I'm in the market for a nice 12 string. I'm fine with new, used, or vintage. I bought a Taylor 6 string a few years back and really love the neck and playability but have not been impressed with the sound of the Taylor 12 strings I have played. I have not tired the discontinued Jumbo or LKSM. Over the years I have played a number of Guild 12 strings and always loved their sound. The problem is Guilds are really hard to find locally. I live in Dallas, TX. No one stocks high end Guild (or even low end Guild) in this area. I've been to three large guitar shows over the past two years and found 1 and only one candidate. I've resigned myself to the idea that I will have to buy online unless I want to wait years for the right Guild to fall into my lap.
I have a separate debate on the F512 vs F412. What I am really looking for now is advice on what era of Guild best fits my needs. I have smallish hands and tend to favor slimmer necks (i.e. like Taylor). However, my '79 Ibanez 12 string has a pretty fat neck but is still easy to play. In terms of quality, what era of Guild is most recommended (Westerly, Tacoma, New Hartford, etc)? How about playability? I've read both good and bad about New Hartford.
I really wish there was a store with a wall of Guild 12 strings I could play, but I've given up on that dream. I travel for business from time to time. I will be spending a week in the Hartford, CT area next month if there are good store options up there. I already searched the Guild site and didn't find much. Is the New Hartford plant closed yet?
I guess I'm looking for a little advice on how to proceed with my search.
Thanks
Keith
I have a separate debate on the F512 vs F412. What I am really looking for now is advice on what era of Guild best fits my needs. I have smallish hands and tend to favor slimmer necks (i.e. like Taylor). However, my '79 Ibanez 12 string has a pretty fat neck but is still easy to play. In terms of quality, what era of Guild is most recommended (Westerly, Tacoma, New Hartford, etc)? How about playability? I've read both good and bad about New Hartford.
I really wish there was a store with a wall of Guild 12 strings I could play, but I've given up on that dream. I travel for business from time to time. I will be spending a week in the Hartford, CT area next month if there are good store options up there. I already searched the Guild site and didn't find much. Is the New Hartford plant closed yet?
I guess I'm looking for a little advice on how to proceed with my search.
Thanks
Keith