merlin6666
Senior Member
I have been looking for a new 12-string for quite some time, and the 12-fret Orpheum was one of the models on top of my list as I wanted to have a not-so loud smaller guitar and I found its retro approach appealing. It was thought they had been produced in small number but this year several new ones appeared, and I managed to find one of them in a Canadian store which saved some customs and shipping time hassles.
It recently arrived, and I only had opportunity to unpack, tune, get first impressions, and take a few quick pictures. It will not be until New Year to get fresh strings and more playing as I will be travelling out of town over the holiday. So here are some comparisons to her big older (by 7 months) brother:
First impression was that she came in a quite compact case compared to the Jumbo TKL, though case quality is quite disappointing with poorly aligned latches and gaps at the seams. As expected there is a considerable size difference which is not as obvious in the picture as when I actually play them. For the Jumbo it's a reach to get around, whereas for the 12-fret it's almost too short and I have to make an effort to move the right hand further back than where I'm used to play.
It is quite visible that there was a wide variety of Red Spruce used for the tops. While the Jumbo has many dark lines, the Orchestra has a more uniform colour but stronger silking.
They both have just gorgeous looking sides and backs, definitely choice materials as far as I can tell. I did not expect the huge difference in necks: The Jumbo has a three-piece neck with rosewood stripe in the centre and a well rounded U shape with a Guild style heel. On the other hand, the Orchestra has a two-piece neck with a V shape, and a pointed heel. The nut width of the 12-string is also quite a bit wider (supposedly by 3mm), but all in all the neck is substantial and I can just about wrap my thumb around it to play the low E. Otherwise it's comfortable to play but not as comfortable as I had hoped as I felt some wrist fatigue after a few songs.
It was notable that the high G string had the wrong gauge as it popped when I tuned it up. This is supposed to be the original set, and it looks like they had switched high G and high D strings at setup - strange. Anyway, I had a few spare .010s around so had that fixed for the time being. So with ancient original strings and a possibly too thin D string I found the sound quite warm and dark, compared to my Ovation Legend 12 string. Once I figured out a good strumming position, I found the sound to be of a vintage quality as I would hear it on a Leadbelly or contemporary recording. So I think Ren was successful with this model in creating a definite vintage vibe, which I don't get at all with the Jumbo which is punchy and crisp, and of course has a huge bass. In other words I really like it and how it contrasts/complements the Jumbo. I hope I can get used to its small and size and huge neck, as I intend to play it a lot.
It recently arrived, and I only had opportunity to unpack, tune, get first impressions, and take a few quick pictures. It will not be until New Year to get fresh strings and more playing as I will be travelling out of town over the holiday. So here are some comparisons to her big older (by 7 months) brother:
First impression was that she came in a quite compact case compared to the Jumbo TKL, though case quality is quite disappointing with poorly aligned latches and gaps at the seams. As expected there is a considerable size difference which is not as obvious in the picture as when I actually play them. For the Jumbo it's a reach to get around, whereas for the 12-fret it's almost too short and I have to make an effort to move the right hand further back than where I'm used to play.
It is quite visible that there was a wide variety of Red Spruce used for the tops. While the Jumbo has many dark lines, the Orchestra has a more uniform colour but stronger silking.
They both have just gorgeous looking sides and backs, definitely choice materials as far as I can tell. I did not expect the huge difference in necks: The Jumbo has a three-piece neck with rosewood stripe in the centre and a well rounded U shape with a Guild style heel. On the other hand, the Orchestra has a two-piece neck with a V shape, and a pointed heel. The nut width of the 12-string is also quite a bit wider (supposedly by 3mm), but all in all the neck is substantial and I can just about wrap my thumb around it to play the low E. Otherwise it's comfortable to play but not as comfortable as I had hoped as I felt some wrist fatigue after a few songs.
It was notable that the high G string had the wrong gauge as it popped when I tuned it up. This is supposed to be the original set, and it looks like they had switched high G and high D strings at setup - strange. Anyway, I had a few spare .010s around so had that fixed for the time being. So with ancient original strings and a possibly too thin D string I found the sound quite warm and dark, compared to my Ovation Legend 12 string. Once I figured out a good strumming position, I found the sound to be of a vintage quality as I would hear it on a Leadbelly or contemporary recording. So I think Ren was successful with this model in creating a definite vintage vibe, which I don't get at all with the Jumbo which is punchy and crisp, and of course has a huge bass. In other words I really like it and how it contrasts/complements the Jumbo. I hope I can get used to its small and size and huge neck, as I intend to play it a lot.
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