My wife recently said, “Have you ever thought about getting a 12-string guitar?”

[ataylor]

Clearly this is an opportunity. I actually would like to own one at some point. What should I be looking at?

Some guitars I’ve looked at — either in person in recent years or online:

Yamaha FG820-12 — I haven’t played this one but have played a number of the FG800 and FG830 guitars and have been impressed.

Guild F2512E — I’ve played this one a couple times in shops. I like the classic look and sound from the iconic shape, but I really don’t care for the built-in electronics from an aesthetic perspective. I hate it when guitars have a separate output jack carved into the lower bout!

Taylor 150E — I’ve played this one a handful of times at various shops as well and I really like the playability and crisp Taylor tone. Again, I don’t care for the electronics — I don’t like visible knobs or panels. I also think it’s priced a little steep for an imported acoustic guitar. Looks like there’s now a sunburst option, which is appealing as I own an older 210 in natural finish.

I think I’ve played a lower-cost Martin 12-string, but I don’t remember.

What else should I have on my radar? I would love something like a GS or GO Taylor 12-string, but I’m not sure I want to spend that kind of money on what would be a niche guitar for me. I wouldn’t rule it out entirely though.

Not in a hurry, but would love any thoughts or suggestions!

[AZLiberty]

Try some of the Breedloves. I like them better than the imported Guilds or the X series Martin, and much better than the Taylor.

[guitarxan]

As a 150e owner.....stay away..... it’s not worth the money. The Guild 2512 and 1512 play MUCH better and sound fuller. The more I play the 150e the less I like it. And I love my other two Taylor’s.

[Brucebubs]

Came across an interesting looking 12-string on the interweb just the other day.
Washburn G15SCE-12.
Part of their 'Comfort' series with an arm bevel.



- Grand Auditorium body
- Solid Sitka Spruce top
- Mahogany back & sides
- Venetian cutaway
- Ovangol fingerboard & bridge
- Fishman tuner/pre amp



Higher end; The Taylor 458eR rosewood Grand Orchestra would be a nice place to start.

[Mobilemike]

I have a Guild D-125-12 all mahogany that’s pretty sweet.

-Mike

[jemartin]

Being an owner of one of these Taylor 358e GO Jumbos... I would say That this guitar is a great deal. It is a very lively and loud 12 string.... with plenty of that signature GO.. bass horsepower. I would say as much bass horsepower as my Guild F512..( though not built nearly as robust as the Guild ). I would say it carries more deep bottom than a Taylor GS series at least in this wood combo and price range. You would not be disappointed in this 12 string at all... and for this price at brand new... it is far less than I paid for mine last November. With its Tasmanian Blackwood sides and back, and Lutz Spruce top ... along with a Satin finish overall it has a lively open sound ... and it rings out as a powerhouse 12 string. It handles lower tuning with ease. It is a Custom NAMM model for 2018 only.
This is for sale on Reverb.com.

Taylor 358e 12-String Grand Orchestra LTD Acoustic Honey Sunburst

https://reverb.com/item/11204742-tay...m_medium=share

[JohnW63]

Do you have a price range to keep it in ?

[steelvibe]

To which I would respond;

"Honey, I'm not into 12 string guitars. Can I get 2 sixers instead?"

[ataylor]

Originally Posted by JohnW63

Do you have a price range to keep it in ?

Good question. Since I’m merely entertaining the idea right now, I’d say “less than I (errrrrr... I mean Santa) paid for my D-18” — but considering this would be a very niche guitar for me initially, I do gravitate towards the idea of something lower-cost like the Yamaha.

Originally Posted by steelvibe

To which I would respond;

"Honey, I'm not into 12 string guitars. Can I get 2 sixers instead?"

Great call.

“You didn’t say they had to all be on the same guitar!”

[ataylor]

Thanks for the advice and suggestions so far folks. I’m definitely not set on getting a 12-string, but I do like the idea of adding one sooner or later.

That said, also on the sooner-or-later list is a Fender Stratocaster and/or a blackface reissue Fender amplifier... and if you know me, you know that “sooner or later” could mean five or six years!

[pbla4024]

Originally Posted by ataylor

Guild F2512E — I’ve played this one a couple times in shops. I like the classic look and sound from the iconic shape, but I really don’t care for the built-in electronics from an aesthetic perspective. I hate it when guitars have a separate output jack carved into the lower bout!

Check older F2512, they used to have completely unobtrusive electronics. Mine is from 2016.

[rstaight]

When I was looking for a 12 string I tried most of the ones mentioned. I kept coming back to the GJ 72CE Takamine.

The same store also had Alvarez. They had the arm bevel also. But the Takamine played and sounded so much nicer it was still a no brainier for the extra $100 in price.

Give the Taks a good look.

[Silly Moustache]

Laughing, I have two lovely 12 strings and they are the only instruments that my wife doesn't care for.

One point I would make - to play a 12 string properly - i.e.not just strumming up and down, you need to get a wider enough fretboard.
My Martin has a 1 & 7/8" nut width which is just about OK, but my Harmony with a 2" nut is far easier to play.

YMMV of course.

[Oldguy64]

I loved my 150e...after I put in Ebony pins and switched to a non coated string.
I ended up trading for a Takamine GJ72. But I play it on stage and the TK40 works better for me than the ES1.3.

For a niche guitar, I’d try to find a lightly used Alvarez AJ60S or AJ80S in 12 string. That will keep you under $500, I’m stalking one now that’s under $400.
If you are looking for a stage guitar, then a Takamine GJ72 or EF523 used will net you the best playability and best electronics...for the best price. Though the Alvarez offering are only off by a frog’s hair.
Then if you determine that you love to play a 12, no one beats Guild for sound, but Taylor does give everyone a run for their money for playability.

[rsmillbern]

I just replaces my old 12 String as I split with my wife about a year ago and she got the Guild...

We has an early 80's Guild JF-30 that was one of the few 12 strings I really liked.

I looked at the newer Guilds, but just didn't feel, or sound, the same to me.
I finally ended up with a Taylor 362ce. Quite different than the Guild (small body, 12 fret, solid B&S, mahogany top, but I am really liking it so far (only 3 weeks). I like the small size a lot, though not quite as loud as the guild it does have a great tone.