Tom Smith - Posted - 03/07/2010:  03:58:38

I found a good write up on 12-fret guitars.

lutherie.net/12-14-evolution.html

Still, I'd like to hear from some folks with personal hands on (and ears on) experience. How are they different in volume and tone from their 14-fret offspring. If I get one, It'll be for guitar flatpicked solo's and duets only. I'm mainly curious about the impact of moving the bridge further into the lower bout (seems like a good thing), and the result of the first node (or second?) occurring at exactly the point of intersection (neck and body). That also seems like it would be a good thing in a zen kinda way ... but it's all speculation on my part.

Want to hear from them what know. Thanks, Tom

flash of the gap - Posted - 03/07/2010:  04:17:35

you know tom to my shame,i never actually knew how many frets were on a guitar till i read your post, or even a banjo for that matter ,i heard of people talkin of short neck guitars and banjo,s but i just thought it was a shorter neck with all the frets squez in , after the 4th of 5th fret i lost interest because it was always outta my reach

Tom Smith - Posted - 03/07/2010:  05:17:43

I hear you. Having easy access to frets 13 and 14 is not really that important to me either. :-)

banjo_brad - Posted - 03/07/2010:  13:24:25

I've only fiddled around on other people's 14 fretters.

I started on classical guitar, and like my 000-15S Martin mahogany for my Old Time backup. Just always liked the sound of the beast.

musekatcher - Posted - 03/08/2010:  08:36:06

I got a new 12 fretter last year, and Its a hoss. I'm convinced. The shorter neck, and the lower position of the bridge must be conducive to things I like - volume, easy playing, and I can hear myself on this guitar better than any others I have. About the only drawback I can figure is a little less range if you play above the 12th.

Tom Smith - Posted - 03/08/2010:  13:53:47

Thanks Jim,
That's the answer I was hoping for.