Taylor A12-N Academy Series Grand Concert Nylon String Acoustic Guitar
- Product SKU: CA01035000004811000
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Buy Online, Pick up In-Store
Nylon | Lutz Spruce Top | Layered Walnut Back and Sides | Neo-Tropical Mahogany Neck | West African Crelicam Ebony Fretboard | No Electronics | Non-cutaway | Gig Bag Case
Ideal both for beginner players or experienced guitarists seeking an affordable nylon-string guitar to add to the toolkit, the Academy 12-N generates a rich, snappy acoustic tone with the classical-hued flavor that only comes with nylon strings. It's made with a solid torrefied spruce top for power, projection and articulation, with Taylor's special roasting process adding a dash mature, aged-in warmth. This compact Grand Concert model offers a seamless feel thanks to its player-friendly dimensions, built-in armrest and slender Taylor neck, which features a 1-7/8" nut width that provides ample spacing for fingerstyle arrangements but maintains a relaxed feel for fretting. The acoustic-only Academy 12-N ships with a soft-sided gig bag for transportation.
- Nylon-string guitar offers modern classical tone
- Grand Concert body feels easy to hold and play
- Solid torrefied spruce top generates warmth, projection and clarity
- Armrest included for additional playing comfort
- Comes with lightweight gig bag for protection
FEATURES
Compact Grand Concert, Classical Nylon Tones
The Academy 12-N combines signature Taylor playability with warm, snapply nylon-string tones.
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.
Lutz Spruce Top Woods

A naturally occurring hybrid of Sitka and White spruce, Lutz grows in climate zones between where Sitka and White spruce are found. (Sitka grows in more coastal areas, while White spruce thrives in interior regions.) Lutz has is considered very adaptive within those microclimates, which can yield properties that are superior to either species alone.
In terms of acoustic response, Lutz blends the positive characteristics of Sitka and White spruce and its close cousin, Engelmann spruce. The Lutz that Taylor uses for the 500 Series tends to exhibit characteristics of Adirondack spruce. The result is powerful sonic horsepower that translates into strong volume, projection and tonal richness.
Origin: Canada
Goes Well With: Most playing styles. Players with a lively attack will enjoy the tonal output and headroom.
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
General
- Number of Strings: 6 String
- Orientation: Right Handed
- Body Shape: Grand Concert
- Cutaway: Non-cutaway
- Color: Natural
- Electronics: None
- Case/Bag: Gig Bag
Body
- Top Wood: Lutz Spruce
- Back/Side Wood: Layered Walnut
- Rosette: Baltic Birch Marquetry 3 Ring
- Back Configuration: Layered, 2-Piece
- Body Binding: None
- Armrest: Beveled Walnut
- Top Finish: Matte
- Back/Side Finish: Matte
Neck
- Neck Wood: Neo-Tropical Mahogany
- Fretboard Wood: West African Crelicam Ebony
- Neck Profile: Standard Carve
- Fretboard Inlay: Faux Pearl 4mm Dots
- Fretboard Binding: None
- Neck Finish: Matte
Peghead
- Nut Width: 1-7/8"
- Peghead Veneer Wood: Copafera
- Scale Length: 25-1/2"
- Peghead Inlay: None
- Peghead Type: Slotted
- Peghead Binding: None
- Peghead Finish: Matte
Other
- Bridge: West African Crelicam Ebony
- Nut & Saddle: White TUSQ Nut, White Micarta Saddle
- Bridge Pins: None
- Strings: D'Addario Pro Arte Carbon (.024 - .046)
- Pickguard: None
- Tuners: Classical Nickel with Faux Pearl Buttons
- Strap Pin: Chrome
- End Pin: Nickel
Nylon | Lutz Spruce Top | Layered Walnut Back and Sides | Neo-Tropical Mahogany Neck | West African Crelicam Ebony Fretboard | No Electronics | Non-cutaway | Gig Bag Case
Ideal both for beginner players or experienced guitarists seeking an affordable nylon-string guitar to add to the toolkit, the Academy 12-N generates a rich, snappy acoustic tone with the classical-hued flavor that only comes with nylon strings. It's made with a solid torrefied spruce top for power, projection and articulation, with Taylor's special roasting process adding a dash mature, aged-in warmth. This compact Grand Concert model offers a seamless feel thanks to its player-friendly dimensions, built-in armrest and slender Taylor neck, which features a 1-7/8" nut width that provides ample spacing for fingerstyle arrangements but maintains a relaxed feel for fretting. The acoustic-only Academy 12-N ships with a soft-sided gig bag for transportation.
- Nylon-string guitar offers modern classical tone
- Grand Concert body feels easy to hold and play
- Solid torrefied spruce top generates warmth, projection and clarity
- Armrest included for additional playing comfort
- Comes with lightweight gig bag for protection
FEATURES
Compact Grand Concert, Classical Nylon Tones
The Academy 12-N combines signature Taylor playability with warm, snapply nylon-string tones.
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.
Lutz Spruce Top Woods
A naturally occurring hybrid of Sitka and White spruce, Lutz grows in climate zones between where Sitka and White spruce are found. (Sitka grows in more coastal areas, while White spruce thrives in interior regions.) Lutz has is considered very adaptive within those microclimates, which can yield properties that are superior to either species alone.
In terms of acoustic response, Lutz blends the positive characteristics of Sitka and White spruce and its close cousin, Engelmann spruce. The Lutz that Taylor uses for the 500 Series tends to exhibit characteristics of Adirondack spruce. The result is powerful sonic horsepower that translates into strong volume, projection and tonal richness.
Origin: Canada
Goes Well With: Most playing styles. Players with a lively attack will enjoy the tonal output and headroom.
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
General
- Number of Strings: 6 String
- Orientation: Right Handed
- Body Shape: Grand Concert
- Cutaway: Non-cutaway
- Color: Natural
- Electronics: None
- Case/Bag: Gig Bag
Body
- Top Wood: Lutz Spruce
- Back/Side Wood: Layered Walnut
- Rosette: Baltic Birch Marquetry 3 Ring
- Back Configuration: Layered, 2-Piece
- Body Binding: None
- Armrest: Beveled Walnut
- Top Finish: Matte
- Back/Side Finish: Matte
Neck
- Neck Wood: Neo-Tropical Mahogany
- Fretboard Wood: West African Crelicam Ebony
- Neck Profile: Standard Carve
- Fretboard Inlay: Faux Pearl 4mm Dots
- Fretboard Binding: None
- Neck Finish: Matte
Peghead
- Nut Width: 1-7/8"
- Peghead Veneer Wood: Copafera
- Scale Length: 25-1/2"
- Peghead Inlay: None
- Peghead Type: Slotted
- Peghead Binding: None
- Peghead Finish: Matte
Other
- Bridge: West African Crelicam Ebony
- Nut & Saddle: White TUSQ Nut, White Micarta Saddle
- Bridge Pins: None
- Strings: D'Addario Pro Arte Carbon (.024 - .046)
- Pickguard: None
- Tuners: Classical Nickel with Faux Pearl Buttons
- Strap Pin: Chrome
- End Pin: Nickel
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 - info@bananas.com.
- 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?
- Place your order on bananas.com and choose In-Store Pickup for your preferred location at checkout.
- 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
- 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.
-
You have (2 options): Curbside Contactless Pickup or Pick up in Store.
- 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!
- 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.
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Longer-term protection for your purchase
Your Mulberry product protection plan goes beyond our standard coverage to keep your product protected for longer for up to 5 years.
Protect against, drops, spills, and more!
Get protection for peace of mind when accidents happen. Mulberry’s coverage may vary based on the specific product.
Product Failures and Defects
If anything goes wrong with your product beyond the manufacturer warranty, Mulberry has your back with free repairs & replacements
For full coverage details, visit https://www.getmulberry.com
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How does it work
Purchase your Mulberry protection plan
Purchase your Mulberry protection plan along with a Bananas at Large purchase. That’s it! You’ll be automatically registered with Mulberry.
File a claim if something happens
Mulberry’s digital portal lets you file a claim in just a few clicks. Simply log-in to your Mulberry account, click “File a Claim”, and follow the prompts.
Get approved and get your claim resolved!
Your Mulberry protection will extend your manufacturer warranty and may also add protection for accidental damage. As you are shopping, we’ll let you know exactly what is covered for the products you’re interested in.
FAQs
What does the Mulberry plan cover?
Your Mulberry protection will extend your manufacturer warranty and may also add protection for accidental damage. As you are shopping, we’ll let you know exactly what is covered for the products you’re interested in.
What is Mulberry?
Mulberry is the people-first platform for product protection - they work with us to provide you with extended coverage on the products you purchase from our site. Along with comprehensive coverage for your products, Mulberry also offers the following:
- 24/7 customer support
- Hassle-free online claims
- No deductibles or hidden fees
Plus, Mulberry has received more than 500 positive customer ratings on Zendesk — the platform they use to manage customer service inquiries and claims.
How do I sign up for a Mulberry protection plan
It’s easy - just add a protection plan to your cart and check out! After you purchase coverage, you’ll receive a welcome email from Mulberry prompting you to activate your account. Activating your account will give you access to your dedicated warranty dashboard where you’ll be able to view your plan details and full contract terms, and file a claim as needed.
How do I file a claim?
Mulberry makes it easy to file a claim online through their customer dashboard, no receipts needed! You can also contact their customer support team 24/7 at support@getmulberry.com
Will I have to pay a deductible or any other fees?
You’ll never have to pay any fees or deductibles when you file a claim with Mulberry.
What happens if I return or exchange my product?
Each Mulberry Protection Plan is tied to the specific product with which it was purchased. This means when you return or exchange your product, you will also need to cancel the warranty with Mulberry (and purchase a new plan if you prefer). If you cancel your warranty within the merchant’s return window, you will receive a 100% refund for your Protection Plan, minus any claims paid. For returns outside of the merchant’s return window, you will receive a prorated refund, based on the time remaining on your Plan, minus any claims paid.
Warning: Some of the products purchased at Bananas At Large can expose you to chemicals, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and/or reproductive harm. For more information go to http://www.P65Warnings.ca.