NGD - 2011 Froggy Bottom H-12 Adi/EIR

[SprintBob]

Happy NGD here.

The story behind this guitar is that this is my 60th birthday present to myself. Now my birthday is not until September but this opportunity came up and I acted on it because it would not be around long.

I initially contacted Michael Millard at Froggy Bottom about commissioning a new build but during that process I checked out what was available on the used market for comparison. I came across this guitar as offered by Pat Hodges with Tonewood Guitars near Memphis. I sent Pat the criteria Michael asked me to develop for my playing style and preferences that could be applied to a new guitar and Pat believed this H-12 with Adirondack top and EIR back/sides would be a good fit for me. I was leaning size wise towards the H-12 as it is very similar to a Taylor GC body size which I like a lot even though Michael offered that the Froggy Bottom F-12 body size might also be an option. Pat offered me a risk free return policy in case the guitar and I did not bond and the bonus was I would get the guitar now (rather than October or November with a new build based on FB’s current backlog) and it would save me about $3K.

The guitar arrived the night before last and we bonded pretty quickly. I have two other Adi topped guitars (Santa Cruz 00 Skye and Collings OM1A) and this guitar fits well with them. All three share the sparkle, clarity, complexity, and responsiveness of an adi top. All three thump-resonate through your chest with long sustain. The Santa Cruz (cocobolo back/sides) has the lowest, gruntiest low end along with strong mids, the Collings has a comparitevely softer low end but combines that with the woody, fundamental character a hog back/sides brings, and the H-12 has a balance that equates to my ears with a sweet, lush, full tone that distinguishes it from the other two. The H-12 is also amazing in the clarity of notes fretted higher up the neck (better check and see if it's got V-bracing ).

Here's some pics.

[BrunoBlack]

A big thumbs up for the H12. Great guitar to celebrate your 60th congratulations on all counts. I commissioned a Froggy to celebrate retirement and couldn’t be happier.

[musicman1951]

Congratulations. I'm jealous.

[Quake17]

Bob,

Congrats on the H-12 and welcome to the H-12 fan club! Also, I am a month younger so you've set the bar quite high for a 60th celebration

[3notes]

Looks like a fun little 12 fret parlor. How old is the guitar.??

You're going to like it...

[SprintBob]

Originally Posted by 3notes

Looks like a fun little 12 fret parlor. How old is the guitar.??

You're going to like it...

Built in 2011. It's not a parlor guitar as the lower bout is 15". It's similar to an OM/000 or Taylor GC body size.

[3notes]

Originally Posted by SprintBob

Built in 2011. It's not a parlor guitar as the lower bout is 15". It's similar to an OM/000 or Taylor GC body size.

Oh wow. I never would have guessed that.

[KFP55]

You did well! Huuuuuge H-12 fan myself and if it brings you half the happiness mine has brought me, you’re going to really enjoy your 60’s! No off to go play it

[FormerFoodie]

NIIIYYYYCCCEEEE!

Smart move in going used. In hindsight, I wish I bought my H12 used, but I didn't have the discipline to wait it out. The H12 is Michael Millard's flagship model for good reason. Frogs are sublime.

Congrats on your early 60th. Play it in good health!

After the honeymoon wears off (if it wears off), I'd be curious as to how you split your time between your other amazing guitars.

[zmf]

Looks like mine. Capo on the fifth -- amazing tone -- I think that's the sweet spot.

[SprintBob]

Originally Posted by zmf

Looks like mine. Capo on the fifth -- amazing tone -- I think that's the sweet spot.

I can attest to that. I’m working on a song right now that uses the capo on the 5th fret and the H-12 sounds quite happy there.

[SprintBob]

Originally Posted by FormerFoodie

NIIIYYYYCCCEEEE!

Smart move in going used. In hindsight, I wish I bought my H12 used, but I didn't have the discipline to wait it out. The H12 is Michael Millard's flagship model for good reason. Frogs are sublime.

Congrats on your early 60th. Play it in good health!

After the honeymoon wears off (if it wears off), I'd be curious as to how you split your time between your other amazing guitars.

Thanks. I really need to thin the herd down. I’ll be trying to sell the GS7 and the 812. They are both fantastic guitars but are now somewhat redundant for me. I also want to sell my electrics (the T5 and T3).

[dneal]

Congrats!!!

[LadysSolo]

Gorgeous! I would have guessed parlor size too - it's a "fooler!" Play it is good health!

[DenverSteve]

Happy Birthday indeed.