Search of the 12

[chrismitchell]

Hey, currently have a seagull walnut 12 in my stable. I want something with a 25.4 scale so it feels like my 6-string dread. I play fingerstyle. I’d prefer all solid wood, but I’m open-minded. I mainly want something that sounds good, plays well, and isn’t a bear to maintain (tuning and string changes). I’d also like to use my tonewood amp on it as well, but electronics can always be added. Anyone want to point me in the right direction? I’ve checked out Taylors, Guilds, Breedloves, Martins...

PS- enticed by pinless bridges.

[Steve DeRosa]

Originally Posted by chrismitchell

...I want something with a 25.4 scale...I mainly want something that sounds good, plays well, and isn’t a bear to maintain (tuning and string changes)...

Rainsong JM3000, if you can find someone willing to part with theirs (they were discontinued several years ago - and mine's not for sale); about as maintenance-free as any guitar can get - no worries about humidification, once the strings break in I tune it once a month (literally), weighs around five pounds on the strap (substantially less than my Guild jumbo 12), built-in LR Baggs electronics (some have Fishman), and tone/volume for days...

[DCCougar]

Originally Posted by chrismitchell

....I’ve checked out Taylors, Guilds, Breedloves, Martins...

As far as I'm concerned, you can't beat a Guild jumbo 12. I've got a $4,000 Gibson Songwriter 12 (not that I paid that much ), which is quite nice, but it's bested by my 2002 Guild JF30-12 that I picked up used for less than a grand (not to mention the F-512).

[jklotz]

If you can forgo the pinless bridge, you may want to take a look at the Eastman AC330E-12. Streets for $850, all solid woods and comes with a nice hardshell case.

[boombox]

Another vote for a Guild jumbo. A rosewood 512 or 1512 for the Chinese equivalent will give you "that" sound with pick or fingers. When I see the right one once this current situation is over, I will also be looking to add a maple 412 or JF30-12, even though I already have a maple Huss & Dalton 12. And if you want a blues machine, then an old Harmony or Gibson B45-12 or will be just the thing. A later B45-12 like mine goes one better than a pinless bridge - it's a trapeze tailpiece.

[L20A]

I always wanted a 12 string guitar with Rosewood sides and back.
The only one that I liked that fit this requirement has been a Guild F-512.
While I love the tone of the Guild, it is out of my price range and frankly hard for me to play.
Just too big for my shoulder issues and the wide neck hurt my hand.

A few months ago, I decided to give Yamaha a try and purchased an LL-6-12.
This guitar fits my need perfectly.
It is closer to a Dred in size and has a very comfortable neck.
The Rosewood s and b gives me the extended bass that I missed with Mahogany 12 strings.

The pick up system that comes with the guitar is very nice and natural sounding. It is a passive system, so no batteries to deal with.

The top is torrified and sounds great.
The Yamaha LL-16-12 is the 12 string that I have been looking for for over 35 years.

[martingitdave]

I purchased a new Oxnard Guild F512. It sounded excellent. But I found the neck hard to play for my hands. So, when my 9 yo sent it tumbling off the stand and caused damage, I decided to sell it cheap and buy a Taylor. It’s not quite the same sonically, but it’s easier for me to play, so I’m playing it a lot more than the Guild. The Yamaha was also a great guitar. I wouldn’t complain about having another LL-16-12.

[chrismitchell]

Thanks for the replies! I’ve stumbled across the Takamine P3DC-12...anyone have any experience with Takamine 12’s?

[chrismitchell]

Originally Posted by L20A

I always wanted a 12 string guitar with Rosewood sides and back.

The only one that I liked that fit this requirement has been a Guild F-512.

While I love the tone of the Guild, it is out of my price range and frankly hard for me to play.

Just too big for my shoulder issues and the wide neck hurt my hand.



A few months ago, I decided to give Yamaha a try and purchased an LL-6-12.

This guitar fits my need perfectly.

It is closer to a Dred in size and has a very comfortable neck.

The Rosewood s and b gives me the extended bass that I missed with Mahogany 12 strings.



The pick up system that comes with the guitar is very nice and natural sounding. It is a passive system, so no batteries to deal with.



The top is torrified and sounds great.

The Yamaha LL-16-12 is the 12 string that I have been looking for for over 35 years.

Do you ever fingerpick it? I believe that mode has a little narrower of a nut.

[BBWW]

I still think Breedlove makes the best 12 Strings on the market today. Sounds amazing, great playability and the intonation is fantastic. You might what to check them out. Could get a used one pretty cheap.

[L20A]

Originally Posted by chrismitchell

Do you ever fingerpick it? I believe that mode has a little narrower of a nut.

I do not fingerpick on a 12 string.
I love the width of the nut on the LL-16-12.
With my hand and shoulder conditions, wider nuts are more painful.
I drop tuning to D and capo back up top shorten the scale length, which also helps relieve some of the pain.

[chrismitchell]

Originally Posted by L20A

I do not fingerpick on a 12 string.

I love the width of the nut on the LL-16-12.

With my hand and shoulder conditions, wider nuts are more painful.

I drop tuning to D and capo back up top shorten the scale length, which also helps relieve some of the pain.

Right on! Looks like a great guitar.

[chrismitchell]

Originally Posted by BBWW

I still think Breedlove makes the best 12 Strings on the market today. Sounds amazing, great playability and the intonation is fantastic. You might what to check them out. Could get a used one pretty cheap.

They do look great. The Oregon Myrtlewood looks really nice. Pinless bridge is nice. I’m not sure about their aesthetics (cutaway and headstock)