budget 12 string suggestions

looking for the cheapest decent playing 12 string i can get, probably will get something used to save coin. any suggestions on what to buy, or what not to buy ?

my budget is $300 max... hoping to bottom feed and get something real cheap. it will be used on stage.. so with some sort of sound hole pickup or maybe a retro-fitted HB suspended via bailing wire... etc...so doesn't have to be a solid top... i want something that plays well and is durable.

Check out the Mitchell at GC. They are made by Samick Indonesia and have a nice sound. If you can find a used Seagull, even better.

i kinda like this

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-ACOUSTIC-GUITAR-12-STRING-1980s-YAMAHA-FG-512-SLOTTED-HEADSTOCK-CLEAN-EX-/251037189154?pt=Guitar&hash=item3a72fb8422#ht_5085wt_1106

I bought a Yamaha 12 string about 1970 and it's still going strong. You should be able to find one in your price range.

Absolutely a red label Yamaha is a tough excellent sounding acoustic 12. Skip the Indonesian thing (no offense but that won't last 5 years).

Go find an old early 70's Italian made 12 called a EKO. Not many around but if it is a good one, flat bridge, good neck, built in pickup etc you might like it.

A few Stella 12s are around. Skip the spendy ancient ones, we're talking late 50's to mid 60's. Slot neck, metal tailpiece, Big heavy neck, higher action usually. These are solid wood tops of humble origin but they can have the sound Leadbelly was famous for in the late 40's. Many have suffered and will need glue/luthier work so check carefully. Cost can be very low if you find one.

A more spendy choice is the Guild Jumbo. Several good models, Hendrix had one like mine in LH. SRV played one not sure what model.

Finally the coup de gras... Look for a Fender 12 string Villager, late 60's early 70's. Built in pickup, bolt on "Casper" headstock neck. These are very mediocre players, cost is about $150 usually. Now, give the guy the cash, ask for a Phillips screwdriver. Cut off the strings and carefully remove the rear plate and eventually slide the neck out. Hand the nice man the body back for firewood, thank him and leave with a great neck to begin your eventual 12 string electric Tele build.

Used Seagull S12 or M12

Another vote for a used Seagull. Very nice 12 strings and you should be able to find one easily.

Alvarez Yairi 12-string - $160

http://orlando.craigslist.org/msg/2898139852.html

Might be gone, it's not a real new ad. If it's there, it could be a good deal.

I've had a few 12's through the years. Never got a good feel out of an old Epiphone, a Fender and some import I had. Picked up a used Ovation a few years back and it was built like a truck, but played and sounded good. One of my wife's uncles visited and couldn't put the thing down. Loved it. It went home with him.

Good luck on your hunt for the right one.

Yamaha FG720S-12.

i may end up with an Alvarez.. working a potential trade locally.. Alvarez AD/410.. i'm guessing its a made in china thing.. looks like they retailed for around 350-400 new...supposed to meet up and check it out this weekend

Yamaha FG720S-12.

Yes........Yes!

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k106/johnlg-2006/FullFrontsmall-1.jpghttp://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k106/johnlg-2006/TopStraightsmall.jpg

Yamaha owns the $300-ish and under acoustic market. Great solid top guitar. I can play fingerstyle with ease on mine.

As John says, the Yamahas are very nice. The APX type sound pretty good through a PA or acoustic amp. The Godin brands are definitely in the frame as well- Seagull, S & P,etc.

well i ended up, at least for the time being, with an Alvarez AD410..which i'm guessing to be 4 - 8 years old.. solid spruce top, made in china thing.. it actually isn't too bad.. and it was a zero dollars CL acquisition.. i swapped an old Samick 5 string bass and a boss ge7 for it. the guitar looks brand new and came with a nice hard case.

Sounds like you made out just fine.

Yamaha FG720S-12.

Yes........Yes!

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k106/johnlg-2006/FullFrontsmall-1.jpghttp://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k106/johnlg-2006/TopStraightsmall.jpg

Yamaha owns the $300-ish and under acoustic market. Great solid top guitar. I can play fingerstyle with ease on mine.

I have one of these as well after playing every 12 string acoustic that I could get my hands on. I even A/B'd it with a $900 Breedlove and the Yammie won out. I just put an LR Baggs Anthem in it because it sounds and plays so nicely I am looking forward to taking it out live.