Lakewood D-12

This a follow up on my previous review.

I tried to get this guitar set up to suit me better and it got botched twice by supposed experts. It has now been setup correctly and is PERFECT. The highs are crisp and shimmering and the bass is blossoming beyond what I thought possible. Makes you just want to play.

As I mentioned I had trouble getting this guitar set up and resorted to Lakewood, though I knew it was not under warranty (I bought it second hand in 1996). Having been through a number of options with Martin Seeliger over the phone we determined it best to ship it back to Lakewood. It was returned to me a couple of weeks or so later in perfect setup. The cost? The princely sum of ???45 INCLUDING shipping back to France from Germany. This level of customer support is second to none in the industry.

These are currently the best value guitar on the market if you can get one second hand, new prices start at over ???1500 and at that price are probably the best value new guitar on the market. I have purchased 2 recently on eBay for friends (An MM all mahogany and an OM) and they are DELIGHTED. Seriously it is a bit of a lottery with secondhand guitars but I have NEVER played a Lakewood (And I have played a good many) that wasn't brilliant. The prices will continue rise from now on so now is the time to get one. If I could only have one guitar for the rest of my life I would not be disappointed if it were a Lakewood. I notice from the Lakewood site that maple back and sides is an addition ???800 or so increase on the base price!!! Get one while you can.

Hard to rate on features as this is the budget model of the time and it doesn't have a scratch plate, which makes the most of that superb looking spruce top. Made by a relatively small German manufacturer Pearl inlaid L on the headstock (Not the whole Lakewood name)Pure acoustic 1994 model, 20 fret, all solid wood, spruce top, gorgeous gloss-finished flamed maple back and sides, fat mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard, mahogany binding, plain fingerboard, no dot markers on the fingerboard and what looks like small (Though easy to see) pearl dot markers on the side of the neck, Mahogony inlaid rosette, dreadnought body, schaller machine heads with pearl buttons, Supplied with original fitted and embossed flight case. Looks gorgeous. I would recommend replacing the factory-fitted plastic nut and saddle (It was the budget model after all) with Tusq or bone to make it sound that much fuller. The fat mahogony neck might not suit the likes of Taylor players but it is comfortable once you get used to it. Martin Selliger, chairman and founder of Lakewood told me they don't make this model any more as it didn't sell due to its plainness though it is as well made as every other guitar this small manufacturer produces. My advice is shut your eyes and listen to it. It looks gorgeous anyway but if you want acres of abalone look elswhere.

The sound might not appeal to those wanting the Martin-type rich full sound but remember this is a maple body so you get that superb zingy treble and midrange that suits my fingerpicking. That doesn't mean to say that it lacks bass - far from it, the bass cuts through well and is as clear and well-defined as the midrange and treble. I thing the thicker neck helps in the overall voicing of this guitar particularly in the bass. You can hit this guitar hard if you want it to ring all day or let it charm you with its sweet voice by caressing it rather than beating it. It is all down to personal preference but this is one gorgeous sounding instrument whatever you do with it.

Fit and finish are very good. My local luthier said he had never seen a straighter neck on any guitar. There is what appears to be some excess glue where the neck joins the body but it is barely noticeable. Frets are perfect still with no lifting anywhere. All in all nothing to complain about here

I bought this guitar when it was a couple of years old and it has not deteriorated except for the gloss finish on the soundboard where years of bare arms and wooly jumpers are starting to take a very slight toll. Nothing I am worried about and only noticeable in a certain light. I don't play professionally (Not that good unfortunately) but this guitar gets a lot of use and stands up to everything me and my many guitar-playing mates throw at it. The mahogany binding contrasts beautifully with the maple and spruce but is certainly more delicate than a plastic binding, so don't bash it against things!

I contacted Martin Selliger by email when I bought this guitar second hand to find out something about it. I got a personal response from him which was detailed and amazingly enthusiastic and knowledgeable about his products and guitars in general. Say no more as I have never had any need to contact the company since.

I have been playing the best part of 35 years on and off and there are very few guitars I haven't played. I have a couple of Electrics (ESP and Jap Fender Strat) a Di Armond semi and assorted others. I also have a '98 Taylor 415 Jumbo (Which I will be reviewing here soon) and am eagerly awaiting the delivery of a '97 Taylor 810. They are all very different which is the whole point of having multiple guitars, if they all sounded the same I wouldn't bother. I have seen one other D 12 which went for #350 on eBay and wished immediately I had bought it (The D 12 retailed at around #1000.00 when new. I looked for this guitar for 2 years in the small ads after hearing one played at the British Music Fair in about 94 and I would be broken-hearted if this guitar got stolen (It will never get lost) and I would look for guy who stole it just as hard as I would for a replacement. My advice is if you see one in good condition at the right price buy it, Lakewoods are getting some well-deserved renown these days but remain a well-kept secret to all but the cognoscenti. If you buy it and don't want it stick it on eBay and I will buy it!!!

Acoustic guitar made in 1994, no electronics, no pick-up, 20 fret, all solid wood, spruce top, very flamed maple for sides and back, neck mahogany, rosewood fingerboard, binding mahogany, no dot or else on fingerboard, satin finish, dreadnought body, schaller with pearl buttons, fat neck, scale 25,2/5", Case not included

In my opinion goes for every styles because shes had a good balance and a very good sound shes different from type of sound of martin and others.

Good set-up, the neck is perfect for me ( a like big neck) for soloing purpose (good sustain) and strong action.
But a decide to change the nut and saddle for bone nut and saddle (more sustain and better sound)

I got this guitar from 1999 and she was from 1994.
the fisnish is perfect, no change unstead the color of the top ( became a little bit more yellow, but this normal with sunlight 10 years after...
the shaller pearl butons look new and are very efficient.
straight neck, perfect intonation, don't move on stage. no problem...

I play from 1966, I got an acoustic Gallagher from 1970, a Gibson EC 20 Starburst from 90', the lakewood got the neck that I like best.
When I bought this guitar I believe she come from Canada and many years after I understand she come from Germany so I think more publicity would be a good idea...
there is no " made in germany on the guitar" no indication at all "handmade or name of the luthier" there is only : " Lakewood guitars Mod:D12 no: 94.A9221"

made by martin seeliger in germany in 1988(?)
20 frets, solid cedar top, flamed maple back and sides, indian rosewood fret board, mahogany neck, satin finish
Dreadnought body

very versatile depending on playing style, clear trebles and deep strong bass. great for fingerpicking or chordal work.

i bought second hand and have had a set up done on the guitar although it didnt need much work, just setting up to my personal preferance. all woods look great, no blemishes. frets are very good and bracing is great too. inlay and binding look great and are very high quality work

well constructed, strong guitar. hardware all high quality, good lakewood tuners.

i work in a music shop so have tried hundreds of acoustics and have been incredibly pleased with my lakewood and won't ever sell it.

Finest solid spruce top, body finest solid maple, Fingerboard rosewood, bindings pear.

Nearly for all styles, full, rich differenced sound, specially playing chords. A little bit "warmer" than other Lakewoods, but not slow.

When I got this guitar, the action was a little too high for my opinion, but I had no problems to fit it easily. The finish is outstanding, a beautyful guitar!

Good for private use or studio, live playing with care, because the laque seems a little bit sensitive. You would not stop looking after your guitar, if it stands alone for a while!

Your request will be responsed within 48 hours by the "Big Boss" himself (Martin Seeliger)

A seldom beauty, the production was discontinued about 1995. If you'd ever see an offer of a good preserved D-12, it`s a snap shot! The worth will sureley rise immenseley in the next years (I'm sure) and you`ll should be very happy with your deal.