Advice on a small(er) bodied 12-string?
 

Hi all,

I’m in the market for a small body 12-string that does not have a cutaway. I don’t really have a budget nor do I have a preference in brand or shaded top or wood varieties. I would really like an OM/000 14-fret if that even exists.

Any ideas without going the custom route?

Thanks!

Sorry, I only recommend jumbo 12-strings. :D

I own a small bodied 12 string, a Gibson B25 12. It has a very bluesy sound and is easy to play. Not sure what year it was built, probably mid 60’s. I like it, but need to find a way to brace it. I guess a Bridge Doctor.

seagull concert hall size 12 strings or taylor grand concert xx2 should fit the bill too, in addition to mentions above.

If you have a spare $3K on hand Veillette has this little beauty for sale:



http://www.veilletteguitars.com/index.shtml

DM3MD,

I like Taylor 12 string guitars. A lot.

While they have cutaways (they really don't ruin a nice guitar), you should check out any of Taylor's relatively recent Grand Concert models. I think think most of them are unslotted 12 fretters, of the half dozen or so made.

Taylor also made a few in the Grand Auditorium and Grand Symphony 14 fret sizes over the years.

Even if you don't want a larger one, try out one of the Grand Orchestra model 12s. especially with a rosewood body, just to see what they sound like. The necks on all of Taylor 12s are 1+7/8" if I'm not mistaken.

While I wouldn't ignore one of those GC 12s, the rosewood Grand Orchestra is my favorite.

Don
.

+1 ☝️
You can find w/o the cut out. Look for a 562.
It’s an all Mahogany GC or GA, the smaller of the 2.
The 562 is a 12 fret, you mentioned preference for 14...
Bending both strings, on the 12 fret 12 string (Thomastik Ultalights in standard, EADgbe tuning on a 12 string) is easier for me than bending the same notes on my 6 string Martin 14 fret, with mid Santa Cruz strings ( med/light)
Being the easiest to play 12 string guitar sells the 12 fret because it is welcoming to pick up rather than intimidating. Taylor and Thomastic are also fantastic at keeping in tune. I play it every day. It’s a great finger picker too.
The one in my signature has a “ce” at the end= Cut out/ Electronics.

Was playing in the living room with my father, who has hearing aides; and he remarked that he found it unusual that he could hear the clean tones, and that usually he can’t decipher them. I found this fascinating being a 12 string!
I have attributed it to the Mahogany and also the nature of the Taylor sound, and the octave strings all sharing qualities in the mid and upper register.

Many companies sell a "OOO/OM" size 12 string... Taylors would be their xx12 models, Grand Concert. Breedlove would be their Concert model. Goodall will build a 12 string on ANY body size/shape they make - the Goodall Parlor is really a OO size...

I know Breedlove makes a number of imported 12 strings in the Concert size - many come with a cutaway (a soft Venetian cut) but you don't pay extra for it. I've seen a couple of the Breedloves for ~$800 that are quite nice, although they do have electronics in them...

Just get out and look around - they are out there!

I've got a Taylor grand concert for sale in the classifieds with the link below. It does have a cutaway, however it is a tremendous guitar. Only selling it because I also have a very rare Gibson 12-string.

One of these would be fun if you can find one.
https://reverb.com/item/6419319-2007...-natural-cedar

I'm reminded of the saying, 'Just because they make it in your size doesn't mean you should wear it'.

Does anyone have any experience with a Lakewood M32-12? It seems to check every box on my list.

These are more 'mini' size 12-strings, Maton Guitars make the EMD12 https://maton.com.au/product/emd-12

Timberidge have this https://www.musocity.com.au/products...=6152219099163

.. and then there's this Collings https://www.collingsguitars.com/acou.../02h-12string/

.. and if you can find one, the Guild GAD F-212 https://www.musiciansfriend.com/guit...-string-guitar

You are really killing the choices with the "no cutaway".

Larrivee made some 12-strings on OM bodies. Every once in a while I see an OM-03-12 or OM-03R-12 for sale. More of the former.

Breedlove's "Concert" size is basically a slightly deeper OM with a slightly narrower upper bout, but every one I have seen has a cutaway. I do like them though. [just checked, the Oregon is available without the cutaway]

Taylor's xx2 body size is an OM size. I've played a couple of those in 12-string. Wasn't a fan of the spruce topped one, but rather liked the mahogany. I think these are 12-fret though.

Guild made the F-212, which is a mini-Jumbo. That's a 16" lower bout, not 15" like an OM. Taylor's x14 size is a copy of this size Guild.

I played a Taylor 562ce (yes, it has a cutaway) and was really impressed with the sound from this small guitar. I'm not a 12-fret player (crams my left arm in too much), but the sound was right there.