Twelve String Advice

[MexicoMike]

As you noted, you can find a specific D28 that sounds a lot better than a specific D45 and visa versa, just as you can find two D28s (or two 414CE s) that sound different.  But the reality is the spec is the same as far as construction and the only difference is in the bling.  Martin have never stated/claimed that the D35/41/45 are anything but a "blinged" D28.  People that own 35s/41/45s claim differently, of course.  I would too if I owned one!

[michaelw]

As you noted, you can find a specific D28 that sounds a lot better than a specific D45 and visa versa, just as you can find two D28s (or two 414CE s) that sound different.  But the reality is the spec is the same as far as construction and the only difference is in the bling.  Martin have never stated/claimed that the D35/41/45 are anything but a "blinged" D28.  People that own 35s/41/45s claim differently, of course.  I would too if I owned one!

imho, specs don't make tone, guitars make tone, or more specifically a guitar player makes tone -
spec-wise, this guitar
http://www.elderly.com/vintage/items/20U-14670.htm
& the same year model 314 have the same woods & construction style

i had 98, 01 & 04 314 model & to my ear, the 99 XXV-GA i had, which had hardly been played
by the previous owner, had a deeper, warmer, richer, more articulate tone than any of the others -
that''s not say that the 314s i had didn't sound "good", the XXV-GA just sounded "better" to me

& no, none of these models were 12 strings, just as the D28, D45 & 414ce are not 12 strings either

again, ymmv

[BobSol]

Hi Guys
             Got a call from my local dealer to say the Spring Limited 456CE had arrived from Amsterdam and would I like to try it. Made the trip (it's within walking distance) and played it for a while. First impressions, really easy to play, more room for my fat fingers, with a "complex" sort of sound. Then I tried a 2002 355 not in great shape which I think sounded warmer but having a bigger body may have just been louder. Previous experience has proved that they all open up in time but I felt the 456CE was lacking on the lower stuff somehow. A bit confused now I suppose. Anyone seen or tried the new 800 series 12 string yet?

Bob