Any other 12 fret freaks out there?

[12Frets]

I wonder whether any of y'all have played one of those 0000-sized Martin 12-fretters. Gruhn's has a bunch of them made out of sinker mahogany that are pleasing to the eye, complete with a lovely slot-head. (I know it's not a Collings, but I love a Martin too.) Here's one:

https://guitars.com/inventory/ab10520-n ... r-mahogany

I think a 000 is about the perfect size, there's something about the fullness of a dread that's hard to compete with. I wonder where a 0000 falls in line, tonally and in terms of comfort and playability. Anyone seen one of these in the wild?

The 0000 is a great body size. I wish Collings made such a beast but they are not a popular size. They are essentially a dread that is not as deep and has a narrow waist. They take light strings so they are responsive but still give a large but not boomy sound.

If I were forced to pick just one of the fuller size guitars, the 0000 just might be my choice. The only downside that I have with them is that they are sometimes a little more of a balancing act to have on your knee because of the large bout and small waist. Not a problem but just different.

I totally agree with all of this Frank. I ordered a custom SCGC OMG, which is their 0000 model, and it is an incredible guitar. I wish Collings would add it to their lineup. Maybe Collings would consider offering a true “custom shop” option in the future. I bet Collings would make a terrific 0000.

Thanks guys. Appreciate the insights.

[Cameleye]

I've got five 12 fretters (two are classicals) and a few 14 fretters.
Generally prefer the 12 fretters around the house and the 14s when playing out.

[Driver8]

One here, DS2H bought new in earls 2000 also from the Acoustic Centre in Brum. Superb guitar in every way & now the only dreadnought I can play comfortably due to a neck &shoulder problem.

[Silly Moustache]

One here, DS2H bought new in earls 2000 also from the Acoustic Centre in Brum. Superb guitar in every way & now the only dreadnought I can play comfortably due to a neck &shoulder problem.

Hi Driver8, good to know you. Yes there is a subtle but definite ergonomic advantage to the 12 fret dread. For me, the bridge position puts the "sweet spot" in te perfect place for my picking hand, and it seems to me that there is slightly less left arm extension.

Same the Acoustic Centre is no longer trading the way they used to. Same for many after the 2007/8 dip.

[Driver8]

My sentiments exactly Andy, I also find Collings necks extremely comfortable to play, lovely shape & feel & fret board radius is perfect too.
Would love to get hold of an 00 version to try one day.

[Silly Moustache]

My sentiments exactly Andy, I also find Collings necks extremely comfortable to play, lovely shape & feel & fret board radius is perfect too.
Would love to get hold of an 00 version to try one day.

Hi, I agree with all of that, although I have observed that the neck profiles have become thicker since my first - a 1998, and my latest . a 2008.

I played a 222h some years ago, an early one. It was very difficult to give back! I do know someone who owns one and might sell, but he'll want top price!

Do I need another Collings ? 'course not, would I like one? .... er, yeah!

[12Frets]

I am currently wrestling with GAS over a Martin D-1 Authentic just listed on the UMGF and the Mandolin Cafe classifieds, and probably elsewhere). I've sort of had a loose plan to eventually add a Collings DS1A to the stable. This would check all the same boxes for a 12-fret mahogany dreadnought, and probably come a little closer tonally to where I'd like to be these days--a little woodier and "old-timier," in contrast to what I think of as a more sophisticated and articulate Collings tone. I love them both of course. The Martin has a super wide fingerboard though--1 7/8 at the nut. Decisions decisions ...

Andy puts it well:

Do I need another Collings [or Martin or insert headstock logo of choice]? 'course not, would I like one? .... er, yeah!

[Silly Moustache]

My sentiments exactly Andy, I also find Collings necks extremely comfortable to play, lovely shape & feel & fret board radius is perfect too.
Would love to get hold of an 00 version to try one day.

Hi, I agree with all of that, although I have observed that the neck profiles have become thicker since my first - a 1998, and my latest . a 2008.

I played a 222h some years ago, an early one. It was very difficult to give back! I do know someone who owns one and might sell, but he'll want top price!

Do I need another Collings ? 'course not, would I like one? .... er, yeah!

Edit - mistype ... 222h ? (huh?) I meant 002h ! Doh!

[12Frets]

As mentioned above, I'd had my eye out locally for a used DS1 or DS1A for a good long while, but recently spent my guitar savings account on a Martin D-1 Authentic 1931 (eagerly awaiting delivery Wednesday). The guitar gods being the fickle beings that they are, one of my favorite shops, Fiddler's Green in Austin, just listed a near-mint 2018 DS1 with a toasted top on their website today.

No financial interest, but I thought I'd mention it for the benefit of anyone who's in the market. They are wonderful folks to deal with. I've bought and sold several guitars and mandolins with them over the past several years. Had I not just purchased the Martin, I would be all over this.

[Silly Moustache]

My sentiments exactly Andy, I also find Collings necks extremely comfortable to play, lovely shape & feel & fret board radius is perfect too.
Would love to get hold of an 00 version to try one day.

Hi, I agree with all of that, although I have observed that the neck profiles have become thicker since my first - a 1998, and my latest . a 2008.

I played a 222h some years ago, an early one. It was very difficult to give back! I do know someone who owns one and might sell, but he'll want top price!

Do I need another Collings ? 'course not, would I like one? .... er, yeah!

Edit - typo - for 222h read 002h (how'd that happen?