Good budget Auditorium 12 string?

[Brian 710CE]

Originally Posted by L20A

The 8 string has a lot of 12 string sound.
I like mine a lot.
It is used for some of my assisted living solo shows.
The 8 strings fills a room with wonderful music.
The 1 3/4" nut is very easy to fret.

The only set back that I know of is that you have to buy 2 single unwound strings when you change strings.
I change the 2 octave every other string change.

I wish they were around more places to try out.
I think that a lot of people will like them if they can play one.

Thanks! It sounds interesting.

[TobyB]

Taylor 150e is a very good value instrument... plays nicely, sounds good to the player and any audience, neck is well shaped ... an awful lot of guitar for the money ...

[Brian 710CE]

Originally Posted by TobyB

Taylor 150e is a very good value instrument... plays nicely, sounds good to the player and any audience, neck is well shaped ... an awful lot of guitar for the money ...

I bet it sounds nice, but again, it is a dreadnaught and not a good shape for a 12 year old

[LawrenceMollard]

I was going to suggest a Taylor GA3-12, I own one. I've always been stunned at how cheap they sell for compared to what you get, but I guess the world has caught up with me and there aren't any out there at the moment. Even so they sell for more than $500.

It would serve him the rest of his life, though.

https://www.guitarcenter.com/Used/Ta...+49466+GCWPDPU

[Guilty Spark]

The D'Angelico Premier (Fulton LS) you referenced in the OP appears to be well-regarded. For $250, I hardly think you can go wrong for a "novelty" starter 12. Plenty of glowing reviews by allegedly seasoned musicians who sing its praises.

[Brian 710CE]

Originally Posted by L20A

How about starting on an 8 string?
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/det...ar-shadowburst

I own one of these guitars and find it very versatile.
It has a 1 3/4' nut so it is easy to fret.
The octave D and G strings give this guitar a wonderful 12 string shimmer.
The 1 3/4" nut makes it play like a 6 string.

I tune mine down 1/2 step to D#, which adds to the guitars depth and makes it easier easier to fret.
It is on sale right now, making it a great value.

I just bought one from Sweetwater for a killer deal of $399 and free shipping! We will see how it goes. Thanks!

[Talk2Me]

Originally Posted by Brian 710CE

I just bought one from Sweetwater for a killer deal of $399 and free shipping! We will see how it goes. Thanks!

WOW! I've been searching for one of those 8 strings (non-baritone version) since checking it out at NAMM in January. $399 isn't just a killer deal, it's a STEAL! Was it used?

[Brian 710CE]

Originally Posted by Talk2Me

WOW! I've been searching for one of those 8 strings (non-baritone version) since checking it out at NAMM in January. $399 isn't just a killer deal, it's a STEAL! Was it used?

Yeah, it is a steal! It looks like it is back up from $399 to $629.

[L20A]

Originally Posted by Brian 710CE

I just bought one from Sweetwater for a killer deal of $399 and free shipping! We will see how it goes. Thanks!

Congratulations on the new guitar.
I hope it does what you want it to to. Mine sure does.

One thing that was a problem with mine out of the box, was that the nut was not cut right for the octave strings. I called Alvarez about it and they sent me a properly cut nut very quickly.

The guitar came with the action a bit high so I had it lower3ed to my liking when I had the new nut installed.
Yes, I paid for the set up and nut replacement but it was not very much and well worth it.
I get all my guitars set up when I get them.
It makes playing them so much easier and helps with intonation issues.

[Brian 710CE]

Originally Posted by L20A

Congratulations on the new guitar.
I hope it does what you want it to to. Mine sure does.

One thing that was a problem with mine out of the box, was that the nut was not cut right for the octave strings. I called Alvarez about it and they sent me a properly cut nut very quickly.

The guitar came with the action a bit high so I had it lower3ed to my liking when I had the new nut installed.
Yes, I paid for the set up and nut replacement but it was not very much and well worth it.
I get all my guitars set up when I get them.
It makes playing them so much easier and helps with intonation issues.

Thanks for the advice. I have some decent tools and experience with setup, so hopefully, we will get it playing well if it doesn't already. My son is excited!

[ScottSD]

EDIT: Sorry, missed the bought a new guitar post, mea culpa....

For some songs you gotta have that 12er but I have to agree that their use is rather limited. If I was in your boat I'd go on a 12 string tour so your son could experience some smaller bodied instruments and see if that's even worth pursuing.

Barring that I'd opt for a 254CE or bite the bullet and get a 352CE. I'm a big fan of Taylors for 12's because of that NT neck. The angle on my 756 was a little bit off at a year old, they reset for free without griping. Everybody who tries it agrees it's one of the easiest playing 12s they've played.

I think the moral of the story with that much neck tension is you have to go big or stay home.... And in truth, he will grow into yours in the blink if an eye. Enjoy your time with your son!

Scott

[Talk2Me]

Originally Posted by Brian 710CE

Yeah, it is a steal! It looks like it is back up to $399.

Back "up" to $399? Nope. $629 every time I've ever looked (and still at that price today). I'm shocked you found one for so much less.

[Brian 710CE]

Originally Posted by Talk2Me

Back "up" to $399? Nope. $629 every time I've ever looked (and still at that price today). I'm shocked you found one for so much less.

Sorry, meant back up from $399 to $629

[67goat]

If it doesn't work for what you need, Yamaha has a slimline that is a little over budget (but maybe under with a deal or used). A Yamaha APX700II is both a smaller body size and a thinner front-to-back profile.

[L20A]

I just looked at Sweetwater and the 8 string is still on sale. The Baritone is the higher price 8 string there.
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/det...ar-shadowburst