TO RESONATOR: Allow me to be esoteric, here. Rather than advice on a particular brand of twelve string, I offer applause on your desire to own one. I felt the same way for many years, finally buying a Guild F-112 for 300 dollars. I haven't hardly played my six string since, keeping it mostly in alternate tunings. The twelve string just has such an awsome TONE, it's hard to resist. They say you can't play lead on a twelve string, but that's a crock. Listen to Kottke. Get a straight neck set up right, and it's not any harder than a six. In fact, I get into the music more because of the TONE, so I think I play BETTER lead on my twelve string. I just get off on the guitar! Now my six string's no slouch; 1974 Guild F-47 that I bought new, and is also perfectly set up. But there's something about the sound of a twelve string. Find one you can play and identify with, no matter the brand. There are great Gibsons and Takamines out there,too. If I had unlimited funds, I'd probably look for a Larrivee or Taylor, (the ones I've played are quite a step above my Guild). But I'm not rich, and until I am, my bottom of the line Guild twelve string is WAY MORE than adequate. Keep your eyes open!!!