New 12 String

[zane]

Hey everyone,

 

I've been playing for better than 10 years and have only recently become more interested in acquiring a 12 string.

 

I have been looking around fora while now, and happened to come across only 2 12 strings thus far that simply "feel right" to play. Either of which I can purchase at a very attractive price.

 

These 12 strings are:

 

1. Washburn D12S-12

 

2. Epiphone PR350-12

 

These are both older used, and naturally relic'd guitars. Natural Finish,

Obviously I'm not wanting to break the bank on the first 12 string I will own. I do currently have other Washburn and Epiphone Guitars, of which I have always enjoyed playing.

 

My question is basically which of the 2 12 strings above would be a better choice? Secondly, I'd appreciate some comments from those of you with either of these guitars, as I have not found much information on them.

 

Thank you, and I appreciate your insight.

[Freeman Keller]

Welcome, Zane, and good luck with your 12 string quest. I can't comment on either of these guitars but having owned several older 12's I'll comment on used 12 strings in general.

 

First, because they are under so much more tension, some older guitars have structural issues. I have a fine old Martin which was almost unplayable because the bridge had pulled up and the lower bout was bellied. The action was way too high to play up the neck and the intonation was terrible. It took some work by a good luthier but it is now a delight to play. So, look for the following:

 

Action at the 12th fret - if it is high you might have neck angle problems. I would steer away from an inexpensive instrument that required neck work. If the saddle has been sanded way down to get acceptable action you might have issues with string break angles at the bridge.

 

Look at the bridge and look inside at the braces. Anything loose? Sometimes you can hear a rattley brace if you tap the top.

 

I would personally steer away from one without a truss rod - more for structural reasons than adjusting the relief. Guilds even have two truss rods and rarely have neck issues.

 

Ask the PO how (s)he strung, tuned and played it. Ask why they are selling (is it "too difficult to play"). Most modern 12's are designed to be strung with lights and tuned to concert or strung with mediums and tuned two half steps down. Personally I prefer lights AND down.

 

How do you plan to play it? If you play up the neck check the intonation - the way 12 string saddles are built they are pretty hard to compensate. Does the action seem reasonable to you (IMHO it is possible to set up a 12 to play almost as easily as a 6).

 

Don't let this discourage you from getting a 12 string - they are really a ball to play. But there is a pretty good reason why people buy one, then sell it a few months later. Try to find one you'll want to keep.

[t60 fan]

I agree completely. Used 12-strings do require a high degree of critical inspection, as they are more likely to have "issues" than the average 6-string is. Guilds enjoy a favorable reputation, as do Taylors. Tacoma makes some fine 12's as well. Just my $.02

[Marlin in Minn]

Zane, take this with a grain of salt because although I've been playing for many years, reading on the forums here has made me realize that I don't know much about guitars.

 

Having said that I would add that I've had an Epiphone 12 string for over 35 years and it just keeps getting better and better. I've never done anything to it other than spray and buff it with guitar cleaner/wax. It plays and sounds beautiful.

[57GLDTP]

Originally posted by Marlin in Minn Zane, take this with a grain of salt because although I've been playing for many years, reading on the forums here has made me realize that I don't know much about guitars. Having said that I would add that I've had an Epiphone 12 string for over 35 years and it just keeps getting better and better. I've never done anything to it other than spray and buff it with guitar cleaner/wax. It plays and sounds beautiful.

 

 

 

I think it's time you changed those strings man......

 

 

57GT:)

[Marlin in Minn]

Originally posted by 57GLDTP I think it's time you changed those strings man...... 57GT:)

 

 

I can't help it 57GT, I'm just cheap like that...