Several months ago, I bought my very first 12-string acoustic guitar – an Epiphone DR212 – a bargain guitar that plays well and is imminently enjoyable. It is, however, quite heavy and it’s bass response is rather limited – but I enjoyed it none-the-less. However, like with so many other things in life, I quickly wanted something better. Shopping around for a ‘right’ 12-string for myself involved hours of research, review reading, website visiting and, of course, time in the quiet rooms of local stores feeling and trying out many different guitars, I settled in the Taylor 355 and have had no regrets whatever. Both in terms of contrast to the Epiphone as well as assessed on it’s own virtues, it is a real players guitar – with a voice and range truly remarkable – including a resounding bass response, ebony fingerboard (and bridge), American Mahogany (satin) sides and body and solid spruce (laminated) top. The bracing is a scalloped X-brace designed by Taylor. It seems to weigh in at several pounds less than the Epiphone making it even easier to hold, manage and play – although the neck width at the nut is a tad wider (1 7/8”). It comes delivered with Elixir Nanoweb strings that suit the design of the instrument quite nicely. Surprisingly, the neck width does not make it any more difficult to play! There is also, of course, a price differential that parallels the qualitative differences in the two instruments. The Taylor is worth every penny! This is a Jumbo size guitar and not a dreadnaught (as is the Epiphone), another design factor contributing to the depth of bass it produces. The overall sound is, simply put, sweet. The resonance and sustainability of notes is as good (though different than) those produced by my primary 6-string, a Martin HD-28. Yes, it is an investment. But one worth making for any guitarist who enjoys the fun of playing a 12-string as either a primary guitar or as a delightful diversion/ change-up from six string playing. It comes with a well-constructed Taylor hard case. Although Taylor is relatively new on the scene (about 35 years old) of quality American acoustic guitar makers, it plays on a level commensurate with both Martin and Gibson yet has it’s own special enduring qualities. If you are shopping for a 12-string, be sure to give this one a look – a feel – and some play before making your final decision.

Several months ago, I bought my very first 12-string acoustic guitar – an Epiphone DR212 – a bargain guitar that plays well and is imminently enjoyable. It is, however, quite heavy and it’s bass response is rather limited – but I enjoyed it none-the-less. However, like with so many other things in life, I quickly wanted something better. Shopping around for a ‘right’ 12-string for myself involved hours of research, review reading, website visiting and, of course, time in the quiet rooms of local stores feeling and trying out many different guitars, I settled in the Taylor 355 and have had no regrets whatever. Both in terms of contrast to the Epiphone as well as assessed on it’s own virtues, it is a real players guitar – with a voice and range truly remarkable – including a resounding bass response, ebony fingerboard (and bridge), American Mahogany (satin) sides and body and solid spruce (laminated) top. The baracing is a scalloped X-brace designed by Taylor. It seems to weigh in at several pounds less than the Epiphone making it even easier to hold, manage and play – although the neck width at the nut is a tad wider (1 7/8”). There is also, of course, a price differential that parallels the qualitative differences in the two instruments. The Taylor is worth every penny!

A word on shopping guitars: As many of you who will read this review probably know (but some may not) the goal is to find the best price possible, get it in writing (email is generally OK) then ask the store or online vendor to match or beat that price. Most of the time, they will – as will local retailers who want to sell you the instrument instead of having you buy it from someone else – even if they have to lower their markup substantially to make the sale.

This is a Jumbo size guitar and not a dreadnaught (as is the Epiphone), another design factor contributing to the depth of bass it produces. The overall sound is, simply put, sweet. The resonance and sustainability of notes is as good (though different than) those produced by my primary 6-string, a Martin HD-28.

Yes, it is an investment. But one worth making for any guitarist who enjoys the fun of playing a 12-string as either a primary guitar or as a delightful diversion/ change-up from six string playing. It comes with a well-constructed Taylor hard case.

Although Taylor is relatively new on the scene (about 35 years old) of quality American acoustic guitar makers, it plays on a level commensurate with both Martin and Gibson yet has it’s own special enduring qualities. If you are shopping for a 12-string, be sure to give this one a look – a feel – and some play before making your final decision.

I bought a 355 two years ago. I am a very picky guitarist(30+ years)and have a serious guitar collection. The 355 is one of the sweetest sounding guitars I own. Reminds me of the Fender 12 string Malibu from the 60's. Same sustain, clarity and depth. Fun to hold, play and make music with. Congrats to Taylor for making such a fine, affordable quality guitar

I played a lot of 12 strings before deciding on this one and no regrets. It plays as easy as any 6 string I've ever played and sounds absolutely spacious and amazing. Great action, great sound. The eq/electronics panel doesn't fit the rounded guitar body though on mine, there is a small gap. Doesn't affect performance though and perhaps Taylor has fixed that problem by now.

I was on the hunt for a vintage Guild 12 string when I came across the Taylor 355. I never understood what the Taylor thing was all about until I played this instrument. The sound from this baby was pure heaven. It has all the projection and jangle of a vintage Guild with greater warmth and beauty. The clarity and intonation is exceptional. My wife is a famous musicologist and she was blown away by its sound. The 355 is a "no frills" model and exactly what a guitar should be. The Taylor 355 has the best sound qualities of a vintage 12 with a lifetime warranty to the original owner. Does it get any better?