I got my 212 back from the shop today, most of the octave buzzing is gone, although I guess short of raising the action I'll have to live with it for now. I suppose if I go back to heavier strings with a wound octave 'A' -that's what I used for 30 years or so-it will go away.
So, I spent about 15-20 minutes on each and here's a little comparison. My opinion may change as I play them more.
First, they have the same gauge of strings, although the 212 has 80/20 and the 512 PB. The 212 is definitely a louder instrument with more sustain, although that's probably a bi-product of the loudness. I now that describing sound quality is subjective, but I would say that it has more bite than the 512. How much of that is due to 45 years of aging and being played is hard to say. I also find the neck to be more comfortable, but again, I've been playing it for 45 years so that's probably why. I'll have to measure the fingerboards, but just from playing them, the 512 seems to be a little narrower, making the strings closer. Maybe that's why it is more comfortable for fingerstyle. As I said, it's not as loud, but it has a much more jangly sound, maybe a little more balanced than the 212.
Conclusion, I am definitely going to enjoy playing them both, although at 62, I probably won't get 45 years to enjoy the 512 . I think the 212 will be my 12 of choice for more aggressive flatpicking and blues and the 512 will be for song accompaniment.
Brad
So, I spent about 15-20 minutes on each and here's a little comparison. My opinion may change as I play them more.
First, they have the same gauge of strings, although the 212 has 80/20 and the 512 PB. The 212 is definitely a louder instrument with more sustain, although that's probably a bi-product of the loudness. I now that describing sound quality is subjective, but I would say that it has more bite than the 512. How much of that is due to 45 years of aging and being played is hard to say. I also find the neck to be more comfortable, but again, I've been playing it for 45 years so that's probably why. I'll have to measure the fingerboards, but just from playing them, the 512 seems to be a little narrower, making the strings closer. Maybe that's why it is more comfortable for fingerstyle. As I said, it's not as loud, but it has a much more jangly sound, maybe a little more balanced than the 212.
Conclusion, I am definitely going to enjoy playing them both, although at 62, I probably won't get 45 years to enjoy the 512 . I think the 212 will be my 12 of choice for more aggressive flatpicking and blues and the 512 will be for song accompaniment.
Brad