12 String reccomendations

[teejayh]

I am looking to get a 12 string guitar to play for different songs. I don't want to spend a fortune on my 1st 12 string but have been looking at a Martin D12X1AE Natural for around $650 new w/o a case. I set my budget for no more than $900 but am looking at some others. Does anyone have other recommendations? I live in a rural area and the closest Guitar Center is about 2 hours away.

[Brucebubs]

The Guild F-2512e is the made in China maple jumbo 12-string - same size as your Gibson J-200.
The F-1512e is the rosewood version.

Taylor have sold plenty of their entry-level 150e 12-string dreadnoughts to happy customers too... here's one listed in the AGF classifieds.
https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...d.php?t=537991

[PiousDevil]

I just got a Guild D-1212 at a ridiculous price, and I can’t put it down.

[waterboy]

I spent a couple of fun lunchtime in my local gc a couple of months ago in a similar sort of quest.
I really liked the taylor 150e. The martin D12X was fine. The guild F-2512 simply didn't jangle for me, not sure why.
If you want something a little smaller the breedloves can be quite nice for the money, especially used.

[The Growler]

I've been very impressed with the Taylor 150e. Taylor 12s are very good and it meets your budget.

Enjoy the hunt and let us know what you wind up with.

[AZLiberty]

If you don't mind a dreadnought, then the Martin is honestly one of the best in the under $800 range.

For a little bit more the Guild 1212e is also quite nice.

If willing to buy used then USA Made Guilds are very affordable (again as long as you don't mind a Dread)

If you want something other than a Dread, then whatever Breedlove's current import 12-string model is would be my recommendation. These are also generally available used for stupid cheap prices on Craigslist.

The Guild 2512 is also not bad, but like most of the Chinese Guilds I think they are a bit overbraced. YMMV of course.

Taylor's 150 is popular as well, but I think it is one of the worst sounding 12 strings out there. All Jangle and no Boom.

[ohiopicker]

Used Ovation Balladeer or Elite Twelve String. I have had Guild D212 (a piece of crap), Seagull, which was ok, and an Ovation that I love.

[guitarxan]

I’ve had a Taylor 150e now for a month. I love it.

[donlyn]

You might want to look for a used Taylor 12 string, especially an older jumbo model, many of which can be found for less than a grand. I have owned a Taylor 355 12 string for about 20 years, and it still sounds great. I also favor large body guitars anyway, but they do give a 12 string some extra oomph.

Don
.

[Steadfastly]

Originally Posted by teejayh

I am looking to get a 12 string guitar to play for different songs. I don't want to spend a fortune on my 1st 12 sting but have been looking at a Martin D12X1AE Natural for around $650 new w/o a case. I set my budget for no more than $900 but am looking at some others. Does anyone have other recommendations? I live in a rural area and the closest Guitar Center is about 2 hours away.

Guild and Taylor have the majority of 12 string market. While you likely can't go wrong with one of them, you may want something different.

In my search for a 12 string last year, I played the Seagull just for fun, not thinking it would be worthwhile. I was wrong. I would recommend trying it out and I also liked the Martin D12X!AE. I was surprised too, how well that sounded but I preferred the Seagull. Another popular one is the Alvarez AD-60-12. Give them all a try if you can.

[YamahaGuy]

Slim, narrow neck for a 12 string. Terrific on onboard ART transducer pickups. I miss mine dearly. https://www.kraftmusic.com/yamaha-cp...ls-bundle.html

[DCCougar]

Originally Posted by Brucebubs

The Guild F-2512e is the made in China maple jumbo 12-string - same size as your Gibson J-200.
The F-1512e is the rosewood version.

I was eyeing an asian-made used jumbo Guild F-1512e for a "travel" 12-string before I just picked up a(nother) U.S.-made used jumbo Guild JF30-12 for a few hundred more. I don't think you can beat a Guild jumbo 12. Like Bruce says - same size as your J200.

[rstaight]

I played some 12 strings 35+ years ago. Found them a little hard to play but wanted one anyway. The sound, oh that sound.

Fast forward to this past December. Got the itch again for a 12 string. I tried Fender, Breedlove, Epiphone, Alarez, and a couple of others. They were OK but just didn't do it.

Then I picked up a Takamine GD30CE. This wasn't bad actually pretty dang good.

Then I picked up a Takamine GJ72CE. It's a jumbo but played so easily and oh the sound. It followed me home.

I may be a bit prejudiced but give Takamine a honest look.

[Rev Tim T]

Just to throw in another couple of suggestions -

If you don't mind used at the top of your range you can get a Taylor GA3-12. I'm not particularly a Taylor fan for myself but my wife has a GA3-12 and it is an awesome guitar. Easy to play and great sound - it is a joy to play.

You should also consider a Washburn WCG15SCE-12. That too is a great guitar for the $. A solid top, comfort edge and Fishman electronics. Washburn has done a great job with their comfort (WCG) series guitars. Right in your price range.

[AndrewG]

Yamaha LL16-12. Top end of your budget, but that's what quality costs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rE7NTht_oXE