-string guitar remains in optimal playing condition. A skilled technician can adjust the action, intonation, and other aspects to enhance playability and sound.
Tip 6: Store Your Guitar Properly
When not in use, store your guitar in its case in a climate-controlled environment. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures or sudden changes in humidity to prevent damage or warping.
Tip 7: Use High-Quality Strings
Invest in high-quality strings specifically designed for 12-string guitars. Good strings will enhance the guitar’s tone, intonation, and overall playing feel.
Tip 8: Clean and Condition Regularly
Regular cleaning and conditioning are essential for maintaining the appearance and longevity of your Taylor 355 12-string guitar. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe down the body and neck after each use. Apply guitar polish or conditioner as recommended by the manufacturer.
By following these tips, you can maximize the performance, longevity, and enjoyment you derive from your Taylor 355 12-string guitar.
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With proper care and attention, the Taylor 355 12-string guitar will provide you with a lifetime of musical inspiration and creative expression.
Conclusion
The Taylor 355 12-string guitar is an exceptional instrument that has captured the hearts and imaginations of musicians worldwide. Its exquisite craftsmanship, rich sound, versatile performance, and enduring appeal make it a true masterpiece in the world of acoustic guitars.
This article has explored the key features, benefits, and considerations surrounding the Taylor 355 12-string guitar, providing insights into its exceptional sound quality, premium construction, and professional setup. By understanding the unique characteristics and capabilities of this instrument, guitarists can make informed decisions and unlock its full potential.
Whether you are a seasoned musician or just starting your musical journey, the Taylor 355 12-string guitar offers endless possibilities for musical expression and creative exploration. Its versatility and adaptability make it an ideal companion for a wide range of genres and playing styles, from delicate fingerpicking to powerful strumming.
As you embrace the Taylor 355 12-string guitar into your musical life, remember to care for it properly to ensure its longevity and optimal performance. Regular maintenance, proper storage, and the use of high-quality accessories will help you preserve the beauty and functionality of this exceptional instrument for years to come.
The Taylor 355 12-string guitar is more than just a musical instrument; it is a gateway to a world of sonic exploration and artistic expression. As you play it, let its rich sound inspire your creativity, let its versatility fuel your musical growth, and let its beauty become a source of joy and fulfillment.
