Tanglewood 12 string guitars

Subject: Tanglewood 12 string guitars
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 06 Sep 08 - 03:02 PM

I just bought myself one of these , and I am so pleased with it.
For years I had an Epiphone Serenader 12 string, an American Epiphone made by Gibson in Kalamazoo. It was a quality guitar, but eventually it collapsed, as most 12 strings do.
This Tanglewood sounds twice as good, and I can't believe that it is possible to buy a guitar of such decent quality for the money.
Anyone else love/loathe their Tanglewoods?

JM

Subject: RE: Tanglewood 12 string guitars
From: Tangledwood
Date: 06 Sep 08 - 06:17 PM

The twelve string must sound great. I'm very happy with my 6 string Tanglewood with the exception that the action is a bit high, about 6mm on low E string at the twelfth fret I think. Will be looking at getting that reduced when the next string change is due. To my ear I reckon the sound compares favourable with quite a few more expensive guitars.

Subject: RE: Tanglewood 12 string guitars
From: Lox
Date: 06 Sep 08 - 07:16 PM

A good set up can make even the most unexpeced guitars play amazing.

Don't just take the action down, specify that as one criteria in a full set up.

I have a peerless thin body semi acoustic that plays like a vintage gibson.

Why?

Great set up!

Subject: RE: Tanglewood 12 string guitars
From: gnu
Date: 06 Sep 08 - 07:55 PM

You sound like a proud Papa, G. Well you should. Looks a grand aquisition. Seen it on the website. Looks beautiful and I expect it sounds as well. I know that don't add to the discussion, but congrats on the purchase. Enjoy.

Subject: RE: Tanglewood 12 string guitars
From: alex s
Date: 07 Sep 08 - 08:52 AM

I like Tanglewoods too, but can recommend Takamines also - I've been playing my Tak in a ceilidh band for 27 years now and the only thing I've had to do is change the endpin jack socket last year. (And only changed the battery 5 or 6 times!)

Subject: RE: Tanglewood 12 string guitars
From: Tim Leaning
Date: 07 Sep 08 - 12:35 PM

I have a tanglewood that I bought about 30 years ago.
Only 6 strings no elecrics and is good guitar In my opinion.
Takamines seem good to me too.
Just debating if I should splash out £180 on a 12 string Simon and Patrick in the local music shop.
Any ideas welcome.

Subject: RE: Tanglewood 12 string guitars
From: GUEST,Austen McCowan
Date: 06 Jun 10 - 01:37 PM

I agree that Tanglewoods give amazingly high quality sound for their value.. I am considering buying a 12 string after finding my 6 string acoustic to rival other, more expensive guitars.. The only problem i have had is with a couple of breakages to the plastic parts of the instrument, but nothing serious..

Subject: RE: Tanglewood 12 string guitars
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 06 Jun 10 - 02:03 PM

Pierre le Chapeau recently bought a Tanglewood 12 string and the legendary Brian Rodgers could find nothing to improve on the setup.

Subject: RE: Tanglewood 12 string guitars
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 06 Jun 10 - 02:18 PM

Yup, I agree Richard, set-up on mine was perfect from the start.
Unlike my Martin D28, which cost about 4 times as much as the Tanglewood, and then I had to pay to have it set up, by the great Mark Challinor.

Subject: RE: Tanglewood 12 string guitars
From: Tangledwood
Date: 06 Jun 10 - 07:36 PM

Getting on for two years since the first post here and my Tanglewood still pleases me a lot. I did get the saddle lowered a touch, that was the only adjustment needed to make it beautifully playable. The body has picked up a few dings on edges of furniture when playing in a confined space, but the tone has improved over the couple of years. I tend to cast a longing eye over various mandolins but have never thought about replacing the guitar.

Subject: RE: Tanglewood 12 string guitars
From: Tangledwood
Date: 06 Jun 10 - 07:37 PM

By "replacing the guitar" I meant "upgrading". There just doesn't seem to be the need to.