NGD! 455RCE

[thebigz]

I'm at work, but I brought it with me so I'll get a phone pic or two up soon but real pics to follow later.

Just scored a 2003 455RCE with the R standing for rosewood.  I haven't had too much time to play with it but it seems to play really easy and has a very big sound!

Curious, what gauge do people use on jumbo 12 stringers?  Are mediums too heavy for a 12?  I'm thinking of going with a pretty heavy gauge then down tuning 1/2 step - my guess is it will absolutely growl like that!

[jjrpilot-admin]

Congrats on your new Taylor!  We will patiently wait for pics...   

[thebigz]

Here are a few pics....  Better ones when I can get it in the sun.  Its hard to tell, but the rosewood has so much depth to it.  Really nice looking.

Any thoughts on string gauges?  I see Elixir only makes them as heavy as lights, and no PB.  What strings does everyone else use for their 12s?

[michaelw]

hi bigz
congrats on the 455rce
i owned a 02 454ceLTD (grand auditorium) imbuia & when i had it,
i used Elixir NanoWeb 80/20 lights & it was tuned to concert pitch

it looks like the Elixir 12 string sets are available in 3 gauges in 80/20 Nano &
in the light gauge only for PolyWebs - i don't see any listing for NanoWeb PBs

12-String Light      .010      .014      .023      .030      .039      .047
                                .010      .014      .009      .012       .018      .027

i would check with Taylor to verify if using a medium set
tuned 1/2 step down is ok (to me, it appears  it could be)
      
12-String Medium   .012      .016      .024      .032      .042      .053
                                 .012       .016      .010      .012      .016       .024

using a heavy gauge tuned to C might  be alright, but using them may
require some work to the nut slots & again i would contact Taylor's customer
service/repair dept to be verify that if it is ok to use the 'heavy' gauge set
   
12-String Heavy       .013      .017      .030      .039      .047      .056
                                   .013      .017      .014       .018      .027      .035

hope this helps

thanks for sharing the pics & enjoy your jumbo 'R' 12'er

[Edward]

When I had a 655, I had called Taylor about using mediums, and they said that's fine but recommended going down a full step (to D).  I did so and the tension, according to my finely calibrated fingeromometer, reported that mediums tuned down to D felt about the same as the light gauge set tuned at concert pitch.  But I preferred the tone with the mediums in D.   Yet on my RT12, I love the tone as is so left the lights on and kept it at concert.  So your best bet is to try it and see if you like it.

Edward