Considering a 12 string

[jklotz]

I'd like to get a 12 string to poke around on in the house and for some recording (adding little accent parts to the band's tunes, stuff like that). I'm a tone freak, but at the same time, I don't want to break the bank with a guitar for occasional use. What would you say is the "sweet spot" for a decent, playable 12 string? I'm not opposed to buying used, but I'd really need to play it before buying.

[BT55]

In NY there are always Taylor 150 and Martin X series 12 strings available on CL in the $700 range. You can’t go wrong with either.

[boombox]

There are so many good options out there for 12-strings, especially used: $500 will get you budget Guilds, Taylors, Takamines, Breedloves, Godin-family, etc, etc. If your budget is limited, try to find something used where the original owner has already coughed up for a set-up though, as more budget 12s need a setup than comparable 6-strings do. No idea what "breaking the bank " means for you, but if you can get up around $700-$1000 then older US Guilds, vintage player grade Gibsons and newer solid wood Taylors are all worth looking at.

[Silly Moustache]

Or, you could go "old time"

Both of these guitars are from the early '60s, but one cost one third of the other.

[Brucebubs]

'I'm a tone freak, but at the same time, I don't want to break the bank'

If you're happy with a more typical bright sounding , jangly 12-string sound then you'll have no problem finding it for a relatively low cost.

However, I found the search for a warmer, more lush sounding 12-string got much more expensive.

It's the nature of the beast.

[cliff_the_stiff]

Taylor 12 fret 12 strings.
They are fantastic.

[jklotz]

Originally Posted by Brucebubs

'I'm a tone freak, but at the same time, I don't want to break the bank'

If you're happy with a more typical bright sounding , jangly 12-string sound then you'll have no problem finding it for a relatively low cost.

However, I found the search for a warmer, more lush sounding 12-string got much more expensive.

It's the nature of the beast.

Yea, I played a really nice Gibson Hummingbird Pro 12 string the other day. It had a nice, lush sound but it was also $2300, which is not expensive in terms of a nice acoustic, but for a "once in a while" guitar, it's more than I want to spend.

[Brucebubs]

Originally Posted by jklotz

Yea, I played a really nice Gibson Hummingbird Pro 12 string the other day. It had a nice, lush sound but it was also $2300, which is not expensive in terms of a nice acoustic, but for a "once in a while" guitar, it's more than I want to spend.

A large rosewood body is the best place to start for that warmer tone.

A good used 'made in China' Guild F-1512 is worth looking at.

Like this one; https://reverb.com/item/14843394-gui...434-6lbs-1-3oz

[Rosewood99]

Look for a used Taylor GA-3. Also Breedlove makes good budget 12 strings. But don't go to cheap. Sub $500 guitars are not worth it in my opinion but for about a $1,000 you can get an excellent 12 string guitar.

[vintage40s]

Originally Posted by Brucebubs

A large rosewood body is the best place to start for that warmer tone. A good used 'made in China' ... is worth looking at...

This fits that description, although Korean, and I might put it back out there. It was $1,028 new in 2006:
https://reverb.com/item/22766502-bre...s-2006-natural

[Conomor]

Originally Posted by Silly Moustache

Or, you could go "old time"

Both of these guitars are from the early '60s, but one cost one third of the other.

That old Harmony (1270?) of yours is wonderful.

[L20A]

When I was looking for a sub $500.00 12 string, the one that stood out for me was a Crafter 12 string. Made in Korea. Very nice looking guitar with solid spruce top and laminated mahogany sides and back.
I bought mine about 10 years ago and it sounds better today that when I first got it.
It is holding together very well with no signs of neck creep or bridge lifting.
I would recommend one to someone looking for a nice budget 12 string.

[McCawber]

My Taylor 356ce 12 has a very nice balanced mellow tone tuned up to pitch with ultra light strings. I spent about $1500 for it new a couple of years ago. I recently changed over to heavier strings and tuned it down 4 frets like a 60's vintage 12. Now it growls. I'm very happy with mine - if you could find a used one for a bit less it would be hard to go wrong.

[flagstaffcharli]

I had a Larrivee OM-03-12 a few years back. Maybe shouldn’t have let it slip away. I sold it under $1K. So if you can find one...

Old Guild F212 guitars have a great sound, but for me the neck was a beast. Those go for under $1K as well - even most of the old Hoboken ones. I had one of those (1970) and the tone was rich with a nice balance of bass and chime.

As you can see from my signature, I’m looking a little bit higher up the chain now. I had a guitar slip away, and I intend to replace it.

Best luck!

[donlyn]

jklotz,

This is just one of those threads where everyone gets to name their favorite guitar, so that's what I'll do.

A Taylor spruce top rosewood Grand Orchestra 12 string. Either an 858 or a 458-R should do the trick. To help keep the cost down, a used one works just as well as a new one. I am, of course, biased, because I own/play a 458e-R. It is also the best sounding 12 string I've played, going back to the 60s. And I've played quite a few over the years.

And it's not just a 'once-in-a-while' guitar either. While I play 'known' 12 string songs, I am not adverse to playing anything on whatever instrument I have in hand, which includes 12 string guitars. Doing this, it led directly to "Walk Don't Run" and "Pipeline" becoming personal favorites for playing on a 12 string. Try anything on a 12; it can make for some interesting playtimes.

Don
.