Looking for a Quality 12-String

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Permalink Reply by Antonio Cotichini on July 14, 2009 at 10:46am

It depends on what you mean by "good". Which is your playing level? If you're just a beginner and want have fun with a 12 string, then you can get a starting level instrument for 350/500$, but if you're a more accomplished one, maybe you're looking for a good sounding, well balanced, complex tone guitar. And you can't have all of this for less than 1000/1500$. But if you look for a real good one, you must be prepared to shell out more than 2000$. Read August issue of AG and also May 2005 issue. There you can find useful info about 12 strings. Anyway, in general lines, Chinese made: Yamaha, Epiphone, Washburn, Takamine, Ibanez etc. you can buy under 800$ (also depends, because some of these brands have higher level models that cost more). European and North American brands, like Lowden, Lakewood, Larrivée, Guild, Martin, Gibson, you can buy from 1500 to 3500$. Small factory (Collings, Santa Cruz, Breedlove) or lutherie hand made (too much to name)... well over.
Good hunting.
Antonio

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Permalink Reply by Teja Gerken, Senior Editor on July 14, 2009 at 11:56am

Here's a link to Acoustic Guitar's recent 12-string review:

http://www.acousticguitar.com/article/default.aspx?articleid=24922

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Permalink Reply by Jan Borgstroem on July 16, 2009 at 9:48am

A little off topic, sorry, but a have been offered a Sigma (by Martin). Any opinions from all of you 12 string lovers ?

If I was to buy a new 12 string guitar, I would try out the Martin DX 12,- I owned a six string DX once, and wish I never sold it.

Greetings from Denmark

Jan

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Permalink Reply by Antonio Cotichini on July 16, 2009 at 12:40pm

Try it before buying. It should be made in Korea. How much do they ask? The level of those guitars isn't very high IMO. But I don't like so much the Martin DX series too, so, if you like it go for it.

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Permalink Reply by Jan Borgstroem on July 18, 2009 at 9:47am

I have counted little on it and the man asking for the equivalent of $ 227 - The 12-stringed, I have now is a more than 20 years old Ibanez which has been very dented on the top. I dream of an American built Guild 12 ', but they are too expensive for me.

This text was translated with Google tranlator from danish

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Permalink Reply by Judgestone on July 17, 2009 at 4:52pm

I was given a Sigma 12 string a few years ago, it needed some work; but I put new tuners, a new saddle and cleaned it up some, and it looks, plays, and sounds great. I have to use x-light strings on it since it is pretty old and to help with less neck stain; but all it all it is an outstanding guitar. Mine is a 1972 model.

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Permalink Reply by Biggs on July 18, 2009 at 8:26am

You may want to look at a used Seagull S12 or S12+ if you want electronics. They do have a fairly wide neck, which may or may not be a problem for you. I mostly play fingerstyle and like a wider neck. They sound nice for the price and stay in tune....which is important for a 12 string.

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Permalink Reply by Antonio Cotichini on July 18, 2009 at 5:23pm

Oh, yes I forgot to name Seagull amongst the North American brands! Very good for the price. But I forgot many other brands too. Sorry.

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Permalink Reply by Dominic Lupico on July 19, 2009 at 3:06am

I just saw a nice used Carr at www.9southguitars.com and have owned Samick Greg Bennett design guitars which are in that price range which were very nice. I have no financial connection to 9 South, but do shop there.

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Permalink Reply by Kyle Ober on August 4, 2009 at 3:34am

Go look for a used Seagull !!

Came across one by accident or perhaps that was luck, several years ago at Guitar Ctr. Hadn't planned on buying a 12 but at $250 it was hard to refuse. Got it for the studio. It sounds great. The only 12's I've heard that sound better are many thaousands of $$ more and it's usually a Guild.

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