Looking for a 12 fret

[MartinMan1990]

I'm looking for a 12 fret, specifically 00/000 size or equivalent. Right now my two main acoustics are a Taylor 816ce and a Martin D18. This guitar would be primarily for fingerpicking as I rarely use a pick these days. I would prefer something with good note separation. I will primarily be playing blues/folk music and am looking for a drier sound and something a little darker sounding. I believe that I would like to stay away from another rosewood guitar only because for this guitars purpose I will not need all the overtones. At the moment on my radar I have been looking at the Taylor 522 12 fret (which I have played and very well liked) as well as one of the Waterloo models which I have never played. my budget is around 2k, give or take a few hundred dollars and would consider new or used. I would appreciate some feedback and see what you guys would consider. Thanks in advance.

[Silly Moustache]

I'm a 12 fret freak. - I love the original design of the necks - better for more intricate left hand work.

Dunno anything about Tatylors but a 00 to your D18 might be too much of a shock so I'd recommend a 000.

Nowadays there is a considerable choice but I don't k now your budget.

For the best version of the Martin 00028 (12 fret) I'd say a Collings 0002h (IRW - I have one) or 0001 (hogamogany) - if you can stretch to one.

I also have a Waterloo WL-12 which is more Gibsonish, than Martinish and has a slimmer neck at 1 & 3/4" but a string spacing of 2 & 3/8" which helps.

The Waterloo is very playable but not as loud a the real Collings.

I think Martin still do the 00028VS or some such, which would still be a fine guitar but with a little more accent on the bass.

Hope this helps.

[HHP]

With a $2K budget, choices for a 12 fret will be a little limited but some good ones are out there. The Taylor you mentioned could be a good choice. It is a 12 fret neck set on a 14 fret body so you get the effect of the bridge placement to achieve a different sound. Might look at a Martin 00-17S. It uses the elongated body to join the neck at the 12th fret so you get a bit more resonance with the larger air chamber. The Waterloos are good but designed to give a retro look and sound so either the Martin or Taylor might be more versatile.

[Swamp Yankee]

Maybe an all mahogany Martin 000-15SM might fit the bill nicely. You might find the Waterloos to be a step too far back into the "vintage" voice but you should try them if you can. Also worthy of consideration is the Martin 00-17SE. And the Taylor 322 is more likely to fall in your price range.

[Nctom]

Larrivee makes several 12-fret models that could be just what you are looking for. I have two, an older LS03 (Forum III) in mahogany/alpine spruce and a custom 00-09 in rosewood/Sitka. Both were bought used for well less than your budget and both sound and play beyond my expectations.

The rosewood -09 has a lush voice that belies its small size and the mahogany/alpine spruce LS has an excellent clean and dry voicing in a body that is similar to a small classical guitar.

[MikeMcKee]

Check out the new Taylor 322 12 fret. Very unique guitar. Love mine.

[llew]

Sent you an e-mail...

[Athens]

I would suggest that you look for a Webber 000-12 fret if you've been looking at the 522 or 322. Fantastic tone, volume and playability.

You could pick one up for somewhere between the price of the two you mentioned, but they don't come up for sale often.

I've not been impressed with the Martin 000-17SM or 000-15SM.

[Coyote1]

Love my 322ce 12 fret, think you could go that way.

[pdidmh1]

Love my 322e 12 fret as well

[SuperB23]

I personally would recommend a Santa Cruz 000, Froggy Bottom H12, or a Goodall TR000. I've played incredible examples from each builder.

[SprintBob]

The 522 12 fret is an excellent choice and close to your budget even new. Taylor does 12 frets extremely well.

[MikeMcKee]

Originally Posted by SuperB23

I personally would recommend a Santa Cruz 000, Froggy Bottom H12, or a Goodall TR000. I've played incredible examples from each builder.

Yes, but the OP is looking at a $2K budget...

[dadio917]

you might try a carbon fiber Rainsong, specifically a concert series OM 12 fret. I have a parlor 12 fret and for finger picking it has become my go to guitar, and my other wood guitars are quite good...excellent I'd say. The clarity of the notes is simply amazing.

My buddy has the 12 fret OM and it is even more amazing for finger picking. I would have gotten the OM but I wanted the smaller parlor...and am not at all disappointed. I especially like Thomas Enfield plectrum strings on it. They sound fantastic and last a long time.

Have K&K pickups so it sounds fantastic both plugged in and not.

I never would have thought these things sounded or played so good.

[Mark Lew]

I'd recommend the 322-e or -ce 12-fret as well. I recently put some Martin Retro lights on mine and it sounds and plays great. And it should be right in your 2K price range. Good luck!