12 string recommendations.

[Jim]

With 12 strings, just like 6-strings, you do get what you pay for. You can find a decent used Taylor 300 series. Their lower series are not going to sound as good as they are laminated/plywood while the 300 and above are solid wood). Or you can find a used Guild from the 1970s which will also be solid wood (so long as it is not a maple one). Guild "GADs" and Guild "Westerly Collections" are not actually made by Guild - they are made in China by non-Guild factories who have a contract to make them for Guild to sell under the Guild name. A guild from the 1970s will have been made in the US and will be a different instrument which in my opinion will be far higher quality in tone and build. Martin 12s are not in the same league in my opinion, especially their laminated/plywood models like the X series you mention. In the end, though, buy what you like and don't be in any rush. Find the one that sounds and plays the best to you and don't be hesitant to take a road trip to visit some larger stores that may have the models that you need to try out.

[juspickin]

I've been a 12 string player for 40+ Years and owned Guild's, Yamaha's a Hohner (which, amazingly, sounds great-I still have it), and my current love, a Taylor 855ce I bought new in 2007-it is by far the nicest 12 string I've played, but tone is subjective, isn't it?

Go, play everything, and find something you simply can't live without-

[Billkwando]

Originally Posted by fazool

It is not veneer. It is laminated (which is not the same as plywood), but it is real wood.

Can you elaborate on your definition of laminated & veneer and why you feel it is not a veneer?

[L20A]

Martin X series is HPL, not laminated wood S & B. The Taylor is laminated S & B. It does have a rough finish though. Something that I don't like.

Picking a 12 string guitar can be as hard as picking a 6 string.
So many factors to choose from.
For me one problem is just how much do I want to spend on a guitar that I will only be playing for up to 10% of my total playing time?

I don't like a thin 12 string sound that lacks bass end.
To get a 12 string that has it all, you pay a lot.

[BoneDigger]

I'm a big Guild fan, but in your price range I would look at the Martin you mentioned or a 12 string by Godin (Seagull, A&L, etc.).

[FrankHudson]

I've always had at least one 12 string since the 70s.

Folks have hit the high spots for me already in the thread, but for re-enforcement:

Used 12-strings are always around in the used market because folks buy them and then don't play them much. All the usual caveats about used guitar apply (and then some) with used 12-strings, so unless you know what you're getting yourself into make sure the neck and action are right on an example you buy.

The Guild JF30-12 is fine instrument. It's big (jumbo), and at least in my example, it's heavy. If you want low end-clarity it can give it to you. Has an interesting sound capo'ed up too. Powerful sound when strummed.

The Seagull S6-12 is less expensive and has a sound that contrasts with the Guild. Not the guitar for authoritative, projecting bass runs, but there a fundamental sweetness to the sound that I don't find worse than the Guild, just different. Like most cedar topped Seagulls sounds best picked fairly gently.

Like any guitar, how you play and what you like will change which guitar works best for you.

[Billkwando]

Originally Posted by FrankHudson

The Seagull S6-12 is less expensive and has a sound that contrasts with the Guild. Not the guitar for authoritative, projecting bass runs, but there a fundamental sweetness to the sound that I don't find worse than the Guild, just different. Like most cedar topped Seagulls sounds best picked fairly gently.

Like any guitar, how you play and what you like will change which guitar works best for you.

You know, I would probably never buy a 12 string Seagull. Not because they're not great guitars, but between the cedar top, and the stories I've heard about the bridges lifting, I'd be too worried that the extra tension of being a 12 would cause the bridge to just randomly rip off one day.

[ericj]

Taylor 150e. Great playability. Easy neck adjustment.
Sounds great. Electronics built in (ES2).

[Glennwillow]

I really like Guild 12-string guitars. Even the GAD 12-strings sound better to me than other brands. I have owned 2 Guild American made 12-strings, an F212 from 1972 and a newer F512 from 2014. I bought both of these guitars used.

I don't know why, but I have never played a Taylor 12-string that appealed to me, except for the LKSM model. I do think the LKSM model is an excellent 12-string. Also, I have not played some of the latest Taylor 12-strings, like the 858, which I think have real potential. But this is an expensive guitar.

For some reason, maybe my history or my age group (I started playing at age 16 in 1964), for me Guild 12-strings simply have the right sound. I can't seem to help myself. I have owned a 12-string continuously since 1966, so that is 52 years now. My first 12-string was a large, 12-fret neck, Harmony H1270 12-string.

This is a playlist from my YouTube channel of 12-strings songs I have recorded.

- Glenn

[Rockysdad]

Check out the Guild D1212, all solid mahogany, great sound, easy to play.
It will be worth your time to try one, and the price is right.

[Zandit75]

A little left field suggestion if you can get a hold of one is the Ibanez 8 string models.
I've had mine for almost 3yrs now, and I love it. It's my go-to guitar now, the Maton doesn't get a look in.
It misses out on a lot of the jangle and tinnyness I found with many 12-string guitars.
Ibanez don't have them in this years models, so they may be a little hard to find now.

[codecontra]

I recently bought a Takamine EF381. It’s a wonderful instrument and one of the finest 12 strings I have played.

[AZLiberty]

Originally Posted by fazool

It is not veneer. It is laminated (which is not the same as plywood), but it is real wood..

Actually it's thin walnut veneer (new ones) or thin sapele veneer (older) over solid poplar.

[Tico]

My 12-string recommendation is a Guild made in Westerly, RI in the 1970s.

[LadysSolo]

I bought a used Seagull 12-string I am very happy with, and if my memory serves me correctly I paid $350.00 for it.