recommend a 12 string acoustic (with pickup) under $500

[sunshinewelly]

looking for a an inexpensive 12 string

happy to consider any maker

[personatech]

Seagull S12 Walnut, recently discontinued but still out there. I tried one of these recently at a shop that also had the Seagull Coastline S12 and comparable offerings from Yamaha (FG820-12) and Ibanez (AW series, I think). I preferred the Seagull Walnut over all of them. The Seagulls had slightly shorter scale lengths (24.84") which I think helped playability.

[FrankHudson]

I was going to chime in and suggest the Seagull S6-12 string, a model that has the classic Godin recipe of laminated cherry b&s with a cedar top, but I'm not sure this model is still in production. You do see them used, and I like mine. It doesn't sound like my Guild JF30-12, but neither does the Guild sound like the cedar topped, shorter scale Seagull.

I don't know if it was ever offered in an acoustic/electric model, but there's a lot to said for installing a pickup rather than going with the built in systems in less expensive guitars.

I'm sure someone will offer a suggestion from the current Guild import line.

Of course like all "recommend to me" threads, it's hard enough for any individual to tell what they'll like long-term much of the time, and now add on that we don't know you or your expectations or predilections.

[neilca]

I took advantage of The Stupid Deal of the Day at Musicians Friend and bought a Dangelico Premier 12 string for $270. I like it a lot, laminated rosewood B&S solid spruce top with electrics. Neck is straight and I have kept it tuned to full pitch since I received it a month ago. Regularly, they are $499 but if you wait I have seen them repeat this sale.

Personally I love the art deco head stock, I know it is not for everyone.

[sunshinewelly]

apologies - i am in the UK and seagul are priced a lot higher here than in the States or Canada.

sigmas or alvarez are the cheaper options here

[CoachD]

Guild F2512E ($500 MAP in the US)

I love the sound and playability of mine. The only issue is that now I want a real 412/512...

[DCCougar]

Originally Posted by CoachD

Guild F2512E ($500 MAP in the US)
I love the sound and playability of mine. The only issue is that now I want a real 412/512...

Ha! Yeah, I had a $500 Takamine 12-string. Inspired me to get a US-made Guild. I got the JF30-12 first (same specs as an F412, but without some of the bling. Remarkably, it was actually less than $1,000.) Nothing like a jumbo Guild 12-string!


Corona-built Guild JF30-12

[davethedyer]

There's an Ibanez Made in Japan for sale in the UK. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ibanez-Co...wAAOSwlIVe597l

[Dru Edwards]

Originally Posted by sunshinewelly

apologies - i am in the UK and seagul are priced a lot higher here than in the States or Canada.

sigmas or alvarez are the cheaper options here

My initial thought was a Seagull or Simon & Patrick 12 string, both made in Canada. You can always add a pickup after if it isn't stock. How much are they in the UK?

[Guilty Spark]

You might consider Yamaha's FG 820-12. I've got their FG720S-12 and it's a great budget 12-string. Huge value. Holds tune like nobody's business, which is really nice when you've got 12 strings to monkey with. Solid spruce top - I put in a Colosi bone saddle, bone bridge pins, a rosewood armrest and a ziricote pickguard on it that matches the rosewood quite nicely. Looks, feels and plays like a much higher-end 12-string.

[MBee]

I have an Art and Lutherie CW-12, which I really like. Super comfortable to play, love the way it sounds, has a good built in pickup system, cutaway, and I love it's appearance. I'm sure when I got mine three years ago it was around $500 Cdn. Looking online, prices seem to be higher now, but I still think it would be good value.42487_Legacy_BourbonBurst_CW_QIT_12_1.jpg

[KCharlesD]

At that price point, I would recommend the Alverez AD60-12CE or AD80-12CE. Both available over here in the UK for less than £400, so should be nicely within your budget of $500. Decent under saddle pickup and controls and they play well, and I always think that Alvarez guitars are very consistent.

[gr81dorn]

Yamaha APX series 12 strings are super comfortable to play and sound pretty great, too. They have a few levels and price points, all of which are good values at their respective price points.

[boombox]

Originally Posted by CoachD

Guild F2512E ($500 MAP in the US)

I love the sound and playability of mine. The only issue is that now I want a real 412/512...

That would be my first suggestion - second hand, they even can be had for less than 300 quid. £700-800 would also get you the solid rosewood backed 1512. I would agree with the issue of wanting the 412/512 though: I own a 512 and would love a 412.

Any of the Godin family are well worth looking at - Seagull, Simon & Patrick or Norman - and as, has been suggested, The Yamaha APX series can be very nice, especially plugged in. If plugged in will be the main use, then there are often second hand Ovations for £500. Also, I can't recommend Faith guitars highly enough (I own two!): the Faith FKV12 is easily within your budget.

[Laynej37]

I urge you to strongly consider an Orangewood echo 12. Orangewood guitars are really great values for the price, and at 495 for a 12 string and a pickup, this truly will be one of the very best options, plus it is very pretty to look at and comes with a nice gig bag. If you are worried about the online only aspect, their return policy is amazing. They say that they take. 10 percent restocking fee, but truly I don’t think they always do, especially if the reason you put for returning is valid. But I highly doubt you will want to return regardless, it’s just a little assurance.
People don’t talk about these on here often because they are a relatively new company, but they truly are great. (I promise I’m not sponsored, haha!) I can pretty much guarantee this will beat out Most Yamahas in the same price range.