12 String with solid low end

[MB]

I've read thru the posts here that include 12 strings but did not see any that addressed the low end.
I've been looking for a 12 string that doesn't sound like it's strung with 12 "B" strings.

Does anyone have a 12 string that has a decent low end? If so, what is it?

Thank you for your help!

[MexicoMike]

I have had more 12's than I care to count none of them had what I'd call good bass.  My current one is a Taylor GS5 that has acceptable bass with the following changes:  Remove the octave E and A strings (6th and 5th string) completely, change the current E and A lights to E and A mediums.  This results in a 10 string with pretty good bass response but you can overdrive it with hard playing and the bass tends to fade in the mix.  At light/medium playing it sounds pretty darned good.  If you play plugged in, you can boost the guitar volume as necessary without having to play hard.

A Martin D12-28 that I tried when I bought the Taylor had more bass but I thought at the time that the Taylor's balance was better overall.  I'm not sure I'd feel the same way now if I had it to do over.  12 strings are tough when it comes to finding one that you could use for general performing as opposed to just using it for a couple of songs in a gig.  I don't like carrying multiple guitars so if I have a gig it's EITHER a 12 string gig or a 6 string gig.  But by removing the low octave strings, the two bass notes sound more like a 6 and the guitar becomes more generally useable IN MY OPINION.

[michaelw]

i've played a 356ce that was the sweetest, most well-balanced Taylor 12'er i've tried -
no 12 b strings there, but it wasn't super extra heavy on the bottom end either

a fall 13 rosewood 456ceFLTD would probably do pretty well -
http://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/acoustic/456ce-fltd

or, if your budget can handle it, a BTO X56 with adirondack top, adi bracing & macassar ebony back & sides

[Jersey tuning]

Try a Breedlove 12.  Well balanced, easy to play all- around guitars. People love the tone of mine--sweet, crisp, rich.  And I'm playing a lower end sitka over hog laminate.  Will be performing with it tomorrow--  haven 't decided if I'm also bringing a 6.

[MB]

Thanks for the input guys...

Mexico - that sounds like a good idea, dropping the octave strings on the E and A strings. I'll have to try that.
The Martin is probably the real deal though now that I think about it. They tend to have a bigger low end than do Taylors in general.

Michaelw - I have been looking at that 456 LTD and thinking that might be the way to go too. Wish I could play one first! Nothing around here for dealers so I'd have to do the brown truck trial deal. They had a 355 at Music Go Round today from 2003 but the frets were all sticking out on the ends and it felt really nasty. The low end wasn't much so I dismissed that one.

[michaelw]

the lksm models were strung with mediums & tuned down to C#, which were the
jumbo body size, like the 355, but with mahogany back & sides, rather than sapele -
the bracing pattern on the lksm was a bit different, but the 355 can handle mediums at C#

[fmbstrummer]

MB.  Do you have any interest in a T-5, 12 string?  I heard Marc Seals demo one at a road show a couple of years ago.  Certainly had a lot of flexibility

FMB

[Edward]

Well, my RT 12string is, frankly, amazing.  But barring that, I think the Jumbo and GS-sized Taylor 12s are very good, especially tuned a full step down (to D) strung with mediums.  Superb sound whose bass is fuller and balances the jangle very nicely, IMHO.

Edward

[eljeffe58]

I agree with Jersey.  Breedlove 12's pack a wallop.  I've had two.  One, a jumbo, and currently a concert size.  Both walnut back n sides. Both loud on the bass side. I think they are known for it.

[krugjr]

I have only owned fenders, guilds, ovations and taylor 12 strings ....I have never experienced a 12er with better sound (lows -highs), better feel or better looks than my taylor 855ce, 2009.....I am starting to gather 6 strings now and I may decide to sell the 855ce....even discussed "trade numbers" with one dealer.......boy, that would be stupid! Good luck in your search...

[Joseph]

Well... I know that the old 79 Guild F-512 that I have had the pleasure to own these last years has a ton of bottom end... but that is a given. I don't know which 12 string Ewan Dobson is playing here... but it has wonderful bottom end and he makes it sound awesome.. of course it does have a pickup in it....
http://youtu.be/g6aZydmmcws

[MexicoMike]

You can't compare instruments being played through a sound system with instruments that are not.  Unless you have the guitar in your hands to compare, you are totally at the mercy of the pickup/mic/amp/recording system being used.  Same with a recording - there is not going to be a bad sounding professional recording.  Professionals use every brand of guitar you can think of and, on the recordings, they all sound great. 

To qualify bass as "good for a 12 string" seems to be like saying "She's pretty smart for a Kardashian."  The bar is not particularly high.   

[michaelw]

You can't compare instruments being played through a sound system with instruments that are not.  Unless you have the guitar in your hands to compare, you are totally at the mercy of the pickup/mic/amp/recording system being used.  Same with a recording - there is not going to be a bad sounding professional recording.  Professionals use every brand of guitar you can think of and, on the recordings, they all sound great...

a blanket statement such as this is quite bold, imho -
i've heard professional recordings that did not sound "great" to me, which to my ear disqualifies "all"

as for the "comparison" -
for those that are recognizable & doing well financially, there's always going to be a "heckler" ...
but, who's to judge

ymmv

[MB]

the lksm models were strung with mediums & tuned down to C#, which were the
jumbo body size, like the 355, but with mahogany back & sides, rather than sapele -
the bracing pattern on the lksm was a bit different, but the 355 can handle mediums at C#

I'm not familiar with "lksm". What is that?

[MB]

MB.  Do you have any interest in a T-5, 12 string?  I heard Marc Seals demo one at a road show a couple of years ago.  Certainly had a lot of flexibility

FMB

I'm looking for an acoustic 12. If I went for a T5 it would be a 6 string. Thanks for the thought!