Product: Ibanez AEL2012-TKS
Price Paid: USD 375
Submitted
01/28/2008
at
08:52am
by
Scott
Features
:
9
As mentioned before, loads of features esp. for the price range of this guitar.
Sound
:
8
Keep in mind this is a $300 to $400 12 string - it does not have the same sound and tone you'll get out of the $1000 competition, but it is close enough for me (I'm not looking for a 12 string as a primary axe).
Unplugged, this guitar sounds as good or better than any other I demo'ed in its price range (under $750). If you plan on running through an amp or PA system - give it a try with you're specific system. On my setup, it sounds great - I've heard it on a few that weren't quite as flattering.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
9
Again, not a top dollar guitar - but right out of the box it plays very well. The action is in the lower group, with no manufacturing flaws that I've been able to find yet. Be sure to play the actual guitar you're looking at - as each one will be slightly different.
Reliability/Durability
:
8
It feels well built and I have no hesititation playing it in a live setting (although the songs we use the 12 string for don't have us running around like some others might). Hardware may start to fade on the gold slightly, but for the price difference you can replace (if you're into keeping the brand new look - personally I think the "usage" adds character).
It's the only 12 string I'd bring to a gig - but knowing the primary guitar can always be used if something were to happen.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
Not Used
Overall Rating
:
8
I own and Ibanez electric (backup) and a new ESP EC1000 (starting to really love this guitar), along with an Ovation acoustic 6 string. This 12 string fits very well into my aresnal. It's used on somewhere around 20% of what we play - so the quality and sound for the price is very worth it for me.
If you're looking for a 12-string to add into a band or as a second, third (or more) - this may very well fit the bill. If you're looking for a 12-string as a primay player, and can afford the $1000 range - this is probably not the guitar for you.
Product: Ibanez AEL2012-TKS
Price Paid: Euros 375
Submitted
08/03/2007
at
11:37am
by
Marco Feiler
Features
:
10
This guitar is a 12-string jumbo guitar equipped with a B-Band EQ and SRT preamp and integrated tuner, two outputs (unbalanced and balanced !).
It is equipped with D'Addario EXP-Strings.
It has golden mechanics, a flamed sycamore top (laminated) and a high glossy black transparent finish. It looks really nice !
Sound
:
5
I maily use this guitar at home and for studio recordings.
The sound is very bright and chorus like, typical 12-string sounding I would say.
But it sounds thin with no bass ! It is good for strumming but anything else.
The EQ is very good ! With bass at full it gets this lack of sound at leat on the amp. But that's too little.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
7
The guitar is set-up very well. Great quality !
Only the tuners lose their golden colour.
The neck of this guitar is a kind of thick, it feels more than a concert guitar than a western. It is not really easy to play although the string setting is very low. Perhaps it is just because of the 12 strings.
The integrated chromatic tuner is bad ! It takes much time to recognize the note. I can tune up faster and more precise with my KORG CA-30.
Reliability/Durability
:
No Opinion
Never used this guitar live.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
Never needed support.
Overall Rating
:
7
It is not bad, the features are really nice but it has no sound played without an amp. :-(
I played an ovation 12-string (deep bowl body) and this one eats the ibanez for breakfast.
I would not buy this one again but it has a good price for the features it has.
