Brian May 12 String Guitar For Sale (Jan 2023 Update)

I missed getting a Brian May signature Red Special when it came out a few years ago, so I wanted to make sure I got one of these new tribute guitars before the limited supply dried up. Overall, I am very happy with it; it's actually a lot of guitar for one in its price range. Comes with a so-so soft gig bag, whammy bar, Allen wrenches and a lint free polishing cloth. No documentation included, but if you understand his switching configuration and use of gain and volume on a VOX tube amp, you can easily achieve authentic Red Special tones as recorded throughout Queen's history. The pickups are incredible; I can achieve "bell like" chimes and real dirty rhythms. Great Grover tuners and beautiful binding on the body. I love the thick, chunky baseball bat of a neck! My fingers are not near as long and thin as on Brian's large hands, but I love the feel and the way I'm able to perform perfect bends, slides and vibratos. The only three (very minor) negative comments I have about this guitar are, 1) cheap plastic throughout ("wavy"), 2) cheap control knobs that don't fit the pots properly (why didn't they use solid shaft pots!?) – and with poorly painted markers in red paint (just plain sloppy workmanship), and 3) I wish the back plate was subset into the body – it sticks out and just looks awful. Aside from these very MINOR complaints, this South Korean manufactured tribute guitar is a keeper, and I have been enjoying it very much. I think you will too.Commish

I wrote a review complaining about the pickups. Because there is only one volume control the pickups have to be balanced to work together by adjusting the height of each pickup so they complement each other when more than one pickup is selected. Even which side is slightly higher is important to give you the sound that you like. Upon closer inspection I found the pickups were not balanced. Far from it. After adjusting them to my tastes I'm very happy with the pickups. I apologize for the premature complaint. Over all this is a fine guitar and I highly recommend it.Rick

Please note : Be careful reading the comments. Some are VERY old and refer to a previous version of this guitar. I just got mine on May 16th. This guitar is very solidly built and the quality is great ! There are several quirks to it so although it may take a little while to get used to it, but it will be worth it. Even though it's made out of a chambered piece of mahogany, it has some nice weight to it. The neck is very fat (fatter than a '50s Les Paul) yet the scale is only 24". And the entire guitar is short but very wide (about 15"). Also, each of the 3 pickups have their own on/off switch and in/out phase switch. This gives you 24 possible choices (not including how your amp is set) to get "your" sound. The locking Grover tuners and Wilkinson vibrato work great. The adjustment screw (to set the arm tension) on the Wilkinson is hidden. You have to push down on the arm completely so that the back of the bridge rises off the body. Then you can get to the adjustment screw (on the right side under the bridge) with the included allen key. A gig bag is included but I always buy hardshell cases for all of my guitars. If you also plan on getting a hardshell case, be aware of the width.Igmar

I've looked at a number of 12-string guitars over the years, this is the one that captured my interest. A very playable and great sounding 12-string, sounds even better when played through an amp using the internal pickups.Reviewed by Absolute Music custo

Great sounding Highs, Mids and Lows. Playability is great no buzzings and strings are nice low height. Really rings out.KB

This guitar has a warm bright tone easy action and is beautiful in design. This guitar is easily a favorite to me as it allows me to speak even when Im not sure what to say. Its design makes ecen an unseasoned guitarist sound like a pro. You definately will not regret purchasing this axe.tarquill61

I needed a low action 12 string acoustic guitar that wasn't the size of a battleship. Something I could practice on at home without annoying half the neighborhood. An 'acoustic' guitar that would give me stonkloads of volume plugged in but with absolutely zero feed back even when I'm standing right in front of the monitor. It also had to sound like an acoustic guitar at any volume level. Turns out that's exactly what I got. Easy…..now I need to get a case…turns out not so easy here in the UK. Why don't dealers buy in the correct case when they order the guitar? Or is this just an ESP thing? Anyway, when a guitar is this good it is not so easy to get annoyed.Reviewed by Andertons Music Co.

Sound: A sign of a good electric guitar is how well it sounds unplugged. This 1000BV is loud, full, and sustains very well before it's even plugged in. I bought the 1000BV with EMG pickups. Most people associate EMG with metal, and yes it goes a long way in that genre but they are equally adept and great sounding for blues, jazz, rock, and clean tones. I am very happy with the tonal versatility of this guitar. Cleans are clear and full, heavy drive has the chunk you want, and in between they just growl like they should. Features: I appreciate the locking tuners and Tone Pros bridge. The tuners are ESP branded but are smooth and seem to stay in tune quite well. The TOM bridge was easy to adjust and lock back into place.Active pickups are a matter of taste. I chose EMG because I like the sound they give, and I already have another guitar with the Duncan JB's. Ease of Use: The guitar came out of the box set up perfectly to ESP specs. Having said that, ESP thinks low action is 2mm at the 12th fret for low E, and 1.5mm on the high. This is way too high for my tastes. Adjusting the truss rod, string height, and intonation was a breeze. In a world filled with Floyd Rose, you lose appreciation for how easy a TOM bridge is to work with!The neck is definitely thinner than a Les Paul, but not super thin like a Jackson or Ibanez neck. It is similar to the PRS Wide Thin carve. Very playable if shredding or legato is your thing, and equally comfortable with the thumb over style. The neck finish is matte and feels as smooth as an unpainted neck. Moving up and down the fretboard is comfortable and easy. Quality: The quality of this instrument is superb. I have gone over it with a fine tooth comb and cannot find even the slightest imperfection in fit and finish. If you were to hand this to me blindfolded, I would easily believe it to be a guitar costing twice the price. It was that good. Fret work was spectacular and on par with my American PRS CE-24. Rolled off edges, no burrs or sprouts, smooth all the way up and down the neck. Value: This guitar is a tremendous value. For a list price of $899 you get every penny worth and more. I would put this up against any American made instrument costing 2 or 3 times more. High quality name brand components installed on a beautifully constructed instrument are what this guitar is about. Manufacturer Support: I have not had to deal with ESP directly yet, but they did suspend my account from their support forum for no known reason lol That's why everyone has more than one email right 🙂 The Wow Factor: It's an unassuming looking guitar that would fit on stage playing metal or smooth jazz. It sounds amazing clean or dirty and is a great alternative for someone who loves the traditional look of a single cutaway guitar but desires a more playable neck and less heft. Overall: I had been eyeing this guitar for quite awhile. I admit that when I found out production of the 1000 series moved from Korea to Indonesia I was very disappointed. The internet is full of horror stories about instrument quality dropping after models start getting produced in different countries, especially after having a great reputation for quality at the previous factory. I wavered back and forth and had second thoughts even after ordering. Thankfully zZounds has a great return policy so I took a chance.I AM SO GLAD I DID!!!!!!!If you are looking for a solid body single cut guitar you HAVE to give the EC-1000 a look. For half the money of most other domestic single cutaways you get a great playing and great looking guitar that is just a joy to play. Build quality is absolutely top notch and on par with or better than some of the best domestic instruments I've owned over 4 decades of playing.Allan

Where do I start? I love everything about this guitar and it is my favorite that I own. If you’re looking for something that sounds very sweet and beautiful clean, this is not the guitar for you. That’s not to say that you can clean it up a bit with maybe some stereo chorus reverb or delay but as this guitar stands on its own, it truly suits one purpose for me , it is true metal madness euphoria. Not only do the pick up scream but this guitar is not only beautiful but constructed perfectly. It is the best most comfortable neck I’ve ever played and it is rocksolid!!! The satin finish on the back of the neck makes it effortless to slide up and down. I’m typically not a fan of gold on guitars but with the black matte finish it actually is pretty sharp and not too Goddy in my opinion. I am mediately replace the strings on this guitar with some nice thick ones for drop C tuning. Even with the 24.75 scale it Plays drop tuning nicely without string floppige. As long as you have the right strings on this exit is no problem. This current model has the EMG pick ups. I am seriously considering getting another EC 1000 with the Pegasus sentiment pick up combo. It’s a little heavier than I thought it would be but in a good way. This guitar is perfectly balanced and the body is definitely thinner than a Les Paul. That’s one thing I didn’t like about Les Pauls is it was thick bulky heavy and a baseball bat neck. I honestly couldn’t be more pleased with this guitar. Love the EC 1000 and the great service I always get at American musical supply. I’ll be honest, i’ve went through about half a dozen brand new guitars and returned every single one of them except for this one. I believe I am pickier than most, if I spend $1000 on a guitar I want to fall in love with it and not settle. If you like playing James Taylor and Crosby stills and Nash I suggest you look elsewhere. If you want to rip some faces off get this guitar!!!!Brett m

I bought this LTD EC-1000 after playing it at the shop for over an hour. This guitar delivers in spades the metal tone I was looking for. (I tried against Duncan Seymour version) With the right setup, it will CHUG! The chugs that is produced is so satisfying and inspirational to downstroke riffs like Papa Het for hours. Action is set at 2mm low E and 1.5mm at high E. A bit higher than I am used to but easy to get used to. This guitar is a beauty and plays and sounds great! You can't go wrong!Kalyan R.

I have had this guitar for about a month now. From the first day, I have absolutely loved this guitar. The included Seymour Duncan pick ups sounds amazing and the push/pull function gives you a nice range of voices. Everything about the build of this guitar feels amazing. The neck and the frets are smooth and well cared for, the quality of the hardware is top shelf. If you want a Les Paul, just forget about Gibson. This is what you want, of course there are many versions of this guitar, Any one of the EC-1000's are great, but the finish on this one is pretty outstanding in person.Logan C

I got the natural black color. Its a really nice looking guitar. With a different name on the head stock it would cost thousands. Sounds great, you can play any type music on it. Perfect out of the box . No setup at all needed to be done. I saved almost 200.00 with a blemish model model that was basically perfect.Ltd

This is my Long Term Review. I have had this guitar for a bit over two years now and can give a more complete picture of it. First, the good. This is a very well made guitar. Under the pros, you will notice I mentioned Good Construction. This is particularly important in a 12 string. The biggest issue with all 12's is that they tend to come apart very quickly. You will have bowing, warping, separation of glueing, etc. All this is because of the tremendous extra pressure 12's suffer. After 2+ years, this guitar is still solid as a rock, and I leave it strung all the time. So I would say construction and bracing are very good on this instrument. Along with this is the fact that it Stays In Tune. This is another major issue with all 12's. Again, that extra force tends to make them go out of tune quickly. This one holds tune very well, and that is important as tuning a 12 takes some time. As for sound, I would say Not too Bad overall, and Really Good for an budget level guitar. It is a little thin for my taste, but there are ways around that. First, throw on a set of decent strings. I prefer Martin Marquise on mine, but personal choice. Second, I like to play through an acoustic amp, and I put a Seymour Ducan Woody on mine. When adjusted correctly, I can get a really decent, full bass sound, lots of body and still keep a nice jangle expected from a 12. Will it sound like a Martin or Gibson, no, but it gives a really nice sound for such a low price. As for the negatives, very few. First, keep in mind when Epiphone says "Select Spruce Top," they really mean laminated, not solid. But I suppose there varying qualities of laminated woods as well, and this one is great – really good resonance and sustain. It could maybe do with a better set of tuners, but as said before, it holds tune exceptionally well. Overall, for the price, Epiphone makes a really nice and playable guitar. Now am just praying they come out with a Masterbilt version of it.kdw

So, what is it? Acoustic or electric? Wanting to re-learn the guitar I started to look for acoustic guitars. I’ve had Yamaha in the past, so a safe place to start now. The ‘silent’ guitar fitted the bill perfectly. I don’t annoy anyone but can play for hours. But… You will see below the ‘would I recommend it' is NO, and 'is it comfortable to play' is OKAY. Why? The NO is because you must understand what it is. I didn’t know and you can’t quite tell from the photos and videos. I thought I was buying an acoustic guitar (PMT have it in the electro-acoustic and acoustic sections). But it is not. The designer has flubbed it for the desperately simple reason of the body width. Because you create the sound with the body of an acoustic they are wide, deep. Not so here. With no need for a body it is a shallow, electric guitar depth. So when I set up in a classical guitar position, I was all wrong; far too close. The designer should have made the outer body shell deeper, AS IF it were a classic guitar depth. So, what is it? It is an electric guitar you can play 'silently’. Hence the reason why the recommendation is NO, If you want a ‘silent’ acoustic, this is not really it, unless you are happy with the electric guitar body depth. And the OKAY recommendation is there because if you are expecting a classic acoustic depth, as I was, you will be disappointed, despite the excellence of the kit. This then brings along another annoyance. Luckily, I decided upon getting a strap. Handy really, but now the lack of body means a lack of good balance. In an electric guitar the body weight ‘holds’ the guitar down, here the neck is the heaviest item and it just feels a little odd as, sometimes, I get the feeling the my left arm isn’t so free because it is forming the chords/riffs AND ALSO supporting the guitar. That is probably just me being finicky, though. Or, at least, it is my excuse why I can’t form the chords/riffs quickly enough whilst re-learning. So I am now going to get some Ernie Ball electric guitar strings, as I had on the Gibson twin, and work it as a ‘silent’ electric guitar. As noted on PMT, it has been on stage and I would be happy doing so later, if that is where I intend to go. To end on some positives, the ability to dismantle it saves some great space when transporting it in the half-size bag. The electronics in the guitar completely fool the mind into believing you have a real, live acoustic guitar in your hands. The action is superb. Overall, do I like this kit? Am I pleased? Would I change? Yes, I do like it. Yes, I am pleased. No, I wouldn’t change. I now know what it is, what I am doing with it, and where we can go together.Mr R.

After touring with a full-size acoustic guitar for so long, and having to do too many fly-dates with it, I had to either accept that at some point I was going to wind up with a case full of splinters, or find a better alternative. The silent guitar is that alternative. It plays and sounds great. Would I record with it over my good dreadnought? No, but live through a PA it sounds fantastic. The on-board effects and tuner are decent. Nothing fantastic, but do the job if needed. It loses a star, however, because the strap buttons (which also double as the top frame set-screws) tend to loosen when using a strap. I'll have to find a way to keep that from happening in the future. Otherwise, though, this is my new touring acoustic, and I will accept the small infractions while making my travel life way easier.Mikey

Okay, so it sounds great. The neck is lovely. It stays very much in tune, and it makes a terrific practice instrument when I'm out of town. But it could be so much more! The biggest flaw is that when you put a strap on it, the strap actually loosens the bolts that screw the upper bout into the unit. Using a strap will potentially make the guitar come disassemble. I could probably rig something but right now I'm giving up on playing this standing up. Also, the jack does not work will with an angled plug, particularly when standing. Even when using the straight end, the cable can readily disconnect while playing standing up (highly disconcerting). Another oddity is that –for me — the instrument isn't particularly comfortable. I'm 5'8" and of smaller build and when playing seated in the classical position (yes, that's how I learned) the upper bout's contoured edge digs into the chest. After a while, you may find yourself looking for a cloth to drape over that edge to provide cushion. The reverb effects are over-the-top and not terribly useful. The chorus is nice, but I wish I could tweak the depth/speed on it. Finally and sadly, I'm discovering it hungrily eats batteries (AA), or at any rate it signals "low-power" after only about 5-6 hours of playing. The case is okay, just large enough to accommodate the instrument but not much else. I got mine used and it was a good price. I'm glad I own this, but I'd be disappointed had I paid full price. With improvement, this could be a gigging instrument, but in this edition, it is a fun travel/practice instrument.JD Cazador

First thing that I noticed when unpacking was how much better this looked than the pictures. The gloss finish with the wood stain just looks incredible with the highly colored abalone around the sound hole. The binding isn't just black like my previous Breedlove, but I don't know how to describe it, looks amazing though. Second thing I did was change strings to my preferred D'Addario Gypsy Jazz. There was some fret buzz so I raised the action. It came with a battery, but it was dead, so replaced that. Once set up I plugged it into my amp and the guitar plays great and sounds amazing, so impressed with it overall. Only minor complaint is that the tuners stick a bit, I guess they had to save money somewhere.Neal

I ordered this 12 string from MF a few months ago. I have played an Alvarez Yairi since 1983 and my six string plays as well after 30 years than the day I bought it from St. Louis Music. I wanted a 12 string as I have only owned one in my lifetime–an Ovation I traded on a Martin six before trading for the Yairi. I have been so impressed with Alvarez that I didn't shop for anything else in a 12 string, saw this on MF and pulled the trigger knowing I could send in back. I registered it in my name day one. Alvarez is the most underrated guitar maker out there. A beautiful instrument I plan to keep and a joy to play. Thanks MF!Willis

Well, I have owned plenty of 12 string guitars in my time. Rickenbackers, Fenders, Gibsons, Peaveys, and Ovations but this is the finest of the bunch. I seriously wouldn,t replace it with any of the others that I have owned. I am a big guy, so this big jumbo feels perfect for me. The neck is just right, not too wide, the action is low enough, and tuned to D using a capo and extra light strings, it has a smooth touch and a loud enough sound, both highs and lows. It stays in tune. always a plus! The electrionics are superb and offer a fine balance of tones and volume combinations. I play mine through a Fender Acoustosonic 90 and wow. I am just blown away somtimes by the effects and possibilities with this setup. The whole instrument is a thing of beauty and I bet if you get your hands on one, you will just have to own it.12 String Paul

I purchased this guitar last year after seeing it in the "Open Box" listings. The photos were not clear but it was freight damaged in several places on the top and sides. BIG cracks. MF sold it me at cost. My guitar tech repaired the cracks which took a couple of weeks but didn't charge much for the repairs. When I finally played it after it was set up it was AMAZING. Even at the regular price point it's a steal. Blows Martins right off the stage. If buying it, like any other instrument, it needs to be professionally set up for it to play right and sound good. My tech found no other issues other than the freight damage. He agrees with me that it's an amazing instrument. If need be I would buy another without any hesitation.Sid

I plat solo with vocals in concerts, at church both solo and with a band, at sing-alongs, song-writing, jamming, Just about everywhere with and without amplification and sound modelling. I live in Pennsylvania quite near to a famous well established major acoustic guitar manufacturer. Most of my friends own guitars of that brand. But when they play my Artwood guitars they look at their CFMs with a jaundiced eye. Compared to their "auditorium" size X models my grand concert size Artwoods are equal to and in most cases superior to theirs. Both have solid sitka spruce tops chrome tuners and Fishman electronics. Mine have rosewood fretboards and bridges; theirs are made out of black plasticized paper materials called richlite and coriian. Mine have bone nuts and saddles and theirs have plastic ones. Mine have laminated mahogany WOOD back and sides; theirs have some kind of synthetic laminate material (Formica perhaps?). Mine have black and ivory perfling with mock tortoise shell bindings; theirs are unbound. Theirs were made in Mexico, where making quality stringed instruments is a 500 year long tradition; mine were made in China where quality stringed instruments have been made continuously for over three thousand years. Their guitars play well and sound good. Mine play and sound even better and cost hundreds less. QUESTION: Why pay extra Benjamins just for a name?Cat

I am a beginner (able to play only a few chords at this point). I find this guitar fairly easy to play. The neck feels good in the hand and the matte finish makes it easy to slide the fretting on the neck. The craftsmanship is very good. My only complaint is that one side of the back on my guitar is noticeably darker than the other (which is why I deducted one star). The finish looks and feels almost like smoothly sanded raw wood. Don't buy this guitar if you are wanting something flashy. Overall, I think it is a good value.Dennis

After 36 years of guitar playing, I decided I wanted a 12 string. I didn't want cheap, but I wasn't going high-end on something I thought would be for occasional use. I play in a working acoustic duo 3 nights a week and since I got this guitar in November, I'ts been played exclusively at every gig. I plug into a Fishman Loudbox Artist lined out to a small PA & cannot believe my ears. It sounds beautiful unplugged, too. I've never been a Taylor fan, but this axe has opened my eyes. Gibson has nothing in this price range & Martin's offering is made out of countertop material & sounds like rubber bands stretched over a cigar box. This will be my only 12 string but it will not be my only Taylor. My only advice is to spring for a hard case if you gig with itRichard

I was recommended to buy Taylor by 2 professional musicians. How right they were ! My guitar mentor has the unenviable task of trying to get rid of a lifetime of bad habits with my attempted playing and said – get a good guitar and then start again. So I did. For the first time ever rather than having a guitar that can be played I have one that wants to be played. Somehow notes just fall out of it. The neck is very slim across the frets and also from back to front of the fingerboard. Your hand falls into place. The strings have a low action and – best of all – stay in tune. No more endless tuning every time you get it out to play. As a newcomer to electrics I have no comments other than you plug it in, nothing screeches or howls and it sounds fabulous. A beautiful looking instrument that draws admirers who all want to have a go then say – oh, its left handed ! Even the carry bag is a quality item with detail touches like thick padding and slots to fit the machine heads. I am absolutely delighted with the Taylor.potfiller

I was intending buying a Guild but having tried a 12 string with a similar 48mm neck, I decided against it as being unplayable for me. For my hands the Taylor is just right and very playable all the way up the fretboard. I am pleased that I have it. It rings like a bell and shimmers like a 12 string should. It reminded me of the sound of the Taylor 12 string on Neil Young's Rust Never Sleeps album. It is that good. An all round excellent guitar that won't be surpassed at this price point and I would say the more you spend the only differences are likely to see are more cosmetic and not so great to the ear.Mark

So far so great. This is my second Taylor ( 2008 914ce is my other) and I really love it. I have played twelve string acoustic and electric for decades but never had an American made acoustic. Compared to my other 12 strings, Epiphone and Yamaha, this feels like playing a six string. The action is great. It is not as loud as bigger acoustics but that is a good thing because it brings out all the strings and their nuance better. It sounds great with or without amplification.ktrip

This is an amazing, high quality instrument. The guitar is easy to play for a 12 string. It's resonant and responds to picking attack very well. Digging in a bit and using my picking hand for percussion on the top is very satisfying! The top is lively and there's lots of sustain. The set up seemed almost too good to be true. This is a precision built, beautiful 12 string guitar. I'm glad I took a chance and bought it. I think it's a great value for the money.Mandolin Player

The Taylor 352CE 12 string is an awesome guitar. Well made and easy to play with great sound. If your looking for a 12 string acoustic guitar, this is the one you want.1swenson

I was worried that it would be too small to give a good tone but it sounds fantastic, the action is good and its hard to put down once you start playing.Mr P.

Pictures are no indication of this guitar. Just got mine , and I am blown away at the quality of construction and sound. The resonance is so sweet. Played through my Loud box mini is great. The Faux Tortoise Shell binding around edge and sound hole is amazing looking . I had no idea this guitar would look and sound this good. Might never buy a low priced one again. Also the tuners are great for adjusting tuning. Worth the priceSuper Duke

The second I grazed my first chord this guitar captured my heart. The warm, airy, haunting tone brought a tear to my eye when I ran the intro to I Stay Away by Alice In Chains. Upon inspection this is a well put together piece of equipment that performs as it should, and at a price that brings quality to all budgets. I was shocked at how high tech the tuners display was and showed it off to everyone I could. To everyone considering a 12 string, this is your way in to learning an incredible instrument.Zak

I will admit that I am a guitar snob. I would never imagine that a guitar of this price could look, feel, and sound so good. It definitely looks like a more expensive guitar than it is, but it also feels that way. There was only one sharp fret end. The action is consistent up the neck. The tuners are smooth and stay in tune. I did change the strings when I brought it home, and here is a weak spot. The bridge pin holes are too big for the pins, so they all are riding very low. They are secure, but it is definitely a quality control issue. The on board electronics are entry level, as you would expect. Overall, I am very pleased with this guitar, and I remain impressed that they can build a guitar with a solid spruce top, that looks and sounds like it does for this price.Fredd

It's a beautifully made guitar with a solid spruce top. Very solid feeling, and looks great! It plays easily, the neck is comfortable and straight, and the action is low; I may raise the action a little when I change strings. The sound is incredibly rich, full, and clear. It is a joy to listen to as you play it. I will keep it tuned a whole tone down, and use a capo if necessary, so as not to stress the neck, bridge, etc. I believe Mitchell guitars are made in Indonesia, not China. I am learning to find the open type chords that sound so good on a 12-string guitar. It will increase my acoustic versatility and skill. I think it will a head turner… and for the price I paid on sale… it leaves me dumbfounded. Thanks again Musician's Friend, you are a friend indeed.Niko

I have been really enjoying the OMJM. It actually feels quite similar to a shorter scale guitar, as the neck is so good. only you can properly strum it like a dreadnought if you want to, it feels great having the power and versatility to do so on a smaller bodied guitar. The neck plays great also for the bluesier things too. The sound of it is fantastic, so articulate, and it records so well, you literally don’t have to eq it in anyway, it is so balanced whereby no bass notes/treble notes over power the others even when fingerpicking. very inspiring instrumentReviewed by Project Music custom

I think this is a great guitar. It is a very specific guitar, though. Martin makes nothing else like this. It has a very similar body to the OM-28 and Clapton models, but the neck really sets the guitar apart. The lower profile neck makes it almost play like an electric guitar. I wasn't going exactly for the John Mayer tone, in buying this guitar, but it definitely factored into the purchase. What really sets the guitar apart are the specs. I loved the OM-28 V, and even liked the tone in that guitar a tiny bit more than in the OMJM, because it has a different type of bracing, but I went with the OMJM because the neck, because I couldn't live with the v neck, and the difference in tone is really negligible. I got this guitar as an impusle purchase. I was looking for guitars from the $1,000-$1,500 price range. I figured, though that in that range, especially with Martins and Taylors, I would not have ended up completely satisfied. I saw no point in buying a guitar in that range, especially, as it would be something I could see myself getting rid of after a handful of years. So, I ended up taking a risk with the OMJM and it really paid off. Everyhting quality wise that I was hoping for, and I can see myself keeping this guitar indefinitely. Moreover, just playing the guitar has inspired me and allowed me to reach a new level of playing. It is almost as if my job is to just release songs from this guitar, and they just write themselves. If you can afford it, I definitely recommend investing in this guitar. I can only look forward to it becoming more beautiful with age. The guitar comes with Martin's thinline + pickup system. I actually prefer this system for its simplicity. Though you cannot have complete tone control, all you have to do is plug and play. I have only had enough time to play one show with it, and I plugged it straight into the PA system. I was very surprised at how great the guitar sounded through the system, and found that the pickups reproduced a very accurate and clear tone. In purchasing this guitar, I was looking at a players' series model with the aurora system. Though the guitars do not compare, I was less inclined to purchase one of the players series. Though the features are great on that system, I was most nervous about out of warranty repairs. Though the thinline system in the OMJM is simple by comparrison to Taylor's ES, or the Aurora system, it won't be a huge cost to replace down the road if things go wrong with it. I also enjoy the system because the OMJM retains the look of a true acoustic, and the only thing that gives it away is the jack incorprated into the strap button. The quality on this guitar is up there with the best guitars I have ever played. Though the guitar looks stellar in pictures, you really have to see the guitar in person to appreciate the workmanship. Furthermore, the inlays and bindings are very tastefully done. They are not too flashy, and when included with the vintage toner and open gear tuners, they really make for a rich looking guitar. The guitar looks especially great in the case, as the maroon liner really complements the vintage toner and finish. The finish upon receiving the guitar was flawless and the aroma of the rosewood sides and spruce top really hit you when you first open the case. I have had the guitar for a couple of months now and that smell is still one of my favorite qualities of the guitar. Even the small things, like the pickguard which was perfectly flawlessly polished and was of a much higher quality than the printed tortoise shell pickguards of other similarly priced guitars. In terms of tone, I don't think anything beats this guitar. I am partial to rosewoods, but this guitar really sings, given that it is a narrower and smaller body. This guitar plays everything well from strumming to fingerstyle. I love how not only is the guitar loud and warm, but it gives more of a raw, masculine tone. I think a lot of people feel that you are paying for the name with this guitar, but it is based off of the OM-28 vintage, and that guitar is $3100 dollars. With the OMJM, you get not only the pickup system installed, but also higher quality inlays in the bridge pins and the paua rosette lining the soundhole. Is it worth the $200 dollar premium? More or less, yes. I was a little disappointed with the case. The black layer began to peel less than a month into owning the guitar. Also, the locking latch keeps jamming and when it pops out, the top slams back down. I don't think it is bad, but just another annoying thing. Aesthetically, it is a great case, but it has not up to the standards I was hoping for. Also, not a big fan of the "JMC" embroidered on it. Always face questions about whose initials they are.Mdn25

I both strum and fingerpick and this guitar just sings. It wasn't so out of the box, terrible action! A trip to my luthier friend and she came alive! Delivery was a bit late and nerve racking but all was good when i first opened the case… wow what a gorgeous sight and that smell… wow!David

Absolutely fantastic instrument. Great sound. A bit challenging at first to play. Great value for the price. Great service.Milton H.

My neighbor had trouble getting his Villager in tune, so I brought it home for a look. Just a weak battery in the tuner. So I used the opportunity to compare his Villager to my Applause AE35. Both have that beautiful jangly high end. The Villager has a stronger bottom end than the Applause with its lychrachord back, especially plugged in. Both have reasonable action for a 12 string, though both will give you calluses in a matter of minutes. Overall I liked the Villager for tone, and the Applause for general industuctability. I consider the Villager a reasonable, though not amazing, value in a 12 string. So I would definitely consider the Villager alongside the slightly cheaper Applause and slightly more expensive Seagull (acoustic electric).Mikey Bikey

99% of the tone of an all-solid guitar with the added durability and aesthetics of layered Koa. Should it be priced the same as the 000-13e? Debatable. Should it be judged as a "layered", "plywood" or "HPL" guitar? I don't think so. Essentially, Martin sandwiched two fine Koa veneers (not a cheap wood by any means) over a solid African mahogany core. How fine is the veneer? No idea. Does it affect the tone? Minimally. My guess is they're covering an aesthetically imperfect but otherwise perfectly fine piece of mahogany. My Koa B/S look great but I've seen others that are truly spectacular. If sustainability matters to you – this guitar hits the mark. The black tuners and headstock, black Richlite fretboard, and black pickguard contrasted against the mother-of-pearl rosette and fretboard inlays is just on another level. It's super comfortable to play, it sounds fantastic (again, a 1% difference in tone compared to the 000-13e IMO), it has added durability, and the solid spruce top will sound even better over time. I personally love the look and feel of the Richlite fretboard. The built-in tuner is super convenient. The electronics are tucked away and don't impact the look of the guitar at all. Do I wish it came with a hard case? Sure. The gig bag is great quality though. Unless you're bringing it on a plane or moving, the gig bag is more than enough protection. I originally wanted to sell it for a 000-13e (which was out of stock everywhere I went) but every time I get an offer, I can't seem to let it go. I do think it should be $100-$200 less than the 000-13e but still well worth the price, especially if you really want the Koa look. It's a keeper for me.Alex C

Owner/player of 2 1960's Martin D-18's,purchased to play in church praise band plugged in and avoid taking my vintage Martins to gigs in cold/hot weather & wild crowd extremes. Also moving to smaller guitars lately with shoulder pain issues. The KOA veneer back and sides are more beautiful than the pictures suggest up close. Love the familiar sound of the mahogany however which is the interior wood. Black tuner knobs add some nice contrast with the woods. Tremendously easy to play with nice low action/setup. Known as a fingerstyle size guitar but I'm more of a flat picker and it works great for that as well. Battery installation was a bit confusing and not clear in instructions but alas I wasn't familiar with this particular battery setup. I haven't plugged it in yet but expect it to sound great as I have some experience with Fishman pickups. Sounds like a guitar that should cost at least $1000 more. Very happy, I upgraded it to a hard shell case as I'm not a fan of gigbags but the gigbag it comes in is nicer than the usual gigbag. Highly recommended.Bill

Simply put this is a great guitar. I bought it because I also own a D18 E Retro and, with the price tag of the D18, I was always hesitant to take it out when I’d be playing a hot, humid summertime outdoor gig or something like that. The Richlite fretboard is incredibly stable, the guitar stays in tune, and the new Fishman Matrix electronics are outstanding. I actually reach for this one over the D18 the majority of the time. Price, quality, and outstanding tone … it’s all there.Jeff

Taylor is QUALITY! If you think you cant afford one, save your money until you can. You wont be sorry. This guitar sounds amazing, and stays in tune. It looks amazing too.cz105

i absolutely love this guitar. i already owned the 214cedlx. so i had a good idea what i was getting. totally worth every penny.jimmyd.2010

Hi I ordered the guitar and was told about the long delay and found that really honest and helpful, so many people nowadays don't mention the delay in advance then spend their time making excuses. When I reicieved the guitar I was very impressed, the action is perfect and I had spent lots of time worrying that I may find the action on a 12 string too much. It plays just as well as my six string acoustic and that's the best acoustic I've ever played, which is why I bought it. Overall I'm really impressed with the quality of the guitar and the service I received. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend either Richards Guitars or Godin. GrahamGraham H.

This was my 1st purchase from Richard and I am pretty sure it won’t be my last, whilst I am very much a beginner at guitar, returning after 20 years I have developed a habit for buying guitars that are somewhat inspirational to me, (well apart from my tele modern player, not my wisest purchase). I have always loved the sound of a 12 string acoustic, but was put off by the general implication they are not a good idea for beginners, however I came across a couple of YouTube reviews for the Godin A12, which suggested otherwise, one of which was Richards. I spoke with Richard fairly late one evening to enquire about stock via his live chat and he was still online which was surprising. The guitar was in stock and the order placed, each step of the process from order thru to workshop allocation, setup, testing and finally dispatch, were updated via email and on the website, the whole process took 10 days from ordering to my door step. Initial impressions were good, the guitar in its gig bag was very well packaged and arrived in perfect condition, after a quick tune up, the sound was amazing, the action is nice and low and it is considerably easier to play than I was expecting, in fact it only highlights how poor the initial setup on my tele was. Personally I have a long way to go but I definitely have an instrument that inspires me to pick it up anytime I have a few minutes to spare. If you are ever in need of a guitar and Richard stocks it then I would highly recommend Richard over some other online providers, you may not get it next day, but the wait is very much worth it. Thanks Richard, i’m one very happy customerPhillip H.

I received my Godin A6 a couple of weeks ago and I must say I am very impressed, not only with the guitar, but also the service from Richards Guitars. It arrived very well packed and ahead of the projected time. It's a little early to give a practical review of the guitar but suffice to say it's looking very promising, and will probably replace my Martin 000-28 for a lot of my gigs, especially when I'm playing in the full band. These tend to be longer than my solo gigs and a tad more frantic. One of the reasons I went for the A6 is because I have a bit of rheumatism in my thumbs and the narrower neck on the A6 helps a lot without sacrificing an acoustic guitar feel and sound. At the moment I'm experimenting with different strings. The guitar came with nickel wound but I thought I'd try some phosphor bronze which is more in keeping with my acoustics. The Jury is still out! I can certainly recommend Richards Guitars, their attention to detail and concerns over customer satisfaction are excellent.Brad B.