Which 12 string in 2019?

[Cameleye]

Recently reentered 12 string territory with a '87 Guild GF-50 12 string.
Mid size, small jumbo shape in rosewood. Very pleased.

[Shredmaster007]

I also really did consider the f512 and the hd28-12 but figured I'd give my wallet a break and save something to bother my wife with a few years down the road

[martingitdave]

Originally Posted by Shredmaster007

Thought I'd give an update: I got a pretty sweet Taylor 356ce from Sweetwater today! Flawless guitar, sounds most excellent. Really nice plugged straight into my S1 Pro.



I played the 362ce in person and thought that the short scale made it kind of difficult to play (which I usually like as my only other guitar is a J45 with a 1-11/16th nut)



I've been borrowing my friend's Taylor 150e and like it a lot too, much louder than the 356ce but not close to the fit/finish/refined sound and not as comfortable. That said I think the 150e is a really good guitar.



I played the cheap Martin 12 string and didn't like it all - and the next step up Martin has a small body and narrow nut.



I thought about the cheaper Guilds, but the electronics that aren't apart of the strap button / end block are a deal breaker for me.



I was close to getting a Gibson again, but really like the idea of easy neck resets on a 12 string.



Cheers!

Great choice! Taylor makes an excellent 12 string.

[martingitdave]

Originally Posted by RP

I realized several months ago that a Taylor 12-string would be joining the Porter family, and it was suggested to me by my learned AGF colleagues that bigger was better when it came to 12-string guitars. Since Don wasn't about to let loose of that fine 458-R that I sold him last year, I let my fingers do the walking and found an amazing Taylor 858. Just picked it up Tuesday, and it's an awesome 12-string...

Another great Taylor 12 string. Well done!

[Steve DeRosa]

Originally Posted by boombox

...Guild F512. Believe what they say - this really is the king of 12 strings. Yes, it's big and pretty heavy, but the sound can't be replicated. In my experience, a mahogany 12 string just doesn't quite do it...

'Nuff said...

[Dolo]

I have played many 12 strings but I always go back to Taylors and Guilds.

[Shredmaster007]

After 6 months the 356ce is still a winner (although I haven't played it much since I got my Takamine P5). Surprised Taylor hasn't made a replacement since they discontinued it (was thinking maybe they would at NAMM), but I guess they probably don't sell many 12's anymore.

[Silly Moustache]

I have two perfect 12 strings.



(Please excuse my speech in this - still recovering from throat cancer treatment back then).

[L20A]

I have owned several different 12 string guitars over the past 35 years.
I was always excited with the new purchase but later found the 12 string spending most of it's time in the case.

I sold a fantastic sounding Guild 12 string after owning it for about 15 years because it wasn't getting played enough to justify owning it.
The neck was too big and the jumbo body was not comfortable.

I bought a Crafter 12 string after selling the Guild because I just can't stand not having a 12 string in my collection.
It was a nice sounding guitar and was easier to play than the big neck Guild.
I kept that 12 string for about 8 years.

I had always wanted a Rosewood 12 string but couldn't justify the Guild F-512 so I gave Yamaha a try.
I got the LL-16-12 and Love it.

It is a mid priced all solid wood 12 string that has the bottom end that I had been missing with my Mahogany and Maple 12 strings in the past.

I just can't see me spending several thousand dollars or more for a guitar that will be getting less than 20% of my playing time.

[Tony Burns]

Depending on the budget -
my choice would be the Guild F-512 -

If your under a very strict budget -and your
looking for your first 12 string -Yamaha
or up it a bit with a Larrivee 12

[DetroitDave]

The first 12 string I ever touched was a Taylor 150e, and I was both hooked and sold.
The "shimmering glimmers of crystalline light"* totally captivated me - never even touched another one since.
*Greg Koch's words on a review video for Wildwood Guitars.

[Brucebubs]

Sadly Taylor have discontinued their stand out rosewood Grand Orchestra 458e-R.(pictured)



They have maintained the more expensive, higher spec rosewood 858e Grand Orchestra.