12 string high end guitar for Kottke style

[Eso612]

Bad times. I am at home like many of you. I am studying a lot and I am wondering what I can improve in my instruments.
I play a lot of Kottke’s music. 012 or 013 gauge 2 or 3 half steps down. Only fingerstyle, no strumming and no classic 12 string rock songs.
Imagine you want to upgrade a Taylor LKSM, what would you do?

[RP]

Keep your eye out for a Taylor Kottke??? https://reverb.com/item/32871516-199...y-jumbo-w-ohsc https://www.ebay.com/itm/2010-Taylor...IAAOSwZSRd3UKH

[mcduffnw]

"Imagine you want to upgrade a Taylor LKSM, what would you do?"

I'll take: I would buy a Taylor LKSM 12 String for $1500 Alex.


duff
Be A Player...Not A Polisher

[Glennwillow]

A Taylor LKSM 12-string, is a very nice 12-string. For the Kottke sound, it's pretty hard to improve on that.

I use a Guild F512 tuned with light gauge strings to concert pitch. I have put heavier strings on this guitar and tuned it down to 4 half steps below concert pitch, and while it sounds very good for the music I do, it's probably too bassy for a good Kottke sound. Which is why Leo Kottke, I am guessing, tends to use 12-strings built with mahogany back and sides. The Guild F512 uses rosewood back and sides.

- Glenn

[GBS]

Go to Reverb.
Your choice - a couple of Taylor LKSM's at good prices. Or several other brands actually owned by Leo, at "slightly" higher prices.....

[Stomp]

I already have a Guild F512, but I'd be tempted by this early 60's B45-12 going for reasonable price (audio/video included).
As far as I know, LK played one of these "back in the day" until it was stolen from him.

[zombywoof]

A pre-1965 square shoulder Gibson B45-12 will get you there. These were the light braced versions.

http://www.guitarmusic.org/kottke/ggpa773.html

[Michael Watts]

I'd get a Taylor Leo Kottke model or if I was feeling particularly cheeky I'd look for an Olson 12

[Eso612]

Thank you for all your reply. I have read all the link you gave me.
Sorry for my english, by upgrade a LKSM I mean that I already have it and I would like to upgrade (keeping the LKSM) to a better guitar.
I know it is not easy because it is indeed a very good guitar. But I want to believe it could be even better. It's like playing a standard 6 stringTaylor, Martin, Gibson or whatever you like, and then try a boutique guitar.

@Glenn
Yes I think you are right at all about rosewood. I guess mahogany would be the right choice. F512 is a great guitar but I think for other kind of stuff.

I also have an old Guild F212 that is stellar and very good for the old Kottke's stuff.
I would like a more modern sounding guitar like the Taylor to play his newer music.
I know it seems like a 1.000.000$ question...

[Eso612]

Originally Posted by Michael Watts

I'd get a Taylor Leo Kottke model or if I was feeling particularly cheeky I'd look for an Olson 12

Wow Michael I didn't expect an answer from you. I like your music so much and you are one of the greatest player nowadays
I already own a LKSM.
Yes you are right, an Olson would be a dream, but I think it will be a dream forever, I can't afford it. But you have understood perfectly what I mean.
I need something in the more affordable area. More than a LKSM but much less than a Olson

[Eso612]

Originally Posted by GBS

Go to Reverb.
Your choice - a couple of Taylor LKSM's at good prices. Or several other brands actually owned by Leo, at "slightly" higher prices.....

Can you name some other brands at a higher price?

[Guilty Spark]

Originally Posted by Eso612

Imagine you want to upgrade a Taylor LKSM, what would you do?

Am I reading it wrong? It looks like OP already has a Taylor LKSM and wants to upgrade from there, not to there.

edit: disregard. I see OP already answered that. As you were.

[pickinray]

Looking at some pictures of Leo from the 1970's, you can see him playing a "Bozo" 12 string, made by Bozo Podunavac. If you can find one of those in good condition, that would give you the classic Kottke tone. I've also seen some old pictures of Leo playing a Martin 12-string, maybe a D12-28.

[mcduffnw]

Originally Posted by pickinray

Looking at some pictures of Leo from the 1970's, you can see him playing a "Bozo" 12 string, made by Bozo Podunavac. If you can find one of those in good condition, that would give you the classic Kottke tone. I've also seen some old pictures of Leo playing a Martin 12-string, maybe a D12-28.

A Bozo...made by Bozo himself...is going to cost you as much as a James Olson 12 string, so it is not an option according to this OP

So...Eso612 a couple of questions:

What do you want a 12 string to do, sound wise that your LKSM is not apparently doing for you? There is nothing out there on the market that is going to give you a better "Kottke" sound/tone than what you have already, so want more are you shooting for?

How much more $$$ are you looking so spend...you maximum amount you are willing to go? Again, there really are NOT any better 12 strings out there than your LKSM...different sure, different looks, woods, and tone, but NOT better...at any higher price points, especially if you are chasing the Kottke sound. Now if you are looking for a different sound/tone, then we can help you, but let us know what you are after that is different than what you have.


duff
Be A Player...Not A Polisher

[birkenweg42]

I think any jumbo 12-string with mahogany back and sides and heavy strings tuned down three, four or five half-steps would come close. If you want the Kottke sound you probably should use Kottke's set-up. The issue will be to get Kottke chops.