12 String HD12-28 vs ?

[Coler]

I'm eyeing a new HD12-28.

I like it a lot but one thing holding me back is this would be a third Martin. I'm not a fan boy but my D18 was the best dread I could get my hands on, and guess what my 000 - 28 was my favourite of the smaller body short scales that I tried (including other 000 28s lol)

I think I should make a positive effort to broaden the field. I don't need to rush into it.

What would be some good comparators at this price limit of eg 3500 - 4000 euros (a limit not a target, less is good, used is fine)

J45 12er? I never owned a Gibson. Would have to start keeping an eye out as the 12 string J45 doesn't seem to come up that often here (EU).

Any other suggestions? I'm looking for a dread/Jumbo.

edit: Well, I was looking at dread/Jumbo but there's an OM-12 on my radar now that is looking very attractive (a larger than standard size OM body, especially deeper).

[davenumber2]

Originally Posted by Coler

I'm eyeing a new HD12-28.

I like it a lot but one thing holding me back is this would be a third Martin. I'm not a fan boy but my D18 was the best dread I could get my hands on, and guess what my 000 - 28 was my favourite of the smaller body short scales that I tried (including other 000 28s lol)

I think I should make a positive effort to broaden the field. I don't need to rush into it.

What would be some good comparators at this price limit of eg 3500 - 4000 euros (a limit not a target, less is good, used is fine)

J45 12er? I never owned a Gibson. Would have to start keeping an eye out as the 12 string J45 doesn't seem to come up that often here (EU).

Any other suggestions? I'm looking for a dread/Jumbo.

For 12 strings I'd look at a Guild jumbo.

[zombywoof]

My wife bought a Martin D12-28 about four years back and just loves the thing. Her only other acoustic is a 1960 Gibson J200. The only 12 string in the house at present though is my 1961 Gibson B45-12. I doubt there would be much in the way of comparison to a Bozeman J45 12 string other than they are both slope shoulder guitars. The '61 was the first year of issue and was built with an adjustable saddle bridge and tailpiece and the then standard light non-scalloped bracing. Furthermore Gibson apparently did not have a clue initially how to build a 12 string so they braced it no differently than the standard J45. Great for sound but not the best recipe for survival.

[Glennwillow]

I think a 12-string version of the HD-28 would be a very nice guitar.

As an alternative, the Guild F-512, a jumbo body 12-string, I think, is a wonderful 12-string. In 2016 I bought a used one built in 2014 and I couldn't be happier. Before that I had a Guild F-212 (spruce over mahogany), which is also an excellent 12-string. I gave that guitar to my son after I got the Guild F-512.

I have a fair number of recordings with good microphones on my YouTube channel of my Guild F-512. This is the link to my 12-string playlist from my channel if you are interested.

For less money, the Guild F-1512 is not a bad alternative, just to get your feet wet with a 12-string guitar. Many people find that once they get a 12-string, they don't play it all that much. So there is some sense in trying a good quality, less expensive one to see if owning a 12-string works well for you.

Best of luck!

- Glenn

[guitararmy]

There was a Taylor 12 string in the Classifieds recently...

[mcduffnw]

Guild F-512 all day every day...nothing else comes close, except for a real Bozo Bell Western 12.

Go BIG or Go Home...F-512 baby!

You will thanks us all later...your welcome...


duff
Be A Player...Not A Polisher

[Cypress Knee]

Originally Posted by mcduffnw

Guild F-512 all day every day...nothing else comes close, except for a real Bozo Bell Western 12.

Go BIG or Go Home...F-512 baby!

You will thanks us all later...your welcome...


duff
Be A Player...Not A Polisher

I second this.

[Dru Edwards]

Have you ever played a Larrivee guitar? It's a great option for a 12 string.

[DCCougar]

Originally Posted by mcduffnw

Guild F-512 all day every day...nothing else comes close... Go BIG or Go Home...F-512 baby!

Absolutely. You want the ultimate in 12-strings, you go with Guild -- the F512 or the F512 Maple (formerly known as the F412). Spectacular 12ers!

[DBW]

Yep. I just have a Taylor 150e 12 and it suits me- but if I was going to go all out I'd get the Guild F-512.

[sevenpalms]

In my opinion, Dreanaught 12 strings are probably great for strumming but too muddy for finger style. Definitely go with a larger body on a 12 string...the smaller ones always sound a little weak to me. Guilds are no doubt the leader in this field, But, sounds like you are in Europe...? The best 12 string I've ever played/owned was a Lakewood J32 12 string made in Germany. Jumbo rosewood body but still very comfortable with excellent note separation. The sound was sublime and workmanship top notch! You may be able to find one easily over there.

My current Pimentel is a strong second...Grand Auditorium size with a deep body.... sounds great!

[Coler]

Thanks for all of your replies - very helpful.

The HD12-28 now seems less attractive to me versus a Guild F512.

But I've had my head turned by a curveball option - an OM 12 string from a boutique luthier...I appreciate the traditional 12er is a big body guitar buy this seems like it could really suit my purposes. And the slot it would fill in my guitar library is the "oddball" box so...

[Mbroady]

Would love to have an HD-28 12 string.
I would also look at a Furch 12 string.
There necks are very stable and the guitars sound great.

[Jim Comeaux]

I’m not in the market for a 12 string, but if I were, I’d consider the Yamaha LL-16-12. It’s a lot of guitar for 1/2 or less than the big brand names.

[mawmow]

Originally Posted by Jim Comeaux

I’d consider the Yamaha LL-16-12. It’s a lot of guitar for 1/2 or less than the big brand names.

And I would add Seagull Coastline S12.