12 fret Acoustic Guitars - Are They Better??

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  • Опубліковано 28 лис 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 141

  • @wayneschindler2386
    @wayneschindler2386 4 роки тому +18

    For those getting arthritis in their hands, the 12-fret guitar is much better. I have a Taylor 322 CE and it eases up a bit on the left hand index finger joint especially when playing the open C, Dm, or Am chord.
    Recently, I've tuned the guitar down a full step, put a capo on the second fret, and makes it SOOOO much easier on arthritic hands.
    It does limit the play up 12 frets, but hopefully will give me another 2-5 years of playing!

    • @rosewoodsteel6656
      @rosewoodsteel6656 5 місяців тому +1

      That is exactly where my arthritis is. It is sometimes a bit difficult, but I just play through the pain. Because of another health-related issue, I can't take Aleve or Tylenol, to help with the situation. I haven't tried that capo trick, but will keep it in mind.

    • @crazywisdom2
      @crazywisdom2 3 місяці тому

      ​@@rosewoodsteel6656moringa power capsules see. To help some. Also taking giner caps. And topical castor oil is the new experiment.

    • @greg6509
      @greg6509 23 дні тому

      ​@rosewoodsteel6656 Try Inflama-Care or a combination of Tumeric with Boswellia Resin. Works wonders brother.

  • @maraviyoso8473
    @maraviyoso8473 4 роки тому +13

    It's funny (for me at least) that Martin guitars are usually associated with deep lows and the Taylor guitars with brightness, but when it comes to 12-fretters, the Taylors have more bass and the Martins are brighter.

    • @markoshun
      @markoshun Рік тому

      I have a 812 12 fret w/spruce top and it does have a ‘fuller’ range than the reg spruce top 14 fret with less emphasis on the highs, but the difference between a spruce and a cedar top is larger.

  • @leonheart7576
    @leonheart7576 5 років тому +4

    I thank for your opinions. Some reviewers don’t even talk about the guitars, but only experienced guitarists can tell the good ones from the bad ones. So, I need your opinions.

  • @kevingreene6893
    @kevingreene6893 5 років тому +5

    I invested in a Taylor 312ce 12 Fret LTD NAMM 2018 a month back and just love it. With crisp clear fundamentals combined with melodically accompanying overtones, this guitar delivers a warm and vibrant tonal quality with strong base projection, a full bodied mid range and strong highs, what’s not to like? As a finger picker, this guitar hits all the notes with such clarity and vibrancy. And the level of control, moving from subtle nuances to bold punchy voicing, this guitar has it all... in abundance. Of course, like all Taylor 12 Fret guitars, the playability is outstanding. And finally, the cleverly selected tone wood combination of a Lutz Spruce top with Tasmanian Blackwood back & sides and a sunburst finish, this guitar is not only a complete experience to play but also fantastic to look at. Playing and owning this guitar is a genuine pleasure. Nice one Taylor...

    • @John-wr6yo
      @John-wr6yo Рік тому

      Me too

    • @kevinbishop7512
      @kevinbishop7512 Рік тому

      Are these still your thoughts? I just acquired a 2018 712E Brown Sunburst with beautiful maple binding. Stunning.

  • @mojoefelix
    @mojoefelix 4 роки тому +7

    12 fret guitars - Are they better?? YES!

  • @booswalia
    @booswalia 5 років тому +8

    Just got a 322E Taylor. LOVE IT! I discovered 12 fret acoustics about 20 years ago and now have 3 of them.

    • @karenruby2578
      @karenruby2578 5 років тому

      I am thinking of getting a 12-fret and wonder about flat picking. How does it work in terms of arm/body positioning, if you flat pick and rest your hand on the bridge? Thanks in advance!

    • @maxwellfan55
      @maxwellfan55 5 років тому

      @@karenruby2578 Karen it works just fine, and extremely comfortable. Did you get one?

    • @StoicTrader-
      @StoicTrader- 4 роки тому

      @@maxwellfan55max, I'm looking into getting a taylor, can you shed some light on the necks for me? Are they typically fat or thin necks on taylors?

    • @maxwellfan55
      @maxwellfan55 4 роки тому

      @@StoicTrader- Taylor make very playable, comfortable guitars, so I would say the necks are generally adaptable for most hands, neither fat or thin, I would describe them as smooth and "ergonomic".
      But Taylor guitars divide opinion, especially among seasoned players. Many love them, others do not for a variety of reasons. So I'm afraid you will have to try them against other guitars and see what suits YOU best, not be swayed by the name on the headstock.
      Personally I have always liked Gibson necks, they have always felt the most comfortable to me, also Martin, but Gibson above others. I seem to be able to play Gibson acoustics for longer, and effortlessly without tiring.
      You are right to ask about neck shapes, so much is determined by the shape and size of your hand, length of fingers etc. You will know when you try, so trust your own instinct. The easier the guitar is to play, reach chords etc, (as well as sound) you will be drawn to it. Let me know what you eventually picked, and good luck!

    • @maraviyoso8473
      @maraviyoso8473 3 роки тому

      @@StoicTrader- 1.75 nut widths, so they're wide and slim

  • @MarkEaster
    @MarkEaster 5 років тому +20

    Willie Nelson has done pretty good with a 12 fret guitar.

    • @maraviyoso8473
      @maraviyoso8473 4 роки тому

      Just like every guitarist who plays nylon string guitars

  • @michaelmetal71
    @michaelmetal71 5 років тому +14

    I will say this for 12 fret guitars if it wasn’t for the Taylor 812 E my wife bought almost 2 years ago she would not be the player and songwriter and singer she is today, she has limited mobility in her left hand because of an accident and arthritis and a full-size guitar was making it very hard for her to play but once she got her Taylor 12th fret everything changed she may only be able to play five Open cowboy chords but now she can play them extremely well so thank you to Taylor for bringing back the 12th fret guitar, her next one she wants is a koa k12

    • @rtgray7
      @rtgray7 5 років тому

      Well said. I have an 812e myself and I love it!

    • @casaMariaPT
      @casaMariaPT 5 років тому +1

      @elise veldt You imbecile. Didn't anybody tell you how to spell imbecile. Little heavy don't you think.

    • @dougrobinson8602
      @dougrobinson8602 4 роки тому +2

      @@casaMariaPT The irony of someone misspelling imbecile isn't lost on me.

  • @billywest7065
    @billywest7065 5 років тому +4

    Bought my 1st high end acoustic. Played 10-12 guitars, but simply could not get away from the taylor 812 12 fret absolutely love it.

    • @rosslynemrys5829
      @rosslynemrys5829 4 роки тому +1

      They are beautiful guitars!

    • @glorioskiola
      @glorioskiola 3 роки тому +1

      I have my heart set on a Taylor 12 fret also.

  • @badscrew4023
    @badscrew4023 3 роки тому +3

    Way back in the 80' as early teen I learned on a small 12 fret steel string slotted head guitar passed from my grand father, didn't know these were called "parlor" :) I played it to death.
    For me this is still where I "feel home", now getting back to this size.

  • @coltdillard
    @coltdillard 5 років тому +11

    I’ve been rocking a Taylor 322 (no cutaway) for almost two years now. Absolutely love it!

    • @edfulginiti8798
      @edfulginiti8798 5 років тому +1

      Same here.

    • @everythingbobbywolfe
      @everythingbobbywolfe 4 роки тому +1

      They look and feel great!!

    • @angelg8445
      @angelg8445 4 роки тому

      Ive got a great 322ce 12 fret too!. I wonder why they didnt do an all gloss version?

    • @bawanhardi9359
      @bawanhardi9359 4 роки тому

      @@angelg8445 its Quite pricy. Do you regret not buying the 14fret version? Because I’m thinking of buying it as “only guitar” and I have a hard time between if I’m gonna miss 14frets

    • @angelg8445
      @angelg8445 4 роки тому

      @@bawanhardi9359 my style favors a 12-fret bu t and it makes it super easy to play! Plus the tone is killer and its got a cutaway if Im feelin frisky and in tht kind of mood.

  • @carlosdlc1664
    @carlosdlc1664 3 роки тому +1

    Took me a long time to decide on my Taylor 812ceN and it's the best decision I've ever made when it comes to guitars. Love the sound and the look.

  • @leonheart7576
    @leonheart7576 5 років тому +5

    I like the Parlor style guitars because it’s easy to play on the couch, or even lying on the bed. It’s the natural al choice of the travel guitar, so I end up playing more than the dreadnaught style ones. Also, even the parlors’ range of the sounds (from low to high) is limited for their small bodies, I felt that the sound of the parlor( spruce top mohagany back/side) projects better than other guitars(according to my subjective feeling). Also, I can enjoy the sounds of th steel string, which is a good contrasting view with the classical guitars.

    • @chrisw5742
      @chrisw5742 4 роки тому +1

      YES. I love my Ibanez parlor guitar. It mixes well with my Yamaha Guitalele, Fender Ukulele, Taylor GS mini bass, Cajon and my Remo 14" Djemebe. I am gonna start doing some recording and post them of the full mix.

  • @jorgecervantes4215
    @jorgecervantes4215 5 років тому +9

    They sound sparkleier.. Lol.. More magical.. Dreadnaught have like a good boom if you need it and they also produce a decent strum.. 12 fret guitars are for more intricate pieces.. I prefer them tbh

    • @chrisw5742
      @chrisw5742 4 роки тому +1

      Exactly. Keep the Ovation for strummy strummy "Wonderwall" :-P Gimme my 12 fretter anyday.

  • @colinowenuk
    @colinowenuk 6 років тому +15

    I want all of them!!!!!

  • @chrisjames1924
    @chrisjames1924 4 роки тому +3

    I've played pretty much everything and I'm always perusing in guitar stores but the best acoustic I've ever played was the comparatively modest Tanglewood TW73. Join at 12 fret, diminutive in size, Asian made (but so what...) and the thing just sings. Incredible guitar. My friend won't sell me his so I'm gonna have to win at ebay.

  • @virtuallyd3ad
    @virtuallyd3ad Рік тому +1

    Would you recommend a 12 fret for someone with small hands?

  • @terrymattingly6843
    @terrymattingly6843 2 роки тому +1

    You are missing, of course, one of the definitive Martin 12-fret models -- the omnipresent 000-15SM. It's time for a round 2 on this review concept. Get a 12-fret Larrivee and a Santa Cruz, too.

  • @solice8844
    @solice8844 3 роки тому +5

    Love the Martin bridge shape-plain and functional. The Taylor’s bridges are over exaggerated to look different but resemble things way overdone, like the tail fins of an early 60s Cadillac or a speedo bikini on an overweight man.

    • @BobK5
      @BobK5 3 роки тому +1

      It might be designed that way to put a bigger footprint on the soundboard.

  • @travisniles6800
    @travisniles6800 5 років тому +5

    The 0-28 is really cool...

  • @AnthonyPoetica
    @AnthonyPoetica 5 років тому +3

    That Taylor 522ce sounds awesome.

  • @davidschiff1851
    @davidschiff1851 2 роки тому +2

    As a luthier, I have to point out that this video got an important point wrong: The position of the bridge on a 12-fret is the same as on a 14 fret---in both cases, as on any good guitar, the bridge is at the center of the lower bout. Of course on a 12-fretter, the there are two more frets on the fretboard extension. To compensate for this, the upper bout is longer than on a 14-fretter so that the bridge can remain in the same spot.

    • @texhaines9957
      @texhaines9957 Рік тому

      Thought Martin builds out to the 12-fret on Dreadnoughts, not a larger lower bout.

  • @Calatriste54
    @Calatriste54 4 роки тому +1

    Very nice, especially the Taylors..

  • @johnwilliamson9467
    @johnwilliamson9467 3 роки тому +1

    Really like these 12 fret guitars. I'm thinking I should buy. Struggling to decide which to choose

  • @IIVVBlues
    @IIVVBlues 3 роки тому +1

    I agree with the analysis. I have a Martin 12 fret 000-SM15 and love the playability and tone.

  • @mitchfortson8413
    @mitchfortson8413 2 роки тому

    Love 12 fret guitar they shine in fingerstyle,all day ,a real good one is oo28vs Martin wide neck 1-81 thx

  • @texhaines9957
    @texhaines9957 Рік тому

    Thanks, Quinton and Paul

  • @fransgreg
    @fransgreg 5 років тому +1

    Great comparison, thanks! I think though that what you're saying about the slotted headstock and nut breaking angle has to be checked. The angle of the strings is often the same, because the neck/headstock angle is less sharp than on a plain headstock, to compensate the fact that strings are plunging into it...

  • @JonNewquist
    @JonNewquist 5 років тому +3

    I had a very nice special edition Larrivee 12 fret with a slab peghead that I played exclusively in DADGAD. My chief complaint was when using a capo at 4 to play in F#. A cutaway would fix that.

    • @JonNewquist
      @JonNewquist Рік тому

      ​@R Best Agreed. I played several Ps of various appointments and found the wood combinations didn't change tonal center much - nasal is a good word. It's why I spent more on the only 00 they had. I also had a rosewood & spruce jumbo Larrivee jumvo 12 string at the time gave me all the low end plus sparkle I wanted.
      Thar was 20 years ago, and they're both gone now.

  • @nicolen.9642
    @nicolen.9642 5 років тому +1

    1:59 very true, I do. Even with capo on 3rd fret (ex: playing Landslide) I don't venture much up the neck.

  • @nellatrab
    @nellatrab Рік тому

    Those Martins just ring with such maturity!

  • @michaellaverty1844
    @michaellaverty1844 2 роки тому

    You guys always put out great content. I like the 00 Martin.

  • @marcrumsower475
    @marcrumsower475 5 років тому +3

    Recording King also makes some nice 12 frets, that wont break the bank.

  • @chrisstanford3652
    @chrisstanford3652 5 років тому +2

    Also 12 fret may slightly reduce shoulder tension and possibly string tension if a shorter scale as on the Taylor 812 series (24.75”) vs (25.5”) typical. Longer scales require greater string tension to achieve same note pitch. I purchased the 812 DLX 12 Fret after playing it at a Taylor roadshow last year; remarkable ease of play due to 12 fret shorter scale, reduced string tension and smaller body. As a result I gave away all my 660 and 650 mm scale classical guitars, all 12 fret, and replaced them with 628mm scale smaller bodied quasi-parlor size classicals, ie.
    Córdoba “Dulce”, Córdoba “C10 Parlor” and Kenny Hill New world Player P628S. I will never go back to longer scale 14 Fret🤗
    Also I put 1-1/2” round sound port at apex of upper bout of all my new my classical guitars as they have no electronics, at least a 3 to 5 decibel sound enhancement for player, you do not need someone to play it for you to hear it! Wish Taylor and Martin would add as feature. Put one in my Tayor Academy just for fun, great player sound projection🤗

    • @maraviyoso8473
      @maraviyoso8473 3 роки тому

      I think Martin's 12-fret guitars have the 25.5 scale, so the tension will be higher than Taylor's

  • @hotlov72
    @hotlov72 3 роки тому

    I'm thinking of buying a Larrivee SD40R 12th fret guitar

  • @amberwoodstudio
    @amberwoodstudio 3 роки тому +1

    The Taylors have a much more balanced tone than the martins. The martins definitely have an old time vibe

  • @WTHREET1
    @WTHREET1 Рік тому

    How can you do a 12 fret without the 000-15 sm

  • @cptdjf9646
    @cptdjf9646 Рік тому +1

    TRANSGENDER guitars. Acoustic guitars guitars that identify as electric. Could you guys do a comparison between the Yamaha LS TA concert model & the dreadnought model? Thanks.

  • @jmw510
    @jmw510 Рік тому

    A lot of the “punch” in these guitars comes from the Indian rosewood back and sides more than the 12 fret configuration. I have both 12 and 14 fret guitars, and at the end of the day, I prefer the sound and feel of the 14 fret version. Just my opinion.

    • @russellmoxham5625
      @russellmoxham5625 11 місяців тому

      Thought most of these were hog. And rosewood lacks attack relative to most other backwoods.

  • @GeorgeHawking
    @GeorgeHawking 5 років тому +2

    yep

  • @rtgray7
    @rtgray7 5 років тому +8

    Thanks for doing this but I don't think you did a great job of conveying how good 12 fret Taylor or Martin sounds. Not a guitar for a bluegrasser or hard strummer.

  • @1badsteed
    @1badsteed 3 роки тому

    When ya swapped out that Taylor for the Martin, my soul sang. I've yet to hear a Taylor that did IT for me. Then I heard that 3rd Taylor and really liked it. Still no deepness though

    • @BobK5
      @BobK5 3 роки тому

      Depth

  • @AamirKhan-xz9zf
    @AamirKhan-xz9zf 4 роки тому

    which one is good for heartbeat sytle playing 12 fret or 14 fret guitar
    please help

  • @machinegunk5090
    @machinegunk5090 4 роки тому

    He's right, there are no bad ones. Not out of those 4 guitars worth a couple of grand each.

  • @theabster2853
    @theabster2853 5 років тому +2

    The 00 spruce top has the best tone to my ear.

  • @jmw510
    @jmw510 Рік тому

    If you are either a beginner, or an experienced player over 60 years old with creaky hands, the 12 fret guitars are MUCH easier to play.

  • @rosslynemrys5829
    @rosslynemrys5829 4 роки тому

    Is Joan Baez's guitar a 0-28?

  • @nicopaduamusic
    @nicopaduamusic 5 років тому +19

    Kinda dont like the guy on the left. He just interrupts the other guy too much with playing and talking.

    • @BabyBoomerChannel
      @BabyBoomerChannel 5 років тому +4

      Nico Padua Tony P was the Sh1t

    • @bakkermaarten007
      @bakkermaarten007 4 роки тому +1

      It got on my nerves quickly. The guy on the right was just started doing some commentary on each guitar, and the guy on the right already started strumming...ugh, so inconsiderate.

    • @cptdjf9646
      @cptdjf9646 Рік тому

      They are both nice fellas and compliment each other. Jesus loves you. Buy a Martin.

  • @gfblack5307
    @gfblack5307 5 років тому

    Maybe it's the mike setup, but my 12 fret Taylor hog doesn't sound anything like the one here.

  • @mdlkpprophecy6341
    @mdlkpprophecy6341 3 роки тому

    I always wonder, how can you play 13th fret and above without the cutaway ,seems to me the notes up there are always for fillers just to add flavor on the piece/songs specially in classical guitar pieces, notes up there are just for the sake of increasing the octaves of the piece before going backdown again.

  • @BobK5
    @BobK5 3 роки тому

    Are they better then?

  • @juzzie
    @juzzie 2 роки тому

    322ce for me!

  • @franciscoramoncleriguesrov7187
    @franciscoramoncleriguesrov7187 5 років тому +1

    018 , is my futur guitar.

  • @callmeic
    @callmeic 3 роки тому

    Yes!

  • @tbeau6663
    @tbeau6663 12 днів тому

    Martin 00-18 was best

  • @christianvidigalmiranda4229
    @christianvidigalmiranda4229 4 роки тому +1

    I know it wasn't a comparison, but Martin's beat Taylor's.

  • @hoda03minbang53
    @hoda03minbang53 5 років тому

    Are there other fret number except 12 and 14 fret ?

    • @TheAcousticLetter
      @TheAcousticLetter  5 років тому +1

      Usually not. 12 and 14 are by far the most common in flattop guitars.

    • @hoda03minbang53
      @hoda03minbang53 5 років тому

      @@TheAcousticLetter I still don't get the difference between 12 and 14 fret guitar ,is there is any ton difference ?

    • @Kasparow
      @Kasparow 4 роки тому +1

      i have a Custom Lakewood A32 with 13 Fret

    • @ArielCardona
      @ArielCardona 4 роки тому +1

      @@hoda03minbang53 12 fret guitars have longer bodies and the bridge is set lower on the body, which delivers a different tone.

    • @feelegoode2067
      @feelegoode2067 3 роки тому +1

      Hoda . . .you might also consider scale length

  • @hughbadger2283
    @hughbadger2283 5 років тому +11

    Try not to play over speech it doesn't work

  • @hotlov72
    @hotlov72 3 роки тому +1

    "There's no money above the 5th fret" hahaha, they less expensive then since you save money on the wood lol

  • @hotlov72
    @hotlov72 3 роки тому

    The 0 28 Martin sounds as loud as a D28

  • @Bagfuld
    @Bagfuld Рік тому +1

    There is no money in it above the fifth fret :-)))))

  • @hamps1142
    @hamps1142 5 років тому +2

    I hate my guitar. I can't solo on it because I can't reach beyond the 12th fret.

  • @BabyBoomerChannel
    @BabyBoomerChannel 5 років тому +7

    Less talk - more playing.

    • @maxwellfan55
      @maxwellfan55 5 років тому +5

      Actually I like the discussion, it's about learning as well as sound, just my opinion.

    • @emuhunter1
      @emuhunter1 5 років тому +1

      BabyBoomerChannel ok boomer.

  • @YourFavouriteColor
    @YourFavouriteColor 5 років тому +2

    the smaller the body, the more it'll benefit from being 12-fret.
    Cutaways are absolute tone-killers. The upper right hand part of the guitar's chamber is a very important part of the sound. IMO 14-frets are only ok on 000 or larger. No cutaway or electronics under any circumstances!

    • @maraviyoso8473
      @maraviyoso8473 4 роки тому

      So you're a bluegrasser?

    • @YourFavouriteColor
      @YourFavouriteColor 4 роки тому

      @@maraviyoso8473 no I just like good tone and when it comes to acoustics these things REALLY matter

    • @maraviyoso8473
      @maraviyoso8473 4 роки тому

      @@YourFavouriteColor not really

    • @CoopsXKE
      @CoopsXKE 3 роки тому

      Tone killer? That’s nonsense. Sorry. the upper bout contributes no more than 10% to the volume and tone of an acoustic. If you look at the bracing architecture the upper bout is primarily mute due to the heavily braced area above the sound hole. There are at least two transverse braces there and often smaller ones as well. No, the upper bout cutaway does not appreciably affect the guitar volume, tone or projection. There is a slightly smaller area of air volume so a rare few may hear a difference, but it is nominal.

    • @YourFavouriteColor
      @YourFavouriteColor 3 роки тому

      @@CoopsXKE first of all, the more area inside the box, the better, and the more symmetrical and round the shape of the top, the better. it's a speaker cone. You wouldn't chop a big bite out of a speaker cone, so you shouldn't out of a guitar top.
      You may be right that it doesn't account for a large amount of the tone, but it does account for an important part. It's the treble side of the instrument, and down below the bridge is where it gets boomy. If the upper treble bout is not an important part of balance and coloration, why is that an ideal place to mic the instrument for so many?

  • @ThomasSarantos
    @ThomasSarantos 5 років тому +2

    I'm surprised they didn't point the biggest difference between a 12-fret and 14-fret guitar. Since the neck is shorter on the 12-fret, the strings don't have to be tightened as much when tuned. This gives it a softer feel.

    • @moop3r
      @moop3r 5 років тому +3

      dude, that is not accurate. the scale length determines what tension is required to get a certain pitch. a .012 e string at the standard tuning is going to be at equal tension and feel identical on a 25.5" guitar regardless of where the nut and bridge sit on the instrument.

    • @maraviyoso8473
      @maraviyoso8473 4 роки тому

      What??????????????????????????? The scale doesn't vary because of where the neck joins the body

    • @valebliz
      @valebliz 2 роки тому

      Scale length genius.

  • @acr08807
    @acr08807 5 років тому +1

    Another illustration of why we should all play strats.

  • @3cardmonty602
    @3cardmonty602 5 років тому +1

    Bend

  • @MRROBBIEWATTS
    @MRROBBIEWATTS 3 роки тому

    I never knew 'Kevin Spacey' was into Guitars ?! - ;)

  • @Ones_Complement
    @Ones_Complement 4 роки тому +3

    Dude on the left is obnoxious as hell.

  • @waynzwhirled6181
    @waynzwhirled6181 2 роки тому

    For me, playing a 000 12 fret guitar with a pick is a bit sacrilegious. No offense intended.

  • @christopherbeni5048
    @christopherbeni5048 5 років тому

    I might be alone here, but I don’t care for 12-fret guitars at all. If I won one, I’d sell it and buy a 14-fret.