Following the maxim: how many guitars does one need? One more than you currently own.
And violating the Zen maxim: the hunter who chases 2 hares will capture neither one,
I am considering purchasing a 12 string to go with my PRS 594 McCarty, Fender Telecaster (open G), Gretsch resonator, and Taylor acoustic. I’m leaning toward a Taylor 352ce (~$1200 US used), but am tempted by a semi-hollow Rickenbacker (see: Petty, Thomas).
It seems that the Taylor, with its wide at-the-nut measurement, might be best for my old fingers.
The Taylor 352ce will not disappoint you. I added a Taylor 254ce to my stable and I really enjoy the tone. The 254 has layered rosewood back and sides with a torrefied spruce top. It delivers a full rich sound. The solid sapele sides and back coupled with a sitka spruce top of the 352 should deliver an even better crisp sound. I have a sapele/spruce 6 string and the sound never ceases to amaze.
Yes, that’s tempting and on my list of desired guitars as well…
I already own a 12-string Martin (D-X2E 12) and am really, really happy with that one. Good value for the money. Can’t advice on the Taylor, though.
Only advice I would have: If you have the possibility, try to play some 12-strings in a shop before you decide. The tone and playability might be really different and it’s worth trying before buying.
I bought a Yamaha FG312 about 40 years ago, reversed the top 4 sets of strings so that it has a deeper sound. Kept it so long because I love its sound.
I would take Lisa’s advice about trying a 12 in a store to see if you like it, if you haven’t already done so.
Did you decide?
I’m also looking for a 12 string. I’ve narrowed it down to either the ESP LTD TL-12 BK or Taylor 150ce (or even possibly the Taylor 254ce Plus). Price-wise the ISP is a bit cheaper than the 150ce, but looks stunning. It looks like it’d be fun to pick up. The Taylor, on the other hand, is a Taylor: I have two 6 string Taylors and they are stunning guitars. ( Taylor 314Ce V-Class and Taylor Academy Series 12e-N). Should I stick with what I know, or is variety the spice of life? I’d love to hear from someone who plays a 12-string regularly and has some advice.
I’m the oddball in that my first “real guitar” (can’t count the $50 Hondo piece of garbage a guitar) was a 1983 Sigma by Martin DM12-5 that I own to this day and still love.
I have to agree with @Lisa_S - you both should play a few models and get the one that sings to you the most. I was at a guitar shop a couple weeks ago and played a Martin DM-28 and a Billy Strings edition DM-28. Both are Martin DM-28s but I was shocked how much better the “regular” DM-28 sounded to me.
