gvdv Posted December 28, 2010 Share Posted December 28, 2010 Does anyone here have any opinions on the Epi DR 212 acoustic 12 string? I'm looking for a 12 string that I will play occasionally, and don't really want to shell-out $400 or so, which is the amount that I'm thinking I'll have to spend to get something really decent. I know that the DR 212 is very cheap, but have read mostly wonderful reviews about the guitar (although there does seem to be an inconsistency in the quality of the instrument, with the minority of people getting a 'lemon'). I do like a low action, so if I were to buy the guitar and have to have the action lowered, would this be counter productive in terms of price? Is it worth me considering the 212 at all? Thanks, gvdv. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bloozeguy Posted December 28, 2010 Share Posted December 28, 2010 I have tried them out on occasion, and, much as I love my Epis and generally appreciate what the company tries to do, I must say this is one I'm not impressed by. IMO, you can do better for a bargain 12-string, even F****r's. Certainly several for slightly below the $400. bar you set. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gvdv Posted December 28, 2010 Author Share Posted December 28, 2010 I have tried them out on occasion, and, much as I love my Epis and generally appreciate what the company tries to do, I must say this is one I'm not impressed by. IMO, you can do better for a bargain 12-string, even F****r's. Certainly several for slightly below the $400. bar you set. Hi bloozeguy, Many thanks for your reply, and for your comments on the DR 212. I was really hoping that I could get a 12 string fairly cheaply, as it's only something that I would use once in a blue moon. Are there any recommendations that you would have within my budget range? Thanks, gvdv Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fringe Lunatic Posted December 28, 2010 Share Posted December 28, 2010 Are there any recommendations that you would have within my budget range? Take a look at Godin's offerings (Seagull/Art & Lutherie). Much lighter, more resonant and louder than the MIC poly-dipped guitars, with light lacquer finishes, and strong maple necks. IMO, best bang for the buck in that price range. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bloozeguy Posted December 28, 2010 Share Posted December 28, 2010 Hi bloozeguy, Many thanks for your reply, and for your comments on the DR 212. I was really hoping that I could get a 12 string fairly cheaply, as it's only something that I would use once in a blue moon. Are there any recommendations that you would have within my budget range? Thanks, gvdv The Godin suggestion is a good one. I also liked--nay, loved--a 12 I played from Hohner w/ solid spruce top and ovangol (prob. laminate) body, at about $340. Was going to pull the trigger on that 'un till I realized I'd only be using it for a very few numbers, and I'm not in a financial situation to buy guitars merely for recreational purposes. I'm guessing here that that's in about the price range for a 12 from one of the Godin lines--maybe A&L a bit cheaper. You could go used, too--maybe even snag an older model Epi at a decent price. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gvdv Posted December 30, 2010 Author Share Posted December 30, 2010 Thanks Fringe Lunatic and bloozeguy, I will follow up on your suggestions. gvdv. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bloozeguy Posted December 30, 2010 Share Posted December 30, 2010 Thanks Fringe Lunatic and bloozeguy, I will follow up on your suggestions. gvdv. That's what we're here for! I just checked the Hohner website, and their line has been redone. Does not have the model I described anymore (or others equally interesting), the curs! I believe it was HW90/12string, if you are still looking for it. If you're in the Middle Atlantic, I can let you know where a new one still may be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gvdv Posted December 30, 2010 Author Share Posted December 30, 2010 That's what we're here for! I just checked the Hohner website, and their line has been redone. Does not have the model I described anymore (or others equally interesting), the curs! I believe it was HW90/12string, if you are still looking for it. If you're in the Middle Atlantic, I can let you know where a new one still may be. Hi bloozeguy, Thanks for this. I'm in Canada (Toronto), and have experienced a lot of difficulty in with delivery companies, especially with stuff coming from the U.S. (which is where I presume you are), so thanks for the offer, but I think that I will continue to look locally. Pete.R, Thanks for your reply, too, but the DR 200CE is a 6 string and I'm looking for a 12 string; does that guitar also come in a 12 string version? I can't find any evidence of that. Thanks, guys. gvdv Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gvdv Posted December 31, 2010 Author Share Posted December 31, 2010 The DR 200 CE is the 6-string Cutaway Electric version, simimlar to the DR 212 version... at least I guess it is..... If you tend to Godin....you have to love that wide neck, which is 46mm (on most of them) compared to 42mm on most Epis Ah, I see where you're coming from, Pete.R.. Not sure if the DR 212 is the 12 string version of the DR 200 CE. Thanks for the tip about the Godin having a 46mm (i.e., wide) neck. I don't like wide necks, but can cope with them if the action is low, and if the neck is thin (i.e., not chunky - the Casino is a good example of what I mean by a thin neck). Will keep you posted about what I decide. gvdv Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fringe Lunatic Posted December 31, 2010 Share Posted December 31, 2010 I'm well aware that Seagull 6-strings have a wider neck than most others (although not the other Godin 6s), but I'm curious as to whether the published 1.68" nut width of the DR212 is correct, as that is the width of almost every 6-string Epiphone guitar, whereas most 12s are wider (for obvious reasons), except for a few anomalies such as Rickenbacker 12s, which some people find a bit crowded, especially those who don't have particularly thin fingertips. Is there anybody out there who owns a DR212 who could do a quick nut measurement? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fringe Lunatic Posted December 31, 2010 Share Posted December 31, 2010 The nut width of the DR212 actually is 1,75" Thanks, Pete! Doing a bit more research, it appears that it's not so much that the Godin 12-string nut width is wide (although it seems to be the widest); it's that the DR212 is on the narrow side. DR212 - 1.75"/44.45mm Godin - 1.9"/48.26mm Martin - 1.87"/47.62mm Yamaha - 1.8"/45.72 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
strumbert Posted January 3, 2011 Share Posted January 3, 2011 Take a look at Godin's offerings (Seagull/Art & Lutherie). Much lighter, more resonant and louder than the MIC poly-dipped guitars, with light lacquer finishes, and strong maple necks. IMO, best bang for the buck in that price range. If you have a GC nearby, check out the Mitchell 12 string. It has a solid top I believe, unlike the Epi. I have a mitchell 6 string, and it's a pretty decent guitar IMO. Tim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gvdv Posted January 3, 2011 Author Share Posted January 3, 2011 If you have a GC nearby, check out the Mitchell 12 string. It has a solid top I believe, unlike the Epi. I have a mitchell 6 string, and it's a pretty decent guitar IMO. Tim Thanks Tim. I had a look at some reviews of a Mitchell 12 string a while ago, and wasn't very impressed, but will take another look. Thanks once again, gvdv. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fadedepi Posted January 20, 2011 Share Posted January 20, 2011 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tartanbeastie Posted January 20, 2011 Share Posted January 20, 2011 couple of 12 string suggestions http://cgi.ebay.ca/New-Set-neck-spalted-maple-12-string-Lp-electric-guitar-/360333923840?pt=Guitar&hash=item53e5935600 http://cgi.ebay.ca/New-Takamine-Jasmine-12-string-acoustic-guitar-/110637394447?pt=Guitar&hash=item19c280aa0f http://cgi.ebay.ca/NEW-12-STRING-ACOUSTIC-ELECTRIC-CONCERT-GUITAR-EQ-TUNER-/180614644341?pt=Guitar&hash=item2a0d78c275 nice and cheap but always try out the guitar before you buy it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jer231 Posted January 29, 2011 Share Posted January 29, 2011 I bought a DR-212 at a local music store, brand new for $159.00. It was the stores demo model so it had a few small scratches on it, but it also had been set up really good. I got a new set of strings thrown in, and even changed by the owner. FOr the price I paid this was a great deal. While we were talking she told me that she has 8 more of them in the back. Here is a hint, if the first guitar doesn't seem right, then ask if they have any more in stock. Oh and check out a Greg Bennett Samick 12 string, I had one of those before but it was stolen. After all, Samick makes guitars for every major manufacturer out there. When I was looking at a 12 String, I always played 2 songs. "Give A Little Bit." and "Take It Easy." If the guitar was decent the changes were silky smooth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gvdv Posted January 30, 2011 Author Share Posted January 30, 2011 Hi Everyone, Thanks for all the suggestions. I'm still following up a few of them, and will let you know what I end up doing. Gvdv Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
efduncan Posted February 5, 2011 Share Posted February 5, 2011 If your like me, I like to have a 12 string but I don't play it as much as my 6 strings so did not want to lay out a lot of money. If your not in a hurry and have a fairly large city close, you may can pick one up used in a site like craigslist. I found a guy with a Yamaha needing money quick and ended up with a well used but very playable guitar for $70. The plastic saddle was broken but a easy repair (not sure how that happened). I have been playing it for about 4 years now and it sounds very good and stays tuned well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gvdv Posted February 6, 2011 Author Share Posted February 6, 2011 If your like me, I like to have a 12 string but I don't play it as much as my 6 strings so did not want to lay out a lot of money. If your not in a hurry and have a fairly large city close, you may can pick one up used in a site like craigslist. I found a guy with a Yamaha needing money quick and ended up with a well used but very playable guitar for $70. The plastic saddle was broken but a easy repair (not sure how that happened). I have been playing it for about 4 years now and it sounds very good and stays tuned well. Hi efduncan, Thanks for this. Yes, I regularly scour craigslist and kijiji and other sites like them for opportunities to get a good 12 string relatively cheaply. Unfortunately, I have been pipped at the post on a couple of occasions now, but I think that these sites are probably the best way to go about this. I am in a similar situation to yourself in that I would like to have a 12 string, but would not play it that often and so cannot justify to myself spending a lot of money on a 12 string. Thanks once again for the reply. Gvdv Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MickeyNJ2 Posted February 6, 2011 Share Posted February 6, 2011 Hi Gvdv, if you're not stuck on buying new - I picked up a FT-165 Bard 12 on e-bay for about $175.00 two summers ago. It's a late 70s Norlin model - I put about another $200 into it for a bone nut, saddle and setup and it plays and sounds great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wayne Posted December 18, 2011 Share Posted December 18, 2011 I played a DR-212 briefly at Best Buy yesterday. I didn't have much time, but my interest was piqued enough by it's sound and playability that I will definitely go back and try it again. Unfortunately no money in the budget even for a $199 guitar right now... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fadedepi Posted December 19, 2011 Share Posted December 19, 2011 A great guitar for $199 bucks !! Faded..... There is no rule that your first guitar can't sound and look great. The Sage™ Series features a selection of body shapes: dreadnought, grand concert, and jumbo. Several beautiful sunburst finishes combined with large, classic pickguards contribute to the Sage's understated vintage styling. In appearance, sound, and playability, the Sage™ Series, including the SGE acoustic/electric models, sets a new benchmark in entry-level guitars. MODEL: SGT122NT COMPARE THIS MODEL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brannon67 Posted December 19, 2011 Share Posted December 19, 2011 I have the Dr212, and I like it. I like you did not want to spend alot of money on a 12, since I dont play a 12 that much. The DR212 is a good guitar for the $150 I paid for it. Its not the best by far(for $150) but it gets the job done for the 2-3 songs I cover that call for a 12. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mightygor Posted December 27, 2011 Share Posted December 27, 2011 I would have to give an unqualified yes on the DR 212. I purchased mine on line last week(GC) and it arrived sturdily boxed and undamaged. Aware of the fact that I was only paying around $170 for a 12 string, I am absolutely delighted with this guitar. Out of the box, a quick tune up(factory techs had detuned about two full steps) and it was ready to play. I certainly did not get a lemon. This plays true all the way to 12th fret, action is superb and no buzzes or rattles. Finish is excellent. Of course...it doesn't have the majesty of a Martin or Taylor...but the sound springs out and is superbly clear. Mighta played "Maggie May" 20 times on xmas morning. Excellent job Epiphone! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gvdv Posted December 27, 2011 Author Share Posted December 27, 2011 Hi everyone, Many thanks for the replies. I still haven't purchased a 12 string (there's always something else like a portable multitrack to which the money seems to get diverted), but based on what has been said here, I will give the DR 212 serious consideration. Thanks, once again, gvdv. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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