14 to 12 fret guitar

Originally Posted by Silly Moustache

The have only recently discontinued the earlier "VS" styles such as there 0028VS (short scale) and the 00028VS (slightly larger and standard scale).
both will have a 1 & 7/8" nut width.

Actually the 000-28VS has a 1 13/16" nut width.

[TY56]

Originally Posted by Pitar

Great suggestions, all. I'll take some time to search around my burb (Orlando, FL) and beyond for what's available.



Thanks.

I have a Larrivee SD-50 12 fret dreadnought. I love it. I am in Winter Springs. Shoot me a PM.

Tim

[Howard Emerson]

Originally Posted by Pitar

Great suggestions, all. I'll take some time to search around my burb (Orlando, FL) and beyond for what's available.

Thanks.

If you have the opportunity to try a Martin 00-21, especially from the late 1950's to early 1960's, DO SO!

They have (especially the 1960's) very manly necks that put off most people. That said, they punch WAY above their weight.

I owned a '64 & a '70 back in the day.

Even the 70's ones are very, very good provided the geometry doesn't necessitate a neck set. They're not too expensive once you take the 'brazilian' word out of the equation.

Happy hunting!

Howard Emerson

[Nctom]

I'm slowly moving from 14 to 12 fret smaller body guitars myself. My first was a Larrivee Forum III, basically a custom LS-03 made in limited numbers for Larrivee Forum members. This mahogany/European spruce guitar has matured into a very "bassy" steel-stringed classical-shaped gem.

I've added another Larrivee custom cedar/rosewood 00-09 and a Waterloo WL-12Mh , an all-mahogany 00 reminsent of pre-war Gibson L00-s.

Look around at all the varieties of 12-fret guitars and try as many as you can. There is a wide and varied choice among them.

[fitness1]

This one is about 4 hours away from you...

https://reverb.com/item/16673258-doe...-with-upgrades

[Silurian]

The Breedlove Concertina models are 12 fret.

[Silly Moustache]

Originally Posted by J-Doug

Actually the 000-28VS has a 1 13/16" nut width.

mm, wonder when they changed that ? Discontinued now - sadly, but there is always the Collings version. .

[boombox]

Originally Posted by Wade Hampton

...
Anyway, that 12 fret 00-17WS (or whatever its exact model number is) is worth seeking out and trying. I think it’s one of the best smaller guitars that Martin makes.

Big +1 to this and agree wholeheartedly - it's a lovely guitar and my favourite Martin I've played.

I have a Taylor 712e 12 fret which is very nice indeed and, a lot cheaper, the now discontinued Faith Mars 12 fret slope gets a lot of play time in my house too - it's a 1 3/4" nut as opposed to the 1 11/16" on the 14 fret version.

[Brent Hahn]

Being a classical player, you may like the Martin 0-size 12 fret. Very wide fingerboard. They only make one version currently and it's almost $5K, but there are lots of older and far less expensive 016's around.

Originally Posted by Silly Moustache

mm, wonder when they changed that ? Discontinued now - sadly, but there is always the Collings version. .

Throughout it's run the 000-28VS was 1 13/16". The 0-28VS and 00-28VS were 1 7/8". Never really understood why but I'm glad my 2008 000-28VS is only 1 13/16".

[Pitar]

Thanks again to all contributors to this new focus, or light-hearted quest, I'm on.

I've moved from dreadnought to jumbo to smaller bodied guitars and that's where I've come to rest. My preferences are 1-3/4 minimum nut and 2-1/4 bridge spacing with a low oval (or modified C shape) neck, OM/concert style cutaway body, Sitka top over EIR/Maple/Myrtlewood B&S. I'm currently playing a jumbo concert (Goodall RCJC) and despite the compelling sound I'm driven to both that and comfort these days (I'm 64 and 5'8" tall in the morning, before shrinking). The RCJC is a tad big for me these days. I should have clarified all this earlier to make it simple for everyone to clue into.

Thanks again. I'll take the additional suggestions and see what's available.

[DukeMattingly]

I would say don't overlook Alvarez, particularly the Yairi's. Really good bang for buck if you can find it used. I've got a DYM95V (dreadnought) that is amazing. Also a PY70 (parlor) for smaller body size. Though they can be a little harder to find, try one out if you do get the chance. I'm also partial to Larrivees, which I believe have been mentioned already. I still can't believe the sound that comes out of Larrivee parlors. Best of luck!

[Pitar]

I'm looking at finding a Guild P-240 to try out. Anyone have any experience with this guitar? It pretty much matches specs with a Larrivee OO-05 I (should not have) parted with years ago.

[SlopeD]

Highly recommend the Martin 00015sm, easy on the wallet, huge on tone and wonderful playability.

The Martin 00028vs also has amazing tone but has a very large neck.

Probably any Martin 12 fret is great now that I think about it, its just a wonderful designed instrument.

[Jeff Scott]

Yamamoto Talus VS-12 12 fret guitar. Lifer.