The 12-String Guitar You Didn't Know You Needed

[@kerrfoot]

I have had some low end models, Epiphone Texan about 50 years ago, and then a Takamine, which I still have as a backup. A couple of years ago I decided it was time to get the dream 12-string acoustic. I'm a Martin guy when it comes Steel string, but despite their incredible sound, they are often difficult to play relative to other brands, mostly, IMO, due to a relatively low fretboard radius. So the bottom line is that I bought a Guild F512E, and just love it. fairly easy to play as a 12 string goes, low action, huge low-end due to the jumbo size body, and it just chimes and chimes. I look forward to checking out more of your videos, thanks.

[@alkitzman9179]

I certainly will recommend this guitar to players looking for their first 12 string .At that price its sounds great Mark and of course your playing top level .

[@blakewilliams3702]

Great review. Glad you waited until you’d played it for several weeks. Thanks, Mark

[@jamesreardon6819]

Great review of an amazingly well thought out 12-string. Sounds like you are suffering a cold. Hope you are feeling better soon. Always enjoy your playing and enthusiasm. Rock on, Mark

[@surroundedbyjaggoffs]

Sounds and looks are great!!!

[@ffggddss]

Stop!! You're starting to make me wish I hadn't bought the previous Vangoa 12, and instead waited for this one! Seriously, thanks for another great review, demo'd with some wonderful riffs, several of which seem to be absent from your previous riff-repertoire. Speaking of which, it occurs to me that a nice addition to that repertoire might be _Southern Cross,_ by CS&N. What say? Fred

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Fred. Southern Cross sounds great on a 12 but I did extensive research (I take that back, I spent about 2 hours tooling around google) looking for any instances in which CSN used a 12 string and I Wooden Ships is the only one that I've gotten positive confirmation on (a custom made Alembic 12) but even that bit of info is missing from Alembics history page so who knows. Somebody asked me why I've never done Question or Sloop John B. I've covered both in about 5 videos each. It's starting to get a bit tricky to find ones that I haven't covered or at least referenced. The gauntlet has been thrown my friend. LOL.

[@ffggddss]

​@@8MinuteAxe Yeah, this question was in the spirit of 'songs that sound great on a 12, whether or not the original was done on a 12.' And I've actually heard Southern Cross more on a 12 than not, because I've played it more times than I've listened to the recording ;-) One neat thing about it is that you can play the bass line along with the chords, which I guess you could do on 6, it just seems more convincing on the 12. And I appreciate the gauntlet, but I'm unlikely to pick it up, because you know so many more songs than I do. Although there are a few I might stump you on. That is, until you did a little research . . . Maybe, _No Milk Today_ by Herman's Hermits (not much of a "rocker," but it has a fascinating structure to its lyrics), or _Cheryl's Goin' Home_ by Bob Lind, or _What a Girl Can't Do_ by The Hangmen, or . . . . . . in any event, hang in there, and keep crankin' out these wonderful videos!

[@NDFlyFisher]

Thanks for making this video. A very impressive guitar at a nice price. Keep giving Vangoa advice. As they took your suggestions they obviously value your input.

[@donclarkson7631]

Great sounding 12 string. I will look for one of these online and also seek out your guitar lock product thank you so much!😊

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Don. Thanks so much for checking out the video and my apologies for the delayed reply. I've been under the weather and I'm playing catch up. Vangoa really stands behind their product. For a minute, they talked about my interest in a signature guitar. I laughed. And then I thought about it and laughed harder. Why on God's green earth would anybody want...anyway, yeah, the Rok-Lok was three years of really hard work...and then I brought it to market and the work really began. But it's been the 2nd best selling strap lock on the market since its debut so fingers crossed. I really appreciate your time. I hope you have a great weekend. Mark

[@mstack1949]

Hey Mark - the reason I subscribed was because of your 12-string expertise. And it continues! While I missed your live "review", this YT review of this new Vangoa shows us yet another fine entry in a budget guitar. It sounded awesome. Great review. I wanna buy 'em all but there are no more closets or beds where I can hide them!

[@davemiller3345]

I have the older vangoa model 12 string and have really loved it, this new model sounds great . Thank you for the review.

[@bobshomewoodshop7996]

Mark: I'm sorry I missed the Premiere on Sunday. This was a great demo, as always. By the way, I purchased the RokLok a few days ago and I'm using it on my go-to guitar, a 6-string Martin. It was easy to install and works great.

[@pearl672]

This guitar looks great and sounds good. With the changes made this should make for a great 12 string beginner or otherwise. And as always great playing and video.

[@liamfirebird6922]

Awesome review. What an amazing guitar. Great playing as always Mark. Fantastic.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Liam. Much appreciated. Have a great week. Mark

[@scottbettencourt6658]

Wow that looks beautiful, solid spruce top is a nice upgrade, sounds good 👍 and those fret markers look cool too

[@javatar1900]

great sounding 12 string!

[@charlesmanthy9697]

VERY nice! I could go for that one pretty guitar all around. Vangoa is really stepping up their game with this one, thanks again Mark! Oh and for easy memory . . . Mother of Pearl is also known as "Mother of Toilet Seat", Abalone will always have color.

[@100Aces]

Love all the information, and the reviews are spot on! Thanks for test driving, so we don’t have to!

[@donaldsavage3699]

Fantastic video I would love to own a guitar like that🎸😎👍

[@CthulhuInc]

hi mark - are you ok? you sound like you have a bit of a cold? i wish you well, if you are, my friend! that guitar does sound great, but, as a canuck, by law, i can only own seagull acoustics 😉 as always, your videos are so inspirational - i have to pick up a guitar to practice every time you come out with another! love from canada! 😊

[@willyboy256]

Very nice as always Mark. You are an inspiration to so many! Cheers Mate.

[@rossgill7462]

Very well done, Mark!!! It has a great sound. Have you ever tried open D minor tuning on an acoustic 12 string? I tried it recently on my A&L Legacy 12. What a delicious melancholy sound if that makes sense.

[@petaks01]

Looks like they upgraded a lot. I promised myself that I shouldn't get the "need" for more stuff this year but there is a slight issue with that now 🤔

[@8MinuteAxe]

If it results in playing more and doesn't take food out of the mouth of your family, it's all good. :)

[@petaks01]

@@8MinuteAxe I'm used to a diet of instant noodles and water ;)

[@dh2970]

Very nice demo, thanks!!

[@jamesfrancisco3130]

Gotta say it sounds great, Mark! How is it for tuning/staying in tune compared to other 12 string acoustic-electrics? Great video, again, Mark.

[@bsaj1]

Couldn't attend live... Helping grandson to build his brio train track! Fabulous playing as ever and guitar looks very impressive. Shame we couldn't compare it to your own one just behind you... Makes comparisons easier....

[@8MinuteAxe]

confession. I did. I was running out of time and I couldn't match the video clips so I scrapped the entire part. I will definitely do one in the near future. Sorry. :)

[@onesource9527]

It's sounds a little thin, but just noticed it's plugged in so it has the typical piezo brightness. Sounds very electric. Would have liked to hear it through a mic.

[@ParanoidGoblinoid]

“The Trees” ❤❤❤

[@Mindvirus-ly5ed]

I bought a tool from stewmac for finishing frets, it's pretty easy to use. rough frets seems to be a universal issue with the entry level guitars.

[@howardstaples6666]

Lovely guitar. Awesome value.

[@freesk8]

Thanks for the review video, Mark! And I hope you sell a lot of RokLoks! I love mine! :)

[@freesk8]

Solid top and better fret end finish were two things I pointed out in my old video review of the Vangoa 12-String, too. They were wise to take your advice!

[@stevenkoehler6018]

Thanks Mark

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Steve. I got your email and I've put your name "in the hat" for the current contest. Take care and be well. Mark

[@japwis]

Mark, could you list the actual songs you are playing when you get a chance? I recognize most of them, but there were I could not recall. Thanks.

[@roberthudson9942]

Great video love the new Vangoa

[@johnhislopjr.7487]

Great videos about the 12 string! Do you tune this guitar or your other ones down a half step or more to avoid too much stress on the neck?

[@merwinjm]

Is that (model) guitar avaialble? The amazon links are for guitars not up to the spec of what you are playing.

[@dozzgio.871]

Hi. great review. I am wanting to purchase one of these for my 60th Next month. But I cannot find any online store that will ship to me in Melb, Australia. bit of a downer I recon.

[@8MinuteAxe]

This may not be helpful but one my viewers in Brisbane has been wanting a Vangoa 12 string and he told me that they just started shipping to Australia. My good friend and fellow youtuber Simon Morel is in Sydney. Tell him that I referred you to him. He will know all about what you can get down under. An early happy 60th to you. Please take care and be well. Mark

[@dozzgio.871]

@@8MinuteAxe Hi thanks for the reply. A few days ago 30th Oct I contacted them directly on their web site and ended up ordering one directly from them and they had to change the shipping to Australia just for me as it was not available. as they said they do not ship to Australia yet. and they did it specially for me so they say, as I was unable to make an order until they changed that . But only thing is I was a bit disapointed in is that they can only ship it free via SEA SHIPPING! 20 to 30 days! or Air shipping cost is about USD $140-$200. extra! sO it will arrive more than a month after my birthday! So very dissapointed in that! as I may not see it until 2025 as they are always late with delays sea shipping! Simon Morel is actually in Sydney N.S.W. Im in south east Melbourne, lower end of the map near tassie. Cheers.

[@jimriley4319]

I received this 12-string from Amazon a couple of days ago. Straight out of the box, the action was high, the frets and bridge were bone dry, and the guitar would not stay in tune after tuning it up. I gave it to my former guitar teacher for a setup, and it now plays and sounds acceptable. In all honesty, despite the upgrades that Vangoa made to this 12-string, it is a mediocre instrument, at best. I’ll probably hold onto mine for a little while, but it’s definitely not a keeper. My advice to anyone looking for a good quality first 12-string is to look elsewhere and spend a bit more money. You definitely get what you pay for. Just my two cents.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Jim. I'm so glad you let me know (and I apologize for the delay in responding, I've been under the weather). I sent your message to Vangoa. If you contact them they will do right by you. Maybe send you something comparable in price to what you spent to have it set up. They don't pay me anything and I give all the guitars away so my "endorsement" is based on the fact that vs other entry level guitars, they've been very consistent. That being said, my contact got a promotion and the woman who apparently took over contacting me decided to send me just about every guitar related thing in their product line and I got a couple of 6 string instruments with serious fret sprout and the frets were not polished at all. I think I've been giving them a shout out for entry level 12s for about 4 years and I've only had I think now 3 people tell me they had a bad experience. It doesn't mean anything. I believe you 100%. If you really like the 12-string and want something a little nicer, look for a used Taylor 150e. Very reliable and a great sounding mid priced instrument. Thanks so much for your time. Mark

[@dennisssnider]

Mark, how was the set up out of the box? Dod it require much work? Also were you using any enhancements? Sounds great btw.

[@nofanfare7426]

How's the action? It seemed OK when you played "Dead Or Alive", but without guessing you're way way way, better than me. The 12 string I have at the moment is impossible to play "Dead Or Alive". I'm considering upgrading, and if the action is good this could be a worthwhile choice. I was looking at Takamine 12's around 700/800 $'s AUD. Would this guitar you've reviewed match a Takamine at the 700/800 $'s price range?

[@MichaelDutle]

IT sounds great. Was it mic-ed or plugged in?

[@Stephen_M.]

Sounds great for a guitar at that price point!

[@Charles53412]

Sounding a little hoarse Mark, hope all is well! This one sounds very Bright unless it's the way you tuned. Great review Mark!

[@yellowcat1310]

great new vangoa. man i want one.

[@paulheart5178]

I JUST got my Vangoa 12 string 4 days ago. The frets are so jagged and sharp that the guitar is dangerous to play. Waiting to hear back from Customer Service.

[@JohnstownJohnny]

Another great one!😂🎉🤠

[@krisbeasley3446]

Do you know if they are going to release this in other finishes?

[@salvadorsepulveda6415]

For the money It sounds like a great deal 🎉

[@sandrataylor51]

Good looking and sounding guitar for that price Mark 🙂

[@MrFlapperDapper]

Sounds very "jangly" and very nice.

[@angiemccall1422]

How much is it?

[@KaptainCanuck]

Fretwires. Frets are the spaces between the fretwires.

[@sandra.wonderfulduetbull6469]

I wish your Rokloc were a darker color! 💦🎶💦🎶💦🎶💦🎶

[@kaushvaidya7429]

Review & demo-lition! 😂

[@jeffentin3428]

Don't you 12 string reviewers know any songs besides Turn Turn Turn and Tambourine Man?

[@8MinuteAxe]

I've played over 150 12-string songs on the channel. Everything from Blind Willie McTells "Stateboro Blues", Pete Seeger, Leo kottke, Ralph Towner, Bob Gibson, 12 to 15 Beatles songs, 20 Zeppelin songs, The Smiths, REM, the French Canadian 70s Prague rock band harmonium, zebra, big star, Arctic Monkeys, Arcade Fire, Ozzy comic Pink Floyd, Lead Belly call several Mexican corridos, The Who, Eagles, Genesis, yes, Cinderella, Bon Jovi, let me know what you're looking for

[@tripyhippy]

lol I know right! I never play them on mine

[@colemowry8681]

Sounds like a more expensive guitar foe sure