Hi I have played 12 stringers for years (as well as banjos). I started with a Stella which needed super human finger pressure to play but made me learn. Unfortunatley it was lost in a fire. I have owned several Japanese 12 strings but in recent years have owned a couple of Washburns which I think a very underated as they have proved to be fine guitars which are very playable and hold their tune well. Current one I paid about £400 for a year ago and its action is actually lower than my Taylor 6string which is a beautiful guitar. The 12 string lends itself to certain venues very well and I use it a lot in the church where we play on a regular basis.