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View Full Version : 12 String Acoustic/Electric on a budget?

Rosstapher
December 2nd, 2008, 04:20 PM
I have been given the daunting task of helping my bandmate's wife pick out a new guitar for his Christmas present. He plays in our church's praise band with me - strictly strummin' - he's no lead player. He currently plays a 6 String Washburn cutaway, which actually sounds very nice going direct with the onboard electronics. We're pretty sure he would go ape over a 12 string to give him a different sound to play with. Her budget seems to be around $500 - which limits things, but I thought some of you might have some opinions on what would be safe. This will probably end up being a Musicians Fiend or Banjo Center sale, since we're not that close to much here in the sticks. Our local music store had...zero. Here's a few I thought might work:

Seagull (http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Seagull-S12-12String-Acoustic-Guitar?sku=512125)

Dean (http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Dean-Exotica-FM-12String-Acoustic-Guitar?sku=512915)

Ibanez (http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Ibanez-AEF1812E-12String-AcousticElectric-Guitar-with-Onboard-Tuner?sku=512472) - he'd probably like the onboard tuner.:Roll eyes:

Alvarez (http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Alvarez-Fusion-Series-FD60S12-Thin-Body-Dreadnought-12String-AE-Cutaway?sku=518813)

It looks like to get a Takamine or Washburn, you gotta get up over $600.

Anyway, I respect that you all are great for some good un-hyped advice and figured some of you probably had some experience and new a bit more about these than I do. I just don't want her to get one that "looks pretty" but is not really usable. I will add that Jim is one of the nicest, most un-selfish people I have EVER been privileged to know. He really deserves this and his wife is amazing for trying to do this. I'd really like to pull a rabbit outta my hat on this, if possible.

Thanks!
Ross
Tim Armstrong
December 2nd, 2008, 04:31 PM
Of those choices (and in that price range, they're about it!), I'd personally go with the Seagull. I had an S-6 that was a really nice guitar, and they provide great bang for the buck!

Cheers, Tim
ded4now
December 2nd, 2008, 07:34 PM
I think you should talk her out of the 12 string and get him a banjo (semi- of course). Or maybe a bunch of ukelele's (all with alternate drop tunings and such). Nothing says HOLIDAY CHEER quite like a bunch of guys sitting on the roof of a Benz belting out Megadeth's greatest hits on a banjo/ukelele/tuba ensemble (little do many people know, but Berlioz and Puccini composed most of their works on banjo - it translates THAT well).

But, I digress as usual...


Unfortunately, the $500 price range is kind of a suckass one, since at $150 you get an Epi that you beat the living shit out of and don't worry about, and closer to $1000 you can start looking at a low end Guild (if you could find one, but they are around).

If used geetars are a possibility, look for a Takamine at that price range though, and also keep your eye sockets peeled in case the Banjo SuperStore and DryCleaning EpiCentre have a few marked down Takas or Washies (sometimes they'll be reduced because of a nick or scratch, which makes a big difference in price). I've had a lot of success buying geetarrzz this way, as long as you know what to look for in reasonable 'defects', but I assume that since this is a gift this is unlikely to transpire. Kinda sad, since some damn fucking fine guitars are out there in slightly 'worn' condition for cheap. It beats the shinies, but yet, we all succumb eventually to the allure of the Pristine Paint Job (I admit, I have too, as long as it's mostly black or charcoal or something close).

Don't be afraid of looking at the Yamaha's too, although it's tricky with them (bee there done that..). Some can be pretty decent, but most are low end Epi-clones these days.

I'd go Dean from your list, but if there's no hurry wait and see what pops up in the Banjo HellHole over the next few weeks. Ya never know. Good deals on banjos too I hear.
Rosstapher
December 3rd, 2008, 05:44 PM
Thanks for the input! I'm gonna try and make the drive up to Banjo Center over the weekend and see what they got to look at. The only thing I remember about Dean was their ads...
Knastratt
December 3rd, 2008, 10:13 PM
I've always had a crush on Seagulls. Their necks suit me så in i helvete well. And the tone is sweet.

I have played the others on rare occasions but don't really have an opinion.

Cheers - Pär
G. Hoffman
December 4th, 2008, 01:29 AM
Seagulls may not look like much, but their workmanship is fine and they are typically a lot of guitar for the money.


Gabriel
Rosstapher
December 4th, 2008, 04:18 AM
It seems that the Seagull is - as I kinda suspected - the winner and a pretty safe choice. Our Canadian pals to the north have done it again! It seems that it may be tough FINDING one before Christmas, though. Looks like they are back-ordered - at least online.:Uh oh:

I totally appreciate you guys helping me out with this!:Thumbsup: :Thumbsup:

Ross
Brendo
December 5th, 2008, 01:56 PM
Ah, but here's where you get creative. You print a photo sized card with an image of a seagull - that is, the bird... with IOU written on the image or on the back, whichever.

And then when the guitar is given, it's a bit of a lightbulb moment...
Rosstapher
December 5th, 2008, 09:19 PM
Ah, but here's where you get creative. You print a photo sized card with an image of a seagull - that is, the bird... with IOU written on the image or on the back, whichever.

And then when the guitar is given, it's a bit of a lightbulb moment...

Damn. I must have looked pretty silly running around our beach last evening with an open pet carrier, tossing scraps of ham sandwich up in the air...