Martin D-12-20 - surprise!

[tadol]

So just before the holidays, I thought I had finalized the purchase of an OM 12 string from another Forum member, which is something I have been quietly looking for for a little while - don't need it, but you know how it is. Well, apparently the seller decided that after raising the price a couple times, he wasn't going to sell it - I was pretty bummed, because planning to buy this I had held off on any upgrades to my Forum guitar. Now I wish I had ordered the HB - oh well again!

SO last night I show up at my brother in laws house for our Monday night play&drink, and he has there a 1970 Martin D-12-20. He tells me that he bought it for me, ie, for me to take home and enjoy as long as I want - Wow! All I gave him was a Gretsch Showdown guitar from Overtstock!

It had been over 30 years since I've played a 12-string, and I played it until my hand cramped up. This is really sweet - it has a 12 fret neck, slothead, dread body ( a little big for me, but I'll live with it until I find my OM ), simple, and really nice sounding. It was tuned down a step, so I had to do some mental gymnastics to change the chords I was playing, but I'll run out and buy a 12 string capo in the next couple days. The sound was wonderful - open, full, rich, not "jangly" and also not over-bearing. The strings are a bit old, and a new set may give her a little more life. In a week or so I'll take all the strings off, give her a good cleaning and polish, and try restringing her - Uggh, 12 string slothead - probably the worst part of this guitar. May pay to put some coated string on so I don't have to do it again for a long time.

I'm still looking for my own Larrivee OM or maybe L 12 string, but this is really fun - and its even more fun since I could honestly tell my wife "Its not mine, I didn't buy it!" when she gave me "that look" - apparently the "maximum number of guitar cases in the living room" barrier may apply to guitars in general, and not just the ones I "buy". I said, for the time being, it is just holding a spot until my Forum gets here. Didn't win points with that argument, but it is essentially true -

Oh well - Just thought I'd share the story -

Tad - 

[ncognito]

Tad--

That's great.  I've been reading about that particular Martin 12 on the UMGF.  Some claim that it's the nicest 12 they've ever played; many of those folks prefer it to the Guild 512 which is quite a compliment.  I'm interested what you think of it once you've changed to new treated strings.  What strings will you try?  I don't know what would work best for that guitar.  For my Taylor 455, I like the Daddario EXP 80/20 Bronze lights.  You might be able to go with a heavier guage string since you've mentioned that it's recommended to tune it down.  Don't take my word for it.  Check out their board.  They have one category dedicated exclusively to 12 string discussion.  Enjoy.

         DAVE

[unclrob]

This is one of the 5 Martins that I'd love to own.The only down side is the slotted headstock.If there is no belling behind the bridge go with a set of 10's for 12 string if there is belly try Silk and Steels.

[tadol]

Thanks for the ideas - There is no bellying at all ( first thing I looked at ) and although there is some general wood movement in a few spots, it doesn't seem bad, especially for a 38 year old guitar.  I will definitely look at the UMGF and check the 12 string section out. The tuners leave a little to be desired, but they seem to work fairly well, and I can live with that.

Unclrob - "10's"? not sure what those are - maybe a model number? Never looked at sets for 12 stringers, so that is something else I will check out.

FUN FUN FUN! 

Tad

[unclrob]

Tad "10's" would refer to the high E string.In the case of a slot head I would recomend going with "bbrrrrr" Elixers they'll last longer meaning less string change's.ENJOY!!!!!!!

[Danny]

 Tad, that sounds like a nice surprise indeed, post a pic or two when you get a chance. I'd sure like to see this one.   Thanks, Danny