Taylor 12 string or Guild 12 string

[martingitdave]

My favorite brand is better than your favorite brand. Na na na.

An all seriousness, every option has its merits. None is "generally" superior. But, some have more focus on playability. And everyone's hands and capabilities are different. The OP asked specific technical questions. Try to answer those.

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[PoorDude]

Between those 2 guitars, with a street price of $650 new, I'd be all over the Taylor.
If you were comparing to a 12 string all solid wood Guild GAD (or obviously any of the USA built Guilds) I'd opt for a Guild.

[merlin666]

Originally Posted by PoorDude

Between those 2 guitars, with a street price of $650 new, I'd be all over the Taylor.
If you were comparing to a 12 string all solid wood Guild GAD (or obviously any of the USA built Guilds) I'd opt for a Guild.

The Guild has a LIST price of $630 so street may be <500, though I have not seen any available anywhere. The Guild is modeled after the archback maple F412 which also had a laminated back. Though as there are no reviews of this guitar yet, it is not known whether the body is constructed in the same way as a F412 or not.

So these two choices really pin a well-known and liked entitity against a new kid on the block that we don't know yet (or even have seen in person).

[SpruceTop]

Originally Posted by merlin666

Nope, Ovation 12 strings accomplished that many years sooner - and still sounded much richer and more defined than Taylors in general. Unfortunately I don't think any Ovation 12 strings are currently in production so that leaves only used ones.

I had a new 1982 or '83 Ovation Custom Legend 12-String that I'd forgot about when composing my comment, and you're correct, Ovation was the first to make 12-string guitars playable and it sounded great acoustically and plugged-in. My Guild experience is with a 1977 Guild Madeira 12-string that sounded decent but was kind of difficult to play. I also had a 2007 RainSong JM3000 Jumbo 12-string that was right up there in playability and stability and sounded somewhat different but good compared to all-wood twelves. Likely, just about any quality 12-string can be made playable but I've found of the newer makers, Taylor delivers a consistently good-sounding and playable, all-wood 12-string direct from the factory with little or no additional setup needed. I'm referring to 300 Series and up as I haven't yet played the Mexican-made Taylor 150e 12-string. Also, I have no experience with the new Guild. I should probably just bow out of this discussion but wanted to address some of the comments regarding brand issues.

[SpruceTop]

Originally Posted by martingitdave

My favorite brand is better than your favorite brand. Na na na.Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

It's a variation on the old high school Ford vs. Chevy thingy.

[rokdog49]

Don't know about the Guild. Do know about the Taylor 150e and it's a gem.
Easy to play and sounds very good. In fact, my friend Lee who is very particular about tone, bought one about six months ago and I have played it.
We were both shocked at how good it sounded. Since we both like Taylor necks for playability we are predjudiced in that regard. The build quality is excellent for the price point.There is no doubt that generally speaking, the Taylor will hold a higher resale if that is important to you. The brand carries weight even in the "value" price points because it says Taylor on the head stock.

[martingitdave]

Originally Posted by SpruceTop

It's a variation on the old high school Ford vs. Chevy thingy.

Yup, except it was always spoiled by the weirdo Mopar guys with slicked back hair.

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[The Growler]

Originally Posted by martingitdave

Yup, except it was always spoiled by the weirdo Mopar guys with slicked back hair.

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Hey! I resemble that!

[Glennwillow]

I have noticed over the years that some players really like their Taylor 12-strings and some players really like their Guild 12-strings. The only Taylor 12-string that has ever appealed to me was the LKSM 12-string, and I still prefer the sound of my Guild F212 over the LKSM.

Regarding the Taylor neck joint, I agree that is a positive. Still, it's not enough of a positive for me because I cannot warm to the Taylor 12-string sound. It just leaves me cold. If I bought one, I wouldn't play it.

Is the Taylor 12-string easier to play? For some people, it must be, because people keep bringing it up as a positive. For me, I find my Guild F212 easier to play, but maybe that's just because I am used to it.

I think a player just has to find out what he/she likes in 12-strings. Both Taylor and Guild have terrific value to offer in 12-strings.

For myself, I keep wanting to buy a Guild F512. But I enjoy my F212, and every time I play it, I convince myself not to spend any more money.

- Glenn

[Tony Burns]

Those Guild Gads are not all that bad -
But that being said , Id rather have an American made model - but if your strapped for cash what the hey !
I do not own a Guild 12 string ( thou i do own 2 -- 6 stings- both early guild models a D-25 and a D-55 )

I have always been fond of Yamaha 12 strings ( i own a 1971 -its tone is amazing !)

[Marteenie]

First welcome to the forum Doowop!

You say your first priority is comfort of playing, and depending on your body size one or the other may be better. I have the Taylor 150e and have no trouble playing it comfortably sitting or standing. The Guild jumbo shape will sit better on your leg and perhaps a little lower so it may be more comfortable if you are not as.....ummm...... vertically enhanced as I am. I can say that the Taylor neck is ridiculously comfortable to me, but sadly I couldn't find a Guild twelve string of any stripe to try when I was on my quest a couple of years ago. You might also consider a Breedlove Pursuit or Solo series 12 string; they are more of a GA size if that is of any interest to you.

Keep us posted of your search and ultimate decision.

[Brucebubs]

Another full size rosewood/spruce jumbo 12-string in that price-range that might be worth considering is the Blueridge BR-60-12.
I haven't played one but it certainly looks nice.

[Ice4351]

The Guild F2512 is now selling for $499.00 Given the fact that it is a jumbo size with bone nut and saddle and is half the price of the Taylor 150, I think I would opt for the Guild. The Guild has dual truss rods and I have been told they can take a lot of punishiment. Guild is famous for their 12 string guitars! I have 2 Taylor 6 strings and 1 Martin, but I think the value of what you get for your money, Guild rules as far as 12 strings are concerned!

[MikeTX]

Sure hope you can PLAY both guitars before you buy one?

I've had my 1975 F-412 all blonde maple for a long time - fantastic guitar!

I also really like my Taylor 615-CE jumbo 6-string - all the great modern things about Taylors are exceptional, they play and sound so wonderful.

You probably can't go wrong.. Taylor: modern, perfect.. Guild: classic great 12-strings

Play em both, pick one, and don't look back!

Best luck!

[JohnW63]

Good advice, but....the original thread is a year old. They probably bought one by now !