12 string acoustic advice

stubby · Post by **stubby** » Fri Nov 24, 2006 7:46 pm

Hello all,

Over the next while, I will be looking into and deciding upon a 12 string acoustic for durable stage use. I wanted to get your opinions. I'm looking to spend less than $2K (Cdn) or so and would like any suggestions/experiences you might want to share. As I've had some problems with my left forearm in the past, I'm hoping for something that is nice and soft in the action and for fretting.

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Fri Nov 24, 2006 9:03 pm

Sure--

Washburn Cumberland J28S12DL, plain and simple.

Jumbo flamed maple/spruce body, deluxe everything (binding, gold-plated hardware abalone around soundhole and fret markers, laminated pickguard). Terrific action and sound to die for, especially considering its price--suggested retail about $1K, street price around $750-850.00.

I've had mine for about eight months, and sound and features are unmatched at the price.

Warpdrive music in Milwaukee is a dealer.

teb · Post by **teb** » Sat Nov 25, 2006 12:26 am

The Martin DM12 is worth a look. It's got laminated sides and back, but sounds and plays frighteningly close to my old D12-28 in a package that runs about $1,000 in the discount houses.

I bought two high-end Takamines recently, a six and a twelve and really like them. They play well, are nicely built and I really like their cool-tube pre-amp (it's pretty funny to look in the sound hole and see a tube in there, but the sucker works great). I can't say that the low end of the Takamine line thrilled me, but the high-end, Japanese-made guitars are really nice. The twelve to look at would be the EF400SC at about $1,300 in the stores - solid spruce top, rosewood back and sides and the cool-tube pre-amp. A very nice twelve-string.

It's been my casual observation that if you want acoustics that hold their resale value somewhat like we're used to with Rics, they had better say Martin or maybe Taylor on the headstock. Otherwise, it seems to me that you may take quite a hit if you ever want to sell them. I love my Takamines, but you don't turn around and play musical guitars with them the way we can with most Rickenbackers.

leftyguitars · Post by **leftyguitars** » Sat Nov 25, 2006 2:23 am

I got one of these...

I love it! Gibson J185

beatlefreak · Post by **beatlefreak** » Sat Nov 25, 2006 5:56 am

I've got a Yamaha FG-312 that I've had for over twenty years. It sounds great and plays easy.

sharkboy · Post by **sharkboy** » Sat Nov 25, 2006 6:36 am

The street price of Taylor 355 and 455 is less than $1600. They are even jumbos! I have found that their 12's can tolerate standard E tuning and may be set up low. I also suffer from some forearm and wrist pain and can play my 655C (got it nearly 20 years ago) for a long time without pain (if I have been playing much and am warmed-up.)

86kubicki · Post by **86kubicki** » Sat Nov 25, 2006 10:18 am

I agree with Mark - any Taylor 12 string I've tried has been very easy to play with a wide flat neck. That being said, I picked up a small-bodied Larrivee from the Twelfth Fret in Toronto that's a breeze to play and has great projection. And with a Larrivee Bill, you can "Buy Canadian"!

ken_j · Post by **ken_j** » Sat Nov 25, 2006 10:46 am

I agree with Steve on a Larrivee. Although mine (D09) is a six string they are great guitars for the money. There are now some being produced in the states though.

stubby · Post by **stubby** » Sat Nov 25, 2006 2:17 pm

A good friend of mine has a Larivee 6 and it is a great guitar. I should look around and try to get my hands on one to try. If you don't mind me asking Steve, how much was yours?

I was thinking Martin or Taylor of course (and will try a number of these out) but I appreciate all the suggestions here. I have some personal baggage with Takamines and I won't go that route. Your Washburn suggestion is an interesting one Paul. Anybody try any Guilds out?

teb · Post by **teb** » Sat Nov 25, 2006 3:48 pm

I owned a Guild twelve before I bought my first Martin. I don't know how the new ones compare, but the old ones were excellent.

86kubicki · Post by **86kubicki** » Sat Nov 25, 2006 4:37 pm

Hey Bill - my Larrivee was around $1250 CDN. Larrivee seems to have an extensive range of guitars, so I'm sure you'll be able to find something in your price range if you go that route. You've probably been to the Twelfth Fret before, but it's a great place to spend a few hours trying out guitars!

chrisb · Post by **chrisb** » Sat Nov 25, 2006 5:33 pm

I have a Martin DM-12 also and I really like it (especially after having a new nut made to reverse the pairs RIC style)-tho it's not the easiest to play or most durable. It's very brilliant and bright sounding.
For stage use I'd go with a Takamine (used) or a Seagull (Canadian!)--they're both really good guitars that sell for very reasonable dollars and they're quite well-made and durable. And best of all, you could probly get 3 of them and stay within your budget! They both tend to sound and play wonderfully as well (esp. some of the Takamines).
I also recommend the Martin Silk & Steel strings--they're wonderfully soft, warm and mellow, both in feel and sound, yet they are still very crisp and cut through in a mix.

86kubicki · Post by **86kubicki** » Tue Dec 12, 2006 5:46 am

Bill - here's a nice one if you're still looking:
http://www.12fret.com/used/taylor455n012.jpg

joutten · Post by **joutten** » Tue Dec 12, 2006 9:39 am

I recently purchased a Martin J12-16GT. Its called a jumbo but its not much bigger than a dreadnought. Gloss spruce top and satin mahogany sides.

Should fit into your budget. I recommend it.