Buying a new 12-stringed acoustic

[Angry Angus]

Hello!

 

I'm currently considering getting a 12-string, and I could need some advice on this topic. I've looking at some Seagulls (S12 and M12) and they seems to be nice guitars, but i have not played them yet. The S12 is claimed to be brighter in its tone, due to the cherry wood in the backs and sides. The M12 have what I belive is some kind of cherry/mahogany laminate in the sides and backs, and this gives the guitar a more "mellow" tone. Its always hard to describe sounds in words, but I guess I have to compare them side to side. However, please comment if you own any of these guitars!

 

I could also consider other brands, in the same price range.

 

Angry Angus

[I'm A Coal Man]

I don't know if you've had any trouble finding a decent selection of 12 stringers but I'm not finding anything to look at between junk and Oh My that cost's what?
It seems that you can find a cardboard one for under $299 or then they jump to 2 grand or so.(if you can find a used one it is a different story but they are rare)
I just can't get into the satin finishes on an instrument either and there are a lot of them out there.
And Taylors...I just can't eat the price jump they made for being "popular" kinda like a Harley to me, I just ain't gonna pay for the name. If I could find a NOS Guild USA I'd be thrilled or one in mint shape, oh well good luck to ya in our quest for a guitar with too many strings on it.
I have a line on a closeout Takamine but I don't want the supply to dry up before I make up my mind if I'm going to pull the trigger on one or not (list$1340/$647.99 shipped with a case)


Ok I ordered it a Tak EF-385 from music123 we'll see what happens when it shows up.
Now my Alleykat is up for sale in the classifieds,$400 shipped w hsc

[Fstpicker]

The Guild GAD 212 12-string is a very reasonably priced guitar and if they sound as good as their 6-string counterparts, will be an outstanding value.

Guild GAD 212

Also, a new or used Larrivee D-03 12-string or a D-02 12-string are great values.

Tacoma makes some nice 12-strings as well.

Also, a used Takamine F-400S 12-strings is a great sounding instrument as well.

Jeff

[solitaire]

Personally I prefer 12-stringers that smoothes the tone out somewhat. Maple or Cherry wood would give you great definition, but to me that's a bit over the top with a 12 string where you're supposed to take in the chorus effect of the strings ringing together.

The GAD Guild is a great suggestion, or if you can find a used 70s or 80s Guild 12-string that's marvelous too. Don't hesitate on the Dreadnought models. I got one of these and they're just fabulous. Shouldn't cost you that much.

[hondro]

I have a Martin DM12, I like it, $900

[lalatingstrings]

i have an alvarez rd20-12 i got for $300.added a bone nut and saddle and i love it.it has really opened up over the years too.

[baldeagle5_]

I know Garrison's are not very popular on this site but I have one I bought on an auction on ebay that was brand new....I think it has great sound but is a little heavy. Try one out

BE :)

[Greg Bogoshian]

Probably the best 12 I ever played was Carvin's C980-12 Cobalt... I did play several of them so I know it wasn't a fluke. www.carvin.com/cobalt

[Kozmo]

I have had an old Gibson 12 string for years. But the nicest one I ever had my hands on was a Breedlove. Amazing tone.

[FlaRich]

Try a Breedlove AC250/SM-12. As Breedlove's tend to be bassy, the ocatve strings on the 12-string give it a very nice even sound. Also includes Fishman IV electronics. Was $599.

[Kap'n]

I have a Takamine EF-385. Kid of yucky sounding unplugged, but the best plugged-in sounding instrument I could find for under a grand.

If you need electronics, test them out plugged in, in dropped D. It'll accentuate the differences in crappy electronics vs. good ones.