Tres Aardvarks Posted March 5, 2005 Posted March 5, 2005 I've got a craving for a 12(hence the question about Zander's), and it occurs to me that barring doubleneck 6/12s and the ugly Fender 12, and Ricks, you just don't see many 12strings.I COULD go after an Ovation 12, which has its appeal, but I'm more likely to play an electric (unplugged even).Anyone recommend any affordable ones? And please, no ugly ass 50s-60s-surf guitar-blender button-shag carpeted ones! Or should I just go after a cheap Ovation and call it a day? I may just say screw it and build one.
DavidE Posted March 5, 2005 Posted March 5, 2005 I have a Fender Strat XII. Made in Japan. Basically a 12 string strat with a longer headstock. Not ugly.I had a PV Milestone (I think) 12 string electric. I thought it was a very attractive guitar that played great and sounded great too. Humbuckers turned to single coils by turning the tone control. Pretty reasonable too.There are some cheap import 12s out there too by Dean and others. Look at musiciansfriend.com to see what's out there.There's always the Hamer Eclipse 12 and some other rare 12 string Hamer guitars.
Mike_C Posted March 5, 2005 Posted March 5, 2005 Don't forget the Newport 12 has gotten rave reviews from everyone that has played one. As for Rickenbacker they have a whole slew of models to choose from including the 620 series which was the inspiration for RZ cresting wave Hamer 12 string.
tobereeno Posted March 5, 2005 Posted March 5, 2005 I'd say quality construction should be your top priority - there's a lot more tension on a 12 string neck, and if the neck is crap, it'll show up a lot more than on a six string neck. Also, tuning stability is much more of an issue. I do a LOT of 12 string playing (my first guitar was a 12 string, actually) so I've put lots of thought into this one obviously, any Hamer would be best, but not too easy to find - Phantom 12, Chap 12, Cali 12, Eclipse 12, Newport 12. I'd take a hard look at Rickenbackers, particularly the 610/620 models. But the narrow string spacing can be claustrophobic to some people, and they coat their fretboards with some thick godawful plastic crap (which can be sanded off). Carvin makes good 12 string guitars, but the electronics might leave you wanting. If you want something butt-cheap, why not a Danelectro?
Caddie Posted March 5, 2005 Posted March 5, 2005 Play one, for as long as you can, before you buy. I have owned (2), a Ric 381v69/12 and a Ric 660/12. I tried like hell and could never get my pudgy little fingers to make clean chords. Even on the 660 which has a wider neck (1.75" at the nut) than the standard narrow Ric neck (1.625" at the nut). 6 strings are wwwwaaaaaaaaayyyyy more forgving than 12.So play that 12....alot....before you buy.Or buy it real cheap so when you resell you can at least walk away with your cash. ;-)Noonan
AdmiralB Posted March 5, 2005 Posted March 5, 2005 The Dean Bocas are killer guitars. Give them a try.
Buster Posted March 5, 2005 Posted March 5, 2005 +1 on the Dano for the $$...but, if money isn't the object...nor time to find one...then I would suggest a 12 string Steinberger (that is, if you can get by the shape of the body and the headless design)...I don't personally own one, but have played many of them and they were the easiest on my fingers by far...plus, with the Steinberger blend necks, they just don't warp...just a thought anyway...Erik
Dry Posted March 5, 2005 Posted March 5, 2005 I have a bound transparent amber Dean Sarasota 12 string guitar that sounds killer and plays very nice. I bought mine used for $300.00. IT STAYS IN TUNE! It actually has a very nice Flame laminate top on it. I think they sell new around $450.00.
hamerhead Posted March 5, 2005 Posted March 5, 2005 I had a Dano that was pretty nice for the $300 (new) - or - so that I paid for it.That was replaced with an Eclipse that thoroughly and completely kicked it's ass. WAY better built. With used prices around $600-$700, it's pretty tough to beat.
Buzzy Fretts Posted March 5, 2005 Posted March 5, 2005 The Newport 12ers are dismal on the reseller market. You won't find one for 350, but you could easily come across an e-bayed 12er in mint condition that doesn't break 1k. Sad for the seller but great if you're patient or have good timing.
serial Posted March 5, 2005 Posted March 5, 2005 Eclipse 12s are among the best 12vers I've played and I've played 12 strings for 20 years. I like Ricks but the narrow fingerboards can be a real dealbreaker.
tafkathundernotes Posted March 5, 2005 Posted March 5, 2005 Carvin makes good 12 string guitars, but the electronics might leave you wanting.I played one of the Carvins and thought the electronics sounded great (although I think the acoustic transducer is a Fishman) It wasn't detuned and it played very easily.
jwhitcomb3 Posted March 6, 2005 Posted March 6, 2005 I have a Dano 12 (in fab purple sparkle, no less) that plays and sounds great. It hasn't gotten much play time since I bought the Newport 12.You should also consider whether you prefer the acoustic 12-string style stringing (high octave string on top) or Rick style (low octave string on top).The only reason I'm keeping the Dano around is there are times when I prefer that stringing to the Rick style (Newport 12).-Jonathan
BTMN Posted March 6, 2005 Posted March 6, 2005 I know where a nice Red used one like this is and very reasonably priced. http://www.deanguitars.com/sarasota_12.htm
Mike_C Posted March 7, 2005 Posted March 7, 2005 Eclipse 12s are among the best 12vers I've played and I've played 12 strings for 20 years. I like Ricks but the narrow fingerboards can be a real dealbreaker. Steve I agree about the Eclipses still kicking myself when I let one slip through my fingers. But when it comes to Ricks have you tried the 660 12 string? They put a wider more playable neck on it. Pretty cool and much better than the skinny necks for a 12.
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