Taylor’s acclaimed merging of acoustic and electrical guitars continues to evolve with the T5z-12, a thinline 12-string with five-way pickup selector that accesses a mix of humbuckers and a “physique sensor” pickup.

In hand, the T5z-12 is gentle and balanced, with sapele again and sides, mahogany prime and neck, and a 247/8″ ebony fretboard. Befitting its acoustic and electrical tendencies, the neck has a snug carve for each pickin’ and strummin’ in addition to rock, blues, jazz, and nation work. The electronics take a starring position, as you get a bridge humbucker below the lipstick cowl, and a neck humbucker hidden below the fretboard’s higher frets. The magnetic body-sensor pickup completes the tone bundle.

On the higher bout, Taylor supplies grasp Quantity and energetic tone knobs, so you can’t solely minimize Treble and Bass (as with passive pickups), however truly enhance them. On the highest aspect you’ll discover the five-way; Place 1 is the hidden neck pickup with the physique sensor, Place 2 is the hidden pickup by itself, and three is the bridge. Positions 4 and 5 activate each in parallel (their alerts go to the output individually) or sequence (neck sign into the bridge earlier than output). Coupled with the energetic EQ, there are loads of sounds to discover.

For sensible makes use of, the T5z-12 is nice for all method of Byrds, Beatles, folk-rock, and fingerpicking, however simply as importantly, its humbucker can severely rock by an everyday guitar amp. Once more, Taylor is severely pushing the envelope with these six- and 12-string hybrids, making them properly price a take a look at drive.

This text initially appeared in VG’s February 2024 difficulty. All copyrights are by the creator and Classic Guitar journal. Unauthorized replication or use is strictly prohibited.