12 strings to consider: Breedlove (the company is based in Bend, Oregon, and all USA made guitars are built there, but the budget lines are made overseas) the least expensive of the budget line is the Discovery S Concert CE (cutaway, electric) Solid European Spruce top, mahogany (laminated but 100% mahogany) back and sides, Fishman Presys I pickup, $649. I LOVE the neck shape/feel, it sounds amazing acoustic or plugged in, (I actually liked the sound of this one better than some significantly more expensive 12 strings) And ADDITIONALLY, for those that might hesitate to purchase a 12 string due to the challenge of changing strings/dealing with 12 bridge pins.. like MOST Breedloves, this guitar has a pinless bridge, making string changes easier and faster for "newbies" to 12 string! :D This is NOT my first Breedlove guitar, but is my first from the most budget-end of the budget line. Comfortable to play and sounds great.. it's just what I was hoping for! :D Breedlove ALSO makes 12 strings in the Pursuit model with solid Myrtlewood top (built overseas) $799 , and their most expensive (of the overseas built) Solo Pro model, with solid Cedar top and added soundhole on the side (for player to hear it better). for $1199 * The USA built, Oregon series/model 12 string in the larger body size, all solid Myrtlewood and high-quality pickup etc. lists for $2699, so is definitely NOT in the "budget" category, but SOUNDS amazing! :D
If I were o consider a 12 string, I'd be trying to find one of those Guilds. If you have never had the opportunity to play or sing in a cathedral, I highly recommend it. Even though it could possibly wreck your expectations of what good reverb sounds like. I had the chance to sing in one in St. Paul, MN with my high school choir. Awesome experience. I highly recommend it.
Tony - you REALLY need to take a look at the Epiphone Hummingbird 12-string. It’s $1299 in Canada, so about $900 USD. I think it Will make your Top 10 list pretty easily!
In the upper end of your list I own and love a Takamine CJ72CE-12-BSB; dreadnaught depth jumbo with cut away and pick up in a beautiful sunburst on all faces street priced at $799. The best twelve string guitar I have ever owned .
I've come back to yamaha guitars, I have a L series LX6, Which is just a good solid well rounded workhorse of a guitar. Played if for ages and felt like I was fighting against it, then changed the strings and tweaked the action and it now is like a friend under the fingers now. Also an idea for the show may be one on setup and action. Title could be "how to get some great action".
I like the way the one player in that trio handled the percussive elements for the guitar trio. Slapping the guitar body and doing a hammer-on style approach with his left hand on the fretboard.
I just ordered the Guild , ... it is the greatest 12 string sound I've played ... I love the rosewood look and sound ... my best electric guitars are all Guild as well ...
I went to my favorite guitar shop (Guitar Guys in Heath, Ohio) and played several 12 strings. The Taylor 150 was, for me, the clear winner. Took it home with me 🙂
I have two 12-strings: a Faith Saturn natural (£650ish here in the UK, complete with hardcase), and an Eastman AC330e (£1000 or thereabouts, again complete with hard case). Both are superb instruments: all solid woods, beautifully made, and wonderful sounding. Both, however, required a certain amount of work to get them to play to their fullest potential - they both came with rather high actions and the Eastman had a few nut issues that severely compromised tuning between fretted and open strings. Once these issues were resolved, however, then I can't see myself ever needing another 12-string guitar - unless I win the lottery and can afford a very high-end Guild or similar! Word to the wise, though - especially if you buy a lower cost 12-string: be sure to keep it tuned at least a semitone down from concert to minimise stress on the bridge. 12-strings tuned to concert pitch exert a huge amount of stress on the bridge, and a cheaper instrument is unlikely to be made of materials of sufficient quality to withstand that strain in the long term. I've seen a lot of cheap 12-strings with a truly alarming degree of bulging of the top thanks to this and you don't want to wake up one day to find that the guitar's top has given up the ghost entirely!! There is an upside to downtuning, however: if, like me, you're a fingerstylist, then dropping the pitch of the strings has the added advantage of lowering string tension, which makes playing fast, complex lines on a 12-string much, much easier (there's a reason people like Leo Kottke used to drop tune their instruments). Secondly, a downtuned 12-string sounds like an absolute cannon - once experienced, never forgotten!! And if you need to play at concert pitch, just capo it up as appropriate.
I own an alverez guitar 12 string 1994 - model 5214 . I was told the 1990s has a solid spruce top. After all these years, this guitar opened up like I never expected. After new strings, it plays and sounds amazing. I paid 600 for it new. Probably over paid but had no regrets.
The Michael Kelly Forte line has some 12 strings in the 499-699 range. All have solid tops & even some variations. I own the Forte-Koa 10 string which came in at $499 on sale.
I picked up a 12 string Epiphone about a year an a half ago at the Gibson Garage. I played it there and saw the price of $299.00 and picked it up on the spot. nice action and it even sounds pretty damn good.
Hi, just bought a ice tea burst 12 string guitar DA Angelo 12 string guitar for less than $600. This thing is beautiful. It plays like a champ right out of the box. I took mine out of the box and played it. The only thing I gotta do is just make the strings lighter gauge. I’m gonna run light gauge strings because a 12 string has a lot of tension on the bridge and also on the neck Light string help. Keep all that tension off of the neck and bridge. I really enjoyed your show 👍😄🎸🎼🎶🎵🎸
Nobody discusses the top-nut measure, but this is key to good chording in the first frets (so your fingers actually fit for the A-major and others). Usually a maker's "large" top-nut is 1.875 but I think they should come 2" or larger and then you can notch your string embrace to what you prefer (and for men's size fingers). Next, if you can trust your neck not to snap, then you have a maple neck! But who uses it for a 12-string acoustic? Maple neck is best for strength and gives more sustain.
I bought an Alvarez AJ417-12 for $400. Don't know if that was a good price or not but I like it so much I bought another one for my granddaughter. I also have a Martin Sigma 12 and my first ever guitar an EKO Ranger 12-string in Naples, Italy while in the Navy in about 1970.
I got an acoustic 12-string by Freshman guitars, a small company based near Glasgow in Scotland. It's got a solid walnut top plus it sounds and plays very well. Most importantly though, it's left-handed!
I bought a Guild F-1512E a few years ago to replace an older Epiphone I had. I went to GC and played every 12 string under $999.00. None of them could top the Guild when it came to the depth and sparkle of the guitar. It just sounded different. It's kind of like the first time you play a Martin that is over $1,100 it just sounds totally different.
Serendipity strikes again! What is particularly interesting about this video for me, is that I also chose the Yamaha FG820 and the Guild D-1212 as the best value in this price range. In fact before seeing your video I had already narrowed down my choice to precisely these two guitars (after a lot of research), and purchased the Yamaha (on order, don’t have it yet). CORRECTION: The official description of the Guild states, “Built with solid African mahogany top, back and sides.” When you say, “laminate back and sides,” you are probably thinking of a different model. The F-2512E for example, slightly cheaper, which lists $529 has laminated sides and back, with a solid top. I have played one, testing it out in a music store (Guitar Center) and the sound is very impressive. Actually, a laminated back and sides on a 12 string is not necessarily a bad thing, since plywood is stronger than solid wood, and with the tension of 12 strings, you need all the strength you can get! QUESTION: On the Guild D-1212, is the bridge screwed on, into the frame beneath, or only glued? Or does it really matter? Some 12 sting guitars use screws that are hidden, to reenforce the glue. Nice video, btw. Definitely worth a like and a subscribe. Thanks!
I agree with you about the Yamaha, I have played several Yamaha six string guitars over the last 50 years, great value for money. I actually have old Alvarez twelve string, which i had to have a new bridge fitted. Great sound,but takes a while to get it in tune By the way I always tune it down a full tone,to avoid any further bridge lifting.
Let me start by saying that that Guild has me intrigued. Secondly, I don’t currently have a playable 12 string but I do have one that is in dire need of a neck reset. Now for my pick: the Taylor 254ce DLX (discontinued). I would LOVE it if Taylor did one in their jumbo/Grand Orchestra size because frankly I’m tired of dread bodies and Taylor’s current desire to push their smaller bodies.
I have a 1979 Guild F212XL NT. Bought it back in the early 80's out of a pawn shop in Aberdeen WA. Stunning tone with chime that fills a room and very loud. No top-out with aggressive play. This Guild is a tank and it was not a guitar to learn on. I finally had the neck reset a few years back and it is easier to play now. I had a smaller Gibson B-25 when I first began playing 12 string. It was far easier to play but the tone was not even in the same ballpark as the Guild and the guitar would top out with heavy strumming. If I were to start now, I would buy a Taylor. Very easy to play and great sound. Again, (just my opinion) not as good tone-wise compared to the Guild but the ease of playing is needed at first. No way I'd give up my F212XL now that I have to feel for it, but the Guild is a handful... and worth it.
D'Angelico Fulton Premier is the best 12 string under 1K @ $599 Solid Sitka Spruce Top, Mahogany back and Sides, Mahogany neck and Hard Case included. I'm 68 been playing since I was 12 and own over 25 acoustics. BTW love the content.
I have picked up a couple of used 12 strings and both offer great tone and playability which for the time being has satisfied my 12 string itch. First is a 1985 Alvarez Yairi DY68 dread, and 2nd is 1978 Hohner HG-741, part of their historic series built in Japan, a jumbo that was a copy of Guild (lawsuit era).
As I felt I wouldn't be playing the 12-string a lot at this point, I didn't want to spend a lot of money. I went on the cheap side, getting a D'Angelico Premier Fulton LS 12-string Acoustic-electric Guitar - Mahogany Satin, which retails for < $250. It is a grand auditorium model and a fine guitar for the money. The beautiful headstock wouldn't make me buy it, but I'm not going to complain about that bit of bling.
Can't believe you missed the Martin D-X2E 12 string @ $649. I have its ancestor model, the D12X1. I also have a D12-18, a D12-35, and a GJ12-40. The X1 holds its headstock high amongst its brethren, and gives me a meteorologically challenged outdoor festival and campfire option as well.
I have the Yamaha LL16-12, prior to that I owned a Yamaha FG820-12. Of the two, even though the LL16-12 is over $1k, the FG820-12 has, IMO, superior sound. The solid rosewood back and sides make the LL16-12 sound muddy. The FG820-12 has warmth without any loss of articulation. On another note, the Guild F2512E also has great tone with the plus of active electronics. Not sure I'd recommend any Fender acoustic. I had a Fender CD160SE-12 and it was defective from the factory -- the bridgeplate was rotting and the rot had gotten into the top and the bridge pulled up the first time I changed the strings -- two days after I purchased it. They must have had major QC problems since this is no longer in production.
I had a Seagull S12, I can kick myself for selling it. Worst yet I sold it paired with the Seagull S6. Both solid Cedar tops, sounded great, why did I do it? Now I own a 2017 Martin D28-12 that pairs with my 2009 Martin D28. I love them both and will never sell them. Got both Martins at incredible prices, so it ended well for me. I’ve heard good things about Guild but haven’t tried it, and I’ve always been a fan of Yamaha which a Yamaha 6 string was my very first guitar, sold it to, but to a good friends grandson who still plays it.
I have a 12 string Taylor 600 series with maple back and sides that I love..Also want to mention. Eastwood Classic 12 electric 12 string I have…Plays very well, has the jangle I wanted …like McQuinn in the Byrds with great sounding pickups…When I bought it it was about $550…
Emerson has great taste. I say leave the polish on and keep wearing it! 👍🏼 As for 12 string guitars- I’m still trying to figure it all out on a 6 string. 😅
A good show and kudos to you for featuring 12-guitars. But, how could you miss the Martin D12X1 (non-electric)? It's under $1000 and sounds pretty good. Tony, you owe it to yourself and your loyal followers to get a 12-string. And, once you get it, please, don't trade it in for a 6-string, another 12-string yes. What I look for in a twelve string is not the jangle, but the octaves. They need to be pronounce if not then you're just getting a glorified six string. Get rid of it. Loved the painted nails story.
Hi Tony! Love your show! I feel you always give a fair review of guitars out there. I loved your show on the 12 string guitars under 1G. I played my first 12 at a used shop today znd feel in love with the sound. I am looking at a seagull s12 cedar with lr baggs electronics. Not sure if this was standard issue for seagull or not. If so, would you know about what era or year(s) this guitar is from? Again, thanks for your show,it helps me a lot. Peace out!
Nice concise review here. I may have been unlucky but my inexpensive 12-strings have generally had troubles. I have gone way up-market to get away from that. On this list, the Fender sounds the worst but I do like that Guild a lot.
Very informative video as usual Tony, and a lot of good "honorable mentions" for the 12 string list in the comments. I would like to add my own: the Martin X Series Special, I think it's called the DX-2E these days, retails for around $649. I gigged with it, a very competent, good quality instrument for the money. And it's made in their Mexican plant, not in China or Indonesia!
My answer to a 12 string is my Yamaha Trans Acoustic FS-TA 6 string. If I engage the trans acoustic mode - minimal reverb and medium chorus - sounds a lot like a 12 string. No need to tune or play 12 stings. no amp needed. It sounds close enough for my needs. Tony have you ever checked out the trans acoustic series ?
My 12 String go to is the Vangoa VGE12-2, an electric acoustic guitar cutaway, at an affordable price of £169. Had it since September of this year, so far the playability is incredible🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Take my advice - don’t bother with a 12 string guitar. Do not buy an electric version - you will seldom use it. It is much more cost effective to buy a 12 string pedal such as Mosaic. This will give you the sound you need and you can simply switch it on an off at will. Works out a bit cheaper too!
Another great post Sir. As I type this, I’ve been looking at both the Seagull and the Takamine. I had the opportunity to tryout of them. I’m a fan of both too. I like the Seagull a lot, ultimately a Godin product and I own a Godin 5th Ave, LOVE IT. But wow, Takamine make great instruments too. It may just come down to a coin toss. Lol Cheers
My Wasburn 12-string is superior. I bought for 350 dollars worth of work 20 years ago. I've had it gone over a few times by professionals to make it great sounding. I'm looking at some other up grades. I sounds like a very expensive guitar.
12 strings to consider: Breedlove (the company is based in Bend, Oregon, and all USA made guitars are built there, but the budget lines are made overseas) the least expensive of the budget line is the Discovery S Concert CE (cutaway, electric) Solid European Spruce top, mahogany (laminated but 100% mahogany) back and sides, Fishman Presys I pickup, $649. I LOVE the neck shape/feel, it sounds amazing acoustic or plugged in, (I actually liked the sound of this one better than some significantly more expensive 12 strings) And ADDITIONALLY, for those that might hesitate to purchase a 12 string due to the challenge of changing strings/dealing with 12 bridge pins.. like MOST Breedloves, this guitar has a pinless bridge, making string changes easier and faster for "newbies" to 12 string! :D This is NOT my first Breedlove guitar, but is my first from the most budget-end of the budget line. Comfortable to play and sounds great.. it's just what I was hoping for! :D
Breedlove ALSO makes 12 strings in the Pursuit model with solid Myrtlewood top (built overseas) $799 , and their most expensive (of the overseas built) Solo Pro model, with solid Cedar top and added soundhole on the side (for player to hear it better). for $1199
* The USA built, Oregon series/model 12 string in the larger body size, all solid Myrtlewood and high-quality pickup etc. lists for $2699, so is definitely NOT in the "budget" category, but SOUNDS amazing! :D
I have a Discovery and I love it.
If you're shopping for a stereo, motorcycle, piano, moderately priced guitar, jet engine parts... Yamaha will NEVER disappoint you.
Drum kits, on and on!
If I were o consider a 12 string, I'd be trying to find one of those Guilds.
If you have never had the opportunity to play or sing in a cathedral, I highly recommend it. Even though it could possibly wreck your expectations of what good reverb sounds like.
I had the chance to sing in one in St. Paul, MN with my high school choir. Awesome experience. I highly recommend it.
I have attended the Cathedral in St. Paul. Amazing sound.
Tony - you REALLY need to take a look at the Epiphone Hummingbird 12-string. It’s $1299 in Canada, so about $900 USD. I think it Will make your Top 10 list pretty easily!
In the upper end of your list I own and love a Takamine CJ72CE-12-BSB; dreadnaught depth jumbo with cut away and pick up in a beautiful sunburst on all faces street priced at $799. The best twelve string guitar I have ever owned .
I've come back to yamaha guitars, I have a L series LX6, Which is just a good solid well rounded workhorse of a guitar. Played if for ages and felt like I was fighting against it, then changed the strings and tweaked the action and it now is like a friend under the fingers now. Also an idea for the show may be one on setup and action. Title could be "how to get some great action".
I like Breedlove 12-strings. They are one of the few that offer 12-string in a smaller concert body.
I like the way the one player in that trio handled the percussive elements for the guitar trio. Slapping the guitar body and doing a hammer-on style approach with his left hand on the fretboard.
I just ordered the Guild , ... it is the greatest 12 string sound I've played ... I love the rosewood look and sound ... my best electric guitars are all Guild as well ...
I went to my favorite guitar shop (Guitar Guys in Heath, Ohio) and played several 12 strings. The Taylor 150 was, for me, the clear winner. Took it home with me 🙂
I have two 12-strings: a Faith Saturn natural (£650ish here in the UK, complete with hardcase), and an Eastman AC330e (£1000 or thereabouts, again complete with hard case). Both are superb instruments: all solid woods, beautifully made, and wonderful sounding. Both, however, required a certain amount of work to get them to play to their fullest potential - they both came with rather high actions and the Eastman had a few nut issues that severely compromised tuning between fretted and open strings. Once these issues were resolved, however, then I can't see myself ever needing another 12-string guitar - unless I win the lottery and can afford a very high-end Guild or similar! Word to the wise, though - especially if you buy a lower cost 12-string: be sure to keep it tuned at least a semitone down from concert to minimise stress on the bridge. 12-strings tuned to concert pitch exert a huge amount of stress on the bridge, and a cheaper instrument is unlikely to be made of materials of sufficient quality to withstand that strain in the long term. I've seen a lot of cheap 12-strings with a truly alarming degree of bulging of the top thanks to this and you don't want to wake up one day to find that the guitar's top has given up the ghost entirely!! There is an upside to downtuning, however: if, like me, you're a fingerstylist, then dropping the pitch of the strings has the added advantage of lowering string tension, which makes playing fast, complex lines on a 12-string much, much easier (there's a reason people like Leo Kottke used to drop tune their instruments). Secondly, a downtuned 12-string sounds like an absolute cannon - once experienced, never forgotten!! And if you need to play at concert pitch, just capo it up as appropriate.
I wanted to buy a 12 string ... I bought a Epiphone DR-212/N USED $100. Excellent sound
I own an alverez guitar 12 string 1994 - model 5214 . I was told the 1990s has a solid spruce top. After all these years, this guitar opened up like I never expected. After new strings, it plays and sounds amazing. I paid 600 for it new. Probably over paid but had no regrets.
The Michael Kelly Forte line has some 12 strings in the 499-699 range. All have solid tops & even some variations. I own the Forte-Koa 10 string which came in at $499 on sale.
I picked up a 12 string Epiphone about a year an a half ago at the Gibson Garage. I played it there and saw the price of $299.00 and picked it up on the spot. nice action and it even sounds pretty damn good.
I really like my Epi 12 too - modest price, delightful performance
Hi, just bought a ice tea burst 12 string guitar DA Angelo 12 string guitar for less than $600. This thing is beautiful. It plays like a champ right out of the box. I took mine out of the box and played it. The only thing I gotta do is just make the strings lighter gauge. I’m gonna run light gauge strings because a 12 string has a lot of tension on the bridge and also on the neck Light string help. Keep all that tension off of the neck and bridge. I really enjoyed your show 👍😄🎸🎼🎶🎵🎸
Nobody discusses the top-nut measure, but this is key to good chording in the first frets (so your fingers actually fit for the A-major and others). Usually a maker's "large" top-nut is 1.875 but I think they should come 2" or larger and then you can notch your string embrace to what you prefer (and for men's size fingers). Next, if you can trust your neck not to snap, then you have a maple neck! But who uses it for a 12-string acoustic? Maple neck is best for strength and gives more sustain.
I bought an Alvarez AJ417-12 for $400. Don't know if that was a good price or not but I like it so much I bought another one for my granddaughter. I also have a Martin Sigma 12 and my first ever guitar an EKO Ranger 12-string in Naples, Italy while in the Navy in about 1970.
I got an acoustic 12-string by Freshman guitars, a small company based near Glasgow in Scotland. It's got a solid walnut top plus it sounds and plays very well. Most importantly though, it's left-handed!
I have the Alvarez AD6012. Simply outstanding. and yes, for the price, lol.
Breedlove ECO Pursuit Exotic S Concert CE 12 is what I chose and I am very happy with it.
I bought a Guild F-1512E a few years ago to replace an older Epiphone I had. I went to GC and played every 12 string under $999.00. None of them could top the Guild when it came to the depth and sparkle of the guitar. It just sounded different. It's kind of like the first time you play a Martin that is over $1,100 it just sounds totally different.
Serendipity strikes again! What is particularly interesting about this video for me, is that I also chose the Yamaha FG820 and the Guild D-1212 as the best value in this price range.
In fact before seeing your video I had already narrowed down my choice to precisely these two guitars (after a lot of research), and purchased the Yamaha (on order, don’t have it yet).
CORRECTION: The official description of the Guild states, “Built with solid African mahogany top, back and sides.” When you say, “laminate back and sides,” you are probably thinking of a different model.
The F-2512E for example, slightly cheaper, which lists $529 has laminated sides and back, with a solid top. I have played one, testing it out in a music store (Guitar Center) and the sound is very impressive.
Actually, a laminated back and sides on a 12 string is not necessarily a bad thing, since plywood is stronger than solid wood, and with the tension of 12 strings, you need all the strength you can get!
QUESTION: On the Guild D-1212, is the bridge screwed on, into the frame beneath, or only glued? Or does it really matter? Some 12 sting guitars use screws that are hidden, to reenforce the glue.
Nice video, btw. Definitely worth a like and a subscribe. Thanks!
Hi Tony i got à 12 strings Ýamaki de luxe wich have 51 years and it still play fantastic i but new at that time.
I agree with you about the Yamaha, I have played several Yamaha six string guitars over the last 50 years, great value for money.
I actually have old Alvarez twelve string, which i had to have a new bridge fitted.
Great sound,but takes a while to get it in tune
By the way I always tune it down a full tone,to avoid any further bridge lifting.
Let me start by saying that that Guild has me intrigued. Secondly, I don’t currently have a playable 12 string but I do have one that is in dire need of a neck reset. Now for my pick: the Taylor 254ce DLX (discontinued). I would LOVE it if Taylor did one in their jumbo/Grand Orchestra size because frankly I’m tired of dread bodies and Taylor’s current desire to push their smaller bodies.
I have a 1979 Guild F212XL NT. Bought it back in the early 80's out of a pawn shop in Aberdeen WA. Stunning tone with chime that fills a room and very loud. No top-out with aggressive play. This Guild is a tank and it was not a guitar to learn on. I finally had the neck reset a few years back and it is easier to play now. I had a smaller Gibson B-25 when I first began playing 12 string. It was far easier to play but the tone was not even in the same ballpark as the Guild and the guitar would top out with heavy strumming. If I were to start now, I would buy a Taylor. Very easy to play and great sound. Again, (just my opinion) not as good tone-wise compared to the Guild but the ease of playing is needed at first. No way I'd give up my F212XL now that I have to feel for it, but the Guild is a handful... and worth it.
D'Angelico Fulton Premier is the best 12 string under 1K @ $599 Solid Sitka Spruce Top, Mahogany back and Sides, Mahogany neck and Hard Case included. I'm 68 been playing since I was 12 and own over 25 acoustics. BTW love the content.
That guitar hit on all cylinders but I can't live with that headstock.
I have picked up a couple of used 12 strings and both offer great tone and playability which for the time being has satisfied my 12 string itch. First is a 1985 Alvarez Yairi DY68 dread, and 2nd is 1978 Hohner HG-741, part of their historic series built in Japan, a jumbo that was a copy of Guild (lawsuit era).
As I felt I wouldn't be playing the 12-string a lot at this point, I didn't want to spend a lot of money. I went on the cheap side, getting a D'Angelico Premier Fulton LS 12-string Acoustic-electric Guitar - Mahogany Satin, which retails for < $250. It is a grand auditorium model and a fine guitar for the money. The beautiful headstock wouldn't make me buy it, but I'm not going to complain about that bit of bling.
My vote to make the list is my D’Angelico premier Fulton ($499 when I bought mine). Wine red, extremely balanced and the sustain is incredible.
The Guild D1212 is soid mahogany back and sides ... not laminated.
Can't believe you missed the Martin D-X2E 12 string @ $649. I have its ancestor model, the D12X1. I also have a D12-18, a D12-35, and a GJ12-40. The X1 holds its headstock high amongst its brethren, and gives me a meteorologically challenged outdoor festival and campfire option as well.
😂 It's junk
Very informative video and well presented. Thanks!
I just bought a Guild D-1212. The mahogany sounds great.
I just put my Guild F-2512 up for sale.
I have the Yamaha LL16-12, prior to that I owned a Yamaha FG820-12. Of the two, even though the LL16-12 is over $1k, the FG820-12 has, IMO, superior sound. The solid rosewood back and sides make the LL16-12 sound muddy. The FG820-12 has warmth without any loss of articulation.
On another note, the Guild F2512E also has great tone with the plus of active electronics.
Not sure I'd recommend any Fender acoustic. I had a Fender CD160SE-12 and it was defective from the factory -- the bridgeplate was rotting and the rot had gotten into the top and the bridge pulled up the first time I changed the strings -- two days after I purchased it. They must have had major QC problems since this is no longer in production.
I had a Seagull S12, I can kick myself for selling it. Worst yet I sold it paired with the Seagull S6. Both solid Cedar tops, sounded great, why did I do it? Now I own a 2017 Martin D28-12 that pairs with my 2009 Martin D28. I love them both and will never sell them. Got both Martins at incredible prices, so it ended well for me. I’ve heard good things about Guild but haven’t tried it, and I’ve always been a fan of Yamaha which a Yamaha 6 string was my very first guitar, sold it to, but to a good friends grandson who still plays it.
I have a 12 string Taylor 600 series with maple back and sides that I love..Also want to mention. Eastwood Classic 12 electric 12 string I have…Plays very well, has the jangle I wanted …like McQuinn in the Byrds with great sounding pickups…When I bought it it was about $550…
Emerson has great taste. I say leave the polish on and keep wearing it! 👍🏼 As for 12 string guitars- I’m still trying to figure it all out on a 6 string. 😅
Thank you for the 12 string reviews!
A good show and kudos to you for featuring 12-guitars. But, how could you miss the Martin D12X1 (non-electric)? It's under $1000 and sounds pretty good.
Tony, you owe it to yourself and your loyal followers to get a 12-string. And, once you get it, please, don't trade it in for a 6-string, another 12-string yes.
What I look for in a twelve string is not the jangle, but the octaves. They need to be pronounce if not then you're just getting a glorified six string. Get rid of it.
Loved the painted nails story.
Hi Tony! Love your show! I feel you always give a fair review of guitars out there. I loved your show on the 12 string guitars under 1G. I played my first 12 at a used shop today znd feel in love with the sound.
I am looking at a seagull s12 cedar with lr baggs electronics. Not sure if this was standard issue for seagull or not. If so, would you know about what era or year(s) this guitar is from?
Again, thanks for your show,it helps me a lot.
Peace out!
I picked up a Breedlove Discovery Series 12 string in Paduca KY last year. Just under 600 used (they run about 650 new)
You're going to see this a lot in the comments, the Epiphone DR-212 needs to be on this list.
Wow Molly has a quality to her voice that immediately remimded me of the late Christy McVee
Nice concise review here.
I may have been unlucky but my inexpensive 12-strings have generally had troubles. I have gone way up-market to get away from that. On this list, the Fender sounds the worst but I do like that Guild a lot.
I have an Alvarez 5021 from 1982 Japan. I love this guitar they don’t make it anymore
faith venus 12, around 1k, cutaway, lr baggs, glossy black....😇👍🏼
Really hard to judge listening on my phone but I'm going to say the guild sounded great.
What would you recommend between yamaha fg820 12 ànd fender cd 60sce 12-string guitar?
I Play an Epiphone DR 212 12 String and Love it.
Can you do a video on left handed 12 strings? Having a tough time finding one. I know Southpaws are a niche market but nowhere to go.
Which one is the most brightest, shimmer, or most jangle one??
EASTMAN AC330-12E JUMBO 12 STRING, amazing guitar less than a $1000
I'm a 12 string player and I agree with you about the Taylor. Way too much top you can't hear the bass strings.
I have an Oscar Schmidt 12 string acoustic electric, $350, it's awesome 👍
LL16/12 Yamaha. Cant be beaten for the price!
What 12 string would you recommend if money is no object? Thank you.
Absolutely fantastic video, very clear and informative ❤️
Guild D-2612 Deluxe. Around $650 Street price.
Killer Hotel California riff
Very informative video as usual Tony, and a lot of good "honorable mentions" for the 12 string list in the comments. I would like to add my own: the Martin X Series Special, I think it's called the DX-2E these days, retails for around $649. I gigged with it, a very competent, good quality instrument for the money. And it's made in their Mexican plant, not in China or Indonesia!
Your two choices make great sense (I love the Guild!), but the Takamine sounds good, too! Thanks for spotlighting these...
Regards,
Dave
My answer to a 12 string is my Yamaha Trans Acoustic FS-TA 6 string. If I engage the trans acoustic mode - minimal reverb and medium chorus - sounds a lot like a 12 string. No need to tune or play 12 stings. no amp needed. It sounds close enough for my needs. Tony have you ever checked out the trans acoustic series ?
Taylors are nice guitars, but just don't do it for me. I like the Guild12 string , sounds great , has a pickup and nice gig bag.
#smallwins hit 3k hours of practice today. 500 hours to go by 1/1/2024.
My 12 String go to is the Vangoa VGE12-2, an electric acoustic guitar cutaway, at an affordable price of £169.
Had it since September of this year, so far the playability is incredible🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
😂harley benton clj 412sb fantastic.if you can get one.solid top,fishman pu tuner.gold plated hardware.adamas strings
I have my sight set on the Harley Benton CLD-10SCE 12 in matte black. All the features of yours in a dreadnought style.
🤘🤘🙌
Don Henley copyright strike coming in 3...2...1...
Why do all percussive guitarists and their music sound the same??
Wow. So subjective. To me, the guild sounds the worst (but I've never been a fan of mahogany topped guitars)
Ironically the Ibanez sounds best 🤦♂️
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Edited
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Take my advice - don’t bother with a 12 string guitar. Do not buy an electric version - you will seldom use it. It is much more cost effective to buy a 12 string pedal such as Mosaic. This will give you the sound you need and you can simply switch it on an off at will. Works out a bit cheaper too!
“such as Mosaic”. AFIK, Mosaic is the only pedal that mimics the 12-string sound.
@@BonesDT The Line 6 pedals such as Floor Pod also mimic 12 string guitars.
That’s certainly your opinion.
@@powbobs I’ve owned 12 string guitars in the past and they have limited use and sound.
@@rhiwderinraytube
And your opinion is important to you.
No one else really cares though.
Another great post Sir.
As I type this, I’ve been looking at both the Seagull and the Takamine. I had the opportunity to tryout of them. I’m a fan of both too. I like the Seagull a lot, ultimately a Godin product and I own a Godin 5th Ave, LOVE IT. But wow, Takamine make great instruments too. It may just come down to a coin toss. Lol
Cheers
Hi Tony i dont no how to reach you by email?
You did not mention the epi hummingbird 12. Why?
My Wasburn 12-string is superior. I bought for 350 dollars worth of work 20 years ago. I've had it gone over a few times by professionals to make it great sounding. I'm looking at some other up grades. I sounds like a very expensive guitar.
Who the hell you trying to look like
The sha
What a duf