Need an Opinion - Regular D vs 12 Fret

[GWF]

I've never played a short scale D. There aren't too many around. I've heard they're a little bassier and louder, so that makes me wonder about balance. Will I take a bigger hit during resale?

[RRuskin]

Originally Posted by GWF

I've never played a short scale D. There aren't too many around. I've heard they're a little bassier and louder, so that makes me wonder about balance. Will I take a bigger hit during resale?

1. The scale length of 12-Fret D's is typically 25.4". Nothing short about it.
2. They do tend to be more responsive than 14-fretters.
3. IMHO - don't buy or not buy based on ease of reselling.
Buy because you want to play it.

[mmmaak]

Originally Posted by RRuskin

1. The scale length of 12-Fret D's is typically 25.4". Nothing short about it.

That's right. Actually, I first this mistake of equating 12 frets to short-scale when watching Rick playing a Larson Bros guitar on YouTube

On a 12-fret guitar, the scale isn't necessarily shorter; it's the bridge that has been shifted down on the lower bout, hence affecting where the neck joins the body.

[JohnM]

All things being equal (and they NEVER are!) the bridge placement of a 12 fret guitar is a bit more "optimal" than a 14 fret guitar. The tone will be a bit rounder, and not quite as snappy, but not always. I personally love 12 fret and 13 fret guitars (like my L-32) It strikes a nice balance, but 12 fret ones are nice.