12-string shopping

[Rick Shepherd]

Try to find a used taylor 355. You wont be disappointed.

[Bravejoy]

I was just looking, and I played a 150, and thought, that's really nice.

And then I tried the 356, and I just couldn't go back. And suddenly looking became buying.

[urobouros]

I love my 354! I paid a little more than you have in your budget but it was soooo worth it

[titanNV]

Originally Posted by etzeppy

Now there's a 12 string. 3 pages of suggestions with lots of love for Taylor and Martin but almost no mention of Guild. I love my Taylor 6 string but nothing beats a Guild in the world of 12 string guitars. I really wanted to find a Taylor 12 string that held it's own with Guild but I never did. I'm partial to Guild jumbos but that G-312 looks sweet too. The OP might find an F-1512 in his price range. Typical street price is $999 but I bet musicstorelive.com would come down; they deal (no affiliation).

Hey now!

Originally Posted by titanNV

I bought my 150e from Ted. Love that guitar! (Thanks again Ted!)

I also have a mahagony Guild GAD that arrived yesterday which sounds pretty sweet. Both were well under ur budget.

[etzeppy]

Originally Posted by etzeppy

Now there's a 12 string. 3 pages of suggestions with lots of love for Taylor and Martin but almost no mention of Guild. I love my Taylor 6 string but nothing beats a Guild in the world of 12 string guitars. I really wanted to find a Taylor 12 string that held it's own with Guild but I never did. I'm partial to Guild jumbos but that G-312 looks sweet too. The OP might find an F-1512 in his price range. Typical street price is $999 but I bet musicstorelive.com would come down; they deal (no affiliation).

Just got an email from musicstorelive.com announcing a 20% off sale for orders over $100. Guild F-1512 @ $999.99 - 20% = $799.99

[lizzard]

Originally Posted by 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?

You MIGHT find a Taylor 555 for a "little" more and it will rock

[natebernstein]

Originally Posted by etzeppy

Just got an email from musicstorelive.com announcing a 20% off sale for orders over $100. Guild F-1512 @ $999.99 - 20% = $799.99

wow, that's super tempting. Can you share the code please? I've never bought from there before and I see a 15% off 1st purchase offer but not the 20%.

[etzeppy]

Originally Posted by natebernstein

wow, that's super tempting. Can you share the code please? I've never bought from there before and I see a 15% off 1st purchase offer but not the 20%.

No code, just an email. I'll send you a PM.

[whitecloud]

Had a Seagull 12 string years ago, it was Cedar topped and from what I remember seems like that softer wood mellowed the tone some.It has been since the early 90's kinda hard to compare with what I have or played lately. I have a Breedlove Passport C250/SMe 12 which is discontinued and from their former Korean plant. I am going to post another thread soon about what I just did with the saddle situation. This guitar is fabulous sounds lovely for an acoustic not yet "broken-in" The local shop has a Guild GAD 12 string which I had the opportunity to play and compare with my Breedlove. There are a couple things to factor in that might un-check the negative boxes. First off typical old grimy strings and the fact it hasn't been setup in any way as I noticed quite a bow and too much relief. He shop owner seemed willing to address these issues. The guild is an all solid wood guitar and my Breedlove has a solid Spruce top, laminate Hog back and sides. I have considered a possible upgrade to my Breedlove, but as it stands right now, the Guild would be a downgrade.even though it lists for so much more. My guitar not only plays much better but has a more sweeter tone and is actually louder. Granted new strings and a proper setup may put the Guild back to where my expectations were before I picked it up. So right now there would have to be a night and day difference for me to consider buying the Guild. One in hand =

[titanNV]

Originally Posted by natebernstein

wow, that's super tempting. Can you share the code please? I've never bought from there before and I see a 15% off 1st purchase offer but not the 20%.

Ahh I missed the part where you wanted a Jumbo 12 string. Sorry.

[Brucebubs]

Originally Posted by natebernstein

wow, that's super tempting. Can you share the code please? I've never bought from there before and I see a 15% off 1st purchase offer but not the 20%.

Rocky Street Sounds NY also have the F-1512 listed on ebay for $999.99 or 'Make an offer'. Let them know your best price, they may be able to beat it. They are well established Guild dealers.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/GUILD-WESTER...item567ba08f6e

[Outhouse]

Ill still put up my early 70's Yamaha japan made FG260 against everything mentioned.

I play the $3500 taylors and cannot stand them in comparison.


More well rounded full sound and bass, and mine holds a note for a long time with tusq nut and saddle. Cant say enough about the sustain.

[etzeppy]

Originally Posted by Outhouse

Ill still put up my early 70's Yamaha japan made FG260 against everything mentioned.

I play the $3500 taylors and cannot stand them in comparison.


More well rounded full sound and bass, and mine holds a note for a long time with tusq nut and saddle. Cant say enough about the sustain.

I played a 1979 Yamaha FG312 for years. It looked pretty good, was easy to play, and sounded nice. I think it used laminates but they were good looking laminates. It was a fine guitar for very little money. I think I paid $150 for it. Your FG260 is probably a higher grade instrument.

Last year I got a Guild F-512 made in New Hartford and there is no comparison. I'll put the Yamaha up against some fairly expensive 12 strings, but the Guild is in a completely different class.

[Kip Carter]

I'd step up just a few dollars and get a solid wood yamaha L16 12 ARE with. Just a few dollars more and a lot more guitar for the money in my mind. I'd put mine up with $1,600-2,000 Taylor and Martins any day of the week and never flinch. Great for live play. Great for studio work.

EDIT: AND... if you can buy a used one... you can be right in your budget!

[j3ffr0]

I bought a used Taylor 356e for about 200 more than a new 150e. I played one 150e -- I didn't like it. I don't think it was a great sample. I got lucky with my 356e. It is a great sample, and I can't imagine a better twelve string.