Any decent 12 string acoustic guitars available for $1000 or less?

chubbsdarcy · November 3rd, 2009, 05:17 PM

Hey there folks, I'm just browsing for a new 12 string acoustic guitar and I'm having a hard time deciding what to get. Having a pickup would be nice but it isn't necessary. I've narrowed down a few selections to the following:

ALVAREZ MD710-12 MASTERWORKS

YAMAHA LL16-12

EPIPHONE ROY ORBISON BARD

as well as the usual Taks, Ovations, Washburns & Ibanezs within this price range, but I just don't know where to begin. Whatever I buy, it's gonna be mail order and, unfortuanately, I won't be able to try any of them befor i get them. I've been around 12 strings, and they've been my main acoustic guitars for about 12-13 years (I am 26). My two current 12s are both Taks, one is an early '80's all mahogany Martin Lawsuit model-f389 and the other is a mid '90's EF 381. Both of these guitars have issues now, both have tops that are raising behind the bridge and are getting hard to play, also the ef381 has another bridge issue with a string grounding out. I also used to have a super shallow late '90's natural super-shallow ovation celebrity deluxe 12 that sounded wonderful plugged in, but played like crap and was impossible to keep in tune. Are there any suggestions as to what I should check out? I know a grand isnt a lot to spend on a 12 string, but I want to be able to take it out and play it on gigs and around parties and stuff and not have to be afraid to use it or have anybody else touch it. Thanks a lot folks, have a nice day

68tele · November 3rd, 2009, 05:29 PM

Norman (subsidiary of Godin) makes a nice inexpensive 12 string.

Joe-Bob · November 3rd, 2009, 05:33 PM

Breedlove has several.

Skully · November 3rd, 2009, 05:48 PM

I have an Alvarez AJ60S 12 that I'm very happy with.

Tim Armstrong · November 3rd, 2009, 05:52 PM

I'd look at the Seagull S-12, I had an S-6 that was a nice guitar.

But first, I'd see if I could get the old Martin-copy Tak fixed!

Tim

Gareth John · November 3rd, 2009, 05:56 PM

Not within the price range you suggested but I bought a cheap Ashton 12 String, satin finish with a laminate top. It cost me £99. I was prepared to pay more, and tried other more expensive ones but they didn't offer the same value for money. This one has a built in tuner also. 12 string isn't my main guitar but for the occasional 12 string strum it's great. It's actually a really good sounding guitar. Plus if the top warps it doesn't matter because at that price I can just buy another.

jkingma · November 3rd, 2009, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim Armstrong

I'd look at the Seagull S-12, I had an S-6 that was a nice guitar.

But first, I'd see if I could get the old Martin-copy Tak fixed!

Tim

+1

Joe-Bob · November 3rd, 2009, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skully

I have an Alvarez AJ60S 12 that I'm very happy with.

I've played two of those and was very impressed.

hekawi · November 3rd, 2009, 07:16 PM

i've got a Simon & Patrick (part of the Godin Co.):

it plays like a dream and sounds like a choir of angels.
cedar top, cherry back and sides. built in Canada (convenient for you)

Nick JD · November 3rd, 2009, 08:20 PM

Maton make nice 12s down here.

http://www.guitar.com.au/guitars/aco..._string%20.htm

Unfortunately the Aussie Dollar is super strong at the moment, but you'd get one for under a grand usually.

Queensland Walnut and Queensland Maple (both tropical trees) are amazing tonewoods.

allen st. john · November 3rd, 2009, 08:38 PM

I would get a used Taylor 355.
I'm not a huge fan of Taylors in general, but their playability, bolt on necks, and rather bright and clear tonal balance all work well on 12-strings.
Much to be said for a bolt-on neck for a 12-string because the extra tension makes neck sets almost routine maintenance.

slauson slim · November 3rd, 2009, 10:19 PM

I've got the same Alvarez as Skully. Very nice instrument.

Dan German · November 3rd, 2009, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim Armstrong

I'd look at the Seagull S-12, I had an S-6 that was a nice guitar.

But first, I'd see if I could get the old Martin-copy Tak fixed!

Tim

The Seagull 12s punch way above their weight. (As do most products from Godin). I'da bought one but I got a great deal on a like-new Takamine F-400.

RodeoTex · November 3rd, 2009, 10:50 PM

Look for Alvarez. About 1 in 100 are magical (apparently) but that $600 magic one will blow $2-3000 Gibsons and Maritins out of the water.

FMA · November 3rd, 2009, 11:04 PM

I would second Allen's suggestion of a used Taylor. You can find them for pretty decent prices and the 12-strings are very nice guitars.
That said, I would also second Tim's suggestion to see whether you can get your Tak fixed.
And that said, I would also look at a Seagull 12. I have one and it's a great guitar. Very nice neck on it. Plays well. Sounds much better than a lot of lower priced 12s I've played.

chubbsdarcy · November 4th, 2009, 12:09 AM

Thanks for the suggestions folks. I sure would like to get both my Taks back into shape someday, especially that older one. She just booms. I gotta say I've always been interested in the taylors, I just never came across one I could afford. Those Godin brand guitars are nice for sure, particularly one of those new 5th Avenue archtops-sweet= played a few Seagulls, a couple Art & Lutherie, and I believe a S & P, at one time. The Simon & Patrick I remember being very interested in at one time was from the the Showcase series, but I may have been dreaming as it doesnt appear on their site anymore.
I'm also curious about the new Martin D12X1 as well, just wondering if any of you folks are familiar with these?

ednew · November 4th, 2009, 12:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chubbsdarcy

I'm also curious about the new Martin D12X1 as well, just wondering if any of you folks are familiar with these?

Absolutely,go check out the Martin 12. Foolishly, I sold my old one (at least it went to a needy friend).

Ed

studio1087 · November 4th, 2009, 12:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chubbsdarcy

I'm also curious about the new Martin D12X1 as well, just wondering if any of you folks are familiar with these?

I have a D12X1 and I love it. The stratabond neck holds a set up so very well.

I can play fingerstyle with eae on the D12X1.

I have a Fishman Passive undersaddle in mine.....love it. back row on the left..

The FG's that Yamaha makes for about $360 are amazing 12 strings for the money. Yamaha doe s agreat job.

John

smsuryan · November 4th, 2009, 12:44 AM

http://www.carvinguitars.com/product...C980T12&cid=75

casterway · November 4th, 2009, 03:17 AM

Seagull 12's are very nice, and easy to play, and around $500

FirstBassman · November 4th, 2009, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chubbsdarcy
I'm also curious about the new Martin D12X1 as well, just wondering if any of you folks are familiar with these?

Quote:

Originally Posted by studio1087

I have a D12X1 and I love it.

I was just going to suggest the Martin D12X1.

Great guitar!

chubbsdarcy · November 4th, 2009, 12:04 PM

That Martin does look good for the price, as do the Yamaha models, I picked up a 6 string last summer the fg-700 I believe, and it sure wasnt a bad guitar, cant wait for her to start aging a bit...I'm also curious about what you folks think of the new stock of 12 strings ovation is offering these days? anything worth mentioning within my price range?

a.z.n · November 4th, 2009, 12:18 PM

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/p...ric?sku=512946

Best acoustic that I've ever seen for this price ((not just 12string, acoustic in general))

P Thought · November 4th, 2009, 12:44 PM

You might consider slapping a K & K pickup and a nice setup on your best old Tak (F-400S?) Maybe a bone nut, saddle, and pins, while you're at it. You'll have maybe $3-400 in, and a "new" guitar you know you'll love.

That's what I'd do. Actually I might, someday, to my F-400S, though I don't play much 12-string.

BradKM · November 4th, 2009, 12:53 PM

Another vote for the Godin family (Seagull, Norman, S&P).

I've got an S6 that I love. Picked it up while working for a Seagull dealer in college.

We had the S12 on backorder all the time. The longest one ever sat on the shelf was less than a week.

studio1087 · November 4th, 2009, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chubbsdarcy

That Martin does look good for the price, as do the Yamaha models, I picked up a 6 string last summer the fg-700 I believe, and it sure wasnt a bad guitar, cant wait for her to start aging a bit...I'm also curious about what you folks think of the new stock of 12 strings ovation is offering these days? anything worth mentioning within my price range?

I encouraged you to try the D12 X1 but the 12 string version of your FG700s is the other guitar that I mentioned. At $350 I think the Yamaha blows the Seagull away in terms of an easy neck and nice tone. It's very hard to beat a Yamaha acoustic in the $200 to $450 range with anything else in that price range.

bowman · November 4th, 2009, 03:59 PM

I agree about the Yamahas: every Yamaha guitar I have ever played sounded and played much much better than I ever expected it to. I'm looking at some of their 12s right now and will probably buy one soon. Last year I bought an FG730S (six) with the intention of using it as a beater/beach type guitar - my Guild is too old for that kind of stuff. It was only $300 and I can't put it down. I'm amazed at how good it sounds.

JackStraw · November 4th, 2009, 03:59 PM

I currently have the Yamaha FG720 S-12. Solid Spruce top for not much money.

allen st. john · November 4th, 2009, 04:11 PM

The other thing about a used Taylor is that it's depreciated and if you decide to sell it you'll get most (and maybe all) your money back.

chubbsdarcy · November 4th, 2009, 10:49 PM

Thanks for all the great ideas and suggestions folks....I guess I'll prolly follow my gut and just get my taks fixed up, I have a feeling I'll be glad I did...but once again, thanks for all the insight! Darcy

November 3rd, 2009, 05:17 PM	#1 (permalink)
chubbsdarcy Tele-Meister Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: La Tabatiere, Qc. Age: 26 Posts: 146	Any decent 12 string acoustic guitars available for $1000 or less? Hey there folks, I'm just browsing for a new 12 string acoustic guitar and I'm having a hard time deciding what to get. Having a pickup would be nice but it isn't necessary. I've narrowed down a few selections to the following: ALVAREZ MD710-12 MASTERWORKS YAMAHA LL16-12 EPIPHONE ROY ORBISON BARD as well as the usual Taks, Ovations, Washburns & Ibanezs within this price range, but I just don't know where to begin. Whatever I buy, it's gonna be mail order and, unfortuanately, I won't be able to try any of them befor i get them. I've been around 12 strings, and they've been my main acoustic guitars for about 12-13 years (I am 26). My two current 12s are both Taks, one is an early '80's all mahogany Martin Lawsuit model-f389 and the other is a mid '90's EF 381. Both of these guitars have issues now, both have tops that are raising behind the bridge and are getting hard to play, also the ef381 has another bridge issue with a string grounding out. I also used to have a super shallow late '90's natural super-shallow ovation celebrity deluxe 12 that sounded wonderful plugged in, but played like crap and was impossible to keep in tune. Are there any suggestions as to what I should check out? I know a grand isnt a lot to spend on a 12 string, but I want to be able to take it out and play it on gigs and around parties and stuff and not have to be afraid to use it or have anybody else touch it. Thanks a lot folks, have a nice day __________________ The answer, my friend, is pissin in the wind!

November 3rd, 2009, 05:33 PM	#3 (permalink)
Joe-Bob Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Dallas, Texas Age: 47 Posts: 5,533	Breedlove has several. __________________ Why didn't the Psychic Network already know I was gonna call?

November 3rd, 2009, 05:48 PM	#4 (permalink)
Skully Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Glamorous NoHo Posts: 4,869	I have an Alvarez AJ60S 12 that I'm very happy with. __________________ Myspace.com/skullysounds

November 3rd, 2009, 05:52 PM	#5 (permalink)
Tim Armstrong Moderator Doctor of Teleocity Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Ocean Pines, Maryland, USA Age: 50 Posts: 13,152	I'd look at the Seagull S-12, I had an S-6 that was a nice guitar. But first, I'd see if I could get the old Martin-copy Tak fixed! Tim __________________ http://www.moodswingers.org

November 3rd, 2009, 07:16 PM	#9 (permalink)
hekawi Friend of Leo's Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: greenville, sc Posts: 2,610	i've got a Simon & Patrick (part of the Godin Co.): it plays like a dream and sounds like a choir of angels. cedar top, cherry back and sides. built in Canada (convenient for you) __________________ ____________________________________________ "Rule Number One: Obey All Rules" - Barney Fife

November 3rd, 2009, 05:29 PM	#2 (permalink)
68tele Tele-Holic Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: East Northport NY Posts: 813	Norman (subsidiary of Godin) makes a nice inexpensive 12 string.

November 3rd, 2009, 05:56 PM	#6 (permalink)
Gareth John Tele-Holic Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: England Age: 24 Posts: 833 8 Photos	Not within the price range you suggested but I bought a cheap Ashton 12 String, satin finish with a laminate top. It cost me £99. I was prepared to pay more, and tried other more expensive ones but they didn't offer the same value for money. This one has a built in tuner also. 12 string isn't my main guitar but for the occasional 12 string strum it's great. It's actually a really good sounding guitar. Plus if the top warps it doesn't matter because at that price I can just buy another.

November 3rd, 2009, 08:20 PM	#10 (permalink)
Nick JD Friend of Leo's Join Date: May 2007 Location: North NSW, Australia Age: 37 Posts: 4,861	Maton make nice 12s down here. http://www.guitar.com.au/guitars/aco..._string%20.htm Unfortunately the Aussie Dollar is super strong at the moment, but you'd get one for under a grand usually. Queensland Walnut and Queensland Maple (both tropical trees) are amazing tonewoods. __________________

November 3rd, 2009, 08:38 PM	#11 (permalink)
allen st. john Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 1,004	I would get a used Taylor 355. I'm not a huge fan of Taylors in general, but their playability, bolt on necks, and rather bright and clear tonal balance all work well on 12-strings. Much to be said for a bolt-on neck for a 12-string because the extra tension makes neck sets almost routine maintenance.

November 3rd, 2009, 10:19 PM	#12 (permalink)
slauson slim Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Yolo County CA Age: 61 Posts: 910	I've got the same Alvarez as Skully. Very nice instrument.

November 3rd, 2009, 10:50 PM	#14 (permalink)
RodeoTex Friend of Leo's Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 2,932	Look for Alvarez. About 1 in 100 are magical (apparently) but that $600 magic one will blow $2-3000 Gibsons and Maritins out of the water. __________________ Turn it on, turn it up, turn me loose.

November 3rd, 2009, 11:04 PM	#15 (permalink)
FMA Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 1,524	I would second Allen's suggestion of a used Taylor. You can find them for pretty decent prices and the 12-strings are very nice guitars. That said, I would also second Tim's suggestion to see whether you can get your Tak fixed. And that said, I would also look at a Seagull 12. I have one and it's a great guitar. Very nice neck on it. Plays well. Sounds much better than a lot of lower priced 12s I've played.

November 4th, 2009, 12:09 AM	#16 (permalink)
chubbsdarcy Tele-Meister Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: La Tabatiere, Qc. Age: 26 Posts: 146	Thanks for the suggestions folks. I sure would like to get both my Taks back into shape someday, especially that older one. She just booms. I gotta say I've always been interested in the taylors, I just never came across one I could afford. Those Godin brand guitars are nice for sure, particularly one of those new 5th Avenue archtops-sweet= played a few Seagulls, a couple Art & Lutherie, and I believe a S & P, at one time. The Simon & Patrick I remember being very interested in at one time was from the the Showcase series, but I may have been dreaming as it doesnt appear on their site anymore. I'm also curious about the new Martin D12X1 as well, just wondering if any of you folks are familiar with these? __________________ The answer, my friend, is pissin in the wind!

November 4th, 2009, 12:44 AM	#19 (permalink)
smsuryan Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Missouri Age: 34 Posts: 1,166	http://www.carvinguitars.com/product...C980T12&cid=75 __________________ "I have loved some ladies, and I have loved jim beam, and they both tried to kill me, in 1973." -Hank

November 4th, 2009, 03:17 AM	#20 (permalink)
casterway Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Aldergrove, British Columbia,Canada Age: 41 Posts: 4,120	Seagull 12's are very nice, and easy to play, and around $500 __________________ If Meg White can call herself a musician, then so can I.

November 4th, 2009, 12:04 PM	#22 (permalink)
chubbsdarcy Tele-Meister Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: La Tabatiere, Qc. Age: 26 Posts: 146	That Martin does look good for the price, as do the Yamaha models, I picked up a 6 string last summer the fg-700 I believe, and it sure wasnt a bad guitar, cant wait for her to start aging a bit...I'm also curious about what you folks think of the new stock of 12 strings ovation is offering these days? anything worth mentioning within my price range? __________________ The answer, my friend, is pissin in the wind!

November 4th, 2009, 12:18 PM	#23 (permalink)
a.z.n TDPRI Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Toronto, Canada. Age: 16 Posts: 83	http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/p...ric?sku=512946 Best acoustic that I've ever seen for this price ((not just 12string, acoustic in general))

November 4th, 2009, 12:44 PM	#24 (permalink)
P Thought Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Coos Bay, Oregon Age: 56 Posts: 381	You might consider slapping a K & K pickup and a nice setup on your best old Tak (F-400S?) Maybe a bone nut, saddle, and pins, while you're at it. You'll have maybe $3-400 in, and a "new" guitar you know you'll love. That's what I'd do. Actually I might, someday, to my F-400S, though I don't play much 12-string. __________________ quidquid latine dictum sit altum viditur

November 4th, 2009, 12:53 PM	#25 (permalink)
BradKM Tele-Meister Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 465	Another vote for the Godin family (Seagull, Norman, S&P). I've got an S6 that I love. Picked it up while working for a Seagull dealer in college. We had the S12 on backorder all the time. The longest one ever sat on the shelf was less than a week. __________________ "Go Team Venture!"

November 4th, 2009, 03:59 PM	#27 (permalink)
bowman Tele-Holic Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Westborough, MA Age: 57 Posts: 571	I agree about the Yamahas: every Yamaha guitar I have ever played sounded and played much much better than I ever expected it to. I'm looking at some of their 12s right now and will probably buy one soon. Last year I bought an FG730S (six) with the intention of using it as a beater/beach type guitar - my Guild is too old for that kind of stuff. It was only $300 and I can't put it down. I'm amazed at how good it sounds.

November 4th, 2009, 03:59 PM	#28 (permalink)
JackStraw Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: New Jersey, USA Age: 53 Posts: 295	I currently have the Yamaha FG720 S-12. Solid Spruce top for not much money.

November 4th, 2009, 04:11 PM	#29 (permalink)
allen st. john Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 1,004	The other thing about a used Taylor is that it's depreciated and if you decide to sell it you'll get most (and maybe all) your money back.

November 4th, 2009, 10:49 PM	#30 (permalink)
chubbsdarcy Tele-Meister Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: La Tabatiere, Qc. Age: 26 Posts: 146	Thanks for all the great ideas and suggestions folks....I guess I'll prolly follow my gut and just get my taks fixed up, I have a feeling I'll be glad I did...but once again, thanks for all the insight! Darcy __________________ The answer, my friend, is pissin in the wind!

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