Taylor 512ce Acoustic Electric Guitar Review
A Worship Leader’s Dream: Zachery Smith’s Review of the Taylor 512ce Acoustic Guitar
Zachery Smith, a seasoned musician and guitar enthusiast, recently shared his thoughts on the Taylor 512ce, an acoustic guitar that left him both awestruck and highly impressed. His review, infused with enthusiasm and admiration, highlighted the exceptional craftsmanship and tonal qualities of this remarkable instrument. Let’s delve into the details of Smith’s review and uncover what makes the Taylor 512ce a standout choice for musicians, especially those in worship settings.
Out of the Box Excellence
Right from the start, Smith was captivated by the Taylor 512ce. “Out of the box, this is ridiculous, actually,” he remarked, emphasizing the guitar’s immediate impact. He noted the exceptional quality and attention to detail in the woodwork, praising the Sitka spruce top for its deep, vibrant colors and prominent grain patterns. The high-gloss finish accentuates the natural beauty of the wood, giving the guitar a pristine and sophisticated look.
Superior Playability and Features
Smith was particularly struck by the playability of the 512ce. He described the guitar as “like hot butter,” highlighting its smooth action and ease of play. As a primarily electric guitar player, he appreciated how effortlessly the Taylor transitioned to acoustic play, making it suitable for various styles, from chordal to lead work. The Venetian cutaway further enhances playability, inviting exploration beyond simple chords.
The 512ce features an urban ironbark back and sides, which Smith compared to rosewood in terms of tonal quality. This choice of wood contributes to the guitar’s well-rounded and clear sound across the tonal spectrum. The tropical mahogany neck and West African crelicam ebony fretboard add to the guitar’s premium feel, ensuring a comfortable and responsive playing experience.
Tonal Brilliance
One of the standout aspects of Smith’s review was his praise for the guitar’s tonal qualities. He noted the clarity and presence of the 512ce, particularly its ability to maintain intonation and tonal balance across the neck. “No matter where you go, the tone is going to be very accurately represented,” he asserted. The Expression System 2 electronics further enhance the guitar’s sound, making it ideal for both studio and live settings.
Perfect for Worship
Smith, who has extensive experience in worship settings, emphasized the suitability of the Taylor 512ce for leading worship. He appreciated the guitar’s ability to remove stress and provide a reliable tonal platform. “When you have a quality instrument like this that you’re able to lean into when you’re leading, it just removes so much more stress,” he explained. The guitar’s clarity and presence make it an excellent choice for worship leaders who need a dependable instrument that enhances their performance.
Aesthetic and Functional Design
The Taylor 512ce doesn’t just sound great; it also looks stunning. Smith admired the guitar’s aesthetic features, such as the intricate fret markers and insignias on the headstock. These details add a touch of elegance and class to the instrument, making it visually appealing as well as sonically impressive.
Zachery Smith’s review of the Taylor 512ce paints a vivid picture of an exceptional acoustic guitar that excels in both form and function. With its superior craftsmanship, outstanding playability, and remarkable tonal qualities, the 512ce stands out as a top choice for musicians, particularly those involved in worship. Whether you’re leading a congregation or recording in the studio, the Taylor 512ce offers a reliable and inspiring musical experience.
In Smith’s words, “Definitely, you feel the jump from the 3 series up to the 5, and it’s just… everything’s just more emphasized.” The Taylor 512ce is more than just a guitar; it’s a testament to Taylor’s commitment to quality and innovation, making it a worthy investment for any serious musician.
Features and Specifications of the Taylor 512ce Acoustic Electric Guitar for Worship Leaders
Body
Shape: Grand Concert
Top Wood: Torrefied Sitka Spruce
Back & Sides Wood: Urban Ironbark
Bracing: V-Class
Binding: Tortoise
Finish: Gloss
Neck
- Neck Joint: Scarf
- Neck Wood: Tropical Mahogany
- Fretboard Wood: Ebony
- Fretboard Inlay: Century
- Number of Frets: 20
- Nut & Saddle: Tusq Nut/Micarta Saddle
- Scale Length: 24-7/8″
- Neck Width: 1-3/4″
- Truss Rod Cover: Ebony
Electronics
- Electronics: ES2
Other
- Strings: Elixir Phosphor Bronze Light
- Case: Hardshell Case
Sound
- Urban Ironbark delivers a rich, sophisticated response with a deep low end and high-fidelity voice, reminiscent of Indian rosewood, along with some of mahogany’s midrange punch and focus.
- Torrefied Sitka Spruce top adds warmth and sweetness to the tone.
- V-Class bracing improves sustain, volume, and intonation.
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Zach was raised in a small town in East Texas, but moved to Nashville at the age of 19 to accept the lead guitarist role for well-known Gospel group, "The Crabb Family" (www.thecrabbfamily.com). With an annual live audience attendance of approx. 800,000, he was touring all over the U.S., Ireland, Canada, and the Bahamas. Later, he started playing/leading guitar sessions, producing records, as well as maintaining an active tour schedule. Zach went on to become the Worship Ministry Director/Lead Guitarist at Cornerstone Church (www.sacornerstone.org) in San Antonio, TX. Hagee Ministries is one of the largest of its kind in the world, with over 22,000 active members and an annual Live/TV/internet audience reaching well into the millions worldwide. Zachery is now the lead guitarist/vocalist for the band Unspoken (www.UnspokenMusic.com), a session guitarist, and worship leader alongside his wife Amanda. Zach, Amanda, and their 4 children currently live in Nashville, TN. Notable accomplishments: • Over 25 Grand Ole Opry appearances as lead guitarist for performing artists