Which secondhand twelve string?

[S.jxo]

Hi! I’m looking at getting a secondhand twelve string; so far I’m looking at a Yamaha FG412SB approx 70s, an 80s Yamaha FG-420-12, or a 70s Fender F-55-12 with a Schaller pickup. Absolutely any tips/recommendations welcome! Thanks!

[Dad3353]

1 hour ago, S.jxo said:

Hi! I’m looking at getting a secondhand twelve string...

 

Price for price, and for equivalent condition, I'd suggest that the Fender would be the better deal. Any signs of repair, on any such guitar, would need to be fully investigated (this goes for most s/h acoustics, of course, but 12-strings have their own foibles...). Check carefully that the sound board (table...) of the guitar is nice and flat; some models have a tendency to have the bridge pull up, forming a 'belly', due to the extra tension of so many strings. To prevent this, it was a 'standard' trick to tune down one tone ('E' becomes 'D' etc...), and use a capo at the second fret to bring it back to regular 'E' tuning. It's always best to have a decent gig bag, at least, or a hard case; be aware that the extra headstock length has to be taken into account when buying a case.
Other than that, it's much like any other s/h guitar. I'd expect to pay about 300€ for those models, in good condition for their age, maybe a bit more for the Fender, but not the double. Good luck with the hunt; report back here when you find what you're after..? Hope this helps. 

[S.jxo]

On 13/12/2024 at 12:00, Dad3353 said:

 

Price for price, and for equivalent condition, I'd suggest that the Fender would be the better deal. Any signs of repair, on any such guitar, would need to be fully investigated (this goes for most s/h acoustics, of course, but 12-strings have their own foibles...). Check carefully that the sound board (table...) of the guitar is nice and flat; some models have a tendency to have the bridge pull up, forming a 'belly', due to the extra tension of so many strings. To prevent this, it was a 'standard' trick to tune down one tone ('E' becomes 'D' etc...), and use a capo at the second fret to bring it back to regular 'E' tuning. It's always best to have a decent gig bag, at least, or a hard case; be aware that the extra headstock length has to be taken into account when buying a case.
Other than that, it's much like any other s/h guitar. I'd expect to pay about 300€ for those models, in good condition for their age, maybe a bit more for the Fender, but not the double. Good luck with the hunt; report back here when you find what you're after..? Hope this helps. 

This is really helpful, thank you!

The FG412 is set at £450 which puts me off slightly and mentions a single slipping tuner.

The FG420 is set at £295 but no bag/case and just doesn’t seem to have the character of the other two.

The Fender is at £375 including a hard case. It mentions a bridge/pin change which I would be happy to consider doing. I think this is the one I am leaning towards, despite some minor surface marks.

[tauzero]

I've got an FG-420E - had it for years, it's a very nice instrument. Just waiting for new strings from Strings Direct (and waiting, and waiting...). Can't comment on the other two.

[S.jxo]

8 hours ago, tauzero said:

I've got an FG-420E - had it for years, it's a very nice instrument. Just waiting for new strings from Strings Direct (and waiting, and waiting...). Can't comment on the other two.

Ah out of interest, what strings do you recommend? That will be my next purchase! Thank you!

[tauzero]

I went for Ernie Ball phosphor bronze 9-46 (I go light as I mainly play bass and prefer lower tension on thin strings). I've had a reply from them - the Ernie Balls haven't come in on their last two orders, so I've asked to swap to D'Addario 9-45 phosphor bronze. Have had the invoice and literally just paid it. Can't remember what the strings were before, it's been stuck in an inaccessible cupboard for a few years and I've finally managed to extract it. I wouldn't use my selection as any sort of purchasing guide, TBH.