What to buy???

bob
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Posts: 1

What to buy??? Sept 26, 2017 21:55:52 GMT -5

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Post by bob on Sept 26, 2017 21:55:52 GMT -5

Hey, y'all... The last 12 string guitar I owned was way back around 1972... It was a Yamaha and to the best of my memory it was okay...

Since then I have gone thru a lot of different music styles and been playing North Mississippi hill country blues for the last 15 years or so and I have fallen into a little windfall... Maybe $800 and I was thinking that maybe I needed to add a 12 string to my mix of guitars to perform with... I like a parlor style because it doesn't bounce around like a dreadnaught when I'm footstomping but that is not a MUST... I just need something that slides well and doesn't wander around...

I am also intersted in if anyone has taken off the harmonic strings from the the 5th and 6th (bass strings) to allow for getting a thumb under and pulling those 2 strings out while picking for *popping* emphasis???

Any suggestions will be appreciated...

Bob

TonyKgull
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Location: Ontario, Canada

What to buy??? Sept 27, 2017 0:20:39 GMT -5

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Post by TonyKgull on Sept 27, 2017 0:20:39 GMT -5

bob , I have not tried the 5th and 6th string thing so I can't comment past the fact that I don't think that's an all bad idea at all.

For around the 800 dollar range, for a great quality 12-string, I'd try brands like Seagull and Alvarez. You can't go wrong with those. Of course, it goes without saying that you should definitely go out a play as many 12-strings that are in your price range as you can. The one that's right for you should become clear after awhile and the journey is half the fun!

Maybe play some 12-strings that are way out of your price range as well. Very eye opening experience. You'll see what the expensive stuff has and sounds like, and, you'll also see how amazing the more affordable ones are in comparison. Sometimes, the affordable ones can even sound better than the expensive ones.

Good luck and have fun in the search!

Last Edit: Sept 27, 2017 0:23:49 GMT -5 by TonyKgull

=====================================
"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will
give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I
am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your
souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
- Jesus, from Matthew 11:28-30

Derick
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Location: Staffordshire UK
Playing guitar since: Way back yonder.

What to buy??? Sept 27, 2017 2:58:34 GMT -5

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Post by Derick on Sept 27, 2017 2:58:34 GMT -5

bob,

Hi and a big welcome to the cabin.
Never had a twelve string guitar, the changing strings and tuning would drive me mader.
But agree with Tony's comments above.
Good luck and enjoy the hunt, let us all know what you ended up getting. 😀

Faith Mercury, Parlour Guitar.
Tanglewood TW40 Sundance Historic, 12 freter. Solid Spruce top, Mahogany back and sides.
Takamine GY93E-Nat, Parlour Guitar, solid Spruce top.
Epiphone ES339, semi acoustic Electric guitar,
Fender Mex Stratocaster, White with Maple neck.
PRS se Custom, 24 fret, Mahogany back with Maple cap.
Tanglewood TW 45 Re Sundance Reserve, All solid wood, Cedar Top,Mahogany back and sides.

El Gull
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Location: Feilding, New Zealand
Playing guitar since: 1997

What to buy??? Sept 27, 2017 4:33:32 GMT -5

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Post by El Gull on Sept 27, 2017 4:33:32 GMT -5

bob , welcome!

I'd second TonyKgull 's suggestion on Seagull and Alvarez. They are both good quality brands. Seagull in particular makes a good 12-string instrument with a cedar top. You'll also have some change in your back pocket I reckon!

Also look at Eastman guitars - I have never played one, as they are not sold in my neck of the Southern hemisphere. But people rave about the quality/price ratio - I am sure its worth playing one if you can find one. Also, if you can get a second-hand Taylor for $800, you cant go wrong. Not sure you will find them that cheap though.

Remember to 'play before you pay". Good luck!

Last Edit: Sept 27, 2017 4:35:07 GMT -5 by El Gull

Ephesians 5:19

El Gull
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Posts: 1,030

Location: Feilding, New Zealand
Playing guitar since: 1997

What to buy??? Sept 27, 2017 4:42:56 GMT -5

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Post by El Gull on Sept 27, 2017 4:42:56 GMT -5

Here is a good option.

www.seagullguitars.com/en/products/29-coastline-cedar-12-qit

I think they are about $500 new, and so well within budget. It is a dread though, so may not be your thing. But I find the Seagull dread shape very comfy.

Ephesians 5:19

Deleted Deleted Member Posts: 0	What to buy??? Sept 27, 2017 7:01:51 GMT -5 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Deleted on Sept 27, 2017 7:01:51 GMT -5 bob , welcome to the Cabin! Yes indeed, Seagulls are well worth a look, as well as Alvarez. I'd add Guild to your 'look at and play' list as well.

RobertW
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What to buy??? Sept 27, 2017 18:56:27 GMT -5

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Post by RobertW on Sept 27, 2017 18:56:27 GMT -5

Sept 26, 2017 21:55:52 GMT -5 bob said:

Hey, y'all... The last 12 string guitar I owned was way back around 1972... It was a Yamaha and to the best of my memory it was okay...

Since then I have gone thru a lot of different music styles and been playing North Mississippi hill country blues for the last 15 years or so and I have fallen into a little windfall... Maybe $800 and I was thinking that maybe I needed to add a 12 string to my mix of guitars to perform with... I like a parlor style because it doesn't bounce around like a dreadnaught when I'm footstomping but that is not a MUST... I just need something that slides well and doesn't wander around...

I am also intersted in if anyone has taken off the harmonic strings from the the 5th and 6th (bass strings) to allow for getting a thumb under and pulling those 2 strings out while picking for *popping* emphasis???

Any suggestions will be appreciated...

Bob

Guild, yes

Seagull only has dread 12 strings. I would hope Alvarez has a non-dread 12..seems ive seen one.

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Seagull S6 Cedar/Cherry (1998)
Seagull Amber Trail CW Mini-Jumbo Spruce/Maple Long scale (2012)
Seagull Coastline Cedar 12 Cedar/Cherry (2015)
Ibanez Artwood Parlour 2 AVN3-NT Spruce/Mahogany (2015)
Martin GPCPA5K Stika Spruce/Koa HDL/Birch Stratabond/Morado Fretboard (2015)
Gretsch Mahogany Boxcar Round-Neck Resonator (2015)
Alvarez ABT60 Baritone Spruce/Mahogany (2016)
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TonyKgull
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Posts: 6,425

Location: Ontario, Canada

What to buy??? Sept 28, 2017 10:49:12 GMT -5

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Post by TonyKgull on Sept 28, 2017 10:49:12 GMT -5

bob, I missed that part about the parlor size mention. I don't think it will be easy to find a 12-string in a parlor size if they even exist, but a little less harder to find would be a 12-string in something like an OM size or GA or something like that. Even if a parlor sized 12-string exists, I don't think it will be easy to acquire especially if you want to try-it-before-you-buy-it.

=====================================
"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will
give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I
am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your
souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
- Jesus, from Matthew 11:28-30

Greg Ballantyne
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Posts: 1,139

Location: Maryland, USA
Playing guitar since: 1974

What to buy??? Oct 1, 2017 18:50:52 GMT -5

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Post by Greg Ballantyne on Oct 1, 2017 18:50:52 GMT -5

bob , welcome to the Cabin! I'm reached the conclusion years ago that I wasn't a 12 string guy, but lately I've been rethinking that. IMO you have to be careful with 12 string guitars in the sub $1000 price ranges, but there are nice ones out there. The only small body 12 strings I recall seeing recently were Taylors - but their GC body 12 strings don't come into the picture until you get to the 300 series, about twice your number. But that doesn't mean one can't be found..... and the used guitar market is likely wider.

But if you can stand a dread, a Taylor 150e is right at your number - and Taylor 12 strings are the guitars making me think I might be a 12 string fellow after all.... they play so smooth.

Let us know how it turns out!i

Last Edit: Oct 1, 2017 18:55:25 GMT -5 by Greg Ballantyne

In order of appearance:
Aria LW-20
Seagull Maritime HG Dread
Seagull Natural Elements Cedar/Cherry Dread
Taylor 418e
Taylor 514ce LTD
Trinity College TM-375 Irish Bouzouki

ladyssolo
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Posts: 1,267

What to buy??? Oct 1, 2017 20:21:10 GMT -5

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Post by ladyssolo on Oct 1, 2017 20:21:10 GMT -5

I am normally a parlor-size person, but own a Seagull 12-string that I make work. I paid around $300 at a pawn shop for it (don't remember exactly,) had played it a couple weeks before purchase, and couldn't get it out of my head, so I went back and made an offer and they took it. I've not been sorry...

petermac
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Location: Cornwall, VT | Campobello Island, NB
Playing guitar since: 2014, at age 60

What to buy??? Oct 2, 2017 7:04:55 GMT -5

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Post by petermac on Oct 2, 2017 7:04:55 GMT -5

Sept 26, 2017 21:55:52 GMT -5 bob said:

I am also interested in if anyone has taken off the harmonic strings from the the 5th and 6th (bass strings) to allow for getting a thumb under and pulling those 2 strings out while picking for *popping* emphasis???

Hi bob, - Another welcome to the Cabin.

You might consider a Michael Kelly Triad 10E, a "10-string" without the lower two harmonic strings of a traditional 12-string. It's a dread shape but reasonable enough in price (even with a case) that you'll have change from your windfall. I believe these are made in Korea. Onboard Fishman electronics, and a unique "side-port" design. If I didn't have a Seagull Coastline 12-string already I would consider taking a flyer with this.

I just ordered a Michael Kelly hollow-body electric on a whim, just looking for something a little different for when I'm in the mood for a change.

I had no bucket list so I picked up the guitar... and my life changed for the better.

WELCOME TO THE ACOUSTIC GUITAR CABIN!!!

Post by bob on Sept 26, 2017 21:55:52 GMT -5

Post by TonyKgull on Sept 27, 2017 0:20:39 GMT -5

Post by Derick on Sept 27, 2017 2:58:34 GMT -5

Post by El Gull on Sept 27, 2017 4:33:32 GMT -5

Post by El Gull on Sept 27, 2017 4:42:56 GMT -5

Post by Deleted on Sept 27, 2017 7:01:51 GMT -5

Post by RobertW on Sept 27, 2017 18:56:27 GMT -5

Post by TonyKgull on Sept 28, 2017 10:49:12 GMT -5

Post by Greg Ballantyne on Oct 1, 2017 18:50:52 GMT -5

Post by ladyssolo on Oct 1, 2017 20:21:10 GMT -5

Post by petermac on Oct 2, 2017 7:04:55 GMT -5

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