Taylor A12 Academy Series Grand Concert Acoustic Guitar

6-String | Torrefied Spruce Top | Layered Walnut Back and Sides | Hard Rock Maple Neck | Eucalyptus Fretboard | No Electronics | Non-cutaway | Gig Bag Case

Designed with new players in mind, the Academy 12's compact Grand Concert body, solid-wood top and easy-playing Taylor Neck offer a comfortable, accessible experiencec to guitarists of all ability levels. The solid torrefied spruce top generates projection, clarity and volume with a splash of played-in sweetness and depth thanks to Taylor's special roasting process. This all-acoustic, non-cutaway model features a built-in armrest that takes the edge off your strumming arm for greater playing comfort, making it a perfect option for learners seeking a guitar that will grow with them. It ships with a lightweight gig bag for transportation between lessons, practice sessions and anywhere else your music takes you.

• Comfortable, compact Grand Concert body
• Solid torrefied spruce top for projection and aged-in warmth
• Slender Taylor neck makes fretting notes and chords easier
• Beveled armrest for enhanced playing comfort
• Includes gig bag for transportation and storage

FEATURES

A Compact Acoustic Guitar Built to Inspire

An inviting handfeel and comfortable body make this Grand Concert a delight to play.

Grand Concert

The small-body Grand Concert debuted in 1984 to meet the needs of a new wave of adventurous acoustic fingerstyle players. In contrast to the traditionally darker, boomier voices of bigger body styles like dreadnoughts and jumbos, the GC’s compact size and tapered waist kept the overtones in check. It was also more comfortable to play while sitting down, and the guitar’s slightly wider neck gave players more room for complex fingerings. The GC’s smaller sonic footprint also fit cleanly in a mix with other instruments when tracking in the studio and with a band on stage, making it a useful tool for professional session and side players. Taylor's current generation of GC models continues to accommodate fingerstylists with finger-friendly traits like a shorter 24 7/8-inch scale length, which makes fretting easier and adds a slightly slinkier feel on the strings due to the lighter string tension. If you feel more comfortable with a small body or favor controlled overtones, a Grand Concert is a great option.

The smallest of Taylor’s full-size body shapes. Its compact dimensions make for a physically comfortable guitar with an intimate feel and sound. The smaller footprint keeps the overtones in check, contributing to a focused, articulate sound that’s well-suited for recording and stage work.

Grand Concert Specifications: 19 1/2" / Body Width: 15" / Body Depth: 4 3/8"

Layered Walnut Body Wood

Taylor's layered wood construction features three wood layers: a middle core of poplar with a thinner layer on each side. Layered walnut’s rich brown hues lend a pleasing aesthetic warmth to the guitars that showcase it.

Sound: Taylor uses layered woods for the back and sides of some of Taylor's guitars for their blend of sound quality, durability, and affordability. Layered wood construction also enables Taylor to preserve tonewood resources. Although layered wood guitars won’t yield quite the same level of tonal complexity as an all-solid guitar, all are paired with a solid wood top to produce a rich, responsive voice that will continue to improve with time and extended play. Layered walnut provides a strong backbone for Taylor's 100 Series, adding subtle touches of high-end sparkle together with midrange presence. An outer layer of walnut is overlaid onto a poplar core (with a layer of sapele on the other side). The layering process also allows Taylor to bend an arch into the back for extra strength and produces a durable that travels well.

Torrefied Spruce Top Woods

By far the most popular and common wood used for acoustic guitar tops, spruce has a long heritage in the music world. In typical Taylor style, Taylor developed their signature recipe for a process called “torrefaction” to make spruce sound even richer and more sophisticated, adding a new dimension to this much-loved wood.

Torrefaction is a process in which spruce tops (before being added to guitar bodies) are roasted in ovens typically used for drying out wood so that it can be worked. The roasting process lends the wood a slightly darker visual hue while also altering its structure slightly to give it new sonic traits. In particular, torrefied spruce tops tend to sound warmer and sweeter, giving them a played-in quality you would expect from a much older piece of wood. While torrefaction cannot replicate the effects of decades of age and play, it does provide a touch of extra sonic depth without losing spruce’s trademark clarity, articulation or volume.

Origin: Canada and Alaska

Goes Well With: Virtually all musical genres and playing styles.

No Electronics

Taylor respects guitar players who know what they want—and what they don’t. Most Taylor models that come standard with acoustic electronics can be ordered without them. Just contact your local Taylor dealer and they’ll make it happen. The good news is that if you ever change your mind, Taylor's Service department can install a pickup. Taylor will say that if you’re on the fence about it, or think you don’t need one right now, it’s nice to have—you never know when you might want to do some home recording or play that open mic night and cross it off your bucket list.

SPECIFICATIONS

Returns

• Any New item (other than as noted below) purchased from Bananas at Large may be returned within 14 days of the invoice date, for a full refund, exchange or credit.
• All Pre-Owned products may be returned in 48 hours.
• All Clearance, “additional mark down”, additionally discounted, “blow out”, “door buster” or otherwise identified as on sale may be returned within 7 days unless otherwise specified.

For online orders, the above return policy begins on the day the items were delivered. We must receive an active tracking number within the specified time.

Bananas must be notified within 24 hours of receiving delivery of any issues that pertain to damage during shipping, missing product or incorrect product.

See our full Return Policy for all of the pertinent details.

Shipping

We understand that when you make an order, you want your gear as quickly as possible and we'll do our best to make that happen! Most of the items we sell will ship quickly and be at your door fast. In most cases, orders ship within 1-3 business days. Shipping and delivery dates are not guaranteed unless otherwise specified. 

Most orders $100 and over qualify for FREE shipping within the Continental United States. Some exclusions may apply.

Ensure Secure Deliveries with Signature Confirmation

Want more security? Request Signature Required for your online order. This service is available upon request. We apply Signature Required on all online orders over $200. Please submit in writing if for any reason you do not want this additional service. Your request must be emailed to us prior to shipping, [email protected].

• Service available upon request.
• Signature Required applied to all online orders over $200.
• Limited availability to APO/FPO/DPO locations and certain Freely Associated States.
• Use with any service except Standard Mail® and Adult Signature Services.

See our full Shipping Policy for further details.

Buy online, pick up in store

Order online and pick up at any store location FREE of charge. Avoid online shipping charges and shipping time, and in most cases get your order faster. Enjoy the in store pickup convenience and security of knowing that your can easily return the product if it does not suit your needs within our return policy.

I'm interested! What do I need to do?

1. Place your order on shopbananasatlarge.com and choose In-Store Pickup for your preferred location at checkout.
2. We'll contact you by email or phone when it's ready for pick up. Need it sooner? Just give us a call and we'll do our best to arrange that: 888-900-1959
3. Bring a copy of your valid government-issued ID such as a Driver's License and a digital or print copy of the order confirmation to your local store.
4. You have (2 options): Curbside Contactless Pickup or Pick up in Store.
   1. Curbside Contactless Pickup: When you arrive at the store location, call us and we will bring your order out to verify your ID, place in your vehicle and you're ready to go!
   2. Pick up In Store: Come into the store, show your ID, and pick up your order.

How does it work?

After you place your order online, the selected store receives your order. Then the merchandise is selected from the store's current inventory and prepared for pick up. If the items are located at another store, there may be a longer wait time as we need to transfer it to the pickup location of your choice. This is all part of our free service. We'll contact you when it's ready and notify you if anything changes. Once your order is ready, you can choose to come into the store to pick up your order OR call us when you arrive and we will provide Contactless Curbside Pickup at your vehicle.

Most orders are ready within 24 hours; however, please allow for extra processing time depending on the item, size of order, and store location. If you need to pick up your order sooner, please give us a call at either location.

See our full Shipping Policy for further details.

Local delivery to your doorstep

Bananas is here to help you support your local economy, shop local, get your musical dreams faster.

FAST: Get Same Day Delivery starting at $35*.

Making your online shopping a little easier. We offer an easy “Order Online, Deliver to your Doorstep”.

This service is currently available for these towns within California: Santa Rosa, San Rafael, San Anselmo, Fairfax, Larkspur, Greenbrae, Corte Madera, Novato, Sausalito, Belvedere/Tiburon, Ross, Kentfield, and Mill Valley. Shipping rates are shown at checkout. Got questions?... Contact us!

*Get same day delivery for in-stock orders received and processed by 2pm, otherwise will deliver the following business day. Delivery fee is based on weight, delivery location and courier fees. Any amounts over $35 - You will be notified to approve before delivery. This is a convenience option only. Deliveries are by a 3rd party delivery service and will deliver to doorstep only. By accepting this delivery process you hereby indemnify Bananas At Large Inc of all responsibility as Bananas At Large is not the delivery agent and assumes no liability on lost or stolen products.

By choosing this option you understand and agree to the following terms:

• Some restrictions apply. For in-stock & available items only.
• You are requesting Bananas at Large to contract on your behalf with a 3rd party service.
• Bananas At Large guarantees the product to be delivered to your doorstep, with photo proof of delivery.
• Bananas cannot and is not responsible for the package safety or security once it is delivered to your doorstep.
• You understand and accept the risk and responsibility of your package once it is delivered.
• Large items, overweight items may incur additional charges.
• Certain delivery zones and homes with access issues may incur additional charges or may not qualify for delivery.
• If the last inventory unit is located at either our Santa Rosa or San Rafael store locations, there may be a delivery delay that may take an additional business day to have it transferred to the store closest to you.

FREE: Free Local Delivery in 1-3 Days.

Free 1-3 day local delivery available for orders over $199*. Contact us for details.

If you aren’t in a rush to receive your items and want free delivery, choose the Free Local Delivery option at checkout. Your order will be processed and delivered within 2-3 business days. 

*Applies to full price items only. Can't be combined with any other deals or promotions including Bananas Rewards.

This service is currently available for these towns within California: Santa Rosa, San Rafael, San Anselmo, Fairfax, Larkspur, Greenbrae, Corte Madera, Novato, Sausalito, Belvedere/Tiburon, Ross, Kentfield, and Mill Valley. Shipping rates are shown at checkout. Got questions?... Contact us!

By choosing this option you understand and agree to the following terms:

• Some restrictions apply. For in-stock & available items only.
• You are requesting Bananas at Large to contract on your behalf with a 3rd party service.
• Bananas At Large guarantees the product to be delivered to your doorstep, with photo proof of delivery.
• Bananas cannot and is not responsible for the package safety or security once it is delivered to your doorstep.
• You understand and accept the risk and responsibility of your package once it is delivered.
• Large items, overweight items may incur additional charges.
• Certain delivery zones and homes with access issues may incur additional charges or may not qualify for delivery.
• If the last inventory unit is located at either our Santa Rosa or San Rafael store locations, there may be a delivery delay that may take an additional business day to have it transferred to the store closest to you.

See our full Shipping Policy for further details.

Local pickup only

Some products are available for local pickup only. If you’d like this item shipped, please call us at 1 (888) 900-1959 or text us at (415) 457-7600 to discuss shipping options. 

Shipping items with tubes

Bananas does not warranty tubes in transit. We offer tube removal and individual bubble wrap service for $45 per customer request (for standard amps, more complex amps that take more time may be a higher fee). Customers buying any tube product and having it shipped should understand and realize that Bananas cannot be responsible for damaged tubes from transit. This applies to all new and used products. Certain manufactures offer a tube warranty on their new products as a courtesy, and that is available thru the manufacturer warranty process for all new products where it applies.

Play now, Pay later!

Make music more affordable with these easy payment plans. It only takes a few minutes to apply or just choose any financing option at checkout.

Bananas at Large offers these financing options: Affirm, PayTomorrow, Acima Credit, Synchrony and more! 

Click here for details.

Warranty Information

PROTECT YOUR PRODUCT WITH AN EXTENDED WARRANTY

• Full Coverage from Date of Purchase
• 100% Parts and Labor Coverage
• Includes Accidental Damage
• Includes Free Shipping
• Up to 5 Years of Total Coverage

Bananas has partnered with Consumer Priority Service (CPS) to offer extended warranties for your instruments. Simply add the CPS extended warranty by selecting the option on our product pages.

Warranty FAQ

DO I NEED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY?

Most manufacturers limit their warranty periods to keep their product costs competitive. It should come as no surprise that most problems occur after the manufacturer’s warranty is over. If you are like most consumers, you don't want to deal with the inevitable problems surrounding repairs. Who do you call for service? Are they reliable? Is a handyman capable of performing a long lasting, reliable repair on your instrument?

Ranked #1 Extended Warranty

CPS provides top notch warranty protection for your purchases to ensure life and longevity. This means that they care about you and your product long after your purchase has been made. This warranty offers reliable, hassle-free, comprehensive parts and labor protection for your product.

You Need to Prepare for These Issues Today

Bananas is an Authorized Consumer Priority Service Dealer. This means that they care about you and your products long after the purchase date. You can easily extend your manufacturer's warranty for a possible total of 5 years from the date of purchase.

CPS Warranties Offer Reliable Protection for Your Product

By purchasing a CPS accidental damage plan, you’re guaranteed years of worry free operation from your new product.

Is a CPS Warranty just an extension of the existing manufacturer’s warranty?

Actually, it’s an upgrade to your existing manufacturer’s warranty. A CPS Warranty offers benefits that aren’t offered by manufacturers like accidental damage & free shipping to and from the repair facility.

What’s the difference between a Replacement Plan and Repair Plan?

A Replacement Plan is available for products under $150. If the product fails, you will receive a replacement through Bananas.

A Repair Plan is for products over $150 and offers free repair coverage for your product any time during the life of your warranty. If we can’t fix it, we’ll replace it!

How am I covered?

For the Replacement Plan, your coverage provides for a one-time replacement of the covered product.

For the Repair Plan, you are covered for a period of up to five years (depending on which plan you purchase). Benefits include parts and labor for required repairs on your product.

When does my warranty coverage start?

Coverage begins on the 31st calendar day from when you purchased your product.

Can I transfer the Protection Plan to a new owner?

Yes! CPS Warranties are transferable between owners.

What if I Need to Return my Product?

If you return your product, Bananas returns the money you paid for the product protection plan. Depending on how much time has passed since your purchase, CPS may issue a prorated refund.

Is my product covered if it’s stolen or if I lose it?

Unfortunately the CPS Warranty does not cover lost or stolen products.

Is there a service fee?

Zero dollar service fee for the Replacement Plans and the Repair Plans.

HOW DO I FILE A CLAIM?

https://www.cpscentral.com/how-to-file-a-claim