12 string acoustic to replace my 6 string

[Mike24121]

I was at the local guitar store looking for a replacement for my POS 6 string acoustic and I came across an ibanez 12 string acoustic. Before I found that I was playing some Taylors and Martins and the ibanez was almost the same quality but it wasn't $2000-3000 it was 199. My current 6 string acoustic is by far the hardest guitar I've played and I can't play half of the frets but the 12 string played like heaven. I was playing leads pretty well for never playing a 12 string before. I was wondering does anyone play a 12 string as their main acoustic or play a lot of leads on one and how they like it?

 

[phil_104]

Re: 12 string acoustic to replace my 6 string

I currently play a 12 string exclusively in my band. I have a few decent 6 strings, but the 12 I got for a steal used, and it's just a great guitar.

With that said, if I had to do it all again, and re-spend the money, I would get a good 6 string first. The 12 is really cool, because I use it for celtic rock, and it gives me that really high range almost mandolin like chime I want, but for leads and just plain old rock, I really, really miss the 6 string, and none of mine have an input for live shows. Therefore, if you were in town, you would see me searching the stores, trying to find what kind of 6 string to score in the summer.

In summary, a 12 string is a great thing to have in your arsenal, IF you have a good 6 string that is the mainstay of your stable.*

*This is a generalization, as nothing is absolute in the world of music, but it is what I have found as a gigging musician.

 

[Bludave]

Re: 12 string acoustic to replace my 6 string

Buy a Guild 12 string. There is nothing better.

Now Guilds are made in a few different qualities. The American made Guilds are expensive, but they sound like a cannon. They have double acting truss rods to counteract the excessive tension on the neck and they are made from solid woods. (about $2000)

The Chinese made Guilds are a lot more affordable. At about $800.00 they area good alternative to the American made models.

 

[phil_104]

Re: 12 string acoustic to replace my 6 string

I'd also recommend Takamine if you are looking at something important, but still quite nice.

 

[Mike24121]

Re: 12 string acoustic to replace my 6 string

I bought a 12 string today and I love it. I can't play leads as well as on my 6 strings but anything 14-15th fret up is close.

 

[Uk Ant]

Re: 12 string acoustic to replace my 6 string

As Phil says, I'd get a decent 6 string first. I almost bought a twelve string when I got a new acoustic, but I know I would have regretted it.
twelves are great, but limited.

 

[phil_104]

Re: 12 string acoustic to replace my 6 string

I bought a 12 string today and I love it. I can't play leads as well as on my 6 strings but anything 14-15th fret up is close.

Congrats bro! What did you end up getting?

As Phil says, I'd get a decent 6 string first. I almost bought a twelve string when I got a new acoustic, but I know I would have regretted it.
twelves are great, but limited.

Yeah. I mean, I've seen people pull it off. I'm doing it right now (for a short period of time). I just feel like sometimes, regardless of playability, the "fullness" of the sound is actually counter productive. Sometimes you just want that staple midrange acoustic punch with some high end definition, but not to much.

 

[Aceman]

Re: 12 string acoustic to replace my 6 string

No Ibanez is as good as a Good Taylor / Martin. However, price performance ratio can be awesome.

I got the worlds cheapest Yamaha 12 string and left in a garage in Florida in a gig bag, for like two years. It held up perfect and nearly in tune.

12 is awesome. Don't know that I'd use one for my main acoustic. It's a particular sound. Great sound....just not for everything.

Yeah - what did you get?

 

[jake_xms3_punk]

Re: 12 string acoustic to replace my 6 string

get a 12 string man! you can always string it up with only 6 strings if u get bored.

 

[Mike24121]

Re: 12 string acoustic to replace my 6 string

Congrats bro! What did you end up getting?

I got the Ibanez 12 string, it plays great but I need to put heavier strings on it. I love how after I play the 12 string when I play my les paul I feel like jesus playing it.

 

[phil_104]

Re: 12 string acoustic to replace my 6 string

I got the Ibanez 12 string, it plays great but I need to put heavier strings on it. I love how after I play the 12 string when I play my les paul I feel like jesus playing it.

I know exactly what you mean, except I feel like the devil when I pick up my LP.

 

[Mike24121]

Re: 12 string acoustic to replace my 6 string

i know exactly what you mean, except i feel like the devil when i pick up my lp.

lol