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  #1  
Old 08-02-2013, 07:15 AM
JoeCharter JoeCharter is offline
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Default "Traditional" 12-string guitars

I recently realized that I'd like a traditional-looking 12-string guitar.

I've found a handful of luthiers who build such instruments as part of their "standard" offering, with the only top tier name being Stefan Sobell and his wonderful 12-string archtop.

Am I forgetting anyone?

I currently own a 12-string guitar that plays great but looks rather modern. I'd like to add a more rootsy looking instrument to my collection.
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  #2  
Old 08-02-2013, 07:40 AM
pitner pitner is offline
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I was going to have Wingert build me a 12 and her response was: Just get a Taylor as they really have perfected that instrument. So that is what I did. My Taylor is a 354CE and really does a great job considering it only cost $1,800. While not the guitar my Olson is I am not unhappy with it. Check them out.
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Old 08-02-2013, 07:40 AM
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fazool fazool is offline
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If you are GAS-ing for a vintage 12-string, look for a Stella Leadbelly
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  #4  
Old 08-02-2013, 08:05 AM
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Don't forget to check out Guild! Ralph Towner has used their 12-strings for a long time.
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Old 08-02-2013, 08:06 AM
TuckerRE TuckerRE is offline
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Default Steve Kinnaird's 12 String

I play 12 string a lot and own four of them. My Stephen Kinnaird shortened scale is an exceptional instrument (can discuss the instrument and rationale for the missing two frets if interested). I believe Steve (an accomplished player in his own right) has only built one guitar for himself...a 12-string. It sounds exceptional...so much so that we are discussing (OK beyond discussing, spec'ing) two more for me...a five fret shorter instrument we affectionately call a tiplier somewhat after Martin's Tiple and a, someday, 'ultimate' 12-string. So far it would appear they will all be 'same as the first' Lutz tops and Oregon Myrtle sides and back.

My only word of warning is Steve's 12 strings are similar to his six-strings with remarkable clarity of tone. For some people, on a 12-string, this might be 'too busy'. I mostly fingerpick my 12's or use light flat picks 'under powering it' for great results.

There was once an impromptu video clip on youTube of me with the 7/8ths 12...see if I can get Ryan to provide the link...or possibly a sound-only link of the instrument.

TMI I am sure!

Cheers, Bob
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Old 08-02-2013, 08:15 AM
Island Mfg. Island Mfg. is offline
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Fraulini is my favourtie.
http://www.fraulini.com/
http://fraulini.blogspot.ca/
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  #7  
Old 08-02-2013, 08:19 AM
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nacluth nacluth is offline
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Here's the link of Bob playing his Kinnaird 12-string.

Edit: Here's some sound clips of Bob playing (finger style) his 12-string.

Lutz/Myrtle 12-string clip#1

Lutz/Myrtle 12-string clip#2
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Last edited by nacluth; 08-02-2013 at 10:13 AM.
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  #8  
Old 08-02-2013, 08:27 AM
TuckerRE TuckerRE is offline
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Default Thanks Ryan...

Not sure why the app on the iPhone didn't find it...the computer found it right off...hum...technology.

Did we ever do a sound-only of picking? If not, need to! Cheers......Bob

[And for reference my other 12's are (in order of purchase AND preference) Martin D12-20 - nothing ever better from a mass-producer IMHO, an exceptional Guild, single-piece pressed back maple, and finally a new Leo Kottke signature Taylor. All fine instruments in their own rights.] If you are NOT looking for a custom, go find an old D12-20...can find 'em relatively cheap out there. But 12-fret 12-strings make the best, custom or not, again IMHO.

Bob
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Martins 00-21, D12-20, D-45S, 000-21 Custom, D-18S (Ditson Ltd Ed)...yada yada...
St. Kinnaird Koa, Af BW, Bubinga, Myrtle, Kauri [Robinson inlay], SR Parlor, RenOvation, Mango Xover, IR/CoBluSpr 00
Santa Cruz Quilt Mah "The Tree" Ltd Ed VA and Padauk Custom F
Collings SJ Braz/Ger, 000-42Koa, UC3 Killer Koa
Jeffrey Yong's Seismic 2011 Japan Earthquake Tribute and a Quilt Mah "The Tree" Olson
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  #9  
Old 08-02-2013, 08:33 AM
Haans Haans is offline
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Do you want traditonal looking or tratitional sounding?
Probably would make a big difference in your choice of builders. Do you want to tune it down to A-B or concert pitch?
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  #10  
Old 08-02-2013, 08:40 AM
TuckerRE TuckerRE is offline
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Default Good point, Haans...

Yes, Haans - excellent question! And DOES make a difference!! Good!

Also, to my ear, I stay away from Rosewood for 12's for some reason. I much prefer myrtle, mahog or maple sides and back. Anyone else find that true, or is it only me?
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Martins 00-21, D12-20, D-45S, 000-21 Custom, D-18S (Ditson Ltd Ed)...yada yada...
St. Kinnaird Koa, Af BW, Bubinga, Myrtle, Kauri [Robinson inlay], SR Parlor, RenOvation, Mango Xover, IR/CoBluSpr 00
Santa Cruz Quilt Mah "The Tree" Ltd Ed VA and Padauk Custom F
Collings SJ Braz/Ger, 000-42Koa, UC3 Killer Koa
Jeffrey Yong's Seismic 2011 Japan Earthquake Tribute and a Quilt Mah "The Tree" Olson
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  #11  
Old 08-02-2013, 08:43 AM
pete12string pete12string is offline
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I'm a big fan of 12 string guitars. I have two 12 string guitars from Todd Cambio of Fraulini Guitars and one from Mike Hauver - Hauver Guitars. They are both wonderful luthiers who build exceptional "traditional" guitars.
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  #12  
Old 08-02-2013, 08:49 AM
TuckerRE TuckerRE is offline
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Default Hence the name!

Hence the Pete 12 name, eh?!

Can you tell us build materials?
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Martins 00-21, D12-20, D-45S, 000-21 Custom, D-18S (Ditson Ltd Ed)...yada yada...
St. Kinnaird Koa, Af BW, Bubinga, Myrtle, Kauri [Robinson inlay], SR Parlor, RenOvation, Mango Xover, IR/CoBluSpr 00
Santa Cruz Quilt Mah "The Tree" Ltd Ed VA and Padauk Custom F
Collings SJ Braz/Ger, 000-42Koa, UC3 Killer Koa
Jeffrey Yong's Seismic 2011 Japan Earthquake Tribute and a Quilt Mah "The Tree" Olson
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  #13  
Old 08-02-2013, 08:52 AM
Island Mfg. Island Mfg. is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pete12string View Post
I'm a big fan of 12 string guitars. I have two 12 string guitars from Todd Cambio of Fraulini Guitars and one from Mike Hauver - Hauver Guitars. They are both wonderful luthiers who build exceptional "traditional" guitars.
Lets see 'em! Particularly the Fraulinis!
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  #14  
Old 08-02-2013, 09:34 AM
Steve DeRosa Steve DeRosa is offline
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You might find this of interest:

http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/f...d.php?t=304814
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  #15  
Old 08-02-2013, 09:42 AM
JoeCharter JoeCharter is offline
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Thanks for the numerous answers, guys.

No disrespect to Taylor or Guild -- but I had a custom build in mind.

I have a Taylor and really enjoy it -- but I probably wouldn't buy another one.

As for the jumbo Guilds, they strike me as being better suited for strummers.

I had found Fraulini on the web. Would be interested to know more about Todd Cambio...
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