2006-11-22 22:25:02 · 10 answers · asked by Barbie 1 in Entertainment & Music ➔ Music
I think you should maybe ask him, even though this will obviously spoil the surprise.
Musicians are really fussy about their instruments, and you don't want to buy something that isn't absolutely right.
Or maybe there's someone he plays with who would know what his dream guitar is? If so, take their advice.
Hope you find something that's just what he's looking for :-)
2006-11-22 22:30:42 · answer #1 · answered by mcfifi 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I personally like the sound that the Ovation has, especially the 12-string, but it may be a bit expensive, depends on your budget. If you go with the following brand names you will give him a gift he will appreciate: Martin, Gibson or Ovation. Expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $800 and even up to $1,200 (if you want to pay that much). The Ovation is easy to recognize for its "rounded back" and a good one can be had for $300-$400. If you can afford a good brand name I would also recommend the Martin (besides the Ovation). A musical instrument of this quality will always "impress" whoever receives it and you won't have to worry about his being happy with it. Especially if he already plays and knows guitars, he will KNOW what you just gave him. Good luck!
P.S: I own two 12-string guitars, a Guild and an Ovation, I like both but the Ovation is my favorite, bought the Guild in 1981 for about $200 and the Ovation for $480 in 1999.
Note: I respect others' opinions and when one says "consult him" I understand BUT if you truly want to surprise him, so he has no clue, the above will do the trick. Now if you have a limited budget and did not expect to pay that much (at least $300) then avoid "cheapies", on a 12-string if the neck is not well built (narrow neck and low strings/close to the frets) it will turn into a disaster and consider this: cheapies will probably cost you $200 or a bit more, why not go with an extra hundred or two and give him something he will cherish for a long time! I've had my Guild for 25 years and still love it. *smile*
2006-11-22 22:30:05 · answer #2 · answered by argeesoftware 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If it's acoustic, there is a lot more finger pressure needed to keep fret buzz to a minimum. Having said that, there's actually a lot more needed on elec. 12s too. The Rickenbackers have a very slim neck (they use the same neck for six and twelve or something very close) most 12 strings use a wider neck. I always tune my twelves down a note (tune to an open D), this makes the guitar play easier. Technically it's not really any different for all practical purposes. You do have to go for the space between the double strings instead of on top of the single string like on a six, but that's no big deal. You also have to pay a little more attention to how you are striking, plucking, or whatever the heck is is you do to them poor strings. Up strokes/plucks sound a little different than downstrokes/plucks. The extra course of strings is normally tuned an octave above the normal tuning (other six tuned normally). I love 'em!
2016-05-22 22:05:44 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Would have to agree with whats his name! Ovation are a very good buy but expensive. You'll have to ask if your husband plans to play any gigs or do any recording. If so, make sure you get one with a built in pickup and preferably a graphic equlaiser. Fender make some very good 12 string guitars, but like there electrics, the cheaper they are the worse the manufacture of them is. Other good makes are Tanglewood which are cheap enough!
2006-11-22 23:32:28 · answer #4 · answered by KC 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Guild are well respected for their 12-strings. Tim Buckley used to use one. They're not cheap but they're not the most expensive out there either. I've got a Seagull 12-string with a cedar top which is really nice. I didn't buy it new but it wouldn't have broken the bank.
2006-11-23 00:18:06 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You really do need to try and drop the question into conversation as to his preference as every musician is different and can have very specific tastes. My husband had Ovations for years but they can be awkward to play as they have a round back. He now uses Lowden and Taylor. The list really is endless. What guitar does he have at the moment?
2006-11-23 00:01:19 · answer #6 · answered by kaydee 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't know anything about guitars but I agree with mcfifi, it would be best to ask him what he wants or try to find out from him in some way. You could end up paying a lot of money for a really good guitar but if its not his choice he may not be happy with it.
2006-11-22 22:40:45 · answer #7 · answered by migelito 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Takamine - pure and simply the best acoustic sound there is.... and they are specialists in 12 string manufacture as well... Ovation 6 strings beat hell out of most others but their 12s are simply not that good.
2006-11-22 23:49:04 · answer #8 · answered by eriverpipe 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
For me I like the sound of "Gibson".
They've been around for allot of years.
2006-11-23 03:28:43 · answer #9 · answered by Old Dawg 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would go for something in G stings
2006-11-22 22:37:29 · answer #10 · answered by Andy P 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋