12 String Guitar Suggestions

[Justrumn]

If you find the right 12 string, you will find it a joy to play. I have a hard time putting mine away , I just love the sound of it, and it is very comfortable to play. I also have a Taylor GA3-12. I wasn't looking for a 12 string, but it found me.

[Kip Carter]

Originally Posted by Justrumn

If you find the right 12 string, you will find it a joy to play. I have a hard time putting mine away , I just love the sound of it, and it is very comfortable to play. I also have a Taylor GA3-12. I wasn't looking for a 12 string, but it found me.

I echo this statement... Don't get me wrong... I wouldn't sacrifice my D15 for a 12 string nirvana but I've said before and stand by it...

A well tuned 12 string is what God intended a guitar to be... The perfect accompaniment for angels singing.

[scottishrogue]

You might want to look for a used Art & Lutherie 12-string dreadnought by Godin (Canada). Mine was used, with a solid cedar top and laminated wild cherry b/s. Very full rich tone, with the action lower than I've ever seen! If you prefer new, they're within your budget, as well.

Glen

[Taller]

Originally Posted by Brucebubs

When you start learning to play on a 6-string you usually begin with a cheap guitar and work your way up. Start at the bottom and work to the top.
With a 12-string guitar I suggest starting at the top and working your way down to what you can afford.
A lot of cheap 12-string guitars are pretty nasty and ruin the whole 12-string experience -if you play a good one first you can get a grip on how it sounds and plays and use that as a 'yardstick' as you seek out what you can afford.

While I appreciate this idea, the fact remains that I (and the OP) are on a budget and can't afford to go 'all in' on an instrument that will see maybe 20% use compared to my 6 string.

Here're a couple of 12 strings on my local craigslist:
-Takamine EG523SC-12 - discontinued - TK 40 pre-amp, solid spruce top, flame maple back and sides (laminate, I'm guessing?) - $450 w/case.

-Vintage 1960's Yamaha FG-230, "Nippon Gakki Red Label", "Excellent condition!" - $250 obo.

- "Lawsuit Takamine 12 String - F400", May, 1977. Spruce top, Rosewood back and sides. $380 obo.

Of these 3, I'd feel more comfortable checking out the Tak, as it's newer. The Yamaha very well could have issues, perhaps the owner is unaware to look for things like bridge separation from the body...
What do you guys think? I know nothing about older 'lawsuit' Takamines.

[pete12string]

I have no affiliation with the seller, but I did see this one on the forum. Looks nice...

http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/f...d.php?t=362842

[FloridaGull]

Any Godin 12-string - Seagull, Norman, Simon & Patrick, Art & Lutherie...
Walden G1012EQ-SH or G2012EQ-SH...
Guild GAD series 12-strings - the 2005-2011 models have more features...

[JohnW63]

I played one of the Takamine EG523SC-12 at a Guitar Center. It was alright, but too chimey on the high end. I could it being played less due to high end tone ear fatigue. The Ovation I got instead was more balanced and had lower action.

If you can find just about ANY Guild 12 string, give it a try.

[Steve DeRosa]

Originally Posted by Cypress Knee

...if you are performing John Denver tribute shows in public, then go ahead and spring the extra and go for a Guild jumbo 12-string, preferably the F-512...

- or, for about one-third the price:

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/F1512E

A little outside your present budget, but well worth saving up for...

[JohnW63]

There is a used one of those Guild 1512 guitars at GC in Tempe Az. Check their used section. In the $700 range.

[good_hillbilly]

Originally Posted by GuitarDogs62

I would like to purchase a 12 string guitar. This guitar will be used for john Denver Songs and other songs where I can fit a twelve string into nicely. This guitar will not always be played so I do not want to spend a lot since it will be used every now and then.

I am looking for some suggestions to start to look at so I can go and try them. My budget is around $700. All brands at this point will be considered. Thanks in advance for suggestions for me to go and look at.

I would spend $500 on a 12-string which sounds decent to you, and $200 on the very best luthier you can find. A 12 string which is properly set up, with a proper saddle, nut and frets, is one of the great joys of life. If it's not, it's a painful disappointment and you'll never want to play it. Seriously, just get on eBay or Reverb and set the max price at $500 and pick your favorite one.

[swsman]

I agree with a great setup as a part of overall cost. I found a used Seagull SM12 for $200, put as much into it with setup, bone nut and saddle, had the bridge slotted. It played like a much more expensive guitar. Sadly I did sell it off this year, moving away from large body guitars to 00 sized instruments.
If you can get along with Seagull's baseball size neck they make great choice for a small investment.

[AZLiberty]

Originally Posted by JohnW63

There is a used one of those Guild 1512 guitars at GC in Tempe Az. Check their used section. In the $700 range.

For $700 you can buy a used Westerly.

[etzeppy]

Originally Posted by JohnW63

There is a used one of those Guild 1512 guitars at GC in Tempe Az. Check their used section. In the $700 range.

Right on. Nothing beats a Guild jumbo in the 12 string arena. It's one of the few facts in the subjective world of guitars.

[Poutine]

Guild is the only choice... The Guild GAD D125-12 is a perfect choice as it fits into your budget perfectly.