I've been shopping, looking, GASing, researching a 12-string to upgrade a 25-year-old Takamine/Jasmine 12-string acoustic/electric (Takamine es-612 - $XXXX new) from my old rock/punk band days of the late 80s/early 90s. Here's an example (attachment).
Of course the Taylors lead the pack (I am a '94 810 and '16 612ce owner). I have not played the Taylor 12 strings yet, but I presume, from reading forums, the neck is as good as any Taylor. The neck and sound are what draws me in to the Taylor guitar.
However, I have been thinking (that's dangerous), if a get a 12-string, can (would/should) I be able to string it as an 8-string or 9-string without having to buy a specific guitar for that purpose? Wouldn't a 12-string be the most versatile instrument for the extra sound we all want and allow me to 8 or 9-string it? Am I pushing the 12-string too far? Is there that much of a difference between the 12-string, the 9-string and the 8-string?
I have no hands-on experience with new 12 strings, so I thought I'd ask my friends here.
From what I've gathered, I should look for a combination of body style and woods - small and Mahogany was the answer.
Please let me know what you think (I should type "y'all" - I'm in Texas).