Why I prefer 12 fretters

Edit: no juice was spilled and no sofa was damaged in he making of this video!
Firstly, - This is my sting changing methodology: • Re-stringing methodolo...
12 fret guitars are the original Martin designs - from size 2 to the dreadnought. Originally based on European classic guitars, they were redesigned and refined by C F Martin and co, with new methods of strutting the tops to enable varying sizes based on the size of venue - amateur, concert, grand concert, to auditorium.
The dreadnought design originally made under protest for the Ditson company was proposed to be a dual use instrument with an interchangeable nut enabling both Hawaiian and "Spanish" style playing. They we not a success and the were regarded as grossly oversized. After Ditson closed down during the depression Martin decided to try them under thoer own name in 1931 - the D1, and D2, soon after renamed the D18 and D28. Again, whilst a superb design , they were not a commercial success.
Popular music was changing and the guitar was changing from a small, rather quiet solo instrument to a rhythm instrument for ex tenor banjo players in jazz and dance bands. Gibson offered the Archtop guitar, National offered the loud but heavy resonator guitar, and Martin offered the "OM" (Orchestra Model) a squashed version of the 000 model with 14 frets exposed and a thinner fretboard (as close as feasible to a tenor banjo).They also produced a similr modified dreadnought which they also described as an "OM" but it didn't have the harsh projection of competitors and so Gibson won out. However the 14 fret Martin was a good strumming instrument for folk genres and has now become a world standard design although the original version is actually more suitable for modern more intricate styles.

[@mediation_services]

What fantastic advice! Took me 10 years to realize I really wanted a guitar that "fit" me, not just construction and sound. Thank you so for this video - and for sharing your time and insight!

[@jimib3]

The juice on the couch is making me nervous

[@robdonell9915]

Lol

[@Dissiprin]

James Berryhill 😂I concur

[@Popcorn_Kernel]

Me too

[@GoodGuysCarry]

James Berryhill 🤣

[@Ganache30]

I got juice on the couch once, and it happened to produce our first child.

[@lancevoorhees1611]

Loved your playing, hope to hear more about playing, songs, and your demos! Fun and sounded great!

[@micheljarry327]

Thank you Sir. After 55 years of playing, this “make sure the guitar fits you” case you brilliantly made may help keeping me playing a little longer.

[@SillyMoustache]

Glad to help! Thanks for watching.

[@generalpatzer6893]

Great video presentation and beautiful guitars! You blew my mind when you pulled out that Harmony 12 string! Thanks for sharing this information.

[@sundownsigns]

Fascinating. I went through a somewhat similar transition to 12 fretters about 25 years ago after decades of playing Martin Dreadnoughts. I am blessed with two Collings 000-2H guitars now plus a Martin 00-21. They suit me just fine.

[@scottyoung6311]

What a great video. I felt like I was sitting in the front room with an old friend. Best wishes to you Sir.

[@SillyMoustache]

Gosh, thanks Scott! By all means have a look at my other videos.

[@krittmoore]

Thank you for putting this video together. Enjoyed it very much!

[@dfpguitar]

as for slotted headstocks, it does greatly increase the break angle of the strings across the nut. Theoretically this would mean string vibration is transferred to the guitar body better.

[@gosman949]

but must be hell changing the strings!

[@chrisw5742]

But if you pluck the strings at that spot it is super high pitched. Will not resonate the guitar body at all. There won't be much vibration up there.

[@MindbodyMedic]

Any luthiers have any insight cause I have an Avalon with slotted headstock that rings like nothing else.

[@EKWC]

Comfortable playing makes u play more n learn more. Now I think back this is the most important thing for people who is not a professional yet. Thanks for sharing. God bless you sir.

[@brianrenenielsen923]

Thanks for this great and intuitive eyeopener.. Really interesting the alll the facts you kick in, was greatly entertainer and came out with a new view to what to try next.. Cheers from Denmark

[@lauramcflymusica]

Love to hear your guitar stories. Thanks for your advice about 12 or 14 frets, very useful to me. Cheers!

[@SillyMoustache]

My pleasure! I'm s glad that you found my ramblings of interest.

[@MrEmoor]

Great video! I have been playing 14-fret guitars for a bit but recently - December - I picked up a Martin 000-15SM and I fell in love with it. The comfort and the sound just agree with me and caused me to wonder why I had not tried a 12-fret guitar prior to this. Now I find that is my “go to” guitar, and when I play my GPCPA4R I feel like my fretting hand is hanging way out in space! I end up putting it away and grabbing my 000. Plus, I love the look of a slotted head stock! Thanks for the video and sharing all your beautiful guitars with us.

[@gosman949]

and how do you like changing strings on that slotted head stock!

[@scottmatheson2390]

Beautiful guitars S.M. The Collings do sound very full and balanced and resonant. I also appreciate your ideas concerning finding an instrument that is ergonomically ideal and doesn't cause any unnecessary discomfort. This is a subject that isn't discussed enough but certainly is a factor especially later on in life.

[@otterman7441]

Nicely done, thank you. My last acquisition recently was a Huss & Dalton 12-fret slope-shouldered dreadnought. I will say that the projection and presence of the 12-fret outdoes the rest of my 14-fret guitars. The volume is indeed a banjo killer and the sound also seems to be a bit richer than the 14-fret equivalents. The only downside is if in a jam I want to use a capo, one can't go up as far comfortably as on a 14-fret, but nonetheless, overall the sound differential is easily evident. So for us 'older' gents, the comfort is also a strong consideration.

[@PeterJohnsonWales]

Thoughtful and thought provoking - thanks. Some particularly good points about ergonomics and comfort. I have arthritis in my right shoulder that comes and goes. It can make reaching across my dreadnoughts painful. But my parlour guitar is no problem. It's not something I considered when buying it, so it was fortuitous. In future it's something I'll take into account.

[@visitur4914]

I enjoy your storytelling style, particularly the many proper nouns and specific details.

[@SillyMoustache]

Thank you Blaze, looking back on it, this was just a while after my throat cancer treatment and I was still a bit of a wreck and talking was very painful. I'm glad (hopeful) that you found it useful and intelligible.

[@3cardmonty602]

Thank you for your enlightenment. Especially with all your physical afflictions.

[@Michael4yah]

As a beginning guitarist with bad shoulders, large fingers, etc I really appreciated this video. Thanks for your efforts.

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi Mchael, I'm s gald that you foud it useful. Regards,

[@SillyMoustache]

Seems I'm not so good at spelling today ! I mean to say that I'm very glad that you found it useful! (must be my keyboard!)

[@stforgione]

thank you andy i have been with guitars for many years and i still learned something i didnt know......thanks again!!

[@everythingbobbywolfe]

This video is precisely what youtube is all about. I still enjoy many aspects of it, but this is the essence of what it used to be and what I wish it still was. Cheers to you, good sir.

[@SillyMoustache]

Wow, thank you!

[@coffeekhan]

Very nice video. Some good lessons in there for people looking to sort out their first guitar. You have some beautiful instruments there.

[@TheWhiskeyCowboyLife]

Great video! I love how you went over "you" and how "you" fit with the guitars (and they with you). I find this to be overlooked so much by folks (more so those just jumping into playing). They get what they saw someone else like and play well, but not realizing it may not "fit" them the same and thus not play as nicely. The width of the neck, shape of the neck, string spacing, body shape and how it lays on you, and on and on. It all matters.. and more than some might think. I am a big guy so thought a dreadnaught would be the guitar for me, and more so I "had" to get a Martin, But after owning and playing a dreadnaught a lot, I found that my shoulder would ache. So I kept searching and playing other guitars; and fell in love with Taylors and more specifically their "14" shape (grand auditorium). It allowed me the size of a dreadnaught but the shape dropped the guitar lower when played sitting down, eliminating the shoulder stress.. BINGO! And the neck shape was also PERFECT for me (as some guitars just make me feel like I am playing with at 2X4. I also prefer (and I didn't know I would) a 14 fret with cutaway. This allows me to get to the higher notes I DO play. What and how I play is not as I thought it would be when I started really playing the guitar. And I smiled listening to your journey into finding YOUR prefered guitar(s) and why. Cheers!

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi Whiskey, thank you for your comments and I'm glad that you found the guitar to suit you. Thanks for watching.

[@andrewreynolds2647]

Hi just came across this and thoroughly enjoyed your superb explanation on a subject I really had not even thought about. certainly has given me food for thought, well done and thank you once again for your excellent insight. cheers. Andy.

[@DLawrenceMarketing]

Thanks for the video and your articulate advice. Nice tones you get from your instruments.

[@SillyMoustache]

Thanks David,

[@arnlmndza]

I was contemplating on selling a 1918 martin parlour (that needs neck and body work) for a new acoustic but this video is convincing me to have it repaired instead :) Thanks.

[@michaellange6598]

Ivory keys?

[@TomCafiero]

Very informative... finally ordered a guitar with 47mm nut because I couldn't find anything stock, and refused to believe I was just "clunking" strings because of my lack of skill...thanks for the validation brother!

[@jgrossma]

Big advantage of a slotted headstock is that you can reach all the tuners easily with your left hand. Since I tune much more often than changing strings, for me this outweighs a possible slight increase in difficulty putting in new strings.

[@rvrwdr8623]

Nice summary. I have a 12th fret joint slotted headstock coming. Good timing on finding you. Cheers.

[@robertblackstock6866]

Thank you. That was quite helpful and much more informative than anything else I've found. I am beginning guitar and like you I have short fingers with fat flat fingertips. It felt as if you were the person I should of been talking to all along. Thanks again. Much much appreciated.

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi Robert, I'm so glad that you found it useful. It is a journey that e all have to make notonly to learn to play the things -but to find the size, and type of body and neck that best suits our hands and playing style.

[@jamespuleo3269]

Thanks for posting~~ I enjoyed that! Jim, Brooklyn NYC~

[@kathie8842]

I just discovered this video and THANK YOU for all you put into it. The size of the guitar fitting a person is what I have struggled with! I will not settle for anything unless it is a 12 fret, for sure, and probably a parlor size, also. Glad you didn't spill that OJ... I was WATCHING it every time your hand went near it...

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi Katherine, Glad it was helpful! Sorry about the juice. This was made a short while after my throat cancer treatment and I have to keep drinking.

[@SillyMoustache]

Yeah, heard of them - forecasted their first single would do Ok, but I was a Stones man. Used to go see them live every Wednesday,helped Charlie in with his drums and he'd givema short lessons and homework. Mick and Keith were really kind to us little guys, tellng us abuot the blues giuys to lookout for. Never tried to sing a Beatles sing, but quite likes Sgt. Pepper.

[@denismguitar1552]

I enjoy you sharing your experiences with your guitars. I too have a strange draw to a 12 fretters. I don’t have one yet.... Thanks.

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi Denis, Some say that the 12 fret design gives a better sound than the 14 fret modification. I do not totally agree with that as I think that there ar more factors than the positioning of the bridge and the cubic capacity of te body that influence overall sound. When I began my search, it was purely about fretboard width, and before discovering my first Collings I had had a beautiful Bourgeois which had the most exquisite tonality but the 1 & 3/4" nut width and shallow profile still did not suit me. Once I'd got to know the Collings with its 1 & 13/16" nut width and 2 & 3/8" string spacing, I began to realise the other benefits of the design namely the way that my picking hand fell on the sweetspot, the overall balance of the guitar when seated and standing, and slotted headstock which allows for much easier fine tuning as the buttons for all strings fall straight into your hands without the wrist contortions that slabheads require. String changing is actually simpler for me than on slabheads although many seem concerned about it, but I have another video showing my method: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6ebknWtraqhh80. 12 fret guitars are, of course, not so suitable for the jazz players who need to chord above, say, the 7th fret. (I've got my archtops for that!) Thanks for watching, and if you can try out some 12 fretters, you might discover your "ideal" as did I.

[@richtfingers]

Interesting chat! I especially agree with your point about finding a guitar that “fits” you. And “Walk Right In” sounds great on that 12 string! But slot heads are a pain to restring, you have to be so careful not to scratch the finish with the ends of the strings as you are fitting them and winding them.

[@PhilTaylorGuitar]

Very enjoyable to watch whilst having breakfast. Regards, Phil.

[@SillyMoustache]

Thanks Phil, best to watch during breakfast - as I wouldn't want to spoil your evening meal! arf arf.

[@saxMD2008]

That was great!! Info I often wondered about and I love love love the historical perspective. Thank you:)

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi, I'm delighted that you foud it informative. I feel that this is a little aged now - I was still very ill when I made this but the points hold true. (as am I) but I'm planning another video about the development of the American acoustic guitar, so please keep watching. Thanks for your kind comments.

[@myacousticblues]

Great video! Thank you!. I love the Harmony, that was an extra bonus! I have several old Harmonys, but nothing like that one! Great info on the 12 frets. Beautiful Collins guitars. Although i don't own any, I love the slotted headstock look! Best wishes!

[@Racking40]

Outstanding! Cpmprensive and easy to understand.

[@SillyMoustache]

Thanks Jim.

[@Aljoshaaa]

Great video thnxxx for posting, that 12 string at the end sounds like a piano, awesome guitarsss

[@josephduchene5849]

Excellent video. I currently have a Martin HD-35 from 2008, but it's never felt like "my" guitar, despite being beautiful and sounding great. I got a Larrivee parlor guitar, 12-fret, thicker neck, and love it. This video helped reaffirm my decision to look for a dread that fits me better. We have similar hand shapes and thicker/wider neck doesn't seem like the intuitive choice, but here we are. Really great explanation

[@SillyMoustache]

I believe that it isn't about the size of the hands ,more about the thickness of the fingertips. I hve coined the phrase FFTS (fat fingertip syndrome).

[@michaelstrickand3858]

Great advice. To paraphrase, find the guitar that fits your body and desired sound. Takes some looking but we can eventually find it! Thank you, Andy!

[@davidrivas5740]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and concerns Mr. Silly Moustache. This is truly a lovely video. I hope this message finds you doing well. Merry Christmas! - DSR

[@SillyMoustache]

Thanks David, considering that 12 fretters are deemed less popular than the later rhythm designs - I seem to have had a remarkable number of views on this video - which is great of course, and I'm so glad that you have found it of interest. All the best to you and yours for Christmas and 2019.

[@keithskelton5596]

Andy Very informative video Many thanks All the best for 2021

[@SillyMoustache]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@ViktorAlvar]

Lovely guitars, great information. I really enjoyed watching this!

[@SillyMoustache]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching.

[@peterstoltman8383]

You got my full attention when you mentioned Isaac Guillory. I've been a fan of his since my teenage years and he was a rocker here in the US. Too bad there isn't more recorded output or video of Isaac in his later years available. Thank you for your insights on guitars.

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi Peter, Isaac was a great talent and a real gentleman. There is an Isaac Guillory Appreciation society on Facebook and his son Easton is active on it. Easton has Isaac's ol' D35-S! Regards,

[@robinspat]

Lovely talk, many thanks, very enjoyable. Best wishes

[@user-ek1nv2yn5d]

You have shown me more in this video than any thing I have watched. You must be a teacher! Thank you so much!

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi, yes, since 2020, I havebecome a guitar,singing, and performance teacher , or, I prefer, a mentor. I use "Zoom" to offer one to one sessions - please see : kzbin.info/www/bejne/op21hpt8oL-JgKM

[@rifugioseremus5943]

So grateful for all this knowledge and wisdom you shared, I’ve had such a great time listening to you. Thank you 🙏🏼

[@JamesDonatelli]

What a great history of the development of the modern guitar. And some great common sense tips gained from experience as to what makes a guitar fit the player for comfort and ease of play.

[@SillyMoustache]

Thank you James, I have another video about seeking instruments that fit you, your hands and your style. Thanks for watching.

[@joshuabush1339]

Thank you for your advice. It helps ma think a bit differently about comfort with my small hands and stature, how I fret and stretch to reach as well as where my picking hand naturally falls. Thanks again!

[@SillyMoustache]

Glad it was helpful!

[@wildthistle535]

Very interesting discussion, thanks! FWIW, the new 2017 Martin D-28 ( I have one) neck is 1 3/4" at the nut, 2 1/8' at the 12th fret. I fond it easier to play than my 1970 Guild D-40, whose neck is a tiny bit narrower.

[@BhanteWayne1]

In this video on 12 fretters, I like your logic and methodology for choosing an instrument. I followed the same process and brought home a Takamine EF740FS-TT two days ago. Still in new guitar heaven. Thanks also for your video on changing strings on the slot-heads. I'll be using that in the next few weeks.

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi Wayne, delighted to hear, er, read! had not heard of that guitar but it seems to have a nearly 1 &7/8" nut width. I wish you every happiness with it!

[@dylanthomas7443]

Wayne would really like your feedback on the Takamine EF740 how do you compare with the Collings or Martins that you may have tried? Thanks.

[@Baci302]

What a great surprise to stumble onto your front porch, sir. Subscribed and Liked.

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi, thanks so much - I just checked and I've done over 300 videos now - so please come in and have a look around- and I'm ALWAYS delighted to get comments and/or queries. Pl.note that the videos I made from about half way through 2017 for a year - some of my speaking might be difficult to understand as I was recovering from treatment on my throat. All the best!

[@Baci302]

@@SillyMoustache Absolutely. I'm a 61 year old guitarist who is beginning to develop some arthritis in my fingers and heard that 12 frets are much easier to play. So now I'm doing a lot of research on the different 12 frets out there. I really enjoyed your video and will definitely start checking out your other vids.

[@SillyMoustache]

Thanks for watching.

[@JoelRossFilms]

Well, your influence has created a monster. I never knew I needed a 12 fret guitar until I “met” you. I just came home with a 1971 Martin D35S and a 1969 D20-12. Last week was a 2014 O-15MS and a 00-15MS. Thanks a lot Andy!

[@SillyMoustache]

My Pleasure. The D35-S was what started it all for me! Seems you've bought a job lot!

[@JoelRossFilms]

I came across a fellow whose father recently passed. He had quite a few guitars. I bought the four from him. I figured I’d give them all a test drive and then decide which to keep. Of course I have a few of my own so decisions will need to be made as to what needs to go.

[@SillyMoustache]

@@JoelRossFilms Wow! It took me years of hard searching to get my 12 fret dreads, 12 strings nd othw together - you go out once and et "the set". Well done, Of course, I'm getting old and decrepit now so I may well be falling of the twig soon, and there will be all my gear for my family to dispose of. I'm anticipating a lot of good guitars coming up for sale as we baby boomers buy the farm.

[@Oklatucky_Guitarman]

Thank you. I found you extremely informative and entertaining.

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi Adam, so glad you enjoyed it and found it useful.

[@jackd2587]

"Methodically" :) I enjoy your videos, thank you for sharing.

[@normanbuffett4642]

thank you for the history lesson. I have a 12 fret Samick OM

[@JoelBiger]

A great sound for a great player !

[@alexmcmurtrieSits]

I love your capo analogy. Spot on. Thanks SM.

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi Alex, and thanks for your comment. I confess that I haven't looked at this video for some time, and I'm a bit embarrassed at my speech back then - as I'd not long finished throat cancer treatment and speaking was very painful and difficult. However, thanks for watching.

[@alexmcmurtrieSits]

@@SillyMoustache It's great to have you around and doing well.

[@SillyMoustache]

@@alexmcmurtrieSits Thanks, I'm touched!

[@jeremyandelisha]

Wow you have some fine guitars sir and you are a wealth of insight. I bought my first 12 fret guitar (Taylor 322) simply because I love the look of a slotted headstock lol. Then like you, I had a profound realization that It also had a slightly wider nut/ string spacing and most importantly I instantly became a better guitar player (still not very good but better indeed) with cleaner chords. I have drooled over the collins and Santa Cruz 12 fretters for a while... I wish I would have bought one in the 90s like you did but I played drums in a punk band so I had no chance of making a wise decision of any kind back then. Thanks for sharing!

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi Jeremy, As you might have noted, most of my guitars are based on Martin designs, with just a couple on Giibson styles. I started playing in the mid/late '60s but only realy started acquiring this collection in the 21st century, and mostly after I retired. I also played drums in the '60s and early '70s. Thanks for watching.

[@johnlynch6248]

Good advice. Get the guitar that fits. I have small hands, also, but every time I’m in a music shop I always prefer the larger necks. Afraid to pull the trigger on one in case my hand begins to hurt later on. That Martin 000-28vs looks so tempting. Thanks and you sound very clear in your speaking.

[@SillyMoustache]

Thank you John, delighted to hear that you could understand me - as I seem to have lost some sibilance in my voice as a result of my pallet being a little deformed after cancer treatment. BTW - the two guitars are Collings versions of the pre '34 12 fret dreadnought and the 12 fret 00028. It is a beautiful and practical design, so kudos to Martin for that!

[@Bagfuld]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Great video.

[@SillyMoustache]

Thank you. I try to help.

[@wayneosman8971]

I love your video on 12 fret guitars, it's too bad here in the States there aren't more musicians like you. I personally have a recording King ROS-10 a 12 fret OM, she's not a go getter but still gets the job done. I notice music stores and, or Internet stores are all about sales and nothing mentioned for people with distinct preferences like 12 fret instruments. You have woke a sleeping bear inside me and now the search is on for that elusive 12 fret. Please do more Videos, I'll be watching, Thanks Again.

[@SillyMoustache]

Thank you Wayne, whilst I am proudly British my guitars, my playing style and my musical preferences are surely American or American influenced. I'll do more videos but what do you want me to talk about?

[@f5mando]

Excellent video, sir. I have the same requirement, with the small hands and fat-callused fingertips. I reached the same conclusion as you did - the slotted peghead for a steeper break angle at the nut, producing a more 'authoritative' tone IMO, and of course the wider neck to accommodate my fat tips. I also needed a smaller body size, as the dreadnoughts were bothering my right shoulder. Needing one immediately for a gig with a working country-rock band, I settled on the (newly released at the time) Martin 00015S. After a visit to the local repairman for a setup including a bone nut and saddle, Fishman under-saddle pickup, I was all set. I still am. I'll likely never part with it. Never say, 'Never', but hey...I've still got it! Cheers.

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi F5mando - FYI I also have an F5 mandolin with a wider fretboard. - See: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYjSdYOrpKyMn7M Thanks for watching.

[@tommacdonald6295]

Great, very helpful, video. I prefer 12 frets with a slotted head just from experience over the years. It is a matter of both sound and playing comfort for me. Thanks for the great video 👍 .

[@SillyMoustache]

Thank you for watching, and writing Tom, best, Andy

[@harryhole4427]

Excellent informative video. Like you I have been hooked on 12 frets for a long time and all for the same reasons. Recording King make some good ones for those just starting out. My go to is an Alvarez Masterworks solid mahogany which I find a joy.

[@jan-penny]

I happened across a 12 fretter some months back. I was steadily playing my way through Manson’s acoustic stock when I picked up a Taylor 322e, I fell in love with it immediately and it’s now home with me 🙂.

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi Jan, I confess I know little about Taylors but I'm gald you found your ideal guitar.

[@jimmyfranklin3862]

Had a Collings D-1 Slotted it was amazing. I now own a 1971 D-35-S.Love it

[@SillyMoustache]

Surely that would be a DS1?

[@bishopk99]

Not sure if I commented on this particular video. If I did, I am not sorry, lol ! Such a great teacher and love all of the stories behind your Guitar Arsenal. Thanks, I am purchasing two new (to me) 12 fret guitars. I will post them on the AGF site. So cool to find you in the big Google Search engine for my question 12 vs. 14. You sir, have arrived in the internets Hall of Fame for guitar wisdom. Thank you and look forward to watching and reading you sage posts on the AGF.

[@SillyMoustache]

Well, thank you! I'm so glad that you have found my video and writings of use!

[@ericsharp3849]

Interesting observations nice playing and great guitars. I have a 000 12 fret (Faith/Furch) which I love because it has the volume and tone which seems out of proportion with its size. On top of that, it's great to sing with because the fretting hand is a bit closer in, and the body isn't such an armful. I understand that the shorter neck and the bridge shifted towards the middle of the lower bout both contribute to the sound. I'm a root position player by and large, so don't miss the higher frets.

[@DubMartin]

well done and well thought through. Oh, nice guitars too.

[@SillyMoustache]

Thanks Mark, seems I've converted a few folks along the way! Thanks for watching,

[@mmd1957]

Hi Andy, Very nice guitars! ..... (btw. Try “me - thod - i - cally”.......). I just got a 12 fret Martin Whiskey Sunset, it now my main gigging guitar, the D35s is still going strong with home use. Hope you have a very Happy Christmas!

[@SillyMoustache]

Yup, I will - still having trouble with talking after the throat cancer. hope you can understand most of it.

[@stickmanmusic5840]

Aside from your excellent advice on finding guitars that fit (I like smaller guitars like the Martin 0-18 and Taylor GS Mini) I appreciate your playing!

[@SillyMoustache]

Thank you.

[@Icanbyorsuprman1]

Very helpful video as I'm searching for the right nut width having bigger flat finger tips like you.

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi Joseph, then I hope I may speed your journey in finding the right guitar for you. Thanks for watching.

[@sustainablelife1st]

I have 2 harmony guitars (OM style and classical) that i got in the early 70's. Amazing little guitars. solid cedar/solid mahogany.

[@SillyMoustache]

Very cool!

[@Mr512austintexas]

Great video. Very enjoyable and informative. In 2008 or so I got hold of a 1995 Santa Cruz 12 fret D, mahogany with slotted headstock, and it's surely one of the best guitars I've ever played.

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi, in '99 when a kind sales person presented me with a Martin Hd26VS, a Bourgeios DS260, a SCGC d12, and a Collings DS2h, the Santa Cruz came a very close 2nd, but I preferred the slightly wider neck of the Collings. I also have a SCGC "RS" 12 fret deep body jumbo which is most satisfying.

[@Mr512austintexas]

@@SillyMoustache I noticed that you have the RS! I've never gotten the chance to try one of those, but it sure looks like it would be fun to play. One of my friends here in Austin has a Collings DS2h, which is for sure a beautiful guitar. I haven't noticed that the neck on the Collings is wider, but next time we get together I'll check that out. In any case, I'd never trade; my SC suits me just fine. It's noticeably lighter, and it always just sounds better to me. (This friend also has an enviable collection of vintage Martins from the '30's, '40's and '50's ... an embarrassment of riches ... ) 🙂

[@SillyMoustache]

@@Mr512austintexas Hi Bruce, Yes, I got my RS from a private seller in New England in 2014. it replaced a Huss & Dalton 12 fret custom order that was unplayable from the start - lots of build issues. the RS seller couldn't get on with the deep body, but I don't have that issue and it booms away beautifully. Collings DS2h has a 1 & 13/16" nut width to a 2 &3/8£ string spacing. The SCGC D12 has a 1 & 3/4". Original Martins (by which I mean the 12 fret design have/had 1 & 7/8" nuts. it is all about what suits your style and your hands.

[@Mr512austintexas]

I'm sorry to hear that about the Huss & Dalton ... that sounds like a very disappointing experience, especially since it was a custom order. I've only bought two "new" guitars in my life: a Martin 00-16C (small body nylon string classical with wide neck and 12 frets to the body) which I bought in 1966 or so, and my first Santa Cruz, a D/PW, which I bought in 2002. Now I'm almost 71, and I'm enjoying playing more than ever. My guitars are like a small circle of really close friends to me, and every day we spend some time, asking "What's new?" There is so much to learn! 🙂

[@williammorton7044]

I really appreciate ALL of your input - I wish I'd had access to it back before I ordered a custom Heritage Super Eagle back in 1999 who's body was Way Too Large for me - everything you said makes perfect sense to this wanna be player of 74 years Old - may GOD BLESS You and Your's and THANK YOU ! ! ! --- Snortin' Morton

[@SillyMoustache]

Hey Snortin/ Norton (what a great handle!) I'm only glad that my comments have been of interest, and maybe of some use.

[@ukestudio3002]

Santa Rosa Ca. here. Thank you for immediate reply on your audio/video process. I See you attract polite, patient and appreciative viewers (comments); well deserved result from your Informative, subtle and necessary content - Happy to have found your channel.

[@SillyMoustache]

My pleasure. It's about communication. I'm not selling anything, just speaking and playing for folks. Thanks for watching.

[@jonboy8181]

They sound great. That juice on your couch made me nervous the whole time! 🤣

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi J.O., I got so many comments about the "OJ" on the seat! So I out in the detail below tat none was spilt. I was recovering from cancer treatment then (still am really) and needed liquid all he time. Thanks for watching.

[@dylanthomas7443]

Thank you. You are so precise and don't waste time. Thank you.

[@SillyMoustache]

You're welcome! I'm delighted to read this, I feel that i tend to ramble somewhat. Maybe this one was an exception.

[@dylanthomas7443]

@@SillyMoustache No No whatever you say makes sense and your demeanour will let you say what you have to say. Great job.

[@OpenDGuitar]

I too have developed a love for the 12 fretters! Got a OOO but long for a slope shouldered dread version.

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi, I started with a dread, then thought i needed a 000 to go with it. Both designs are excellent but the 0002h (Collings) or the Martin 0002hVS are extremely "ergonomic" - the 000 has been around since (I think) 1902!

[@hubcitymn1]

I am grateful for your sharing your knowledge with us. Thanks! Oh, by the way, I adore the Collings guitars, Sir.

[@SillyMoustache]

Glad you like them! Thanks for watching.

[@mdavenpo]

excellent... thanks coming to you from michigan. I love my martin d28hd :)

[@johntripp5159]

I have an affinity for parlour guitars. My first one is a Yairi I bought in 1970. so far I haven't found anything comparable and up popped Recording King under $300 so I got one and now my antique sits in the humidifier more than she sits in my lap. under $300! round neck makes for easy finger picking which I prefer. i hope someday to hang a Martin on my wall for decoration.

[@Morten_Nielsen1979]

john tripp Which model is the Recording King?

[@johntripp5159]

ROS-06... time for new strings. I use Ernie Ball light gauge and Gibson medium picks if I use one.

[@jessd1952]

I am quite amazed at the sound of the Recording Kings. I thought they were cheap toys until I heard one

[@jodydeboer7927]

I have the rec-king as well,wonderful guitar for the price..

[@paulabuls5802]

Love this video. I had a Martin OM-28 Marquis but it ended up not getting played near as much as my old Maybell 12 fretter. I recently traded the OM for a Martin 000-28 12 fret Golden Era 1996 Ltd Edition. I’m in love with this new guitar!!! I’m definitely sold on the 12 fret.

[@SillyMoustache]

Good for you! that Martin 12 fretters sounds special! looks VERY much like my Collings 0002h (or the other way around).

[@ajlmirrormist]

Most informative... many thanks. btw I bought my National Resophonic Style O in 1997 from the Acoustic centre in Birmingham.

[@BlessedMe11]

Excellent Tutorial and Advice!

[@SillyMoustache]

Most welcome. Let me know if you need anything else.

[@jcdpt74]

I have an 1973 SD-45 Martin with a 1 7/8 nut that Martin custom made for me. I have very large hands and when I requested the wider neck there was no problem, I also have a 1970 D-12-35 with a 1 7/8 nut so it easy for me to change back and forth between the two. I also have Martin HD-28V with the more narrow neck and I do have a little problem due to the size of my hands but not much. The thing that surprised me was your Harmony 12 String. My first guitar was a 1967 Harmony 1270 with a 12 fret neck and 2 inch nut. During my years in the U S Navy it traveled all over the world with me. I still use it. It doesn't have the tone of the Martins but it is a rugged instrument and served my well. I am primarily a Folk/Bluegrass plus Gospel player but I also do 70's pop. eg: Seekers Thank for the video. Best wishes to you.

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi, I'd love to see that custom Martin ...SD45? - why don't you make a KZbin video of it? Regards, and thanks for watching.

[@jcdpt74]

I really do not know how to put anything on KZbin but thanks for your reply. That SD-45 looks just like a regular D-45 except it has a slightly wider neck and an additional inlay around the headstock. What I was actually impressed with was your Harmony 12 String. I did not know anyone else had one.. It has been a good, rugged guitar and I still use it sometimes even though I have the Martin 12 string, which has a much richer tone.

[@jasonadams527]

I can tell you really know your guitars. I build and design them and I am constantly surprised at how many stellar guitar players do not even understand what they like or dislike about their guitars. You however have described what I use to help these people understand the ergonomics of guitars. I have 3 demo guitars I have built with 41mm, 43.8mm, and 44.5mm nuts. the bridge spacing varies from 2 1/4 to 2 3/8 respectively. They also have different sound boards from cedar, sitka, to maple tops. That way when ordering a guitar they can try before they buy. But like you I find the string spacing makes a very dramatic change in playability with only a minor difference in dimension. I also use the Martin 24.9" short scale but since viewing this I will try a 12 fret design and see how it sets up my sweet spot. Very GOOD video!

[@SillyMoustache]

Well thank you sir! It took me quite a long time to and a lot of purchases to understand how to zone in on the design of the instruments best suited to my style and hands. I thin that few understand that the guitar industry in the US (particularly Martin) changed radically in the late '20s-''30s when they started making rhythm instruments rather than fingerstyle guitars. The change to 14 fretters and skinny necks (for Perry Bechtel and other tenor banjo players) was to meet what they saw as a change in the market and so few now understand the ergonomics of the former designs. It's a bit like going to a music teacher and saying "teach me something" without knowing what you need to learn.

[@jasonadams527]

Yeah that shift was do mostly to the resurgence of the guitar's popularity in the folk genre. I have only built about 20 guitars so far and I am still learning a lot by having the ability to build what I want to try. I like to hear from that musicians and my biggest treat is to put my guitars in their hands and get the feed back both good and bad. I can see by what you have that you have put a lot money into your search. I have 3 walls of guitars from a variety of manufacturers plus cases all over the place as well. But I only play about 2 or 3. The rest are decoration anymore. When I retire I am going to open a guitar shop...LOL

[@jasonadams527]

Yeah that shift was do mostly to the resurgence of the guitar's popularity in the folk genre. I have only built about 20 guitars so far and I am still learning a lot by having the ability to build what I want to try. I like to hear from musicians and my biggest treat is to put my guitars in their hands and get the feed back both good and bad. I can see by what you have that you have put a lot money into your search. I have 3 walls of guitars from a variety of manufacturers plus cases all over the place as well. But I only play about 2 or 3. The rest are decoration anymore. When I retire I am going to open a guitar shop...LOL

[@dalehamon4295]

Love ❤️ this....I have two Gibson 12 fret guitars a 12 fret southern jumbo special and a Nick Lucas sunburst Brazilian rosewood

[@SillyMoustache]

Good to hear, please have a look at some of my other videos.

[@bryantrockfield9865]

Excellent Video !!!

[@SillyMoustache]

Thank you very much!

[@torontolarrivee7965]

You are exactly right - for accompaniment you cannot beat a 12 fret model. Super cool eyeglass frames by the way...somehow can't find those in Canada. Strum on..

[@craigbutcher9872]

Very interesting information, thank you for the knowledge and insight. Good advice I think -- starting out as a classical player at retirement age, I wanted to also branch out into steel string acoustics, and got a very nice acoustic 14 fret steel string instrument wanting -- but couldn't get it to sit properly and it was ergonomically wrong for me. Too big, too thick, to far a reach to first and second position, etc. Then got a Guild 12 fret parlor and it was worlds different. Actually fun, not a struggle. So no matter how good an instrument sounds per se if you are in pain you aren't going to improve, and the music won't work as well. And especially practicing -- working on one little passage or rough spot over and over -- same hand positions, same posture, increased body/arm/back/hands tension because you are learning and your mind is so occupied you can't stay as relaxed as you should -- you don't have the benefit of the movement you get when you are playing a whole piece. The more awkward the instrument the worse this inevitable adverse ergonomics will be. The last thing one needs is to injure ones' self trying to improve one's self. Wish I could afford a Collings. If I were as good as this guy I could justify it as a business expense!

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi Craig, thanks for the input. You are right, of course.

[@karlmichaelcronin9618]

Great videos. Educational and interesting.

[@SillyMoustache]

I try. Thanks. Questions, comments and suggestions for more videos always welcomed.

[@fixitmyself]

Thank you for the video.

[@SillyMoustache]

and thanks for watching!

[@teodelnorte]

Nice video sir! I have a Taylor 812ce 12-fret It's great. I also have a 14-fret Martin 00015m. I find the Taylor to be so much easier for fingerstyle because of the string spacing and shorter neck

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi Tim, thanks for watching.

[@murraykilpatrick3029]

Thanks so much for your Vid. I'm an ageing Kiwi Folkie, who has been continuously part of our local folk scene, since the late 1960s Guitar wise, I play exclusively, fingerstyle, both steel and nylon. I'm also a hobby luthier, and play my own guitars. A number of points in relation to what you have talked about. Slotted Headstocks. Slotted machine heads are secured in a double shear manner. The ideal is for there to be no give at the headstock end. All the action happening at the bridge end. Wider necks. I build that way, because it also means more space at the bridge end. As a finger style guitarist. The wider spacing, gives me greater options to vary my attack on the strings.. At the other end, the wider neck, offers the option of a flatter profile, which encourages players, to place their thumb, rather than the palm of their hand, on the back of the neck. Try it and see how much it increases your reach? Lastly, I believe, that the 12th fret configuration, places the bridge, in a better position on the soundboard. In simple terms, you could say, that it is more in the middle of the vibrating area. Actually I believe that it is related to nodes and anti nodes, rather a complex thing to work out. I haven't yet. Neither have I built a 12 fret steel string guitar. But One day I hope to. Once again thanks so much for your thoughtful utube.

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi Murray, thanks for your comments. My hands are not large and my fingers aren't long but my fingertips seem to be rather wide. As my skills and technique developed I found that itthe thinner rhythm necks (1 & 11/16" nuts etc.,) restricted my accuracy. The 12 fret thing or slotted headstocks weren't crucual, the fretboard width was/is. as those designs offered me 1 & 13/16" nuts and 2 & 3/8" string spacing.

[@poppacooter]

thanks for sharing. i liked the conversation.

[@MichaelWatts]

Wonderful video Andy! We must catch up soon

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi Michael, many thanks !