Author Topic: 12 fret 612 versus 12 fret 812 versus 12 fret 512  (Read 1549 times)

timacn

  • New Member
  • *
  • Posts: 1
12 fret 612 versus 12 fret 812 versus 12 fret 512
« on: January 17, 2018, 09:30:04 PM »
I am considering buying a used 12 fret 612 or a used 12 fret 812 or 512.  I like the smaller bodies and I plan on getting a "revoiced" model.

I cannot A/B these guitars because they are very hard to find.  I've listened to you tube videos and comparisons.  I love the sound of cedar tops, but

currently, the 612 is leading my a hair.  Anybody familiar with these three guitars?  Anybody have a preference or care to offer me any insights?

Thanks for your help!

Bmoney

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 51
Re: 12 fret 612 versus 12 fret 812 versus 12 fret 512
« Reply #1 on: January 18, 2018, 10:11:26 AM »
i have a 2104 mint 812e for sale if interested

i love this guitar...sweet sweet tone


Gerin

  • New Member
  • *
  • Posts: 10
Re: 12 fret 612 versus 12 fret 812 versus 12 fret 512
« Reply #2 on: January 18, 2018, 12:18:17 PM »
I currently own a regular 612 CE and can say that I have yet to hear any YouTube video represent the sound accurately.  I also own the 916 CE( Sorry best I have to compare the 612 to).  I prefer the 916 do to the fuller tone, however I will still find the tone of the 612 to extremely articulate.

Luckymud

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 55
Re: 12 fret 612 versus 12 fret 812 versus 12 fret 512
« Reply #3 on: January 18, 2018, 08:54:56 PM »
Like Bmoney, I have a guitar for sale that might be interesting to you.

Mine is a 512ce 12-fret from 2017. It is a re-voiced version of this model. It's listed in the marketplace here.

I've played the 812 and the 512 (and the 312). I played both the 14 fret cutaway and the 12 fret cutaway versions of the 800 series  and they both sounded really fantastic. Compared to the cedar top I have, they are definitely a different voice. The spruce top is louder, and has more power and top end sparkle/brightness for sure. And the 12 fret version added a lot of bass compared to the 14 fret version I played. I think the 14 fret was a little bit more articulate, and you could strum on it harder, but I definitely preferred the sound of the 12 fret.

The cedar on the 512ce 12 fret I think has a sweeter, more rounded voice to it. It's warmer in tone, and to my ear, the bass kind of blossoms and fills out the sound with a relatively long decay. It responds to the lightest touch. Seriously, you barely have to touch the strings with your fingers and it rings out.  It does have a lower ceiling for strumming than a spruce top, though. You can strum on it for sure, but if you're heavy handed, you'll likely appreciate the headroom of the spruce top.

Both the 500 and 800 series sound amazing, but they're a bit different in voice. So it depends on what you're playing it for. I can't comment on a 600 series, as I haven't played one. But aesthetically, they are my JAM.

One thing to consider when buying a 12-fret is the cutaway. If you're playing up around the 12th fret, or if you ever capo mid-neck, you may want to take that into consideration. I somewhat prefer the look of a non-cutaway. But with the 12 fretters, I'm always glad to have a cutaway, as I capo at 4 and 5 a lot. You run out of fretboard pretty fast if you move out of open chord position.
« Last Edit: January 18, 2018, 09:03:48 PM by Luckymud »

Frettingflyer

  • Veteran Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1382
Re: 12 fret 612 versus 12 fret 812 versus 12 fret 512
« Reply #4 on: January 19, 2018, 03:48:45 PM »
Like Lucky, I prefer the cutaway for functionality on the 12 fret models,fwiw. I have a 812ce 12 fret and 522ce 12 fret, both great guitars. I have only played the 614ce briefly in a store and have not played a 500 series cedar.
For me the 812 is my favorite all around guitar, and the 522 came about to complement the sound. It is too bad you can’t try first, good luck with your search and let us know what you get.
Dave
2014 Koa GS Mini-e FLTD (for the wife)
2004 314ce,
2014 custom GC Coco/Euro spruce
2015 Wildwood 812ce 12 fret
2016 522ce 12 fret
2019 K24ce BE
2021 322e
2017 Blackbird Lucky 13
2019 Mcpherson Sable