Simon & Patrick S&P Satin 12-string Cedar

A beautiful if spartan guitar handmade in La Patrie & Princeville Quebec, Canada. 21 frets, solid spruce top with rosewood sides. Very light satin finish. Standard dreadnought body with a standard pegged tail. This guitar simply sounds beautiful. A rich full tone and a smooth easy playing neck. Plays like a 6 string, with the warmth and tone of a 12 sting. I love this guitar and would replace it asap if it were lost. I've been playing for 30 years and my other guitars include Ibanez RG electrics, Ovation and Fender Semi-acoustics, and various "off brand" guitars.

This is a great guitar for folk and blues and it fits my style well.

The action is amazing for an acoustic. Very low and responsive. If this guitar was available as an electric, I'd buy one in a minute.

Soft wood finish is prone to scuffs. It is easy to fix as a rule.

N/A

I've been playing for about 25 years. This is an amazing guitar. I would replace it in a heartbeat. Not a beautiful guitar, bet it sounds great and is easy to hold. I love mine.

This guitar was hand-crafted in La Patrie, Quebec, by what appears to be excellent luthiers. This is a dreadnought guitar, with a very simple but elegant look: a classic acoustic guitar, nothing fancy, but a very, very good quality. I've heard, that there are some models with pick ups, but wasn't able to see one myself. The tuners are, the guitar stays tuned. There is only one strap button, which some might see as a deficiency, but i must say that i don't really mind. For the very affordable price, this is one of the best deals you can make if you're looking for a beautiful 12-Strings acoustic guitar!

I'd give it a 10, it's possible that there are better sounding guitars, but I personaly can't afford a Taylor or a Martin! I started playing a lot of acoustic guitar as I got this one, I used to be into heavy metal, which I eventualy gave up 7/8 ago. It was really hard in the begining, I had to get used to the 12-Strings setting, but as I finaly got it right, it was a real satisfaction. The sound is very rich, has a lot of harmonics, even for a 12-strings guitar, it stays tuned for ever and garantees every single chord you play on it to sound just right. To sum up: it's a great sounding guitar, I can't think of no flaw in this area!

The guitar was set up very nicely, but since I got it from a very talented french luthier in St Brieuc, I don't know who was responsiblle for it. Although I have the most confidence in the S&P people, because I saw some of their guitars in other stores, and they had a great set up as well. The guitar was very well finished too, the quality of the wood is extrordinary for an instrument in this price range, which gives it a beautiful sound plus a nice look!

Since this guitar has no pick up, I never played it on stage. I'm thinking of letting pick ups and a pre-amp built in, i'll probably do it eventually. It travelled around quite a bit with me though, and this is were I would have a little complaint to do: the guitar scratches very easily due to the "tenderness" of the wood. But those scratches are actually my fault, I guess, I'm just pissed at myself that I made them should have considered that an acoustic guitar is more fragile than an electric one. Apart from that, and if one takes good care of it, it should last for a long time. I purchased my S&P new in 2000 or 2001, I can't recall, and never had any other problems with it. It just has to be handled with care!

I never had to deal with S&P, but I've only heard good things about them.

I've been playing guitar for like 16 years and the 12-strings S&P in particular for almost 5 years now.
My other intruments: a Gibson The Hawk (I also wrote a review for that one), a Fender Stratocaster (California Series), an Ovation Tangent, a crappy Jazz Bass Copy and a turkish mandoline. My amp is a Carlsbro GLX 85, that I play with almost no effect at all (I dont't like those fancy racks that mostly sound like a keyboard from the 80s! I'am rather a vintage kind of guy!).
With my S&P, I mostly play celtic folk music, folky song-writing stuff and it also makes beautiful arrangements in rock songs, offers a round and full background. I used it so in a few recordings and it really enlightented the songs. I rate this guitar with a 10 because, as I already said, it is probably one of the best deals you can make in this price range. Mine was particularly cheap, I got a really great deal at my favorite guitar shop that day. I'd advice it to any person who doesn't own an insane amount of money and is looking for a great 12-Strings guitar!

This is a 2001 SP-12 that I bought used complete with a hardshell case. This amazing instrument has a soild cedar top, laminated wild cherry sides and back with a mahogany neck. The headstock is fitted with chrome plated tunners. A simple rosette adorns the sound hole with a tortise pickguard. The sides and top have a binding but no binding on the bottom what give here. It has a satin finish. This guitar reminds me a lot of my Martin DM the way its finished, simple but eye pleasing.

When I first spied this guitar at my local music store I picked it up and gave it a strum and was blown away by the sound. In my opinion it blows away my Martin D 12-35 that I have owned for 25 years. I wandered in and out of the music store for the next month and half picking it up and playing it until I told myself I had to have it. If one is interested in a 12 string it is a must you play one of these SP-12s before you spend your money.

The action plays well as I found it but will have the action lowered a little by a respected local luthier. Over all the guitar is well put together and in my opinion is equal to the lower end Martins.
I love the satin finsh as I feel it brings out the beauty of the wood better. As I mentioned earlier only the side to top has binding. I think binding should be also on the back to sides to balance the appearance.

I think this guitar will hold up just fine for many years. Remember guitars are meant to be played and of course if you use them for "EL Kabong" ( my age is showing ) no guitar will stand up to that.

I bought it used so no warranty but I have a great local luthier if I ever have a problem.

I have played guitar off and on for 30 years or so. I own this SP-12 a 1975 Martin D12-35, 2001 Martin DM and a 1970's something Alvarez classical guitar that I saved from a botched refinished job a year or so ago. Funny I find myself playing that classical guitar more that the others. Maybe a Martin 000C-16sgtne is in my future. If the SP-12 was stolen I don't know what I would do. Most likey explore other options as there are lots of good instruments out there. Over all I would give this guitar a 9 because of the sound and affordable price.

This guitar is a year 2000 SP12 hand built by LaSiDo in LaPatrie, Quebec. It is a Dreadnought with a solid cedar top, laminated Red Wild Cherry back and sides and Mahogany neck all finished off with an attractive ultra-thin Satin finish. It is fitted with the (now superceded) EPM quantum electronics option which has an under-saddle pickup channelled through a preamp with 3-band EQ and volume control. The neck is very comfortable C-shape (not too thick for a 12-string) and is also not too wide.

I have had this guitar just over a year and acoustically it is, quite frankly, just about the best 12-string at ANY price bracket. I played alot of guitars before choosing the SP12 and nothing came close, even on guitars priced 5-times higher. I have grown up with professional guitars. My elder brother has an Ovation Custom Legend 12 String (worth #1300 or more) which is beautiful, but this baby wipes the floor with it unplugged. When amplified the EPM Quantum system delivers extremely well...perhaps not quite to Ovation standards...but is nonetheless a very good system. SP12s now come with B-Band electronics. I have recently purchased an SP6 with this fitted so I'll let you know how it squares up...initial impressions suggest it is even better!

My guitar has quite a low action and is fitted with light guage strings. It is easy to play but, like all 12-strings, it eventually takes its toll on your fingers! Generally speaking the fit and finish is excellent. In my experience, all S&Ps have little 'quirks' in the wood and with their finish (they are hand-made...I guess it adds to the charm). I had to have a strap button fitted, which I think is unacceptable these days. My one big gripe with it was the factory fitting of the preamp. It was not fitted properly on any SP12s and I had mine modified to compensate. Don't let this put you off though, the new B-Band preamps all seem to fit beautifully.

Very reliable indeed. I have played it live many times and it has never let me down. The SP12 loses points here on its finish. The ultra-thin laquer they use is pretty, and it is this that allows the guitar to sound as good as it does but BE WARNED - it will pick up scratches. I baby mine terribly but it has still picked up scratches and I don't know how! It can be demoralising but then again it sounds so very good!

It has a 2-year factory warranty. As I metioned before, I had to have the premap modified with a rubber gasket (not that this will affect 2001 models) but this was performed by my local dealer. I have never interacted with LaSiDo itself.

I have been playing seriously for 12 years or so, although both my elder brothers are guitarists, so I guess its in the blood. I have been priviledged enough to play some very nice guitars in my time and I will still rate this guitar very highly. It isn't perfect, S&Ps NEVER are...but it sounds heavenly....trust me it worth it! As I say, I have just bought an SP6 Cedar CW EQ, so I must like them....I'd buy another..and another...and another...and

This is a hand-made guitar with solid cedar top, solid mahogany sides and rosewood neck. It is a dreadnaught style guitar with (appears to be) Grover tuners. It is made by the La-Si-Do company (makers of Godin and Seagull) in a little town in Canada. The neck is not too thick for a 12-string. It features wood binding and a wood rosette. Case was included in the price.

It has a full sound, but it is not loud, possibly because of the cedar top. I find it perfect for rhythm, primarily with strumming and flatpicking. The strings are placed pretty well together, and the neck is thinner than most 12-strings.

The action was pretty much perfect out of the factory. Came with light guage strings, but I will probably replace these with a heavier guage for volume. I was really impressed with the finish and craftsmanship, especially for a guitar under $500. This is a plain Jane guitar, but has an appeal all its own (if you're like me and think that less is more).

Reliability seems to be pretty good. Some players think of La-Si-Do as the best kept secret in handmade guitars. I am a professional musician and primarily play liturgical music. When the other players are playing 6-strings, I will bring my S&P - it really adds to the balance with being boisterous or distracting. It has a satin finish, and stays in tune well (given the cold winters of where I live). I bought this guitar to replace an 70's Takamine 12-string - I am very happy with my choice.

Haven't dealt with the company as of yet. I purchased it on-line, and have nothing for praise for Musician's Buy. I was looking for a Seagull - they gave me the S&P (considered a high end guitar for La-Si-Do) for the same price with a case to boot.

I've been playing for about 24 years, professionally for about 7. I own the S&P, a Guild D-4 (another great value in handmade guitars), a Gibson Gospel, and have recently purchased a Martin HD-35. I love the way this guitar feels, it is very light for a 12-string. Although it is plain Jane, the cedar (in my opinion) makes this a striking guitar. Before I chose the S&P, I looked at Washburn and Epiphone. For the money and the quality, I would have been a fool not to get the S&P. If you're looking for a good, quality 12-string, I strongly recommend you consider this guitar.

Solid cedar top, nice smooth tuners
There's versions available with pickups too, but you don't see too many of them about.
I've not given a mark out of ten, as I was only interested in getting a nice sounding guitar, not one with bells and whistles

Beautiful big, rich, rounded sound, well balanced across the strings - watch out for the bottom E though - i find the strings a little close together, and can buzz a bit as they touch each other (although this is normally just when I'm hammering it!) - It's quite easy to separate them a touch which stops this.
Try going to a guitar shop, playing a similar (or even double)-priced 12-string. Then try the S&P. I was sold immediately.

The satin finish is beautiful, and nice and light, but please be careful with it! As yet mine is unmarked, but I've got a 6 string version of the same and i've got it a bit scratched now. It seems to scratch quite easily, but it is an acoustic after all, and if you go for a tough finish, you're going to lose some of that gorgeous resonance.

Everything seems well put together. Although I've only got the 12 string recently, I have just spent 3 years travelling around europe with the S&P 6 string and, in a case, it's been great.
Only a little marked down due to the scratching as above

I've had no problems, and there's a long warranty anyway.

Love it. I am a S&P evangelist! They have brought nice-sounding guitars into my affordable price range.
Compared to Yamahas and the like at similar prices, the sound is in a different league, and to find a better sound, you're going to have to pay twice as much.
If you've got money to burn, burn it.
If you live in the real world, get a S&P!

This guitar was made in 1998 and the real price is 740$, so i got a great deal! It's made in the best place on earth : La Patrie, Quebec. A RARE LEFT-HANDED 12-STRING. It has 22 frets with a beautiful Cedar top for openness w/ no controls except an EQ built in already set-up for fast-action. The body is made of cedar and mahogany for the neck, the finish is made of special laquer w/a (best i've seen yet) real wood rosett design. The body style is a dreadnought which works best for an acoustic.

The sound is mix breed, the best way to describe it is that it's got a real emotional sound, it's like a naked sound that just expresses feelings when chords are played, it's trully unique. There is no noise and the sound is very, very full. I LOVE IT!

THERE IS NOTHING (THIS IS REALLY RARE) ABSOLUTELY NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. The guys who work there are the best i've ever seen. They're are real luthiers so it's handcrafted

It is not a live playing guitar because there's no pickup, as far as the hardware it seems like it will last forever. The finish will never come off and I can really depend on it. (Be carefull it's an acoustic, not an electric)

Extremely nice people at La Patrie, QC so I've got no complaints!
Don't need to get it fixed cause it's in perfect shape + the warranty is for 3 years!

My list of gear :

1 Yamaha PAC112L, the best when you can get some new pickups.
1 Simon & Patrick 12 String (left-h) Acoustic (on of my favorite)
1-A Frontman 25R ( a real kick-ass amp)
1-BOSS ME-30 Effect Pedal (now this is good stuff)

Now for the acoustic, well if it were stolen i'd pray for it to come back to me, because it's now a part of me! I hate nothing/love everything, the favorite feature is the left-handing, i compare it to a seagull left-handed 12-string and it never clicked for me, a cedar top is hard to beat! I just wish it had a pickup so i could play it louder. If your going to buy acoustic, go to this web-site and take a look for yourself! http://www.simonandpatrick.ca/

Thanx for reading and I hope that your search for your sound is succesfull!

Alex Danek,
Frontman of 2nd Protocol

http://burning2k.tripod.com