Cheap (but decent) Electric 12-string

[lspan2k]

I need to add an electric 12-string to my gear. I am on a self-imposed limited budget and have been looking at several brands/models: Agile AL-2500 "Les Paul" 12-strings, Cozart Telecaster-style and then there seems to be a popular no-name band that looks a lot like a Rickenbacher. These are all under $300 (including shipping). I prefer a little wider neck with a 12-string and the Cozart is the widest, at
1-15/16', the Agile comes is at 1-25/32 and the Rick-copy comes in at 1-7/10.

All seem to be well-made, best I can tell from photos and online reviews. Anyone here had any of these, and have any feedback that may help me make a decision. All of these have 100% money-back (less shipping both ways, of course).

[Voxman]

I'm always a little wary of no-name brands. We can't get Agiles in the UK but I've never yet read anything other than good things about their tone, build quality, playability & tremendous value. I haven't heard of the Cozart but I don't think it likely you'll go far wrong with an Agile.

Only thing I'd comment on from a purely personal perspective is that I don't like the idea of a solid-body 12-string, especially with humbuckers. For me, 12 strings really benefit from that semi Rick type design to get a nice jangly 'Byrds' tone. If I was considering an electric 12-string I'd much prefer the Agile Harm 3 with its toaster style p/ups & Rick-style classic design.

http://www.rondomusic.com/cgi-rondomusi ... 661cc01f5e

I realise that at a little under $400 (from Rondo Music) this is a bit more than you were thinking of, but I honestly think the extra $89.95 (see below) would be well worth it to really enjoy & get the best from the 12-string experience.

For me the red one is the nicest Rick style colour ....and its actually the cheapest at $389.95. I like the Gold version too! You may even be able to get Rondo to shave a bit off the price and/or throw some strings in. Spec here:

http://www.rondomusic.com/harm3hc.html





Rich

[lspan2k]

Thanks for the advice. I am taking a chance on the Cozart 12-string Tele copy. It has a 14-day "buyer's remorse" period so, I'll just be out $25.00 shipping if it doesn't work out. It was between the Agile and the Cozart. The Cozart won out for two reasons: WIDE neck at nut (1-15/16) so no fat-fingering chords at the top of the neck and each string is individually intonable, with a neat double-saddle bridge. Most reviews state the build is good on these, but they arrive with no set-up at all, so I'll have a little labor initially, but I won it for $147.00! I will post a follow-up on the guitar once I get it, in case anyone else here is looking for such an instrument.

[lspan2k]

Went with a Cozart 12-string Telecaster. What a deal! $177.00 delivered with a decent padded gig bag. The guitar is actually well-put-together and came set up well, just needed the intonation tweaked. I know it can be luck of the draw with these, but I guess I won the dice roll on this one.

[Voxman]

Many congrats on your new 'baby' - as Hannibal Smith says on the A-Team - 'I love it when a plan comes together'!