12 strings

[navvid]

Hey guys. Yesterday I was teaching at the music store where I give some of my lessons, and one of the other teachers had a 12 string Takamine made in Japan in the early 80's. The thing sounds great. I had always been mildly amused by 12 strings, but not enough to actually buy one. But this one really caught my attention.

So here's my question: Who else made real nice 12 strings that a humble teacher may be able to afford? I have seen nice Gibsons, but they run thousands. Are there any others you guys have noticed over the years that are particularly nice?

 

[luvmyshiner]

I love my Washburn D46S12. And it can be found new for under $600 with hardshell case. You should be able to find a good one used for $3-400.

 

[evenkeel]

A lot of folks put the Guild Jumbo 12'ers, particularly the Westerly, R.I. built ones, at the top of the 12 string acoustic list. In good shape, those beauties will set you back a couple grand or so. Takamine, in the late 70's and 80's built some very good Guild clones, inc. some 12 string Jumbos. If you can find one they can be had for well under a grand. In the new Tak line there is a "G" series, Jumbo 12 that is a nice lower cost option. Ditto the Washburn, Cumberland series 12 strings. Nice Jumbo 12'ers for not a lot of $$. I'd also add this is where maple as a tone wwood really shines. Spruce top, maple back and sides, jumbo body and 12 strings is a great combo.

 

[Tig]

My first acoustic was an early 80's Takamine 12 string. One of the biggest mistakes of my life was giving it to my former brother in law, who hocked it.

I got to play an identical one recently in a shop, and wow, it sounded like angel's wings. Forgot what the price tag said, but it wasn't more then $500.

 

[bek]

I saw someone about 100 miles from me selling an early 1980s Guild D15-12 for a price well below $1,000. The thing had a VERY minor issue, the price went down some more and I snatched it. All-mahogany and a beast. Wonderful neck, rock-solid contruction, not as popular as the jumbos (and consequently cheaper) but great-sounding. I'm particularly partial to the mahogany-tops, but I'm sure the spruce ones are ok, especially if you get a good price. Alvarez can be extremely nice, too.

 

[wingsdad]

.... this is where maple as a tone wwood really shines. Spruce top, maple back and sides, jumbo body and 12 strings is a great combo.

True, that, keel, as maple helps keep things clear with less pronounced bass and brighter mids/highs...pretty sure this is the Tak G-Series model you're referring to...also available as a 6-string...currently made in China:
Tak EG523SC-12
The Washburn Cumberland J28S models, also Chinese-built and available as 6 or 12, but I don't think the 12 comes in a cutaway version like that Tak.

But both of these are big jumbo bodies in the approx $600 + case ballpark new, $400 or so used in nice shape.

Which begs navvid's question:

...So here's my question: Who else made real nice 12 strings that a humble teacher may be able to afford?

What's your 'budget'? Is it $500 or less? $500-$750?

Since you liked the 80's Tak so much, what was it about it that you liked? Did you get to play it? Did it feel comfortable in body size & shape and especially, in your hands? Acoustic 12's have wider fretboards than 6's, but some are wider than others...

Yamaha has made & makes nice 12's, some with smaller bodies and a narrower fretboard. I have nice Yam 12 cutaway dread, but if I 'needed' another acoustic 12, I'd be all over this one, which I've played often in the store, and a friend has one...narrower neck, smaller body, great sound:
Yamaha CPX700-12

But, at $600 + case, new (...the APX700-12 is 100 bucks cheaper), is it in navvid's price range, and does it fit?

 

[Auriemma]

You could pick up a used Ovation 12 string for a reasonable price. I got mine off ebay for $165 shipped. It sounds great and plays far easier than any 6 string acoustic (except another Ovation) and almost as easy as an electric. (no BS).

 

[Eric]

So here's my question: Who else made real nice 12 strings that a humble teacher may be able to afford? I have seen nice Gibsons, but they run thousands. Are there any others you guys have noticed over the years that are particularly nice?

I had a 12-string Seagull a couple of years ago that I think I bought for $250 before I sold it for $300. It was OK, but more than anything, it proved to me that I don't like 12-string acoustics. I guess that's somewhat less than a ringing endorsement for the guitar, huh?

It was a pretty good guitar -- just not my thing.

 

[phoenix_p0]

The Eko Ranger 12 String is a belter of a guitar. I believe it was the top selling 12 string in its day - production at its highest point of 100 units per day back in the 70s.

They've just recently started operating again and have released new models.

The new models are about $200 I think - you can pick up a vintage model for around $400 or less - well worth it if you ask me!

Ain't she a beauty!

 

[Brian Krashpad]

I have an old '70's Yamaha beater I found in a pawn. FG or FC something or other, will have to look in it when at home. $150, loud as feck and sounds like God.

It's the 12-er in this pic:

 

[evenkeel]

Krash mentions pawn shops, a great source for low priced 12 strings. My guess is a lot of people get a 12'er, loose interest and need a bit of cash. The local pawn shops have a bunch of 'em.

I picked up a vintage Eko Ranger 12 string, at a pawn shop a bit over a year ago. Great guitar. Big, twangy sound. Not a full time member of the herd, just a visitor.

 

[Eric]

Krash mentions pawn shops, a great source for low priced 12 strings. My guess is a lot of people get a 12'er, loose interest and need a bit of cash. The local pawn shops have a bunch of 'em.

I think there's a lot to this. As I found out, 12 strings aren't for everybody -- pawn shops and other sources for used stuff (ebay/craigslist) are good options for some really good deals.

 

[gtrjoe]

I have a Yamaha Model: FG720S-12. I absolutly love it, I think I got it for $300.00 It has a solid Sitka spruce top produces thick overtones with rich sound and full depth; Really love the sound it produces....tone/song examples.

You Wear It Well, Life By The Drop, 39

Hope it helps...

gtrjoe

 

[bigG]

The Eko Ranger 12 String is a belter of a guitar. I believe it was the top selling 12 string in its day - production at its highest point of 100 units per day back in the 70s.

They've just recently started operating again and have released new models.

The new models are about $200 I think - you can pick up a vintage model for around $400 or less - well worth it if you ask me!

Ain't she a beauty!

Phoenix, my local Martin dealer has a 1967 EKO Barracuda soon to go up on eBay. Mint condition! Made in Italy. I've played it thru a Peavey Classic 30 and man, what tone! You might wanna watch for it and put in a bid...

Just a heads-up for ya.

G

 

[markb]

The Eko Ranger 12 String is a belter of a guitar. I believe it was the top selling 12 string in its day - production at its highest point of 100 units per day back in the 70s.

They've just recently started operating again and have released new models.

The new models are about $200 I think - you can pick up a vintage model for around $400 or less - well worth it if you ask me!

Ain't she a beauty!

That takes me back. The Ekos were about the only cheap 12s to survive those days largely because they were incredibly heavily built. Tough as old boots and yet sounded quite good

The new Ekos are made in China, not Italy.

 

[jamiej]

I bought a used Takamine 523 accoustic/elec 12 string from Guitar Center for under $500, which listed at $749 new. It is wonderful and I use it constantly. Beautiful tone and a wide neck, perfect for soloing. This is my third 12 string and I strongly recommend it.

 

[riverrick]

I had a Epiphone that I got in the early 70's. Played and sounded great. Think I paid $200-$300 for it. Sold it to some girl at work though. I now have a Taylor. But that was way more expensive.

 

[Zip]

Howz about this:

 

[Tig]

Howz about this:

You'll put yer eye out!!!

 

[marnold]

That is the mother of all pointy headstocks.

 

[pes_laul]

You'll put yer eye out!!!

:applause