Taylor 657ce DoceDoble - 12string Guitar

Taylor Guitars’ collaboration with International House of Music (IHOMI) was a significant milestone, combining craftsmanship and tradition to create the Taylor 657ce Doce Doble guitar. This partnership aimed to bring together the legacy of Taylor’s innovative guitar-making techniques with IHOMI’s deep roots in Mexican music culture.

The 657ce Doce Doble was designed with Mexican music traditions in mind, specifically the requinto and other traditional stringed instruments. The Doce Doble is a 12-string guitar that takes inspiration from the "Doce Doble" tuning used in traditional Mexican music, incorporating elements that make it well-suited to the rich, vibrant sounds of this genre. It features a distinctive sound that is louder and more resonant, offering musicians a unique voice in the music they create.

This collaboration was officially unveiled during an exclusive event hosted by IHOMI, where the Doce Doble was showcased alongside the Bajo Quinto, another traditional Mexican instrument. The launch event celebrated the fusion of cultural heritage and modern design, emphasizing how Taylor's high-quality craftsmanship could help bring traditional Mexican sounds into the spotlight on a global stage.

Through this partnership, Taylor Guitars and IHOMI not only created a special product but also brought attention to the beauty of Mexican music, encouraging musicians and enthusiasts to explore a new level of musical expression through their instruments.

The craftsmanship and quality of the Taylor 657ce Doce Doble reflect the meticulous attention to detail that Taylor Guitars is known for, combined with a deep respect for the traditional elements of Mexican music. The Doce Doble is crafted to be both a modern and culturally rich instrument, designed to deliver superior sound and playability. Here's a breakdown of its craftsmanship and quality:

Tonewoods & Construction

The Doce Doble uses premium tonewoods that contribute to its vibrant, resonant sound. The top of the guitar is typically crafted from Sitka spruce, which offers clarity and projection, while the back and sides are made of Indian rosewood or another tonewood, depending on the specific model. These materials are carefully chosen for their tonal qualities, ensuring a balanced sound with rich overtones and deep bass that suits traditional Mexican music styles.

The guitar's Grand Concert body shape is specifically chosen for its bright and articulate tone, ideal for both strumming and fingerstyle playing. The 12-string configuration, with its additional strings, enhances the harmonic richness, giving the Doce Doble a fuller, more resonant sound.

Precision in Design

Taylor Guitars is renowned for its precision craftsmanship, and the 657ce Doce Doble is no exception. Every aspect of the guitar, from the body shaping to the placement of the neck and frets, is carefully executed using Taylor's renowned NT neck joint and V-Class bracing technology. This design ensures not only tonal clarity but also structural integrity and stability, leading to long-lasting durability and consistent sound.

The neck is designed to offer smooth playability and comfort for musicians, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced players. Its ease of action and responsive frets make it a versatile choice for various playing styles, from fast fingerpicking to expressive chord strumming.

Unique Mexican Influence

In line with the Doce Doble's connection to Mexican music, the guitar also incorporates traditional aesthetic elements. Intricate inlays, custom rosettes, and subtle color accents are designed to reflect the cultural roots of the instrument. These design elements not only add visual appeal but also enhance the overall heritage of the guitar.

Tone & Sound Quality

The Taylor 657ce Doce Doble is engineered to produce a vibrant and complex sound, with the 12 strings offering a unique choral effect that enriches the overall tone. The guitar's dynamic range is expansive, offering everything from bright, jangly highs to warm, resonant lows. The sound is ideal for both solo playing and accompaniment in traditional Mexican music, where the guitar often carries a strong melodic role.

The combination of Taylor's V-Class bracing and their Precision Bracing System provides more sustain and greater harmonic richness, resulting in an instrument that sings with clarity, while also maintaining warmth and resonance. The bracing also allows the guitar to maintain excellent tuning stability, a crucial feature for instruments that may undergo temperature and humidity fluctuations.

Sustainability & Innovation

Taylor Guitars is known for its commitment to sustainable sourcing of wood, and the Doce Doble is no different. The brand takes great care in sourcing tonewoods in an environmentally responsible manner, ensuring that every guitar is made with sustainability in mind. Additionally, Taylor’s ongoing innovation in building practices, such as their taylor-built necks and ES2 (Expression System 2) electronics, offers enhanced durability and improved sound quality.

Overall, the craftsmanship and quality of the Taylor 657ce Doce Doble reflect a perfect blend of modern innovation and traditional design, offering players a unique instrument that’s built to last and provide exceptional sound for years to come. It is a celebration of both Taylor’s renowned guitar-making expertise and the vibrant, rich musical heritage of Mexico.