{"title":"Taylor Next Generation Cedar Top Models for 2026","description":"\u003ch1\u003eTaylor Next Generation Cedar Top Models for 2026\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWarm, Responsive Taylor Tone\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTaylor’s Next Generation cedar-top models for 2026 bring a distinctive voice to the lineup for players who value warmth, touch sensitivity, and a more intimate, expressive response. The two core models in this cedar-top family, the Next Generation 512ce and Next Generation 712ce, pair Western Red cedar tops with Taylor’s updated Next Generation design approach, Claria electronics, Venetian cutaways, and deluxe hardshell cases. On Taylor’s official product pages, both guitars are presented as compact Grand Concert instruments designed to deliver comfort, clarity, and a rich tonal character that responds beautifully to nuance. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Cedar Matters\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWestern Red cedar has long held a special appeal for players who want an acoustic guitar that responds quickly to a lighter touch. Taylor describes cedar as offering a warm, round sound with a clear response to softer playing, making it especially appealing for fingerstyle players and anyone who prefers a more immediately “played-in” tonal character. Taylor’s tonewood guidance also notes that cedar tends to emphasize rich overtones and prominent low-mid warmth rather than the firmer headroom associated with many spruce tops. That makes these Next Generation cedar-top models particularly attractive for players who value sweetness, sensitivity, and musical detail over sheer attack. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Next Generation 512ce\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Taylor Next Generation 512ce pairs its Western Red cedar top with neo-tropical mahogany back and sides, creating what Taylor describes as a warm and sweet response supported by a woody, dry midrange. Taylor’s official overview also highlights its compact Grand Concert body, scalloped V-Class bracing, Claria electronics, and included deluxe hardshell case. In practical terms, that means the 512ce is likely to appeal to players who want a cedar-top guitar with strong midrange focus, articulate balance, and an inviting small-body feel that works beautifully for fingerstyle playing, light strumming, and more nuanced accompaniment. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Next Generation 712ce\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Taylor Next Generation 712ce takes the cedar-top concept in a more harmonically lush direction by pairing Western Red cedar with Indian rosewood back and sides. Taylor describes this model as offering a sweet, warm, mellow response from the cedar top, while the rosewood body contributes lush, blooming overtones. Like the 512ce, it features a Grand Concert body, scalloped V-Class bracing, Claria electronics, and a deluxe hardshell case. For players comparing the two, the 712ce stands out as the richer and more overtone-complex option, likely offering a broader harmonic bloom and a more luxuriant voice than the drier, woodier mahogany-backed 512ce. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCompact Grand Concert Comfort\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the strongest shared traits of these models is their Grand Concert body shape. Taylor’s official descriptions for both guitars emphasize the compact, comfortable feel of this body style. That smaller footprint makes these instruments especially inviting for seated playing, long practice sessions, recording work, and players who simply prefer a more manageable guitar against the body. The Grand Concert format also helps support the clarity and immediacy that pair so naturally with cedar, making both the 512ce and 712ce excellent choices for musicians who want refined acoustic detail without the bulk of a larger body shape. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eScalloped V-Class and Claria Electronics\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoth 2026 cedar-top models feature Taylor’s scalloped V-Class bracing and the Claria acoustic pickup system. Taylor says the 512ce benefits from enhanced warmth, resonance, and sustain, while the 712ce gains more volume, sustain, and low-end presence from its scalloped V-Class architecture. Both guitars also include the Claria system for amplified performance. This gives the cedar-top pair a strong balance between traditional acoustic sensitivity and modern stage or studio practicality, allowing players to enjoy the nuanced voice of cedar while still having dependable onboard electronics for live use. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eMahogany or Rosewood?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor many players, the most important choice in this mini lineup will come down to body wood pairing. The Next Generation 512ce’s cedar-and-mahogany recipe points toward warmth, focus, dryness, and midrange clarity. The Next Generation 712ce’s cedar-and-rosewood construction points toward warmth as well, but with more overtone bloom and harmonic richness. Both share the same fundamental cedar-top sensitivity and Grand Concert comfort, but they are likely to suit slightly different ears. Players who want a more direct, earthy response may lean toward the 512ce, while players who want added shimmer, depth, and layered complexity may find the 712ce more compelling. This tonal contrast is grounded in Taylor’s own descriptions of mahogany and rosewood behavior within these specific models. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho These Guitars Are For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2026 Taylor Next Generation cedar-top models make particular sense for fingerstyle players, singer-songwriters, home recordists, and acoustic musicians who want a guitar that reacts immediately to nuance. Taylor’s guidance on cedar consistently frames it as a top wood that excels with a softer touch and rewards expressive playing dynamics. Combined with the ergonomic Grand Concert body and modern Taylor appointments, the 512ce and 712ce are well suited to musicians who want sophistication, comfort, and a more intimate relationship with their instrument. They are not just premium acoustic electrics; they are carefully voiced tools for players who care about feel as much as sound. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Shop Taylor Cedar Tops at The Arts Music Store\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt The Arts Music Store, Taylor’s Next Generation cedar-top models for 2026 stand out as compelling choices for players who want something warmer and more touch-sensitive than the typical spruce-top acoustic electric. With the Next Generation 512ce and 712ce, Taylor offers two refined takes on the cedar-top Grand Concert formula: one rooted in mahogany’s dry, woody focus and one elevated by rosewood’s blooming overtone richness. Both deliver the comfort, craftsmanship, electronics, and premium presentation players expect from modern Taylor instruments. If you are looking for a cedar-top acoustic electric that feels expressive, responsive, and genuinely inspiring in the hands, these 2026 models deserve a close look. \u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"taylor-grand-concert-512ce-next-generation-acoustic-electric-cedar-mahogany-w-deluxe-hard-case-512ceng","title":"Taylor Grand Concert 512ce Next Generation Acoustic Electric Cedar Mahogany w\/Deluxe Hard Case - 512CENG","description":"\u003ch2\u003eTaylor Grand Concert 512ce Next Generation Acoustic Electric w\/Deluxe Hard Case\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWarm cedar response, mahogany focus and next-generation Taylor playability\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Taylor 512ce Next Generation Acoustic Electric brings the compact comfort of the Grand Concert body together with the warm, touch-sensitive character of Western Red cedar and the woody focus of solid mahogany. This 6-string acoustic electric is built for players who want an articulate smaller-body Taylor with a rich, balanced voice that responds beautifully to a lighter touch. With Scalloped V-Class bracing, Taylor’s Action Control Neck, Claria electronics and a Brown Taylor Deluxe Hard Shell Case, the 512ce is designed for expressive playing at home, in the studio and on stage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Western Red cedar top gives the 512ce a sweet, warm and immediate response that is especially rewarding for fingerstyle players and dynamic strummers who do not need to overpower the instrument to bring it to life. Paired with solid Neo-Tropical mahogany back and sides, the guitar delivers a dry, woody midrange with strong fundamental clarity and a natural balance across the frequency spectrum.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Grand Concert body shape keeps the feel compact, comfortable and easy to manage while preserving the articulation and focus that make smaller Taylor guitars so useful for detailed playing. Scalloped V-Class bracing with relief rout enhances warmth, sustain, resonance and volume, helping the guitar sound open and responsive without losing the controlled character that makes the 512ce such a strong choice for recording and live performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNext-generation Taylor design details add both playability and practical stage value. The Action Control Neck uses a long-tenon joint for added warmth and depth while allowing fast, precise string-height adjustments. The Claria Acoustic Pickup System provides clean, usable amplified tone with soundhole-mounted control access, and the Venetian cutaway gives smooth reach into the upper register. Elegant appointments such as Meridian inlays, white binding, black\/white\/black top purfling, a green abalone single-ring rosette and a faux-tortoiseshell pickguard complete the refined 500 Series look.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eInstrument Type: Acoustic Electric\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eNumber of Strings: 6 string\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eOrientation: Right handed\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eBody Shape: Grand Concert\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eTop Wood: Western Red cedar\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eBack and Sides: Neo-Tropical mahogany\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eNeck Wood: Neo-Tropical mahogany\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eFretboard Wood: West African Crelicam ebony\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eBracing System: Scalloped V-Class bracing with relief rout\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eNeck Design: Action Control Neck\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eCutaway: Venetian cutaway\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eElectronics: Taylor Claria Acoustic Pickup System\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eControls: Soundhole-mounted controls\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eInlays: Meridian Italian acrylic fretboard and peghead inlays\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eBinding: White\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eTop Purfling: Black\/white\/black\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eRosette: Single-ring green abalone\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003ePickguard: Faux-tortoiseshell\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eCase: Brown Taylor Deluxe Hard Shell Case included\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy you should buy this\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 512ce Next Generation is a standout Taylor for players who want warmth, comfort and expressive control in one refined instrument. Cedar and mahogany give it a sweet, woody voice with excellent touch sensitivity, while the Grand Concert body keeps the playing experience intimate and comfortable. The Scalloped V-Class bracing, Action Control Neck and Claria electronics make it more versatile than a traditional small-body acoustic, giving you a guitar that feels responsive unplugged, records naturally and performs confidently when amplified.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Taylor","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48046561296605,"sku":"512CENG","price":3999.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1507\/1680\/files\/0000_19dbaa96-0dc6-4980-b0a3-272af0504ac9.jpg?v=1781696607"},{"product_id":"taylor-grand-concert-712ce-next-generation-acoustic-electric-cedar-rosewood-w-deluxe-hard-case-712ceng","title":"Taylor Grand Concert 712ce Next Generation Acoustic Electric Cedar Rosewood w\/Deluxe Hard Case - 712CENG","description":"\u003ch2\u003eTaylor Grand Concert 712ce Next Generation Acoustic Electric w\/Deluxe Hard Case\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWarm cedar response, rosewood overtone bloom and next-generation Grand Concert comfort\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Taylor 712ce Next Generation Acoustic Electric pairs the compact comfort of the Grand Concert body with a rich, expressive tonewood combination of Western Red cedar and solid Indian rosewood. The cedar top brings a warm, sweet and mellow response with excellent touch sensitivity, while the rosewood back and sides add lush harmonic texture, blooming overtones and a broader low-end presence. With Scalloped V-Class bracing, Taylor’s Action Control Neck, Claria electronics and a Brown Taylor Deluxe Hard Shell Case, the 712ce is built for players who want a refined smaller-body Taylor with a bold and highly musical voice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Western Red cedar top gives the 712ce a warm and immediate response that is especially rewarding for players with a lighter touch. It reacts quickly to subtle dynamics, making it an excellent choice for fingerstyle, expressive accompaniment and nuanced chord work. Paired with solid Indian rosewood, the guitar gains a more complex overtone profile with added depth, shimmer and sustain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Grand Concert body shape keeps the guitar comfortable and focused, offering a smaller feel that sits easily in the player’s lap while maintaining clarity across the fretboard. Scalloped V-Class bracing with relief rout enhances volume, sustain and low-end presence, giving this compact body a more open and powerful response without sacrificing balance or note definition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNext-generation Taylor design adds practical playability and stage-ready performance. The Action Control Neck uses a long-tenon joint to contribute warmth and depth while allowing fast string-height adjustments, making it easier to dial in the feel of the guitar. The Claria Acoustic Pickup System provides clean, usable amplified tone for live and recording situations, while the Venetian cutaway offers smooth access to the upper register. Elegant details such as white binding, black\/white\/black top edge trim, a green abalone rosette, Reflections mother-of-pearl inlays, gold tuning machines, abalone-dotted ebony bridge pins and a faux-tortoiseshell pickguard give the 712ce a refined 700 Series presentation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eInstrument Type: Acoustic Electric\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eNumber of Strings: 6 string\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eOrientation: Right handed\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eBody Shape: Grand Concert\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eTop Wood: Western Red cedar\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eBack and Sides: Indian rosewood\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eNeck Wood: Neo-Tropical mahogany\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eFretboard Wood: West African Crelicam ebony\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eBracing System: Scalloped V-Class bracing with relief rout\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eNeck Design: Action Control Neck\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eCutaway: Venetian cutaway\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eElectronics: Taylor Claria Acoustic Pickup System\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eControls: Soundhole-mounted controls\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eInlays: Reflections mother-of-pearl fretboard and peghead inlays\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eBinding: White\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eTop Edge Trim: Black\/white\/black\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eRosette: Green abalone\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eBridge Pins: Ebony with abalone dots\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eTuning Machines: Gold\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003ePickguard: Faux-tortoiseshell\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eCase: Brown Taylor Deluxe Hard Shell Case included\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy you should buy this\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 712ce Next Generation is a compelling choice for players who want a smaller Taylor that still delivers a sophisticated, full and inspiring voice. Cedar gives the guitar warmth and touch sensitivity, while rosewood adds harmonic richness, sustain and overtone bloom. The Grand Concert body keeps the feel comfortable and articulate, and Taylor’s Scalloped V-Class bracing, Action Control Neck and Claria electronics make it a versatile instrument for home playing, recording, live performance and expressive fingerstyle work.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Taylor","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48046573027549,"sku":"712CENG","price":4499.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1507\/1680\/files\/0000_0a23a75a-e0fa-46d8-ab91-071709537bf1.jpg?v=1781698319"}],"url":"https:\/\/shop.theartsmusicstore.com\/collections\/taylor-next-generation-cedar-top-models-for-2026\/taylor.oembed","provider":"The Arts Music Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}