I bought the 20e a few months ago and I haven't hardly touched any of my other 6 guitars since then. I absolutely love the guitar, I play it nearly every day. I also have an Academy 12e-N that gets a fair amount of play, both are great guitars. I love the arm feature on them it really makes for a more comfortable playing experience.
Both sound pretty good and I think having a walnut top is a nice point of distinction against its own line and its competition. I've said before that I think the academy 12 is probably the perfect first guitar because the ergonomics are better than just about any acoustic out there. That arm scoop is not to be underestimated. I normally don't recommend a dread as a first guitar because hugging a box is sometimes overwhelming for a newbie, but the 20 sounds great and I have no doubt the comfort is as good as the 10.
Taylor does so well on the beginner models. I have been playing a 110e for almost 3 years. I might just upgrade, (sidegrade?) to a 20e. The price point is right in the ballpark.
Great sounding guitars. Wonder how the Academy 22e compares with the AD22E. I liked the Academy 20e sound, fuller and deeper. Wonder how warm it would sound with the D'Addario NB strings. Thanks Cooper.
The Yamaha JR 1/2 is the one I’ve found that I started recommending for kids first acoustic. I would trust a Taylor to need less setting up out the box though
Interesting. I'm not a fan of Taylors as I find them too bright, but the Walnut seems to mellow out the harshness. While I generally prefer smaller bodied acoustics, that dread does sound great! Those guitars changed two of my preconceived notions!
@@lowellcalavera6045 Lowell coming in hot from behind the keyboard. Well Lowell, I think Chris McKee from Alamo would tell you I know what I'm talking about pretty well. There aren't many people who've played, recorded, and mixed as many Taylors as I have. People call them "bright guitars" but they aren't. They're really balanced if you put anything but Elixirs on them, they're much warmer.
I do agree.. and owning 10e for 2 months now. The guitar is great.. and would buy or suggest it to a beginner or someone who wants a good feeling easy playing, good sounding guitar.
My first guitar was a Yamaha dreadnaught from a starter pack that I completely beat the crap out of. Ended up upgrading to an Academy 12e and is everything anyone could need. Even ordered a pick guard through Taylor’s website and it looks nicer. Taylor will always be my go-to guitar manufacturer
im 45 years old and and want to learn to play.. need to know what guitar to buy to learn on?? local music store tells me to stick with full scale guitars bering there is more room for my fingers. Cooper what would you recommend; gs mini, academy 20e, or something with full scale???
I enjoyed this video Cooper and I believe one of these will be my step up guitar. About a year ago I watched a video that you and Chris did on the Yamaha FS 800 and what a good quality solid top guitar it was. I bought the FS 800 and really enjoy playing it but now I think I’m getting really close to my step up guitar.
Funny. I am (was) in the exact same situation as you with purchasing an FS800 about a year ago as my first guitar. I was thinking Taylor 114e, but found it too bright. I grabbed the Martin D-JRd 10e a week ago, I simply cannot believe how good it sounds, and how easily it plays. Try it out, you will not be disappointed.
I liked the look,I am a beginner and bought a Gs mini in koa from Alamo. I realized I needed a bigger guitar at the nut for the a cord and this may be my second guitar as I was looking at a Gt 17 the day before and liked it’s playability. Most notes I can do on my gs but the a and my hands have a crowding problem
With the 12E you save, at least here in Europe, about 250 euros... Is it justified, this difference, in your opinion? Is it just a question of woods or even the piezo system has been improved from 12E? Thanx guys
Cooper tell us how you played that progression especially that chord you end with that opens up so brightly ♥️♥️♥️ please pretty please with sugar on top
Yet another excellent review! "This" is an "Entry-level guitar?" Hard to believe that a guitar that sounds this good, with these features, is available at this price point.
Thanks, Cooper! I saw a prototype or two Academy 12 guitars on Reverb with walnut back & sides, so I know they're always trying out new combinations. That's what Andy Powers says, too.
I want that dreadnought now. I checked over at Sweetwater where I normally get my Guitars and they don't even have it up on their site yet. Can't wait to hold one and try it out.
I played the a little one not sure. It was an easy playing, comfortable thing. That bevel feels great too. These sound incredible! Love the way he plays too!
They are the same, the only exception being nut width difference between the 1 11/16” and 1 3/4” on higher end Taylors. The scale on the Academy guitars is also about 24.9, making for a very comfortable playing experience with the bevel. I LOVE mine ❤
@@0071287 They are quality guitars for the price which would help a beginner progress much quicker than learning on a cheap guitar! yes a established guitarist could have one too as his or her first guitar but when you've played some of the more expensive Taylors you'll see the big difference.
@@kevingill648while I think the Taylor Academy guitars are real sleeper, bang for the buck guitars, at some point there is the law of diminishing returns. In other words, I think the Taylor 200 series guitars sound almost as good as the American made all-solid 300 series. Anything above that and you are paying for premium aesthetic appointments (gloss, inlays, rosewoods, binding, etc) in my opinion of course.
I think both of these are incredible guitars. Even as an intermediate player I would buy one of these. I like the dreadnought most and i especially like the pickup with the 3 band equalizer.
0:13 - Short answer: Yes. They have an well balanced, "bassi-woody" tone and sound better as some beginner Martin Guitars from the Road Series (and even Standard). But use the Martin Strings, not Elixier (for this !) 😅
Why not Elixir? I just picked up the 20e today. Haven’t changed strings on it yet, but I use Elixir on all my guitars, both electric and acoustic. I think they sound great!
I don't trust any of these videos Cooper can make any guitar sound beautiful 🤣🤣🤣 jk
That is so true
Truth! 🤣😂
So we know that anything less than Cooper’s sound is “operator error”…
Yeah, he could play a pile of junk found at a garage sale and it would sound phenomenal
The best online promoter you can think of. 😁
I bought the 20e a few months ago and I haven't hardly touched any of my other 6 guitars since then. I absolutely love the guitar, I play it nearly every day. I also have an Academy 12e-N that gets a fair amount of play, both are great guitars. I love the arm feature on them it really makes for a more comfortable playing experience.
Both sound pretty good and I think having a walnut top is a nice point of distinction against its own line and its competition. I've said before that I think the academy 12 is probably the perfect first guitar because the ergonomics are better than just about any acoustic out there. That arm scoop is not to be underestimated. I normally don't recommend a dread as a first guitar because hugging a box is sometimes overwhelming for a newbie, but the 20 sounds great and I have no doubt the comfort is as good as the 10.
Taylor does so well on the beginner models. I have been playing a 110e for almost 3 years. I might just upgrade, (sidegrade?) to a 20e. The price point is right in the ballpark.
Great sounding guitars. Wonder how the Academy 22e compares with the AD22E. I liked the Academy 20e sound, fuller and deeper. Wonder how warm it would sound with the D'Addario NB strings. Thanks Cooper.
For the record I'm about to buy this guitar I think. I'm shipping around for another at the moment.
For the money, I think no one beats Yamaha for beginner acoustic guitars.
The Yamaha JR 1/2 is the one I’ve found that I started recommending for kids first acoustic. I would trust a Taylor to need less setting up out the box though
I just traded in a Yamaha Storia III for this. Yamaha is unbeatable value for the money but this was a real step up.
$800… very serious beginner guitar. Sure sounds nice.
I guess you should buy a Yamaha, take it everywhere, beat up, and then get this.
Just when I thought I had every thing I wanted.
Finally......This should b extended to the 100 series. Waiting for the 114e mahogany.
They really sound woody!
you guys should do a comparison between the spruce 10/12 and the walnut 20/22 versions
Interesting. I'm not a fan of Taylors as I find them too bright, but the Walnut seems to mellow out the harshness. While I generally prefer smaller bodied acoustics, that dread does sound great! Those guitars changed two of my preconceived notions!
Just change the strings to D'Addario instead of Elixir. They're not bright guitars, they have bright strings.
@@gabrielobrien21 You're merely showing your ignorance.
@@lowellcalavera6045 Lowell coming in hot from behind the keyboard. Well Lowell, I think Chris McKee from Alamo would tell you I know what I'm talking about pretty well.
There aren't many people who've played, recorded, and mixed as many Taylors as I have. People call them "bright guitars" but they aren't. They're really balanced if you put anything but Elixirs on them, they're much warmer.
When are you going to up load the 10 vs 20
Debating between the academy and the Martin jr series for my first guitar
I'd like to see that too
I have a Martin road series that I love but now I want one of these :) gotta have both
I do agree.. and owning 10e for 2 months now. The guitar is great.. and would buy or suggest it to a beginner or someone who wants a good feeling easy playing, good sounding guitar.
I take a look in the taylor website.... Do you guys know why this model is discontinued ?
Compare the Academy 22 with AD22 would be interesting 🤔
Wow, didn't expect to love these but that dread sounds awesome.
I agree with you Cooper that the Dreadnaught was the better sounding of the two models.
Great video! Would like to see a comparison of the Taylor 20e vs Martin DRJ 10e Streetmaster.
My first guitar was a Yamaha dreadnaught from a starter pack that I completely beat the crap out of. Ended up upgrading to an Academy 12e and is everything anyone could need. Even ordered a pick guard through Taylor’s website and it looks nicer. Taylor will always be my go-to guitar manufacturer
Beginner guitar? mine back then used to cost 200 not 1k for a starter lol
this man's hands will one day make a guitar.
A aspire to play like Cooper Greenberg.... I'd like the name of his teacher please. Love that little sick note you play in there!
Can anyone provide info on what mr. Cooper is playing / demo song? ✌
ANYTHING sounds good in Coopers hands!!!
im 45 years old and and want to learn to play.. need to know what guitar to buy to learn on?? local music store tells me to stick with full scale guitars bering there is more room for my fingers. Cooper what would you recommend; gs mini, academy 20e, or something with full scale???
Same exact question, thanks in advance Cooper.
I enjoyed this video Cooper and I believe one of these will be my step up guitar. About a year ago I watched a video that you and Chris did on the Yamaha FS 800 and what a good quality solid top guitar it was. I bought the FS 800 and really enjoy playing it but now I think I’m getting really close to my step up guitar.
Funny. I am (was) in the exact same situation as you with purchasing an FS800 about a year ago as my first guitar. I was thinking Taylor 114e, but found it too bright. I grabbed the Martin D-JRd 10e a week ago, I simply cannot believe how good it sounds, and how easily it plays. Try it out, you will not be disappointed.
Beautiful demo, and great playing. What is the song that you're playing at 5:00 onwards? It's a very beautiful tune. Thank you so much.
I would also like to know. 👍
I liked the look,I am a beginner and bought a Gs mini in koa from Alamo. I realized I needed a bigger guitar at the nut for the a cord and this may be my second guitar as I was looking at a Gt 17 the day before and liked it’s playability. Most notes I can do on my gs but the a and my hands have a crowding problem
What song, if it is a song, are you playing in this video? Sounds great.
Would also like to know...
These are not ‘beginner ‘ guitars.
Rich beginners 😆
Much in agreement w/ Oliver..
With the 12E you save, at least here in Europe, about 250 euros... Is it justified, this difference, in your opinion? Is it just a question of woods or even the piezo system has been improved from 12E? Thanx guys
Cooper tell us how you played that progression especially that chord you end with that opens up so brightly ♥️♥️♥️ please pretty please with sugar on top
Is there a BIG quality sound difference between Expression system 2 and ESB electronic? This Academy 20 is Great !!!
how is the action?
I did'nt know Taylor built entry beginner guitars.😂
Do these models come in a Nylon version?
Dreadnought 20e model for the win!
lol, 1000 €. My firstz guitar costs 35 Euro, Ebay.
Thanks for all you're guitar introspections, real helpful and informative, good job Cooper
Looks and sounds great and I like that type of electronics for amped up!
Do these guitars have a C shaped neck? Are they thinner than a regular Taylor neck?
Yet another excellent review! "This" is an "Entry-level guitar?" Hard to believe that a guitar that sounds this good, with these features, is available at this price point.
Hey Cooper! What song is that you are playing? I would love to learn to play that!! Thanks
Do you guys sale pickups? There only seems to be 1 kind and I don't want that
22E seems to gave greater dynamic range but both guitars speak softly.
22e for me😍
How do these sound compared to the GS mini? Particularly the dreadnought one?
Awesome video.. which Fender do you play? definitely subed
I know Taylor is re-working their entire line but, I am waiting for a Grand Pacific 12 String Guitar.
Hello
Sounds alot like my 00017, but its bigger, so it sounds a little bigger.
Thanks for the demo, as always Cooper you ROCK! loved your playing man! This is a close call! wow, hmmm I am leaning for the 22e model.
Thanks, Cooper! I saw a prototype or two Academy 12 guitars on Reverb with walnut back & sides, so I know they're always trying out new combinations. That's what Andy Powers says, too.
Nice instrumental demo Cooper.. Variety is the spice of life.😳
is the playability on both these the same?
Cheaper wood / higher price / great for the west coast yankee’s pocket book
I think something caught on fire in your studio!! Fire!!
I want that dreadnought now. I checked over at Sweetwater where I normally get my Guitars and they don't even have it up on their site yet. Can't wait to hold one and try it out.
We've got 'em!
You could just order one from Alamo. They're a great shop.
@@AlamoMusic do you have a left handed 20e in stock?
I played the a little one not sure. It was an easy playing, comfortable thing. That bevel feels great too. These sound incredible! Love the way he plays too!
I would like to see more reviews, but I did call for pricing and the lady liked the 22e better
HELP!!! As a beginner, won't the 22e be easier for me to play than the 20e because it's smaller??
Yes
Dude ZZZZZzzzzzzzz
Do these guitars have a C shaped neck? Are they thinner than a regular Taylor neck?
They are the same, the only exception being nut width difference between the 1 11/16” and 1 3/4” on higher end Taylors. The scale on the Academy guitars is also about 24.9, making for a very comfortable playing experience with the bevel. I LOVE mine ❤
Great job with the explanation and playing Cooper!
not like it walnut top
Cooper I wanna know why you all don’t do demos on Breezdlove guitars they’re a great guitar
Do they sell them?
I have the 10E, i love That guitar. Easy to play and the armrest and scale lenght is amazing. This new model looks really good.
are u tony polocastro o algo asi?
Thank you! ❤
IMO Nobody can beat Taylor for beginner guitars, beautifully made and sound great, I prefer the 20e only because it's got a slightly deeper tone
Why are these referrer to as ‘beginner guitars ? ‘ these are complex, great sounding guitars of high build quality. These are not 150 dollar Yamahas .
@@0071287 They are quality guitars for the price which would help a beginner progress much quicker than learning on a cheap guitar! yes a established guitarist could have one too as his or her first guitar but when you've played some of the more expensive Taylors you'll see the big difference.
@@kevingill648while I think the Taylor Academy guitars are real sleeper, bang for the buck guitars, at some point there is the law of diminishing returns. In other words, I think the Taylor 200 series guitars sound almost as good as the American made all-solid 300 series. Anything above that and you are paying for premium aesthetic appointments (gloss, inlays, rosewoods, binding, etc) in my opinion of course.
Oh man!
I think both of these are incredible guitars. Even as an intermediate player I would buy one of these. I like the dreadnought most and i especially like the pickup with the 3 band equalizer.
well, to my ears, they sound "muted" and flat. Perhaps Solid Walnut top is not a good tone wood.
This is awesome,the day the put a mahogany top on the 200 series I will add another to my collection
0:13 - Short answer: Yes. They have an well balanced, "bassi-woody" tone and sound better as some beginner Martin Guitars from the Road Series (and even Standard). But use the Martin Strings, not Elixier (for this !) 😅
Why not Elixir? I just picked up the 20e today. Haven’t changed strings on it yet, but I use Elixir on all my guitars, both electric and acoustic. I think they sound great!
@@thisisgnarly Well I dont^^... they sound a little too "metallic-harsh"
@@AnteraxxX I get your point. Especially when they’re brand new.
Try the new XS (which Taylor now ships guitars with). They are the best coated strings I’ve ever had the pleasure to play. Trust me😊