1995 Taylor 612 Questions

[RichardN]

I have been talking with a guy about buying his 1995 Taylor 612 with a cedar top. I'm not sure what the sides and back are but they appear light colored.

I'm new to acoustics so I don't know much about the details but even with as little as I know there are a couple things that seem inconsistent. I thought Taylor _12 guitars were 12 fret but this one is a 14 fret. The label lists this as a 612 without the CE but there is a cut away and is electric.

I can't find any examples of this guitar anywhere so I can't compare it to other guitars.

I'm doing a Craigslist deal so I won't have a lot of time to play it and I won't be able to return it. I'm mostly a finger picker so a smaller guitar with a cedar top should work for me.

I always feel that if a guitar is "rare" it's because there were issues with it and no one bought it. So it was discontinued.

I'm just wondering if anyone has any information on this guitar.

Thanks

[catndahats]

First, a mid 1990's Taylor 612 is a great small body guitar.
Others here probably can tell you more than me, but I've owned a 1996 612 Cotten Special for about 20yrs...
600 series is/was maple back/sides ( some curly-some flame) and various spruce tops / 14 frets with a sweet one piece neck, ebony fret board. Some had Fishman preamp, some not. The original Taylor pink poodle cases are works of art.. The "CE" meant cutaway/electric...but I've seen variations with just a "C" I don't recall a cedar top variation, but with a serial number and a phone/email Taylor could probably give you the specs.
Hope this helps!
Ps---look on Reverb, the mid '90s 612 are often listed.
Pss---not sure about "rare" and problems causing the models to change/retire, but can say that a mid 90s 612 is a very nice guitar, very good build quality, and hope you get more feedback.

[catndahats]

Just found this video; comparing a '97 612 to the new v brace 612. The sound is fairly represented.
https://youtu.be/FnMM-0lsqW0

Caveat: condition and care is important on any 25yr old instrument. Good luck on your search.

[RichardN]

This is encouraging information. I think I'll go ahead with the purchase.

Thanks

[Stevien]

I had a 1993 612c. Most will agree that the mid 90s were Taylor's best guitars! Yes, sitka spruce over figured maple. I doubt the top is cedar on the one you're referring to. I never remember seeing a cedar topped 612 back then. They were never rare, actually quite popular. They're just rare now, because they're 30 plus years old! They are great guitars. I'd take a used 90s Taylor over two new ones any day. Good luck!
Steve

[A.Wilder1]

I believe you’re looking at the golden age of Taylor guitars. If the condition is good you should go for it!

It’s unlikely a cedar top though - it should be spruce over maple.

[catndahats]

well said!
When I take my 612 out to play with others since day 1, I've been amazed at the reaction it receives---it's almost embarrassing at times...and that is from owners of other very high end guitars. They'll step right over my other much more expensive guitars and ask to look at / play that little maple Taylor.
It is just that good!

Originally Posted by Stevien

I had a 1993 612c. Most will agree that the mid 90s were Taylor's best guitars! Yes, sitka spruce over figured maple. I doubt the top is cedar on the one you're referring to. I never remember seeing a cedar topped 612 back then. They were never rare, actually quite popular. They're just rare now, because they're 30 plus years old! They are great guitars. I'd take a used 90s Taylor over two new ones any day. Good luck!
Steve

[Proclaimer888]

Yep mid-90s Taylor.....amazing guitars. If you are not sure what to look for, take someone along that knows what to look for.

[RichardN]

Unknown.jpg

This is a photo of the 95' 612 under discussion. I hope this uploads correctly.

The owner said it's cedar and he said that he can't use it on stage because it hits a certain volume and he can't push it any further. And that volume is too low. That sounds like cedar. The current owner bought it new from a reputable dealer so I would think he would know what it is.

It looks dark enough to be cedar but maybe it just aged.

[L20A]

The guitar in the picture looks like Sitka Spruce to me.
Contact Taylor to know for sure though.
They are great at answering questions.

By the way,
that is a beautiful guitar.

[A.Wilder1]

It looks to be missing the label as well.

Again most likely a Sitka Spruce top but getting that serial number on the label could help if you contacted Taylor.

Either way if you are a fan of maple this will be a great guitar!

[Stevien]

Aged Sitka. Now, that saddle material is a different story all together ...
Steve

[guitararmy]

For some reason the Tusq saddles sometimes turn brown like that.

[catndahats]

My label is on the heel block...fwiw.
And saddle/nut have darkened somewhat.

[DMZ]

My brother has this year and model. The top is dark and is a ringer for cedar. It’s spruce though.