Looking for advice on buying a 12-string

[Guilderland21]

Hi there! Posting for the first time after lurking a bit in the past year or two.

Background: I'd played guitar here and there in the past but never really gotten into it until I got a D-140 in January 2020. I think it's a fantastic guitar, I play it all the time (haven't gotten serious about taking lessons or anything, though), and it's on the short list of things that got me through 2020 mostly in one piece.

At some point in there I got the notion that I'd like to have a 12-string, too, and from all that I've read and seen it seems like getting another Guild is probably the way to go. But my experience playing 12-strings is pretty limited and has left me, if anything, less sure of what I want - I've been to a couple stores recently and tried an F-2512 (the only Guild 12 they had), a Takamine, and some others not worth mentioning, and none of them really felt or sounded like what I had in mind.

As for what I have in mind, it's ideally a big resonant sound with a full low-end, more than the "jangly" sound that I also associate with some 12-strings (and which can be nice too at times), and a guitar that feels and sounds good for fingerstyle as well as strumming. I've really liked the recordings I've heard of the rosewood F-512, but I'm trying not to spend more than $1000 - I'd feel bad about breaking the bank on what would probably be my third- to fifth-most played instrument after my dread, my viola, and possibly my electric guitar or violin.

So, questions:

1. How essential do you think it is, in my situation, to try out any model I'm thinking about buying first? I get the sense that a lot of people here buy guitars online without having played them, but many of you are much more knowledgeable about what you want and what's out there. And if you think this is something I should make sure to do - any suggestions of where to try some good 12-strings in the Boston area?

2. What guitars seem most likely to fit what I'm looking for? Am I right to think the F-1512 is promising? I've thought about some others too, but I'll refrain from writing out a long list and just see if anyone has suggestions

Thanks!

 

[Br1ck]

I don't know if you are going to find the tone you are looking for in an import guitar. Don't forget a lot of people here have a lot of experience and have owned a lot of guitars. I would buy a seventies F 112, F 212, or F 312 because I've played them, and condition would be the only issue, I'd probably like the guitar. I've played enough Guilds that I know I like pre 73 or so guitars.

Your comment on it being your fourth or fifth most played guitar is valid. I would suggest you buy a really good US Guild six string first as the best use of your money. I wanted a 12 string and a parlor, but knew I would not play them much. Glad I bought Ponos used for $800, because I don't play them. I have friends who are 50/50 six and twelve string players, and thus have Guild F 112 and F 312 respectively. You could try a laminate Taylor, but don't know if they have the richness you seek.

 

[Cougar]

...Am I right to think the F-1512 is promising?

Yeah, I think so. That way you can get a brand new jumbo Guild 12er for under a grand and not have to worry about neck angle, saddle height, etc., etc. Alternatively, I'd be on the lookout for a used JF30-12. I got one in great shape built in Corona, and I love it just as well as my F512 built in Oxnard. You'd likely have to get a JF30-12 online, so you'll have to get lots of photos and ask the seller about the neck angle, saddle height, how's the action up the neck, etc.

...what would probably be my third- to fifth-most played instrument after my dread, my viola, and possibly my electric guitar or violin.

I think 12-strings are just way fun to play. My 12s are my first-most-played instruments, even before my holy grail F50R (and my Motif XS7 synth, which is really my major instrument). I play everything on 12-strings -- Dylan, Petty, Kaukonen.... Flat pick or finger pick, just too much fun!

Best of luck in your search!

 

[SFIV1967]

Welcome to LTG!

Be aware that F-1512 is not equal to F-1512...What? Well, there was a F-1512 at the time when FMIC owned Guild, and that was the model before mid 2014 and it was under the so called GAD (Guild Acoustic Design) series. Those are usually "better". When FMIC sold Guild to CMG the GAD line was discontinued and renamed "Westerly Collection". Same factory in China as far as I know but cost cuttings were done.
So maybe try finding an older F-1512! The label inside the soundhole will tell you which version you look at.



Plus block inlays on the fingerboard for the old F-1512 vs. dots for the new F-1512. Very clear.

F-1512E 12-String Acoustic Electric | Guild Guitars

The F-1512E continues the Guild 12-string tradition and gives players all the tone and playability they’ve come to expect from a Guild 12-string guitar.

guildguitars.com

F-1512 Jumbo 12 String Natural | Guild Guitars

guildguitars.com

That's the old GAD model:






Ralf

 

[Brucebubs]

Nice looking early model rosewood F-1512 - as Ralf suggests above - with block fret markers and gold tuners and hard case here on Reverb.

Guild Westerly Collection F-1512E | Reverb Australia

Reverb is a marketplace bringing together a wide-spanning community to buy, sell, and discuss all things music gear.

reverb.com

 

[dreadnut]

How long are your fingers? I had a nice F512 but I have short fingers and it was painful for me to play for very long, especially barre chords. I sold it.

 

[Guilderland21]

Thank you all for the advice! I'll keep an eye out for an older F-1512 or a JF30-12.

@Brucebubs, thanks for pointing that out, I messaged the seller and I might put in an offer on that one if the price comes down a little bit.

@dreadnut, my fingers are pretty long, but I definitely found the F-2512 more challenging to play than my dread, so that's good to keep in mind.

And @Cougar, I'd be happy if I got a 12 and it ended up as my first-most-played instrument - they certainly seem like a lot of fun, I just want to wait and see how likely that seems before committing to a nicer one.

 

[mavuser]

+1 on the original, first, F-1512, ive played a couple of those and they were quality; however, that one on Reverb is at least double, if not more, than what I would ever pay for one.

for USA Guilds staying under a grand, or really for any budget on a first Guild 12-string, I can't say enough good about the F-112. or maybe you could find an F-212 for the right deal. They are certainly out there. if you are patient you can get one and even have it spruced up a bit and still be under a grand. u could even add some 80s-90s models to that list if a 12-string mahogany dread may work. or possibly land a killer deal on a rosewood 12 also, for maybe a grand-ish. stick around this forum, and keep an antennae up on local craigslist and FB market classifieds. You are not going to save any money, or have any pleasant surprises, on Reverb.com...in all likelyhood.

 

[Rambozo96]

It’s entirely possible you simply don’t like the 12 string sound. But if you wish to keep searching I would think playing them in person is key otherwise it’ll be a total pain in the neck as if 6 string flat tops aren’t much easier as far as finding “the one”

 

[spoox]

If you don't mind mahogany, there's this:

Guild GAD-F212 | Reverb

Reverb is a marketplace bringing together a wide-spanning community to buy, sell, and discuss all things music gear.

reverb.com

and although shipping is a bit high, he does have the "make offer" option...
If the GAD version has the same dimensions as my '65 F212, it's a very comfortable size for a 12 string

 

[wileypickett]

Welcome Guilderland21,

With any guitar, but especially with acoustic guitars, you gotta play 'em first IMO.

Doing a lot of research; watching a lot of Youtube clips; getting advice from people here on LTG -- all these things may help, but at the end of the day it boils down to your ears, your hands: how does the guitar sound to you? How does it feel?

Normally, options to A/B a gaggle of Guild 12-strings would be nearly non-existent.

HOWEVER!, it turns out that I'm in the Boston area, like you, and I have a gaggle of Guild 12-strings (along wth a few other brands) and some of them could even be for sale. (I've been downsizing my collection over the past three years or so.)

I'd be happy to let you check out some of the "under a grands" in my collection, BUT with these conditions:

1. I'd want to get some kind of deposit before letting any guitars out of the house

2. You'd need to be fully responsible for them while in your care

3. You'd need to return them to me strung-up the same way you got them, or cover the cost of a new set of strings. I string my 12-strings with D'Addario Med / Heavy strings, and I tune the low E down to A. Unless you do the same (and I don't know anyone who does!) you'll want to restring them with your brand / string gauge of choice to get a sense whether or not they work for you.

If this sounds like it might possibly work for you, PM me and we'll see what we can do.

Glenn

 

[portsider]

I have a D2612CE and an F112 from 73. The F112 is slightly better sounding, but the 2612 is new well set up, sounds great and is fairly bullet proof. I play the F112 at home and the D2612 with the band. If you search for topics I started I did a video comparison of the two. I would not hesitate to pick up a Chinese Guild they are well made and sound very good. Maybe they lack a little vintage "mojo", but I have determined that it was only in my head. I have been a Guild 12 snob for around 50 years so I have heard a lot of them.
If you buy from Sweetwater they will pretty much do whatever it takes to make you happy. For an extra fee they will set it up to your specs. You also have 30 days to return it.

 

[Guilderland21]

@wileypickett Thanks for the offer, I'll send you a PM. Trying some out hands-on seems ideal, as you say.

 

[beecee]

I would not hesitate to pick up a Chinese Guild they are well made and sound very good. Maybe they lack a little vintage "mojo", but I have determined that it was only in my head. I have been a Guild 12 snob for around 50 years so I have heard a lot of them.

I really don't need to hear stuff like this...

 

[portsider]

I would not hesitate to pick up a Chinese Guild they are well made and sound very good. Maybe they lack a little vintage "mojo", but I have determined that it was only in my head. I have been a Guild 12 snob for around 50 years so I have heard a lot of them.

I really don't need to hear stuff like this...

Por Qua?

 

[beecee]

Because I've heard nothing but great stuff about the Westerly series 12s, i DON'T need another.

Im really trying to be good.

 

[davismanLV]

@wileypickett Thanks for the offer, I'll send you a PM. Trying some out hands-on seems ideal, as you say.

Hey Guilderland, you'll not get a better deal or chance from a nicer guy than Glenn!! If you can arrange it, I'd arrange to meet up and try what he's selling and even those he's not. It's a chance you won't get at any guitar store anywhere!! He's an amazing guy and an amazing player. You'll have to put them in standard tuning for once.....

 

[portsider]

Because I've heard nothing but great stuff about the Westerly series 12s, i DON'T need another.

Im really trying to be good.

Being good is overrated.

 

[Guilderland21]

Alright, time to update this thread! I took @wileypickett up on his kind offer and tried out three of his Guilds: a JF30-12, an F-1512, and a D15-12. All three are great guitars and I thoroughly enjoyed the process. The F-1512 was the clear winner for me, though - it's closer than anything else I've tried to the sound I had in mind at the beginning of this process - and I bought it from Glenn a few days ago.

I appreciate all of the advice I got from folks here, and I'm especially grateful to Glenn for letting me take my time comparing the guitars and selling me a very nice one at a reasonable price. I'm sure I'll be back around here when I have questions or just want to admire everyone's guitar pictures.

Instead of a whole NGD post, here's a picture of the F-1512 with my D-140 (I should take a better picture of the sides of the F-1512 sometime, though - the wood there looks especially nice).

 

[Cougar]

Alright, time to update this thread! I took wileypickett up on his kind offer and tried out three of his Guilds: a JF30-12, an F-1512, and a D15-12.... The F-1512 was the clear winner for me...

Smartly done! And major congrats! Nothing like a Guild jumbo!