A young kid, I knew about 4 chords, someone had a Yamaha 12-string ... I was hooked.
Those 4 chords never sounded better.
Left school, started work, bought a new Italian made 'Gonzalez' 12-string guitar.
Weighed a ton, zero fret, adjustable saddle.
Sounded absolutely thin, no bass whatsoever.
Back then in the 1970's the 12-string to have was a locally made Maton, USA guitars were scarce and expensive.
About 15 years ago I sold the Gonzalez and bought a Maton 12-string.
It was a decent step up but I felt there should be more so I ordered a 12-string version Country Jumbo from Maton.
While I was waiting for that Maton to be built I bought a used Taylor 355 from the USA.
The Taylor confirmed the jumbo was definitely the right direction for what I was looking for.
The new Maton was delivered - huge disappointment, sounded thin and weak.
Found a used Guild F-412 in the USA and bought it.
Oh boy, I thought the Taylor was good until the F-412 arrived.
Big, heavy, loud but beautifully balanced tone.
If a Maple Guild sounds this good I just have to get me a Rosewood jumbo 12!
Was a mouse click away from buying a new Guild F-512 when I found a new Martin Grand J12-40E Special for sale here in Australia for a whopping $2799.00 under normal retail price.
Did my research, only 231 ever built so I bought it.
Wow .. there's no trebly jangle on this guitar, warm and lush, incredible tone from light strings.
Found a rare Japan-only model Morris 12-string for sale in Sydney and bought it, nicely made but very bright .
Here's a picture taken before I sold the Maton jumbo and traded the Taylor.
