D-25 12 string

[fungus kahn]

Hi,
I'm in the market for a 12 string. Any thoughts on a D-25-12 spruce top, arched hog back? How does it stack up against a F112 or 212 or JF-30-12?

Thanks much for your ear.
Rob

 

[wileypickett]

I'm firmly in the "jumbo" camp when it comes to 12-strings. If the body size is not a factor for you (some people just can't get comfortable with 'em), I think it's by far the best way to go.

Years ago I owned a Guild dreadnought 12 and liked it OK -- didn't love it -- got rid of it when I got my first Taylor. I only tried a Guild jumbo 12 when one came up for sale cheap on the local craigslist.

It was a something of a revelation. (I hardly touch my Taylors these days.)

Today I have three JF-30s, an F-512 (all Westerly), and a Hoboken F-212 (which is my travel guitar -- not as good as the others, but fine when I want something to hand that I don't have to worry about something happening to).

Good luck -- let us know what you decide!

Glenn//.

 

[Scratch]

Hi Rob and welcome aboard. My opinion is merely that... nothing technical, just my opinion... I owned a D25-12 a couple of years ago. Great neckl and very smooth. I sold it because I was looking for a deeper bass response. It was the most Taylor-like of all my Guilds. I've owned and sold (too) many 12 string guitars. Martins, Taylors, and several other Guild 12 strings have come and gone. I kept the F212, JF30-12 and G312 because they are, in my opinion, the best 12ers I've ever owned. I would, someday, like to add an F112 to the collection. I wish you the best in your quest.

 

[Bobby McGee]

I have been playing both the D25-12 and JF30-12 alot lately, as I am about to record a tune with one of them (see below for samples), and am deciding which one to use. Wish I had an F-112 for comparison.

Both guitars have similar shaped necks and playability (and both are awesome).
The D25-12 has more mid tone and is louder in the mid range (mahogony, arched back etc); the JF30-12 seems to have a more balanced midrange sound and more low end (boom).

For just sitting on the couch playing, I prefer the JF30-12 for its overal tonal qualities.
For playing live I have used both; I prefer the JF30-12 if I am solo, but have used the D25-12 in a band situation where you need to cut through the mix.

I have links to recordings so you can get an idea of some of the tonal differences. You will notice that they are not extremely different, but the tonal differences are noticeable. They are recorded using 2 pencil condensor mics (modified MXL 603s) through a Pre Amp (M-Audio DMP3) into a DAW (Echo Layla), no EQ or effects. I'm sure that better recording equipment could further capture the tonal differences.

JF30-12:
http://www.lightningmp3.com/live/file.php?id=20591

D25-12
http://www.lightningmp3.com/live/file.php?id=20592


Bobby 8)

 

[MarkRobertD225]

I pm'ed you about mine, which is FS. Here's the URL http://letstalkguild.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=12580&p=131448#p131448