12 String Taylor...what are your preferences?

[bo1142]

I'm looking for a 12 string Taylor, but the selection of 12ers is very limited.  What is the best 12 for the money?

I'm partial to Maple, but I'm open to suggestions.

Thanks,
Boone

[Edward]

Hmmmm, "best for the money" is a highly subjective qualifier, especially since there is such a wide price delta between a 3xx and 6xx 12-string.  I've played a 354 and liked it.  Typical superior Taylor setup/playability and kills other marques' 12-ers in how easy it is to play (IME over decades of wanting a 12 but never owning one).  But that 3 could not compare to my 655's tone which was just richer and "bigger" ...duh, a jumbo compared to a GA.  So that's not really a fair comparison, is it? 

If pushed, I'd have to say the 3 series in any model is the best "bang for buck," 12-er included.  But will it be the tone you want to hear?  ...that's a diferent question altogether.

Edward

[bo1142]

True.  It really doesn't have to do with money, but I have to admit that I'd rather not break the bank on a guitar that will not see as much playing time as the others.  With that said, I also don't care for the satin finish.  I know many people love it, but I prefer an all gloss guitar. 

I guess the best way to phrase it should have been:  For general purpose strumming, which 5-8 series would be best suited?

Like I stated before, I've not had the opportunity to play many, so any input would be great.  If you could describe tone, volume, etc, that would be great!

[DennisG]

I think 12-ers tend to be very chimy anyway, so I'd go with a tone wood that delivers some bottom end.  I recently played an 856 that just knocked me out.  Gorgeous sound all across the spectrum and I much prefer the GS shape to a jumbo.

[Iplay2]

I am very surprised that Taylor doesn't offer a dread sized 12er anymore (if they ever did).  I have seen 2 that I can think of.  I know Bob built his reputation on 12 string jumbos, but I have always been a fan of a 12 string dread...call me crazy.
I don't think I have ever come across a Taylor 12 string for sale new in a shop before. 

[bo1142]

I don't think I have ever come across a Taylor 12 string for sale new in a shop before.

Thats the problem I'm having in my search.  I usually don't mind buying online, especially with a good return policy, but I would really like to play one before I take the plunge.

[DennisG]

My dealer regularly carries 3 or 4 of them, and every time I go there, I spend about 10 minutes playing them, just to get my fill so that I don't have to actually, you know, buy one.

[Iplay2]

I think 12-ers tend to be very chimy anyway, so I'd go with a tone wood that delivers some bottom end.  I recently played an 856 that just knocked me out.  Gorgeous sound all across the spectrum and I much prefer the GS shape to a jumbo.

What are the differences you find between the GS and the Jumbo?

[DennisG]

I think 12-ers tend to be very chimy anyway, so I'd go with a tone wood that delivers some bottom end.  I recently played an 856 that just knocked me out.  Gorgeous sound all across the spectrum and I much prefer the GS shape to a jumbo.

What are the differences you find between the GS and the Jumbo?

Tonally there's not that much difference, but I just find the GS size more comfortable to hold.

[Iplay2]

Tonally there's not that much difference, but I just find the GS size more comfortable to hold.

That is what I figured.  Good to know.

[Edward]

On a wall to try?? ...exactly the problem.  That someone actually has a dealer that has one Taylor 12-er, let alone more than one, is a find.

I agree with Dennis that 12s in general are chimey/jangly, and of course, Taylors even more so.  Given I prefer Taylors and their playability (especially when it comes to a 12, man what a difference!), I'd definitely go for a GS or Jumbo bod.  Wood choice?  Depends.  I owned a 655 (jumbo) and currently own a GS-sized 12,  and can definitely tell you they are both more "substantial" in bottom end and "punch" than the GA-size I had played.  Now perhaps the wood played a role there.  Maple is great: fast attack for good punchy tone, and faster decay so all those strings jangling together somehow sound "clearer" ...folks say fewer overtones with maple, to which I'd have to say is a benefit with a 12; and certainly a benefit to a stage/amp'd guitar.  But one can't deny the role a large body plays in projecting a larger voice with bigger lows ...which is particularly "better" given you've got all those additional treble strings occupying more of your sonic footprint!

But if you want a more "harmonically complex" 12er, then mahog or rw would likely suit you better ...but again, in the larger GS/jumbo bods would be my personal preference. 

BTW, there's something just so uber cool looking about a jumbo 12, and having owned one, I totally dug it.  But in terms of comfort, I have to give the nod to the GS.

Edward

[John429]

The Leo Kotte Signature Model has a unique (I think) and beautiful tone that I find mesmerizing and one is tentatively planned for my future. If you have a chance to try one, please do!

[michaelw]

I am very surprised that Taylor doesn't offer a dread sized 12er anymore (if they ever did).  I have seen 2 that I can think of.  I know Bob built his reputation on 12 string jumbos, but I have always been a fan of a 12 string dread...call me crazy.
I don't think I have ever come across a Taylor 12 string for sale new in a shop before.

they did for a while, 'back in the day'

they were designated X50

i have an 84 650, that i'm assuming was sold new in a shop at one time

there is 'something' to the older models, imho, as well as the new &
i like the '30 year' thread that you put up - nice 510, esp the tuners

i used to have  a 02 454ceLTD imbuia & i think as the body size increases,
to me, it seems to accentuate the chimey 'jangliness' & the GA size tends
to keep the balance more 'in check' (to my ear) - i'd try a 454ce ovangkol
or if you're looking strictly for gloss, a BTO might be worth considering ...

a redwood/ovangkol GA-12, with no C, no E, while keeping other options
a bit 'restrained' could be had for right in-between the 400/500 range


more legible

[markallen]

This is a great thread as I'm hoping to buy another 12 string very soon. While I never could get the hang of fingerpicking a 12, those that do it well sound incredible to me. I had a Guild JF65 that was a maple 12 string and it sounded spectacular. Unfortunately the neck was so wide and heavy I just couldn't play it for more than a few minutes before it became unbearable for me. I'm considering a GS6 style 12 string or possibly going the BTO route and getting a GS with sinker/maple.

Cheers,
Mark

[flaggerphil]

I've owned one 354 12-er, but ended up selling it because it's so difficult for me to play one (broken left wrist back in the late '70s makes it hard to play a 12 for me).  I've also played a number of X55's.  However, I think if I ever did get another 12 string, it would be a GS body.  Easier to hold than a jumbo and a deeper sound than GA.

Hmm.  I seem to remember owning a Yamaha 12 string back in the mid '70s.  It was fiendishly difficult to play and I never (at the time) got very good at tuning it.  I was in Hawaii at the time and I think I sold the thing before I went back to the Philippines in '76.  Probably just as well...