The Taylor Legacy 855e celebrates the large-bodied, exceptionally playable 12-string guitars that helped establish Taylor’s reputation during the company’s early years.

Its classic non-cutaway Jumbo body pairs a solid Sitka spruce top with solid Indian rosewood back and sides, producing a powerful, expansive voice with warm bass, clear treble and the shimmering octave detail that defines a great 12-string acoustic guitar.

Traditional X-bracing and an oversized internal air chamber give the Legacy 855e impressive volume and projection, while Taylor’s modern neck design provides the comfortable fretting experience for which the brand remains renowned. LR Baggs Element VTC electronics complete a professional instrument designed for live performance, studio recording and richly textured acoustic arrangements.

At a Glance

Feature	Details
Brand	Taylor
Model	Legacy 855e
Collection	Legacy
Series	800 Series
Guitar Type	12-string electro-acoustic guitar
Body Shape	Jumbo
Cutaway	Non-cutaway
Top	Solid Sitka spruce
Back and Sides	Solid Indian rosewood
Bracing	Traditional X-bracing
Neck	Neo-Tropical mahogany
Fretboard	West African Crelicam ebony
Scale Length	25½ inches
Nut Width	1⅞ inches
Electronics	LR Baggs Element VTC
Finish	Natural gloss
Main Appeal	Powerful Jumbo projection with rich 12-string shimmer
Best For	Strumming, accompaniment, recording, live performance and layered acoustic textures
Skill Level	Intermediate, advanced and professional
Condition	Brand new

Why Choose the Taylor Legacy 855e?

A Celebration of Taylor’s Early 12-String Guitars

Easy-playing 12-string guitars were an important part of Taylor’s early identity. The Legacy 855e revisits that period by combining a traditional Jumbo body, X-bracing and heritage-inspired appointments with contemporary Taylor neck construction.

The result is not simply a modern guitar with vintage decoration. Its body shape, internal architecture and overall character have been selected to recreate the power, warmth and octave-rich response associated with Bob Taylor’s formative designs.

Classic Jumbo Body Shape

The Legacy 855e returns Taylor’s traditional Jumbo body shape to the modern range.

Its generous dimensions create a large internal air chamber capable of moving a considerable amount of air. This gives the guitar excellent natural volume, powerful bass response and the projection required to support twelve strings without sounding compressed.

A defined waist helps control the midrange and prevent the lower frequencies from becoming muddy. The result is a large, commanding voice that retains clarity across complex chords and open-string passages.

Solid Sitka Spruce Top

Sitka spruce provides the balance, projection and dynamic range needed for a full-sized 12-string guitar.

It offers a clear initial attack and enough headroom to respond confidently to firm strumming. At the same time, it retains the sensitivity required for arpeggios, picked melodies and more controlled accompaniment.

The spruce soundboard helps each paired course remain distinct, preventing the guitar’s naturally rich harmonic content from becoming unfocused.

Solid Indian Rosewood Back and Sides

Indian rosewood contributes deep lows, clear trebles and a broad overtone response.

Its slightly scooped midrange allows the high-frequency octave strings to sparkle without becoming harsh, while the powerful bass response adds weight beneath chords and single-note lines. This creates the polished, expansive character many players associate with premium rosewood acoustic guitars.

Combined with the large Jumbo body, rosewood gives the Legacy 855e a wide frequency range that works particularly well for solo performance, vocal accompaniment and studio layering.

Traditional X-Bracing

The Legacy 855e uses the traditional X-bracing pattern favoured by Bob Taylor during the company’s early years.

This construction supports a warm, open response with strong projection and a familiar acoustic character. It allows the top to produce plenty of movement and harmonic complexity while handling the additional tension created by twelve strings.

For players accustomed to traditional high-end acoustic guitars, the X-braced design provides a recognisable combination of power, warmth and natural tonal bloom.

The Natural Shimmer of Twelve Strings

A 12-string guitar creates its distinctive sound through six paired string courses.

The lower four courses combine a standard string with a thinner string tuned one octave higher. The top two courses are normally tuned in unison. When played together, these pairs create natural chorusing, harmonic movement and a wide, shimmering sound.

The Legacy 855e’s strong fundamental response prevents this octave content from overwhelming the core note, producing a tone that remains musical, balanced and clearly defined.

Modern Taylor Neck Playability

Although the Legacy 855e draws heavily from Taylor’s early designs, its neck provides a modern and comfortable playing experience.

The Neo-Tropical mahogany neck uses Taylor’s Standard Carve profile, helping the guitar feel manageable despite the wider string spacing and increased number of strings. Accurate construction supports consistent action and comfortable fretting throughout the neck.

This is particularly valuable on a 12-string, where excess string height or an oversized neck profile can quickly lead to fatigue.

Wide 1⅞-Inch Nut

The 1⅞-inch nut provides sufficient spacing for twelve strings while keeping chords and melodic passages organised beneath the fingers.

The additional width gives each paired course room to sound clearly and reduces the cramped feeling that can occur on narrower 12-string necks. It also makes the guitar suitable for players who incorporate arpeggios, picked chord patterns and individual string work.

LR Baggs Element VTC Electronics

The LR Baggs Element VTC system provides a dependable amplified sound for stage and recording use.

Its undersaddle pickup follows the movement of the soundboard and saddle, capturing the guitar’s attack, body and harmonic detail. Discreet soundhole-mounted controls provide quick access to volume and tone without interrupting the traditional appearance of the body.

The system can be connected to an acoustic amplifier, PA system, mixing desk, audio interface or suitable DI box.

Heritage-Inspired Visual Details

The Legacy 855e reflects the understated appearance of Taylor’s formative instruments.

Its traditional appointments include:

• White body and fretboard binding
• Three-ring green abalone rosette
• Mother-of-pearl Large Diamond fretboard inlays
• Faux-tortoiseshell pickguard
• Indian rosewood peghead veneer
• West African Crelicam ebony mustache bridge
• Nickel Taylor tuning machines
• Gloss finish across the body and neck
• Commemorative Legacy interior label

These elements give the instrument an elegant, historically influenced appearance without distracting from the natural spruce and rosewood grain.

Why Choose a Jumbo 12-String Guitar?

A Jumbo body is particularly well suited to the extended frequency range of twelve strings.

The larger soundboard produces considerable acoustic volume, while the increased body capacity reinforces bass frequencies beneath the octave strings. This gives chords weight and authority rather than allowing the sound to become excessively bright or thin.

The body’s defined waist helps retain separation through the middle frequencies, keeping densely voiced chords and open tunings clear.

A Jumbo 12-string is an excellent choice when the player wants:

• Strong natural projection
• Wide, room-filling chords
• Deep bass beneath octave shimmer
• Rich accompaniment for vocals
• A substantial sound for solo performance
• Layered textures for studio recording

Why Choose an Acoustic 12-String Guitar?

A 12-string guitar offers a sound that cannot be completely replicated with effects or doubled recording tracks.

The slight differences in vibration between each paired string produce natural chorusing and harmonic movement. Even simple open chords gain depth, width and a sense of motion.

Twelve-string guitars are particularly effective for:

• Full-band acoustic arrangements
• Solo singer-songwriter performances
• Folk, rock, country and alternative music
• Open and alternative tunings
• Arpeggiated chord patterns
• Layering beneath a standard six-string guitar
• Creating a wide stereo impression in recordings

The Legacy 855e adds the projection and depth of a solid rosewood Jumbo body to this naturally expansive sound.

Who Is the Taylor Legacy 855e For?

Experienced Acoustic Guitarists

The Legacy 855e is an excellent choice for established players seeking a premium 12-string with professional construction, strong projection and refined playability.

Singers and Songwriters

Its full-bodied sound can provide a complete accompaniment beneath a single vocal performance. Open chords and simple progressions gain additional movement and harmonic richness.

Recording Musicians

The guitar can add width and high-frequency detail to an arrangement without relying on multiple overdubs. It works especially well beneath a standard six-string, piano, strings or layered vocals.

Live Performers

Powerful acoustic projection and LR Baggs electronics make the 855e suitable for concerts, worship settings, theatre productions and professional stage use.

Taylor Enthusiasts

Players interested in Taylor’s history will appreciate the return of the Jumbo body, traditional X-bracing, mustache bridge and early-inspired visual details.

Players Using Alternative Tunings

The large body and rosewood construction produce impressive depth in lowered and open tunings. A suitable setup is recommended when making a permanent change to string gauge or tuning tension.

Musicians Seeking a Statement Acoustic Sound

The Legacy 855e is designed for occasions when a standard six-string does not provide enough harmonic width, projection or atmosphere.

What’s Included?

• Taylor Legacy 855e 12-string electro-acoustic guitar
• Taylor Deluxe Hardshell Case

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

Every guitar is carefully inspected by the Fair Deal Music team before collection or dispatch.

Our assessment covers the finish, neck, frets, bridge, tuning machines, electronics and overall playability. Particular attention is given to tuning stability, paired-string response and accurate operation of the LR Baggs pickup system.

Any adjustment required before the guitar leaves us will be completed by our experienced team so that it arrives ready to play and enjoy.

Technical Specifications

General

Specification	Details
Number of Strings	12
Orientation	Right-handed
Body Shape	Jumbo
Cutaway	Non-cutaway
Colour	Natural
Bracing System	Traditional X-bracing
Electronics	LR Baggs Element VTC

Body

Specification	Details
Top Wood	Solid Sitka spruce
Back and Side Wood	Solid Indian rosewood
Back Configuration	Two-piece without centre wedge
Top Finish	Gloss
Back and Side Finish	Gloss
Body Binding	White
Rosette	Three-ring green abalone
Pickguard	Faux tortoiseshell
Armrest	None

Neck and Fretboard

Specification	Details
Neck Wood	Neo-Tropical mahogany
Neck Profile	Standard Carve
Neck Finish	Gloss
Fretboard Wood	West African Crelicam ebony
Fretboard Binding	White
Fretboard Inlays	Mother-of-pearl Large Non-Engraved Diamonds
Scale Length	25½ inches
Nut Width	1⅞ inches

Peghead and Hardware

Specification	Details
Peghead Type	Traditional straight-ear design
Peghead Veneer	Indian rosewood
Peghead Finish	Gloss
Bridge	West African Crelicam ebony mustache bridge
Nut	White TUSQ
Saddle	White Micarta
Bridge Pins	West African ebony with green abalone dots
Tuning Machines	Taylor nickel with nickel buttons
Strap Pin	Nickel
End Pin	Nickel
Factory Strings	D’Addario XS coated phosphor bronze light, .010–.047

Electronics

Specification	Details
Pickup System	LR Baggs Element VTC
Pickup Type	Undersaddle
Controls	Volume and tone
Control Location	Inside the soundhole
Output	Standard ¼-inch instrument connection

Power Requirements

The LR Baggs Element VTC system requires a 9V battery.

An inserted instrument cable activates the electronics, so the cable should be disconnected when the guitar is not in use to preserve battery life. Keeping a spare 9V battery available is recommended for live performances and important recording sessions.

Taylor Legacy 855e Compared with the Taylor Legacy 815e

The Legacy 855e and Legacy 815e share the same traditional Jumbo body shape, solid Sitka spruce top, solid Indian rosewood back and sides, X-bracing and heritage-inspired appointments.

The key difference is the string configuration.

The Legacy 815e is a conventional six-string guitar with a powerful, full-frequency voice. It offers greater simplicity for lead playing, string bending and general-purpose acoustic work.

The Legacy 855e uses twelve strings to create additional octave detail, chorusing and harmonic width. Its sound is larger and more textured, making it especially effective for accompaniment, recording and atmospheric arrangements.

Choose the Legacy 815e for the versatility of a premium six-string Jumbo. Choose the Legacy 855e when the expansive shimmer of a 12-string is central to the music.

Taylor Legacy 855e Compared with a Smaller-Bodied 12-String

A smaller 12-string guitar usually provides a more focused response, greater physical comfort and tighter bass.

The Legacy 855e’s Jumbo body produces more acoustic volume, low-frequency weight and room-filling projection. It is better suited to players who want a broad, powerful sound rather than a compact or intimate response.

Choose a smaller body when portability and controlled projection are the priorities. Choose the Legacy 855e for maximum depth, scale and acoustic authority.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Taylor Legacy 855e difficult to play?

A 12-string naturally requires more fretting pressure than a six-string because each note involves a paired course. Taylor’s comfortable neck profile and carefully engineered setup help make the experience considerably more manageable.

Is the Legacy 855e suitable for beginners?

It is primarily aimed at intermediate, advanced and professional players. A complete beginner may find a six-string acoustic easier for developing basic chord shapes and finger strength.

Can the guitar be tuned down?

Yes. Many 12-string players tune down by a semitone or whole tone to reduce overall tension and create a deeper sound. A capo can then be used when standard concert pitch is required.

Can it be used for fingerstyle playing?

Yes. The wider nut provides useful string spacing, while the guitar responds well to arpeggios and controlled fingerstyle patterns. Individual paired courses require greater precision than a standard six-string.

Does the Jumbo body produce too much bass?

The defined waist and rosewood tonal balance help keep the bass controlled. The instrument produces considerable low-end depth, but the clear spruce attack and strong treble response prevent the sound from becoming muddy.

Can it be connected directly to a PA system?

Yes. The LR Baggs electronics can be connected to a PA system, acoustic amplifier, mixing desk or audio interface. An acoustic DI box can provide additional control and signal balancing for professional live use.

Does a 12-string require different strings?

Yes. A dedicated 12-string set contains the correct gauges for the six standard strings and their paired octave or unison strings.

How often should the strings be changed?

This depends on playing frequency, hand chemistry and tonal preference. Twelve strings require more time to replace and tune, but coated strings can provide extended life compared with conventional uncoated sets.

Can all twelve strings be removed at once?

Strings should be changed carefully and the bridge kept protected from tools or loose string ends. Players unfamiliar with 12-string restringing may prefer to have the work completed professionally.

Is the Legacy 855e suitable for open tunings?

Yes. Its resonance and harmonic range can make open tunings particularly effective. Significant or permanent changes in tuning may benefit from a professional setup.

Can the Legacy 855e be recorded with a microphone?

Yes. Its powerful projection and rich overtone content work well with studio microphones. Careful microphone positioning can balance the deep Jumbo bass with the brighter octave strings.

How should the guitar be stored?

Keep the guitar in a stable environment away from radiators, direct sunlight, cold draughts and rapid humidity changes. A suitable acoustic-guitar humidification system may be required during dry conditions.

Fair Deal Music Verdict

★★★★★ 5/5

The Taylor Legacy 855e is a spectacular professional 12-string that combines the scale and authority of a classic Jumbo with the effortless character players expect from Taylor.

Its solid Sitka spruce and Indian rosewood construction produces deep lows, clear trebles and beautifully layered octave shimmer. Traditional X-bracing gives the guitar warmth and openness, while the modern Taylor neck helps make twelve strings feel remarkably approachable.

For recording musicians, singer-songwriters and live performers seeking a rich, unmistakable acoustic voice, the Legacy 855e is an inspiring tribute to the guitars that helped shape Taylor’s reputation.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

Choosing Fair Deal Music means buying from a passionate team of musicians who genuinely understand the products we sell. Whether you're purchasing your first instrument, upgrading your current setup or searching for something special, we're here to help you make the right choice with friendly advice and expert support.

When you shop with Fair Deal Music, you can buy with confidence thanks to:

• Expert advice from knowledgeable musicians
• Carefully checked new, used, pre-owned and ex-display equipment
• Competitive prices on leading music brands
• Secure UK-wide delivery
• Flexible finance options available, subject to status
• Friendly support before and after your purchase
• A trusted independent UK music retailer with decades of experience

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Thinking about upgrading? Your next piece of gear could cost less than you think.

We’re always happy to consider part exchanges and trade-ins on a wide range of musical instruments and equipment. Whether you’re moving on an instrument you no longer use or putting its value towards your next upgrade, our experienced team can provide a fair, no-obligation valuation and guide you through the process.

Contact Fair Deal Music or visit our Birmingham showroom to discuss your trade-in and discover how much you could save on your next instrument.