12 string suggestions?

SonofJud · #1 03-01-2016, 11:45 AM

Big Kottke fan, but his signature model is rather expensive. I was curious, what are in your opinion the best options at the under 500 and under 1000 ranges?

Rosewood99 · #2 03-01-2016, 12:13 PM

I honestly think there are no good under $500 options. However you can find a used Taylor GA-3 for about $800. Breedlove makes a good one for a little less then that.

merlin666 · #3 03-01-2016, 01:01 PM

Cheap 12 strings are generally not a good idea, you just hurt your fingers and in terms of sound all you get is some lush mush which may be nice for the first 20 min of playing but then gets boring quickly. There were some nice used 12 string Ovations in the price range a few years ago but those are getting hard to find now. If you go into the $1000 to $1500 range you could get lucky and find a used U.S. built Guild or Larrivee in decent shape and be set.

The Growler · #4 03-01-2016, 01:22 PM

Taylor 150e for right in the middle of your range.

slickrock · #5 03-01-2016, 01:33 PM

Have a look at what Seagull has to offer for around $5-600. You might be surprised.

Bluside · #6 03-01-2016, 01:52 PM

I took advantage of MF leap year 15% off sale yesterday and ordered a Yamaha FG720-12. For as little as I will play a 12 string, it should be fine. They get descent reviews.

Bingoccc · #7 03-01-2016, 02:04 PM

I got a Korean made Breedlove. I'm happy with it.

1Charlie · #8 03-01-2016, 02:07 PM

Some of the older Guild dreadnought 12-strings can be had for under $1000.

In fact, I have an '81 D-212 in sunburst I am considering selling, having recently acquired an F-212XL.

PM me if interested.

Ted @ LA Guitar Sales · #9 03-01-2016, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Growler

Taylor 150e for right in the middle of your range.

The Taylor 150e was my first thought as well. Probably one of the best 12-String options in this price point.

Tony Burns · #10 03-01-2016, 02:11 PM

Yamaha's are great for their price point
Guilds ( pre Fenders ) are tops

rmoretti49 · #11 03-01-2016, 02:18 PM

I would definitely try the Martin DX12AE. Every time I have picked one up to play it, I have been surprised by both its ease of play and its good sound. The Taylor 150e is also quite good, but sounds a bit too tinny for me. Guild also has a made in China mahogany 12 string that sounds good in clips, though I've never played one.

rokdog49 · #12 03-01-2016, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by merlin666

Cheap 12 strings are generally not a good idea, you just hurt your fingers and in terms of sound all you get is some lush mush which may be nice for the first 20 min of playing but then gets boring quickly. There were some nice used 12 string Ovations in the price range a few years ago but those are getting hard to find now. If you go into the $1000 to $1500 range you could get lucky and find a used U.S. built Guild or Larrivee in decent shape and be set.

Generally maybe, but not so with the Taylor 150e. I played one.

Brucebubs · #13 03-01-2016, 02:23 PM

New Guild F-2512

Blueridge BR-60-12

Guild F-1512

martingitdave · #14 03-01-2016, 02:27 PM

I've covered the topic in a few recent posts with my opinions.

Yamaha FG720s (Best under $350)
Seagull S12 (Best under $500)
Taylor 150e (Best under $750)
Guild Westerly F-1512e (Best under $1,000)
Yamaha LL-16-12 (Runner up for best under $1,000)

urobouros · #15 03-01-2016, 03:32 PM

I got my 354 off Reverb for about the top end of your budget. If you're patient you can prolly snag a decent one used.