Need inexpensive electric 12 string

[adathead 53]

I'm looking for a decent quality electric 12 string guitar for $500 or less. Anyone have any good recommendations? The only thing I see on Ebay are the Jay Turser's. Not too sure about the quality of these. I'm not expecting a Rick for this price, but would like to find something that plays and sounds really nice. I own a Mexican Tele, an Epiphone Les Paul, and just acquired a Mexican made Deluxe Active Jazz Bass. I'm looking for something of equal quality in a 12 string. Thanks for any and all input.

Larry

[theGeek]

Here

I don't know how good it is really. Never played one but I've seen a couple.

[Whitecat]

Danelectro 12 String Black Electric Guitar with Gig Bag - eBay (item 120294352958 end time Aug-20-08 18:26:57 PDT)

Can't speak for quality, but it fits your price range! A little more research would probably be necessary.

I've seen Ira Kaplan play one of these live (but in sparkly purple!) ... not that he's the world's most renowned guitarist or anything, but his tone is good.

[kafka]

Try to find an old Ibanez Artist 12-string, the one Pat Metheny used to use. I picked one up for around $500 recently, although they sometimes go for significantly more than that. They're pretty scarce - only a few hundred made total.

[indravayu]

Haven't played one yet, but I have heard tha tthe Agile 12-strings are good for the price.

[doorknocker]

I'll second the Danelectro reissue, I absolutely love mine. For the price it's a no-brainer but it's actually a pretty well-made guitar with good tuners and a fully adjustable bridge.

It's different than a Rickenbacker 12-string, I once played a rented Tom Petty model on a recording session and dreamt about owning such a guitar ever since.

But there's nothing to complain with the Dano, I also love my Convertible and Baritone models: 3 guitars for less than what a single new standard Fender would cost and I use them constantly in the studio.

Danelectros have such a cool vibe, there's a midrange clang happening that records extremely well and is very distinctive.

[infopimpster]

Damn you all!

G.A.S. + threads like this can be dangerous, especially with Ebay

[chrispick]

Originally Posted by doorknocker

It's different than a Rickenbacker 12-string, I once played a rented Tom Petty model on a recording session and dreamt about owning such a guitar ever since.

Yeah, after doing some research for a while I went ahead and bought a Rickenbacker (360-12). It's simply THE electric 12-string sound. Well beyond the OP's current budget, assuredly, but he should be aware regarding expectations.

[theGeek]

be careful when buying Rickenbackers online. There are just as many fake Rickies as there are fake Gibsons. Also, I've noticed a few on eBay that are 5 - 6 years old selling for more than brand new ones of the exact same model. This happens more often with their basses but it will still happen with the Guitars.

[chrispick]

Originally Posted by theGeek

be careful when buying Rickenbackers online. There are just as many fake Rickies as there are fake Gibsons.

True. Buy through an authorized dealer.

Also, I've noticed a few on eBay that are 5 - 6 years old selling for more than brand new ones of the exact same model. This happens more often with their basses but it will still happen with the Guitars.

Yeah, I've noticed this too. I think, in part, this is because there can sometimes be a multi-month waiting period to buy a new Rickenbacker. The hiked price on eBay is meant to be the premium on instant availability. As to whether a buyer ought to accept such terms? Well, it's eBay.

[adathead 53]

Thanks for everyone's input. I have played the Danelectros before and thought they were decent for the money. I also looked at a Fullerton Clarksville (kind of a Gretsch copy) at my local pawn shop, but wasn't impressed enough to pay $300 for it. Since my recording rig is pretty portable (HD24) I think I'll give in and record the 12 string parts at my friend's studio. He is a vintage guitar dealer (sold me my 64 J50) and has a mid sixties 360/12 as well as a Guild Starfire 12. He doesn't loan or rent these guitars out, so I'll have to go there. And he really likes to control things, so he can be a pain. But to get that Rick sound on my recordings I guess it would be worth it. As a few of you have pointed out, that IS the sound we've all come to love and nothing else is quite gonna do it. Thanks again for everyone's input.

Larry

[Sean Sullivan]

Danelectro 12 strings rock. Can't really think of anything else in that price range that is readily available.

[nomadh]

Originally Posted by indravayu

Haven't played one yet, but I have heard tha tthe Agile 12-strings are good for the price.

As above and check rondomusic.com Sometimes they are on ebay. People are usually very impressed.

[Joe Porto]

I have a yamaha 12-string electric that plays well and is inexpensive, but I ended up putting new pickups in it.

This is it, but I paid less than that for a new one about 5 years ago (I think I paid $399 or so).