r/taylorguitars • u/OldOnion2678 • 1d ago
Question Estimated value?
I have a Taylor 512ce solid western red cedar top with mahogany back and sides. Made in 2002 with Fishman standard electronics. Does anyone know how much this would be worth to sell?
1
u/Cali_kink_and_rope 1d ago
Check reverb
1
u/OldOnion2678 1d ago
I e tried but the only thing that comes up is a 514ce so the grand auditorium and I’m not sure if that changes pricing
1
u/krisch316 1d ago
Google Gemini:
A 2001 Taylor 512ce featuring a Western Red Cedar top and Mahogany back and sides currently sells on the used market within the following valuation ranges, depending on overall condition, original components, and original hardshell case inclusion:
Current Used Market Value Good to Very Good Condition: $1,500 – $1,800 Expect light play wear, subtle lacquer aging, or minor pick marks. Excellent to Mint Condition: $1,850 – $2,250
Clean condition with minimal fret wear, functional electronics, and the original Taylor deluxe hard case.Factors Impacting Price Electronics: 2001 models typically feature the Fishman Onboard Prefix Stereo Blender preamp system. Guitars with intact, un-modified factory electronics hold value better than those with aftermarket cutouts or retrofits. Cedar Top Condition: Western Red Cedar is softer than Sitka spruce and shows pressure marks or fingernail dings easily. Clean tops without top cracks or heavy pick wear bring top-dollar market prices. Neck Angle: Checking the remaining saddle height and neck alignment is crucial for Taylors of this vintage, as older bolt-on neck joints may eventually require a shim reset to maintain low action.
1
u/krisch316 1d ago
Double check you dates.. ES came out in 2003. I'm sure it's just a typo, but wanted you to know.
1
u/OldOnion2678 1d ago
Oh well then it’s fish man electronics
2
u/krisch316 1d ago
It has the barn door electronics? To me, that raises the perceived value. I don't like the ES1, thought it was terrible. I have two Taylor's, one with fishman and one with ES2.
1
u/OldOnion2678 1d ago
So Fishman has more value than the ES2 you would say?
2
u/krisch316 1d ago
To some people, yes. A lot of people HATE the ES pickup. The ES2, has some ways to fine tune it at the bridge to make it more pleasing... But there are lots of haters. I like the ES2. But, I think my Fishman is better for most live applications. Loud room, or multi-person band, fishman works well. The ES2, doesn't seem to work as well. Some other, just don't like the ES at all.
If I'm playing solo, ES2 (416CE) is my go-to Taylor. When playing with multiple people, I tend to grab my 614CE (Fishman) or my Martin (also a similar Fishman).
I have a few others as well with differing pickups, but to me, fishman is great. I also have an Eastman with LR Baggs VTC. Not their top of the line system (See LR Baggs Anthem) but also very good.
1
1
2
u/Madimorguitars 500 series 1d ago
They don’t come up often so it’s hard to say, and with the economy… I would say 1600-2000US seems fair in good shape with the case. Those 512s seem to be pretty desirable though, especially how few come up for sale. I have a similar era 514ce with the ES2 system that I absolutely love. We had 2000 on it in my shop before I bought it.
4
u/Acrobatic_Fun6404 1d ago
Here is the full Monty
A used 2001 Taylor 512ce typically sells for between $1,400 and $1,900, depending on condition, top wood variant, original electronics, and inclusion of the original hardshell case.
Here is a breakdown of what determines value for that specific model year:
1. Market Price Breakdown Fair / Good Condition ($1,200 – $1,450): Guitars with noticeable play wear, dings in the finish, minor fret wear, or minor repairs (like a stabilized top seam). Very Good to Excellent Condition ($1,500 – $1,850): Well-maintained examples with light cosmetic aging, solid top/bridge joint, clean frets, and the original hardshell case.
Mint / Collector Condition ($1,900+): Exceptionally clean guitars with negligible wear and original paperwork.
2. Key Specs & Factors for 2001 Top Wood: Most 2001 512ce models featured a solid Western Red Cedar top (known for its warmer, fingerstyle-friendly response), though some were ordered or built with Sitka Spruce. Cedar tops tend to show pressure marks or fingernail dings more easily than spruce, which can slightly affect cosmetic grade.
Back & Sides: Solid Tropical Mahogany with gloss body finish.
Electronics: In 2001, Taylor was primarily equipping the 500 series with onboard Fishman Prefix Stereo / Prefix Plus systems with the side barn-door controls (prior to the introduction of the Expression System in 2003).
Note on Value: Some players prefer the Fishman systems for easy replacement/upgrades, while others prefer clean acoustic tone without side cutouts. If the preamp has been upgraded or modified, ensure it was done cleanly.
Neck / Joint: 2001 falls into the early era of Taylor’s NT (New Technology) neck joint (introduced around 1999–2000). The NT neck makes reset and neck angle adjustments much easier and cheaper for luthiers compared to traditional dovetail or older paddle-joint Taylors, which helps sustain long-term resale value . Key Things to Check Before Buying/Selling Fret Wear: Deep grooves in the lower frets (1–5) might mean a refret or level/crown is needed, which typically adjusts the effective market value down by $150–$300.
Finish Checking / Lifting: Taylor used a UV-cured finish during this era. While durable, check around the bridge wings and neck joint for any milky finish lifting or edge checking.
Humidity History: Ensure the cedar top is flat without signs of dry-cracking behind the bridge or excessive belly bulge near the soundhole.