The Academy 12e-N is a nylon-string acoustic-electric in a slightly shallower-than-standard Grand Concert body, with a solid torrefied spruce top. The roasting treatment adds warmth and a played-in character, while the shape gives a clear voice and sustain. Back and sides are layered walnut, the neck is mahogany, and the fretboard and bridge are West African Crelicam ebony. A carved armrest is included, and the top, back, sides and neck have a varnish finish.

The nut is 1-7/8" wide, which gives wide string spacing for fingerstyle playing. The scale length is 25-1/2" and the guitar is strung with D'Addario Pro Arte Carbon strings. It has a Nubone nut, a Micarta saddle and classical nickel tuners with a slot head. The truss rod is adjusted at the headstock.

Amplification comes from the built-in ES-B pickup and preamp, which includes a chromatic tuner. A lightweight gig bag is included. The model is made in Taylor's Tecate, Mexico factory and comes in right-handed and left-handed versions.