>>I haven't played the Martin 12 strings, but if they're anything like the 6, you might not want to either. The 6 strings are wonderful. I'd always wanted one, and this past January I bought the SPD16R. Somethings never live up to your expectations. This wasn't one of those cases (and I don't mean hardshell < g >).
>
>Those get spendy! THe Martin EC (Eric Clapton Model) run maybe in the $4-5K range! I could be 2 or 3 Marshall Full Stacks for that! Did you bt anychance here about his auction? Eric actioned off 150 of his own personal gutiars. Included 1 of the 28 made Original Gibson Explorers among evrything else. If your goin' to play do it in style I guess< g >.

Depends on what you want/need. a D12-1 lists for $1,300. You can probably pick one up for around $800.00. A D12-28 is $2,350, but I'd say you could probably pick one up for $1,500. You'll pay less for the guitar if the dealer has it in stock. Usually about 60% of list or less. If he has to order it, you'll probably end up spending about 70% of list. Note, I'm not mentioning the X series 12 string. It's all lamenated. The D12-1 has a solid top and the D12-28 is all wood.

I can't find the Clapton model at the Martin site, but I know I've seen it there. You might want to check out www.mguitar.com if you're ever interested in getting one.

It's probably good I didn't hear about the auction. Would've either spent money I can't afford or been kicking myself for not spending money I can't afford. < bg >