Should I return this JF55-12?

[jiminy]

In my search for a 12 string keeper, I have a couple on hand - a 98 JF55-12 and a 78 F512. The JF55-12 has some top cracks... they have been repaired, but the one that concerns me is pictured below. I just got the 78 F512 back from the shop, as it needed the bridge reglued, and it is much more structurally sound than the 98. But here's the kicker - the 98 sounds better. It has a deeper voice, while the 78 is more mid rangey. They both have about the same good action, but the 98 saddle has been cut so much that the high E strings do not ring clear. I just don't know why the 98 sounds so much better than the 78. The 78 has a LOT of dust inside; could that affect the sound? I wonder if it has just not been played enough over the years to open up... could that still happen after 30 years?

It doesn't really bother me to have a guitar with cracks, I just worry about the long-term viability of the guitar. A 12 string with a crack near the bridge... as you can see, the top is bulging a bit where the crack is. Just worried that the guitar will eventually become unplayable, or suffer some MAJOR structure failure. If it didn't sound so good, it would be a nobrainer.

Thanks for any opinions or advice.

JF55-12

F512

 

[capnjuan]

Hi jiminy; no, the dust is nothing but before you decide, you might put some fresh strings on the '78 and that crack ... I don't think I'd keep the guitar without having somebody look at that pucker ... or whatever it is. I'm surprised that anybody who re-fitted the bridge would have let the guitar out of the shop like that ... or maybe the owner refused the cost estimate to fix it? Good luck!

 

[jcwu]

I'm surprised that anybody who re-fitted the bridge would have let the guitar out of the shop like that ... or maybe the owner refused the cost estimate to fix it? Good luck!

I think the F512 had the bridge refitted, but the JF55-12 is the one that has the top crack.

I agree, dust isn't your issue.

Funny thing is, my DV52's saddle has been lowered some, and the break angle on the top E and B strings are pretty low, but it still sounds good. Go figure??

 

[capnjuan]

Thank you ... I thought the problem seemed too simple ... or maybe it's me ...

 

[12 string]

I'm really not much of an expert on building and repairs, but the exact location of that crack scares me. Has the bracing inside either or both guitars been checked? The action issue concerns me also. What is the underlying problem? Is it a neck angle issue? Neck twist? Are the bridge and saddle tall enough for future tweaking? Between neck issues and belly issues this guitar seems to be exhibiting classic symptoms at the 2 most vulnerable places.

The older guitar may "wake up" if it has not been played for a long time.

There are lots of 512s and 55-12s out there; maybe it would be better to wait for one you can have full confidence in.

Keep us posted.

' Strang

 

[charliea]

That isn't right. Maybe a brace problem, or a broken bridge plate? I wouldn't be happy. On a related note, you ought to try a 412/65-12. They have a more balanced tone than the rosewood 12's, and you might prefer it.

 

[Taylor Martin Guild]

If you have the option to return the guitar, let the person that you are getting it from know that the guitar has issues and that you want to have a qualified Tech look at the guitar.
If it does need repairs, you should re-negotiate the price to help off set some of the costs for the repairs.
This guitar may have major issues such as bridge plate problems and neck angle problems.
These issues can be repaired but may be very costly.
Otherwise, walk away from this one, if you still can.

 

[jiminy]

Well, the seller agreed to extend the return period to give me enough time to get somebody to look at it. I really don't mind spending the money to fix it, just looking for some assurance that it CAN be fixed. I think that perhaps the belly rising has caused some one to cut down the saddle in order to compensate. I'm not experienced in judging these things.

I've definitely been tempted by F412/JF65's. If you remember, I was originally looking for a sunburst, and those seem much more common in maple. But since I can't find any F412/F512's to play locally, I've just been shopping Ebay, Elderly and Craigslist, and so far have just been focusing on the tried and true spruce/rosewood sound that I know I like...

I figured the shop would have put new strings on the F512, but maybe not. I'll put new sets on both and get a better comparison. Someday when I have ALL DAY to change 12-string guitars lol...

Thanks guys