Academy Series 12e-N

cutaway style, not to mention its dot inlaid
fingerboard, makes it look more like a 00/000
with the ‘wrong’ strings. In typical Taylor style,
however, its build is as clean as a whistle.
The satin varnish finish is about as thin
as it gets which will no doubt enhance its
resonance though it provides little protection;
the back of the mahogany neck (with separate
head and heel block) and the sapele veneers
have an almost open-pore textural feel. We
do get an adjustable truss rod – not part of
traditional classicals – and strap buttons on
both heel and base, the latter doubling as the
output jack which is firmly screwed in place.
Along with the classical-style tuners, the tie-
block bridge is classy; the slightly compensated
Tusq saddle angled back to ensure good down
pressure over the under-saddle transducer.
Fretting too is superbly consistent.
Augmenting a comprehensive range of
‘student’ nylon strings, that start at £429, the
La Patrie Arena CW Q1T models are all stage-
aimed thinline electro cutaways. La Patrie’s
build is very sharp, again satin finished with
a wide-grained solid spruce top and laminate
wild cherry back and sides stained a reddy-
brown. Though lightly arched, the back is
braced, while the top is fan braced.
Unlike the Taylor, the La Patrie has a more
classical width at the nut although the actual
string spacing is virtually identical. The
headstock adopts the longer Godin Multiac
style with a rosewood facing over a whiter
veneer and in true classical style there’s no
brand logo.
Along with its cutaway, we get the standard
19 frets – the Taylor has 17 – but the major
difference between our models is the thinline
body that reduces the depth of the sound
chamber and is designed to reduce feedback.
Its more electric-like feel is enhanced by
the shoulder-placed strap button (Schaller
locking) while the lower button doubles as the
output jack.
Sounds & Feel
It’s the body depth that creates the primary
difference in feel: the La Patrie is really
comfortable, akin to a small electric semi or
thinline. If you already play nylon string then
you may feel more at home with the La Patrie’s
neck with its slightly fuller shoulder and flatter
back. The Taylor neck isn’t much smaller, but
Plugged in the Taylor is crisp,
balanced and with a low end
that won’t run away with you
first play
TAYLOR ACADEMY 12E-N & LA PATRIE ARENA CW Q1T
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GuitaRist NOVEMBER 2017
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