Epiphone 12 string sitar?

[NeoMagick]

I went to a music store the other day, and I found an Epiphone FT85 12 string that had been converted into a 12 string sitar.

 

The guitar itself wasn't in great shape - the finish was cracked to hell, it had definitely seen a lot of use - but the neck was brilliant... smooth, real wide, didn't have to press far for the strings to make contact, and of course, this wonderful sitar sound.

 

I've been looking at a new 12 string for some time now, i've been putting pennies aside to get a Taylor 12 string cutaway at around $1500, but this really caught my eye.

 

Are these common? Is this kind of conversion done often? Is it something one can easily do again? And what about the guitar itself? They were asking $850 - but I don't think the guitar would be worth nearly that without the modifications done...

 

Any advice you guys could throw my way would be greatly appreciated.

[Terry Allan Hall]

Originally posted by NeoMagick I went to a music store the other day, and I found an Epiphone FT85 12 string that had been converted into a 12 string sitar. The guitar itself wasn't in great shape - the finish was cracked to hell, it had definitely seen a lot of use - but the neck was brilliant... smooth, real wide, didn't have to press far for the strings to make contact, and of course, this wonderful sitar sound. I've been looking at a new 12 string for some time now, i've been putting pennies aside to get a Taylor 12 string cutaway at around $1500, but this really caught my eye. Are these common? Is this kind of conversion done often? Is it something one can easily do again? And what about the guitar itself? They were asking $850 - but I don't think the guitar would be worth nearly that without the modifications done... Any advice you guys could throw my way would be greatly appreciated.

That would be interesting! What year was it made? Can you get the serial #?

If it's an American-made Epi, from the 50s-60s, it very well might be worth $850...if it's a more recent one (70's to today), I'd be skeptical.

Edit: Just found this...

www.tradingmusician.com/catalog/index. cfm?fuseaction=product&theParentId=306&id=4337

[NeoMagick]

Yeah, thats the guy right there. Same store and everything.

The finish on it looks like the result of putting a CD in the microwave. Chipped, cracked, beaten to hell.

But it has a beautiful sound, and i still can't get over the way the neck played. I've never touched a 12 string that felt like that.

Don't know the serial number, or the year of the guitar, honestly. The conversion was recently done by the store (apparently they just pick a few instruments to do this with - they also had a mandolin, and a danelectro 6string). I figure without the modification, they'd probably be asking $500/$600 for the guitar.

[Terry Allan Hall]

Originally posted by NeoMagick Yeah, thats the guy right there. Same store and everything. The finish on it looks like the result of putting a CD in the microwave. Chipped, cracked, beaten to hell. But it has a beautiful sound, and i still can't get over the way the neck played. I've never touched a 12 string that felt like that. Don't know the serial number, or the year of the guitar, honestly. The conversion was recently done by the store (apparently they just pick a few instruments to do this with - they also had a mandolin, and a danelectro 6string). I figure without the modification, they'd probably be asking $500/$600 for the guitar.

That's one of the "choice" American Epis, so that's pretty cool.

So...how much do you think you'll use a 12-string sitar? If it's something you'll use enough to justify owning, then this is likely the one to get! (I'd only use it occ., myself, but if I had $850 + shipping extra "discretionary moolah, I'd probably snag it! )

[NeoMagick]

What's choice about it? (My knowledge of Epi history is pretty sparse - i only have a Sheraton II 6string from the mid 90s, that was my first guitar!).

I play a 12 string as my main instrument as it is. It's a Norman fullsize... great for chordal/rhythmic work, but I was looking into getting the Taylor cutaway so I could do more melodic, leadline work (the Norman doesn't lend itself very well to lead playing).

The money's not just sittin around, i'm selling off some gear that was gonna be put towards the new instrument (anyone want to buy some turntables?). But all that will be, will be... and if I get the dosh together, if it's still sitting there, I might take another trip up to Seattle to check it out.

...Unless one of you lot snuff it up first!

[Terry Allan Hall]

Originally posted by NeoMagick What's choice about it? (My knowledge of Epi history is pretty sparse - i only have a Sheraton II 6string from the mid 90s, that was my first guitar!). This is an American-made Epiphone, built in the same plant as the Gibsons of the same era...that particular guitar was made in the 60's, and is essentially a Gibson B-12-25 with an Epiphone head...so, $850 is not unreasonable. Much, much better/more valuable than a "foreign made" Epi. I play a 12 string as my main instrument as it is. It's a Norman fullsize... great for chordal/rhythmic work, but I was looking into getting the Taylor cutaway so I could do more melodic, leadline work (the Norman doesn't lend itself very well to lead playing). Taylors (and Guilds) are the "champagne" of 12-strings...I own both (a Taylor 355 for standard tuning and a pair of Guild F-212XLs for Open G and Open D/DADGAD)...haven't played a Norman 12, but I've heard good things about them, both as decent instruments and excellent values. The money's not just sittin around, i'm selling off some gear that was gonna be put towards the new instrument (anyone want to buy some turntables?). But all that will be, will be... and if I get the dosh together, if it's still sitting there, I might take another trip up to Seattle to check it out. ...Unless one of you lot snuff it up first! Well, sounds like a 12-string "sitar" just might be a useful axe for your type of playing, then...here's hoping that you'll get a chance to own it!