I need, uh want, a 12-string

[EllenGtrGrl]

Thanks for the info. I like the look of that Blueridge!

BTW, do you use a capo on the 12-string? And if so which one?

I've capoed my 12s occasionally over the years, but usually don't. The current capo I have is some cheapo, that only works so-so for a 12-string. I'm not even sure of the brand - I've had it for at least 15 or 20 years.

[EllenGtrGrl]

I've owned a couple of twelvers over the years. Cheap ones will often belly out the soundboard under the bridge, so detuning makes sense. The best expensive 12er I've played was a Taylor, not sure of the model but running about $2500 new. The best affordable 12er I've played was one I almost pulled the trigger on a few years back, a G-series Takamine with an all-maple body that sounded surprisingly warm given its construction; and it played well enough that I could throw down blues licks on it.

I think this was the Tak model I tried and almost bought:



Onboard tuner sure helped.

I must be weird, or else my playing style just doesn't agree with them - I've never played a Takamine that sounded good to me, despite being egged on by numerous players who love their Taks, to "give them a chance again."

One 12-string I wouldn't mind having again, is a Guild G212. I bought one made in the late 70s, at the Chicago Guitar show 7 years ago, and it sounded killer, but it weighed a ton!. I also noticed, that the bridge and neck were starting to pull up, and being tight for money at the time for the repairs needed, I let it go. I kind of regret doing so. Too many players (like a certain guitarist in one of my old bands, who shall remain nameless), insist upon playing in standard tuning, even when it's not IMO, the best thing to do for the guitar, because "they're not comfortable playing in other tunings."

My Old Guild G212NT

[floatingpickup]

Since we are all Jazz guitarists here....
Gibson L-5 CES 12-String (Only One Ever Made) - Express Shipping - (G-
– Righteous Guitars

[Doctor Jeff]

I must be weird, or else my playing style just doesn't agree with them - I've never played a Takamine that sounded good to me, despite being egged on by numerous players who love their Taks, to "give them a chance again."

One 12-string I wouldn't mind having again, is a Guild G212. I bought one made in the late 70s, at the Chicago Guitar show 7 years ago, and it sounded killer, but it weighed a ton!. I also noticed, that the bridge and neck were starting to pull up, and being tight for money at the time for the repairs needed, I let it go. I kind of regret doing so. Too many players (like a certain guitarist in one of my old bands, who shall remain nameless), insist upon playing in standard tuning, even when it's not IMO, the best thing to do for the guitar, because "they're not comfortable playing in other tunings."

My Old Guild G212NT

That's another beaut. I will keep my eye out for a nice vintage Guild. Guitars are like cars: Just because I have a nice one, doesn't mean I stop looking for the next one, LOL.

My Taylor is supposed to be 3 years old. It is definitely sapele. I will post a pic when I get a chance. Very pretty wood--kind of orange-brown and cream striping on the back and sides.

The walnut looks nice from the pictures as well.

[Doctor Jeff]

Here she is—Taylor 150E. Really enjoying this both for folk, fingerpicking and the usual jazz repertoire.

A super-well-made and comfortable to play guitar. Glad I got it.

[lukmanohnz]

Nice - can’t go wrong with Taylors. Incredibly consistent guitars.

[Doctor Jeff]

Oh and the electronics are superb.

[Cavalier]

The real danger of threads like this are the stupid things they can inspire you to do. Last night I changed the strings on my Ovation 12 string..... enough said. That I didn't have time to post after I finished should say it all. I switched to phosphor bronze strings which I have been gravitating to on my acoustics and really like the difference from the 80/20s I've been running. Please, don't let this encourage you, safe changes on a 12 string take a distance measured in years, not feet.

[Doctor Jeff]

The real danger of threads like this are the stupid things they can inspire you to do. Last night I changed the strings on my Ovation 12 string..... enough said. That I didn't have time to post after I finished should say it all. I switched to phosphor bronze strings which I have been gravitating to on my acoustics and really like the difference from the 80/20s I've been running. Please, don't let this encourage you, safe changes on a 12 string take a distance measured in years, not feet.

I just got some new strings—Elixirs—from Amazon yesterday. I don’t quite have the gumption to change them yet, as the strings which were on it when I got it still sound pretty darn good. Plus I was busy with projects and didn’t have a couple of hours to kill this weekend.

On a side note, I went to GC to buy some strings and a capo. There was a card in the slot for the Elixir 12-strings stating Ask manager for supply. So I did. He walked over to the display, looked at the card, and said I guess we’re out of Elixirs. They were out of a lot of strings. No comment on when they would get more.

About a third of the acoustic inventory was missing. There were virtually no higher-end guitars either electric or acoustic. They used to carry Gibson, but I didn’t see any Gibsons while I was there. Only about 3 or 4 Fender amps.

On the plus side they insisted all customers wear masks and use hand sanitizer upon entering the store.

I have a feeling they are not doing so well these days.