mid price 12 string.

[Andromeda]

Some of you may know that I recently sold my Taylor W65. I am thinking about getting another 12 string...although it may be a few months down the road...but I am really unsure if I want to go the high end route for a 12 string because in all honesty I really don't play them as much as I used to. So I can't really justify buying a high end 12 string.

So I am looking for suggestions in the $600-$800.

In play mostly singer songwriter stuff, John Denver and Gordon Lightfoot.


No electronics...

I may not be able to play any of these before buying so I may look up videos of your suggestions.

Does anyone have experience with a Yamaha LL16 12 string guitar?

[Andromeda]

This sounds/looks promising!

Although I would have to get a different pickguard and the headstock is not my favorite but I could live with it. I do love jumbo guitars!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yzBGAFOI6U

[L20A]

LOL,
I knew which guitar you was looking at before I even opened the link.

I have played a lesser priced Blueridge Dred 12 string that has a solid spruce top and laminated mahogany back and sides.
I was very impressed with it.
I think that it was a BR40-12.
Price was about $450.00.

I have heard from some people that the Blueridge 12 strings made with mahogany rather than rosewood b&s are better sounding 12 strings.
I can't confirm this though because I have only played the laminated b&s mahogany 12 string.
The necks on the Blueridge are fast low profile.
I like that.

The video that you posted said that the guitar wasn't as loud as he thought that it would be.
This has been my take on all jumbo guitars.
I sold my Guild JF-55 for that very reason.

[Andromeda]

Originally Posted by L20A

LOL,
I knew which guitar you was looking at before I even opened the link.

I have played a lesser priced Blueridge Dred 12 string that has a solid spruce top and laminated mahogany back and sides.
I was very impressed with it.
I think that it was a BR40-12.
Price was about $450.00.

I have heard from some people that the Blueridge 12 strings made with mahogany rather than rosewood b&s are better sounding 12 strings.
I can't confirm this though because I have only played the laminated b&s mahogany 12 string.
The necks on the Blueridge are fast low profile.
I like that.

The video that you posted said that the guitar wasn't as loud as he thought that it would be.
This has been my take on all jumbo guitars.
I sold my Guild JF-55 for that very reason.

Right now I am leaning toward the Blueridge BR-70-12 which is in the upper end of 0f my price range. I do like the bling.

[lroyb]

That 70-12 is sweet. I have the 160-12 since Feb 2010 it has been a fine 12 string. Blueridge has been making some incredible laminate/solid top guitars for some time.

[Andromeda]

Originally Posted by lroyb

That 70-12 is sweet. I have the 160-12 since Feb 2010 it has been a fine 12 string. Blueridge has been making some incredible laminate/solid top guitars for some time.

I am over all impressed with the quality of sub $1,000 guitars these days. Blueridge is definitely a quality brand. As of right now I am pretty sold on the BR70-12.

[HudsDad]

Don't overlook the Seagull S12. I tried most of the sub-$1000 12-strings a while back and the S12 blew them all away, IMO. I love the chunky neck.

[franchelB]

Originally Posted by HudsDad

Don't overlook the Seagull S12. I tried most of the sub-$1000 12-strings a while back and the S12 blew them all away, IMO. I love the chunky neck.

The Seagull really is a decent guitar. My friend's S-12 sounds just as good as my Taylor 355CE, IMO.

[Andromeda]

Originally Posted by HudsDad

Don't overlook the Seagull S12. I tried most of the sub-$1000 12-strings a while back and the S12 blew them all away, IMO. I love the chunky neck.

I just watched a video for a Seagull coastline 12 string and it sounded great. They say it has a cedar top with wild cherry back and sides. I love Cedar tops! But are the necks real chunky?

A local guitar shop carries Seagulls and I like them (a friend once owned a Seagull with a cedar top with wild cherry back and sides and it was LOUD!) I will have to stop in to see if they carry this model.

[HudsDad]

Originally Posted by Andromeda

I just watched a video for a Seagull coastline 12 string and it sounded great. They say it has a cedar top with wild cherry back and sides. I love Cedar tops! But are the necks real chunky?

Yes, solid cedar top with laminated cherry back and sides. I love the tone of cedar tops and the warm tone works very well with 12-string guitars, IMO.

But, yes, the neck is chunky. If you've ever played a 1.8" Seagull and found the neck comfortable, you'd most likely enjoy the 1.9" S12 neck. But if you thought the S6 was too chunky, you probably wouldn't like the S12 at all.

[earwighoney]

I've played the BR40/60/140/160 12 Strings in Dread version (I live in the UK, they are jumbo in the states dread here) and they are all excellent instruments.

I preferred the Mahogany versions though, as I think if you are to fingerpick a 12 (like I do) it's the wood of choice...

[kerrinsdad]

I just sold a Larrivee L03-12....terrific bang-for-buck. I would strongly suggest you take a look at one of those!

[Joeval]

I couldn't say what the price is off the top of my head, but my favourite 12 string is a Breedlove Atlas C250. Not really a dreadnought shape, which is always a bonus for me. Sounds great, lovely highs and a balanced bass.

[brianmay]

I recently traded a Guild GAD G212 (I think), that retails at under a grand.

Lovely appointments and a great sound. It's a lot of guitar for the money.

I traded it for a Martin D12-28 which is another story.

Best of luck.

[rolleiguy54]

Brian

How do you like the d 28 12?