12 String Acoustic Recommendations???

[tommy west]

I've been wanting to pick up a 12 string for a couple of years now, just always put it off.

I end up gravitating to the high end Guilds, Taylors, and Ovations. I am still not quite ready to drop 1500 on one of these. Do any of you have an awesome playing/sounding 12 string you've picked up for a reasonable price. (less than the 1500) ???

I've thought about used but it would have to be locally. A 12 string would be the last thing I would buy unseen/unplayed off the internet.

Tommy

[Chris Johnson]

Seagull makes real nice solid-wood 12 strings and they are VERY reasonably priced. I work in a music store that sells new Martins, Guilds, Fenders, Tacomas and Seagulls and they are a fantastical value tonewise and construction-wise as well. Check one out if you get a chance. *Z

[darren wilson]

I quite like Yamaha's APX line. They've got smaller bodies and thinner necks and play quite nicely. They also sound pretty good, too, for acoustic-electrics. And they don't cost an arm and a leg.

[tommy west]

Thanks guys. I guess the biggest thing is playability all the way up the neck. No 1" high action at the 12th fret and such. I've been looking at the Yamaha stuff too. I found a Sigma that was very nice sounding and easy to play but it was sold. I may just save up and wait for the big daddy:biggrin:

[wyldbill]

My favorite guitar and companion of fouteen years is Jill, a Yamaha FG-312. I bought her when I decided on a whim that I needed a 12, walked into Rockin' Robin in Houston and found her. She was $165 (used) and I paid 5 bucks for a trashed chipboard case. I really don't know how she sounds, 'cause it's all beautiful to me.

*sigh*

That said, as far as 12s go, I'd like a Guild and a Taylor W65 (or PS55, or even an 855) as well.

I think it probably depends on what you want sound-wise. I like Sigmas. You might try Takamine as well if you want something "nice, but mid-line". I agree w/ Chris on the Seagulls, but they have a distinctive sound that's not for everyone.

-bill

[tommy west]

Thanks for the input. I am currently looking at a Yamaha that has a pickup. Which is another consideration.

[bduersch]

Tommy--

I'd been looking for a mid-range 12-string for a while, and I recently picked up a Takamine EF385 for under 8 bills. Compared to any other guitars in that price range, the sound and workmanship were top notch. The onboard electronics (Takamine Graph-ex) pre-amp are quite good, too. It's not the fanciest 12-string on earth, but it's very easy to play and it sounds great. It even has a nice inlay around the soundhole (no pyramids, unfortunately!). I highly recommend it!

--Brent

[tommy west]

I have seen the Tak. I have a Santa Fe model for my regular acoustic that I like quite abit. I sanded the back of the neck and it is awesome playing now!!! I recommend that to your favorite expensive acoustics

I'll try it out, mainly looking at playability and price. Thanks!