Acoustic Guitar 12-string shootout featuring Guild F-412, Gibson J-45 and Eastman AC330-12E

Welcome to the 12-string shootout. As promised, I asked on the 12-string Facebook group if they’d be interested in seeing a comparison and here it is. I hope you enjoy.
Three quality 12-string guitars. I’ll only be keeping one of them. Leave a message in the comments on which you would keep and why.
Completely unedited raw audio for the sake of comparison.
Please excuse my novice playing. There are errors, especially on the Gibson flatpicking section - I apologize.
2012 Guild F-412
AAA Sitka spruce top
Arched Maple back and sides
Bound neck
Ebony fretboard with abalone and mother of pearl inlays
2021 Eastman AC330E-12
Sitka spruce top
Mahogany back and sides
Bound neck
2021 Gibson J-45 Standard 12-string
Sitka spruce top
Mahogany back and sides
Dreadnaught body

[@georgeargon5113]

Eastman, hands down. Unparalleled quality and value. A working musician's tool for the stage or studio.

[@tdw57]

You are correct. However, rosewood makes the diff in 12-strings for performance. For that, the Yamaha LL16, for $1k takes it.

[@revdrterrencemcgillicuddy4064]

This video is A+ RE: You made it long enough where I experienced an progressive and evolving clarity of the unique sound of each guitar. I really surprised myself. I initially liked the Eastman the best, but like a dark horse, the Guild snuck up from behind and won the race. The Guild had more depth and bass. I don't know if this is because it is the biggest guitar of the group? At the end of the day...Guild is hands down the King and Master of Jumbo 12-string Acoustics.

[@Xenovid]

Glad you found it useful. And I agree, Guild has definitely built the reputation of the Lord of them all.

[@jean-bernardbrault2753]

For me it was the Guild, it is all that a jumbo should be. Nice deep bass, not too much mid range and delicious high. The others were very nice too. The Eastman was very close to the Guild. Gibson makes jumbos or at least I remember that they used to make some very good ones, so I found it slightly unfair for the J-45 to face jumbos.

[@burthoppy]

I had a 1976 Guild G-312 NT. I cried for a long time when some asshole stole it. It was a Dreadnought and I am always drawn more to the rich, powerful sounds of that body style of guitar. My 6-string is a '62 Gibson Hummingbird, a square shouldered old dreadnought. I also have a black Guild G-3012, jumbo body, which is nice, but not as great a sound as the dreadnought. Lightfoot always had an old Gibson 12-string dreadnought that was forever unmatched in tone quality. Great video !!

[@stevesmith1493]

That’s all great. Which one do you prefer in here?

[@timothyahernRoxyCat]

I've listen to this three times. Its the Guild. The Guild has the best balance. The bass is the bass and the high is the high. The bass comes out best on the Guild to my ear.

[@timothyahernRoxyCat]

For me, all the way around, the Guild F-412. The bass carries more, and the vibartion seems to carry more. The Guild looks better, and I am not a big fan of the "D" style. I would have like just to hear scales from one end to the other. Like tennis rackets, guitars have sweet spots on their fretboards. Some guitars have a wider realm. I felt the Guild carried up the fretboard and down the fredboard with a more consistent sound. Or so I thought I heard that. Greet video. You put a lot of effort into that. Thank you.

[@gregorybarton-qs9qs]

Second listen.. The jumbo Guild is the best choice, then the dreadnought Guild, then the Eastman guitar . Jason Aldean plays the Guild jumbo.. that is your top choice ! Keep up the good work, diligence really pays off ! 😎

[@bmfilmnut]

The dreadnaught is a Gibson

[@andreasboose5611]

My favourite is the Gibson J45 - 12 . So warm abd bright ..reminds me to the legendary Gibson B45-12 ❤

[@leelossi1257]

Love the Guild...then Eastman....Then Gibson---- They all sounded Good

[@Xenovid]

Yeah I agree, they all sound good. What did you like most about the Guild?

[@marcozandrec]

Eu gostei muito do GUILD

[@CharlesREllis-kd7xu]

Just bought a lefty j-45 -12,i have 11 12 strings its all i play ,to my ears the Guild sounds the best probably because it is huge, thats what i started on but found them cumbersome had a d-21 and jf-30. i think Taylor makes a great 12 and i have a Larrivee and a Gibson songwriter deluxe dont forget the Carbons a CA and two emeralds .One of the more interesting one for the money is a Maestro made in Singapore it is a boutique guitar for a regular price.The moment i had my first one didn't really enjoy the sound of a six anymore, maybe my style,Im a solo performer with harmonica.Any of the three models would be fine, price point on the Eastman can't be argued with. Thx for the video.

[@audiotalk6155]

Wonderful video. Like the tone on the Eastman, would have liked to hear one of the Martins in the competition, but getting four guitars isn't always so easy to do!

[@bmfilmnut]

I love Eastman guitars and own a E20D but I've owned a Guild F212 since 1970 so I'm a bit biased but, if I had to choose, I'd go with the Guild. The Eastman would be my second choice but it's so close. They all sound great. Very tough choice.

[@rccolaandamoonpie]

The F-412 has a certain interval space between the octaves that sounds like no other. To my ear, it also has the best performing balance across the tonal spectrum.

[@garymisener9578]

I have played guitar for over 50+ years. My money is on the Guild F-412 simply because of the overall richness/quality of tone. The other two are good but they have mahogany back and sides whereas the Guild's maple back and sides just gives it a deeper dynamic range which also records better. Maybe not a fair fight but that is also why you generally see more professional musicians that play Guild 12-string guitars on stage and in the recording studio through the past years.

[@muzishian]

After listening to the audio on this video three times, I would say the Guild just edges out the Eastman for top spot. I just purchased that exact same model Eastman, but left-handed. I’ve been looking for months for a good LH acoustic 12 string and stumbled across one four hours ago on sale for $1100 from Woodstock School Of Music. I feel very lucky to have snagged the last one. Eastman no longer makes that model in a lefty. I believe it was sitting in that store for almost 4 years.

[@markbailey8252]

Cards on the table: I already own an Eastman AC330e (in ultra-rare sunburst) that I bought while I was living in China back in 2021. It had a few issues that needed resolving, but after a new nut and a thorough set-up it's a wonderful instrument that more than meets my 12-string needs (I'm a fingerstyle instrumentalist). Having said that, I have to say that I'm not sure just how much of a fair comparison we have here: here in the UK at least the Eastman is less than a third of the price of a new Gibson J45-12, and half the price of the Guild, even assuming you can find one new. There is a worry therefore that this is an exercise in comparing apples with oranges. On watching the video above, however, the Guild is the very obvious winner for me: it just has more DEPTH then the other two and a wonderful richness to the sound that makes you realise why for years Guild was the go-to brand if you wanted a top-quality 12-string acoustic. Second is the Eastman: it's toppier and a bit more strident than the Guild, lacking its fulsome mid-range, but still has a lovely, full bottom end that would sound fabulous through a decent PA system. That extra treble does wonders for clarity and note definition as well. As a fingerstylist, therefore, that would be still be the one I'd pick. By contrast, the Gibson does nothing for me, it just sounds...bland and entirely lacking in character. Given that it's by far the most expensive guitar here (as well as Gibson's notorious reputation for quality control issues), I'd have to ask what I'm paying beyond the name on the headstock, something that means absolutely zilch to me.

[@tomformanek3312]

Great review. I have a Guild D1212 all hog and it loves Martin flexible core 10-54 strings tuned down to D. Your Guild has so much depth. Lots of players get turned off by the molded, laminate back. But it works. I recently got an import Guild F250e Deluxe Blonde as a party guitar and it's a cannon with a deep tone. Same back and sides as the 12, cheaper top and no appointments. Guild knows what they are doing. Hold you nose at your own risk.

[@BI-km6dl]

Terrific video! Thanks so much for it. I have a Martin J40M, a Taylor 618 and a Taylor 912. I only say that in order to preface my thoughts and to tell you where I’m coming from. Been in the market for a 12 lately. As you probably know, finding a goood selection of mid to high end 12-strings in any music store is next to impossible. So your video is VERY APPRECIATED! Ok, for me, it was between the Guild and the Eastman. I think I like the Eastman most (and I am totally shocked!) Reverb shows a VAST price difference between the Guild and the Eastman. To my ears, the $1100 guitar made in China can stand up to the Guild at $2200 to $2500. Plus, since the Guild has had 10 years to mature, I wonder how much better the Eastman will sound in 10 years? And the Gibson is well over $3k. Again, Gibson and Guild have one heck of a legacy when it comes to acoustics but I like the Eastman just a tad more. Just one man’s truth and that truth is scaring the heck out of me! Why? Because Eastman is now on the “Serious Consideration” list and I NEVER thought that would happen.

[@Xenovid]

Glad you enjoyed it. I agree that the Eastman does punch in this weight class. I have several other Eastmans or I probably wouldn't have tried this 12-string, much less put it in a comparison video with a Guild and a Gibson. So I can totally appreciate your perspective. I've tried two different Taylor 12-strings and a Martin, but they don't seem to stack up versus these three. I'd be interested in why you liked the Guild and Eastman, with the slight edge to the Eastman. Don't be afraid to have a strong opinion. A good guitar is a good guitar! Thanks again for watching and the comment.

[@BI-km6dl]

First off, I made sure to listen to your video with high quality headphones so I could hear the nuances. I know it’s not the same as being there but what you gonna do? I guess it comes down to bang for the buck. I have nice guitars with the Brand Name to go with. I just assumed I would have to spend 2-3k for a good 12. I also assumed I’d be heading to the familiar altar of Taylor or Martin. Hearing the Eastman changes my preconceptions. I started wondering: “How much more guitar would I be getting for an extra 1-2 grand?” Too I’m asking: “Am I ready to confront my bias towards a Chinese-made guitar?” Also, since the Eastman hasn’t had the time to “mature” like the Guild, I wonder how it would stack up with a little age under its belt? How did they feel playing. Only you can comment on the resonance you felt. I’m dying to know.

[@Xenovid]

@@BI-km6dl So the Guild plays the easiest. It has the lowest nut and saddle that I've ever seen on a guitar and that gave me pause when I saw it. I'm the second owner and I was concerned about the setup because it was so low. But then I played another one around the same year at Guitar Center last year that had the identical saddle and nut, so my estimation is that this is factory specs. It's decked. And if you cut into it or even fingerpick too sternly, it will buzz on you because it's so low. So there are cons to go with the pros. It's the most easily frettable 12-string I've ever played. I did the setups myself on both the Gibson and Eastman. I took quite a bit off the saddle on both and only left a little relief in the neck, but they're not nearly as low as the Guild, which gives the Guild the edge in playability. I'll probably go a little lower if I keep the Gibson or Eastman, but I wanted to try them this way, as I know not everyone plays the 12-string the way I do, and they may prefer a higher action.

[@RynoComesAlive]

So i have wanted 12 string for a long time, and i got one used EKO 12 string 40years old and was ok but i could play live only 1 song and after i had to tune it and it took forever.. So my chase on 12 continiued, i play mostly acoustic shows with j45 and it sounds killer. I have found about eastman a while ago, but never had a chance to try it.. So long story short you've convinced me to get eastman and this is proper way to record and showcase guitars, I play guitar for many years and i know when i find something that blows my mind. Can't wait to get my hands on it and play it live, the seller said it has lr baggs vtc inside, same as my j45 💪 thank you for lovely review I would not get it if i could not hear clear resonance without a lot of compression.. You rock man 😁 so obivously gibby and guild are cannons and for a reason, but eastman sounds just as good as a gibson well almost it has it's own voice and i like that.. I will play it with fire, thank you sir!

[@Calatriste54]

The Guild, then Gibson, then Eastman. Any would be lovely additions to my home..

[@raydunn9435]

I'm sticking with my Gibson J185 12 string in flame maple with AAA sitka top. But, all of those guitars are totally gorgeous! I never met a guitar I didn't like!

[@timothyahernRoxyCat]

First off, I found the slow strum with a pause very, very helpful. I could actually hear the strings. Mr. Dance-Up-And-Down the fretboard to show off skills for me doesn't really tell the guitar's story. Sound, what do the strings sound like? Slow and easy, great!

[@Xenovid]

I’m glad you found it helpful. I’ve always enjoyed Ian Meadows reviews because he plays the same, simple chords and different styles so you can go back and compare the guitars he currently reviews to the ones he’s done in the past. I even use the same mic that he does because I believe it does a great job of capturing the tones. Not everyone likes or appreciates this, but I am doing this for those who don’t have the chance to pick these up and play them side by side. Obviously it’s not the same as playing these in person but it’s at least something to go by if you’re considering one of these amazing guitars. Thanks for watching.

[@user-hj9mz9tn7j]

If you decide not to keep the Eastman, I would gladly buy it :D. Looking for a used one, pretty hard to find.

[@Xenovid]

I got lucky and got my Eastman used and it's in mint condition. Don't hesitate if you find one. They are amazing instruments.

[@muzishian]

I just bought a left-handed version of that Eastman about two hours ago to be exact. I stumbled across it on sale at Woodstock School Of Music. Apparently they had it custom-made for them and it’s been in their store for about four years. if it’s not the only one on the planet, there can’t be more than five of them that are left-handed.

[@chrisherrera3042]

The Eastman sounds best to my ears

[@craiggibson9175]

All sound great, but I would go with the Guild F412….Cos it’s a Guild 12-string.

[@Xenovid]

Yeah Guild 12-strings do have a reputation -- this one especially. And for a reason.

[@PeterSchuett]

Just by the way: Guild is owned by Yamaha these days

[@bonitoludi]

@@PeterSchuett not Yamaha. It's from Cordoba guitars, Oxnard CA

[@PeterSchuett]

@@bonitoludiYes, but Yamaha has acquired Cordoba earlier this year. So they also own Guild now

[@timothyahernRoxyCat]

Great. Thank you for playing the same song. And your skill level is great. Most guitar demos are more about the jazzy player. I just can't hear how each string sings.

[@williamtalbot9272]

I hope you kept the Eastman. The Guild sounds good to, being that it's Maple. Gott 'a say though, that Eastman is hard to beat. I'm curious to know which one you kept.

[@Xenovid]

I did end up staying with the Eastman. It wasn't an easy choice, because the Guild was amazing, but the Eastman just checked off more categories for me. It's a keeper.

[@olfoogy]

I just bought a Guild...d- 412....one of the last American made Guilds....Havin an Anthem put on it right now...caught your video by accident'''TIMING!! Cool thanks

[@davidbirk9813]

Guild still makes guitars in America.

[@steadye7461]

For me the #1 was the Guild with the Eastman as a close 2nd. Although the final decision would come down to fit n feel between the two. As far as sound, tonal ability and as with any 12-string; the sustain...how well does the chord or note carry after it's played?...Does it die out quickly or float like a feather as a breeze carries it? Also for reasons given by the others who chose the F-412; the bass, mid and high tones clarity and warmth I'm with them 100%. Keep in mind...when an acoustic guitar sounds beautiful when new or relatively new; when the woods age; how much "better" it will sound. If the price was irrelevant between the 3 played; the F-412 would have a new Forever Home!

[@BI-km6dl]

Back again. Thanks to this video I am now $1100 poorer (AND I DO NOT CARE!). I bought the Eastman and I am extremely impressed. Your video was instrumental (pun intended) in my decision. Thanks so much! Can you please consider doing a comparison of Eastman AC630 vs. a Gibson Super J200?

[@Xenovid]

I'm glad my video was helpful in making your decision and congratulations on acquiring a fantastic instrument. I know the feeling of trying to make a good decision on an instrument and while a KZbin video isn't the end-all and should always be taken with a grain of salt, it's still helpful. I don't think you could go wrong with any of these fine guitars, but I applaud your decision on this one. As for your request, unfortunately I don't have either of the guitars that you mentioned, but it sounds like you're reading my mind. My next acoustic purchase will probably be between these two. I played an Eastman AC-630 a little over a year ago and was impressed.

[@BI-km6dl]

@@Xenovid Great minds do think alike. May I ask: if and when you sell the other guitars that you don’t keep, can your KZbin subscribers have an opportunity to purchase? Another question, rather, or rather a statement: If I should unsubscribe from your channel, please know it has nothing to do with you or your content. It will be my means of keeping myself from going broke!!!

[@Xenovid]

@@BI-km6dl lol thanks for the kind words. I have sold several guitars that I've featured in my videos here. I actually sold the Gibson J-45 in this video. I'm pondering which of the Eastman and Guild that I'll keep. Again, I liked all of them, but can't keep three 12-strings lol.

[@pierreb6637]

Well done, thanks !

[@maritjansen9802]

Eastman says this guitar comes with medium 12 strings, which is way thicker than the usual lights. I am sure it will do wonders for the sound, but it will be quite tough to play I'd imagine. And when owners change the strings to regular once, it will change the sound and set up quite a bit I'd imagine? What has your experience been with this guitar over the years?

[@stevesmith1493]

I have the Guild 1512 Rosewood. The maple is a little bright for me but I think I like the Eastman in here.

[@newpinglegend9304]

I thought all the weapons sounded pretty good. I was leaning Eastman, but on two listens I can't call a winner. You have a good hookup there for these. As to the playing, I didn't hear any egregious errors, and it's hard to see, but your wrist look a little stiff to me, and everything looks like downstrokes. I'm not sure about that, but I'd advise alternate picking, always up down, up down. Loosen up the wrist and leave the tension out of your hand. There's going to be some elbow but there should be more flick-of-the-wrist type stuff. Light and loose. You'll lose the pick every once in a while to start but you get past that. I hope you'll take it as suggestions and not criticism. Thanks for the video.

[@Xenovid]

Thanks for the feedback. I'm still a novice player and I'll take every suggestion I can get! Yeah I'll be honest that the grooves in my calluses were giving me issues when playing the Gibson, so I feel like the Gibson sound could have been better.

[@YouKnowTheyExist]

Two factors are top of my thoughts for buying a 12-string. #1 = maple neck, because a mahog can snap and the structural creep over time may need truss adjustment regularly. #2 = top-nut should not be much less than 2", should be 2.125 for man hands, but 1.75 is ridiculous (and common) and only for women (even on a 6-string!). The industry goes to endless variations of looks, but they dread to add visible size to the neck at the top-nut. Sustain is going to be better with a maple neck. Why stick with mahog? Certainly many have tried maple (probably Simon & Patrick). The Eastman appears to have the biggest top-nut, and it has the deeper sound spectrum (lower resonant frequency for wah-wah generation).

[@michaelvaladez6570]

Hands down the Guild..i personally never likes Eastman but they are good.The Gibson sounds nice not for me but if i had to chose over the Eastman it would be the Gibson.The reason i like The Guild is that there built to be played..as there motto says ! I have that very one you have featured. It is loud , has clarity , a big bright balanced sound ! Big on the bass if thats you style..the mid range and high-end is perfect. Im my honest opinion the Guild is built of the highest quality standard. And if you can afford it, buy it will jold its value as well as the Gibson. Now everyone that talks about the sound of a good 12 string.. they say it sparkles, it shimmers , it has that jingle jangle..BS ! Why do i say BS because a top quality 12 string should sound like a very loud good quality 6 string...I have two Guild 12 strings and my first one is a F212..a 69 year and its a somewhat small body 12 string but its loud and sounds like good 6 string..they don't make this model anymore. my opinion that out of the three, the Guild is the wisest choice. Good luck i finding your choice I would like to know which one you pick good luck in finding one you're seeking !!! Try a Taylor... a very good quality 12 string , the neck is slim, and it plays like an electric guitar neck.. but it does not have that deep bass as a Guild. Good luck. Thank you for this post !

[@G8GTJav]

J45 for me, such a bright, crisp sound. That Guild also sounded great, especially strumming. Very rich tone. Which one did you end up keeping?

[@Xenovid]

It wasn't an easy decision, but I ended up keeping the Eastman. It just spoke to me more and that's saying something given how long it took me to find that Guild. Eastman makes a damn good instrument. I'm not saying it's the choice for every player, but it checked the most items on my list so that's what I went with. I play it often and it's just a pleasure to pick up.

[@strumminandwrenchin9162]

as an avid Gibson J45 owner, I prefer it to be in 6 string only. If I ever want a 12 string acoustic, it'll be a Guild.

[@longarinij]

Guild

[@johnwashburn3793]

You play fine. No apologies needed. I listened twice through good headphones. All sound good enough to fill the need of a 12 string. By tone, I like the Guild, Gibson and lastly Eastman. But not so much to rule any out of consideration. The Eastman is a bit more jangly, but isn't that the point of a 12?(like a Taylor at Eastman price) I would consider feel and playability, price and value. Is this a main tool,or an additional flavor to add? Are you playing solo,or in a group? Any would be fine. I would consider price and comfort...but I liked the maple.

[@johnwashburn3793]

...that being said, I imagine this will sell many Eastman 12 strings and, for the money, I might consider one myself.

[@Xenovid]

@@johnwashburn3793 Full disclosure, I'm a big fan of Eastman. So I only play for myself in my office. I don't gig or play with a band. I think you're right -- I think I would be good with any of these, which makes the decision a tough one!

[@freshelfpie]

You may have just sold me another Eastman. I have their "beginner" level a-style Mandolin, and it's about 90% as good as my Collings, at less than a quarter of the price. This Eastman sounds 90% as good as the Guild, at less than a third of the price. Sign me up. It may even have a bit more volume / projection than the Guild!

[@billybudd45]

Man they all sound goof

[@davidleach4811]

Definately the Guild for me.... I own one myself of course....

[@davidleach4811]

The guild sounds the most chimey due likely to the maple body. The eastman sounds perfect which is great but I don't associate with 12 string play as I like a more folksy garage band sounding 12. The Gibson was to midrange for me in a 12 but it sounded great just the same just that the low level of chime didn't work for me.

[@kravitz1999]

Gibson for the win, Guild close second. Totally different sounds though

[@ronniedurbin3295]

Eastman all the way.

[@jotwee63]

Eastman all the way 👌🏻

[@navintheyagaraj9540]

The Guild

[@user-jp6rz1nk6c]

Gibson the best

[@paxchristi2014]

Gibson sounds the best 👌

[@Xenovid]

What did you like most about the Gibson that set it apart? It was definitely the loudest of the three and you hear more midrange than you do from these two jumbos.

[@paxchristi2014]

​@Xenovid It has the best voicing of the 3. Wish you were Here sounds great on the Gibson even tho your timing was a bit fast.

[@josephrumpolo7328]

GUILD MAKES THE BEST 12 STRINGS IN THE WORLD PERIOD!!!!!

[@livingeveryday777]

Guild