Looking at 12 Strings

CaptRedbeard · #1 07-21-2018, 06:46 PM

Thought I would ask everyone their opinion on 12 strings. I am looking to add one and have looked at Guilds F-1215 and F-2512. You can see my price range is between $500 and $1000 so if anyone would like to chime about either of those two, or any others in that price range I would appreciate it.

Rockysdad · #2 07-21-2018, 06:51 PM

There's also the D-1212, all solid mahogany dread. I have one and it plays well, great sound with Martin Retros on it.

Rev Tim T · #3 07-21-2018, 06:55 PM

You may also want to look at a Washburn WCG15SCE-12
a very comfortable and nice sounding guitar - has the beveled edge arm rest - does not come with a case - that will cost you another $120 bringing it to about $800

Rpt50 · #4 07-21-2018, 06:56 PM

Give the Yamaha FG a shot. It's way under your price range, but it sounds great.

AZLiberty · #5 07-21-2018, 07:08 PM

Sent you a PM.

Glennwillow · #6 07-21-2018, 07:30 PM

I have a Guild F512 after playing a Guild F212 since 1975. Once I got the F512, I gave my F212 to my oldest son.

I really like the combination of spruce over rosewood for a 12-string. So if I were looking for a less expensive 12-string, I would strongly consider the Guild F1512. Here is a helpful review: https://guildguitars.com/acoustic-gu...ws-the-f-1512/ I personally think these are excellent values.

Best of luck to you on your search!

- Glenn

CaptRedbeard · #7 07-21-2018, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rev Tim T

You may also want to look at a Washburn WCG15SCE-12
a very comfortable and nice sounding guitar - has the beveled edge arm rest - does not come with a case - that will cost you another $120 bringing it to about $800

Thank you Rev. Tim. I have looked at the Washburn 6 strings and almost bought one. I have not played the 12.... yet. Thank you for the suggestion.

Rev. David

HeyMikey · #8 07-21-2018, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptRedbeard

Thought I would ask everyone their opinion on 12 strings. I am looking to add one and have looked at Guilds F-1215 and F-2512. You can see my price range is between $500 and $1000 so if anyone would like to chime about either of those two, or any others in that price range I would appreciate it.

Hey Capt, Where are you located? I just put my new F2512e up for sale on CL in MA if you want to check it out. Great guitar for the money. The jumbo size is just too big for me. Ping me if you are in the area.

donlyn · #9 07-21-2018, 11:02 PM

So CaptRedbeard, did you check out a Taylor 150e?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bp99RvZWt48

This describes a solid spruce topped layered sapele guitar. Taylor seemes to be making them spruce topped layered walnut now. I find Taylor 12s easy to play. Sweetwater price is $899.

Also, just out of curiosity, did you ever work for GameStop?

* * *

HeyMikey, more curiosity, where in MA are you?

* * *

Don

troystory92 · #10 07-22-2018, 04:57 AM

Love my Guild F2512e. I don’t play it. Atom but always love coming back to it.

I couldn’t justify paying for the F1512e. Didn’t think it sounded that much better, and for the money.

DCCougar · #11 07-22-2018, 05:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptRedbeard

Thought I would ask everyone their opinion on 12 strings.

If you wait around a while and keep your eyes open, you can get an excellent condition American made Guild 12-string for under $1,000. Then you really will have arrived at the party. I don't think you can get a better 12-string. Check out the arched maple back JF30-12. This is essentially a $2,500 F412 without some of the bling. I picked mine up a few years ago - got a great deal for around $800, it's in excellent condition, plays great, sounds amazing, a definite keeper. Built in 2002 out of Corona, it even has an ebony fretboard. I also have a New Hartford-built F212XLCE - also a 17" lower bout jumbo - that was essentially new old stock for the ridiculously low price of around $1,100.

These are awesome 12-strings. Keep your eyes open, Capt!

DCCougar · #12 07-22-2018, 06:03 AM

I forgot to mention, when buying used 12ers, checking the condition is pretty important, moreso than 6-strings. If you can't "try it before you buy it," have the seller measure the saddle height, the bridge height, the string height at the 12th fret and at the bridge. Have them lay a straight edge along the fretboard and see where it hits the bridge. If the guitar is due a neck reset, you want to know about it and get priced accordingly. Best of luck!

musicman1951 · #13 07-22-2018, 06:04 AM

I have a constantly-employed friend with a fairly large (13) collection of nice guitars who recently purchased a Taylor 12 string in the middle of your price range. He likes it quite a bit.

Dave Abrahamson · #14 07-22-2018, 06:09 AM

Might as well throw one more hat in the ring. If you can find a used Taylor 355, it could be in your price range. Jumbo body that isn't made anymore.
Sitka top and Sapele b/s. I Fell in love with mine really quickly

The Bard Rocks · #15 07-22-2018, 06:15 AM

I would not want to be without a 12er. They just have that fullness of sound when strummed that other guitars don't have and that is what is needed for some songs. Picked, they have that distinct 12 string sound.

At home, I find myself usually playing a 6, but when playing out or recording, the 12 gets a far greater share of the chores.