12-string shopping

[natebernstein]

I'm thinking about taking the plunge on a 12-string acoustic. Would probably gig with it on selected songs, definitely use it recording and just playing around the house. Ideally I'd like to spend no more than $800, which has me thinking used, but would consider new models as well. This would be for folk/country/rock music with a flat pick, so a dread, jumbo or OM body in all likelihood. Recommendations?

[Shoreline Music]

In your budget, it's hard to beat the Taylor 150e:

[dagobert]

Gretsch Rancher Falcon

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Gretsch-...tric-Guitar.gc

[Earl49]

Ditto on the Taylor 150e......

[docliv]

If you like the Martin tone, go for the D12X1AE. I've had mine for a few months and the sound is wonderful and only gets better. Nothing better for $649 new. Try it with EXP38 strings! You'll be astonished at the factory set action. It plays nearly as easy as an electric!

The below was recorded live with a cheap Nessie mike at the 12th fret:

http://soundcloud.com/docliv-1/ditty1

http://soundcloud.com/docliv-1/vincentecreeksuite

[kydave]

One of the best lower price, but great sounding 12 strings is the Seagull. The Coastline 12 cedar topped dread, with factory electronics for your gigging, puts out a great unplugged sound unmatched by any sub $1000 12 strings I've tried.

$629 at Sweetwater.

Here is a recording of an old Hollies song that I did with a Seagull on the 12 string parts.

Bus Stop

Good luck & have fun in the search!

Dave

[patchmcg]

Get a used USA-made Ovation. A well-set-up Ovation is the easiest playing 12-string guitar you will pick up, and you can find a good Legend or Custom Balladeer well within your price range.

[DanPanther]

Used Yairi DY-68.

Dan

[ikravchik]

Don't buy new, get used on Reverb or Ebay.

Here's a really nice all solid maple from Bedell:

https://reverb.com/item/950540-bedel...guitar-gig-bag

[Ted @ LA Guitar Sales]

New it would be hard to beat the Taylor 150e or even the Martin D12X1AE, but there is no doubt you will get a lot more guitar on the used market.

Dave, love the Bus Stop cover!

[Glennwillow]

Originally Posted by kydave

One of the best lower price, but great sounding 12 strings is the Seagull. The Coastline 12 cedar topped dread, with factory electronics for your gigging, puts out a great unplugged sound unmatched by any sub $1000 12 strings I've tried.

$629 at Sweetwater.

Here is a recording of an old Hollies song that I did with a Seagull on the 12 string parts.

Bus Stop

Good luck & have fun in the search!

Dave

Dave,

Great job on the BUS STOP cover! It sounds great!

- Glenn

[kydave]

Originally Posted by Glennwillow

Dave,

Great job on the BUS STOP cover! It sounds great!

- Glenn

Thanks, Ted & Glenn!! I love this song!

Very kind of you. One of my old favorites that I started doing in my first rock band when the song was new and on the charts in '66. We worked out the dual leads live, which wasn't too bad for a bunch of novice guitar playing kids in their mid teens. (of course the Hollies were only a decade or less older; Amazing how young some of our heroes were when making some of that great early rock music!)

In this recording, I multi-tracked myself doing everything.

[titanNV]

(Comment removed)

[Bingoccc]

When you hit a sale, you can get one of the Korean made Breedlove's at that price. I have one, added a bone saddle and now I love it. They come with a JLD installed so you can use light rather than exra-light strings at full tune.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guita...lectric-guitar

[Marteenie]

Another +1 for the Taylor 150e. It was between the Taylor and Seagull Coastline S12 for me. The S12 with cedar top ended up being a little too flat or balanced across the tonal spectrum for me while the Taylor spruce top gave me the sound I was looking for and the neck shape is extremely comfortable. I still pick up the S12 when I'm in a shop and play it but I haven't looked back.