Mick & Danish Pete try fanned fret acoustics

[Zandit75]

Nice tones coming out of that axe Zandit and really liked how the chorus effect of the octave higher strings sounded on those middle ones rather than 2 more of the same gauge on the high B & E. Presume it is fairly easy on the fingers too? Last acoustic 12 stringer I had was an early 80's yammy. Sounded great when it was in tune but mostly played root chords as I hadn't discovered a capo back then. Sounded rubbish on barre chords but that have been more the player not the guitar's fault.

Thanks Waz, most appreciated. The added octave strings give the chords a much fuller sound, and that is why I tracked one of these down. Every other 12 string I played had a real jangly sound to it, and I wasn't after that, but was actually after something different for an acoustic sound.
I don't really notice any issues with playing it, or swapping over to my Maton straight away either. The neck is fractionally wider, but it's barely noticeable.

Those fan fretted guits sounded very trebley and lacked projection, but will deffo track one down and have a strum as it may sound better in the flesh.

Be interested to see if they have a solid top or, like a lot of import Acoustics, a laminated top.

As mentioned, the body shape is identical to the 8-string I have, and the sustain is insane. Standard Emajor chord rings forever.
Unplugged it is not the best from the players point of view, but sitting in front of someone else playing it, it sounds very full.
Plugged in is where this guitar really shines. The Fishman Sonicore pickup is awesome.

BTW, just as confirmation, the back and sides are Laminated, the top is solid.

[dingobass]

Had a play of the 6 string version today... great value for the money, sounds quite nice in the flesh.

Then I had a play with a 2k Maton....... droooooooooool

[Fretworn]

Had a play of the 6 string version today... great value for the money, sounds quite nice in the flesh.

Then I had a play with a 2k Maton....... droooooooooool

You should never try a guitar you can't afford to buy. Which is why I never try any.......

[Zandit75]

Had a play of the 6 string version today... great value for the money, sounds quite nice in the flesh.

Then I had a play with a 2k Maton....... droooooooooool

You played the Fan-fret 6-string?

You should never try a guitar you can't afford to buy. Which is why I never try any.......

Yeah, but that would be the same as knocking back the opportunity to sit in a Lamborghini. You have to keep the dreams alive!!
Having said that, if you don't play as many guitars as you can, you can't find the sweet spot.
I got let loose in a local guitar shop about 12months ago when I was looking to get the 8-string, and I played every guitar in the shop. They had Matons, Takamines, Fenders etc, all ranging from $300 - $3k.
The best sounding guitar in the shop? It as an elcheapo from Timberidge that cost about $350.
Obviously that was my own opinion, but you never know what you can find until you try them all!

[Bass Guy]

Fanfretted Guitars are easier on the wrist and hand as it places your wrist in a more natural position.
Wonder how long before this becomes an industry standard ?

I think it is heading that way. Certainly manufacturers like Ibanez et al have comprehensive ranges of FF instruments - I give it about five years before they become "acceptable" to the masses.

Although I seriously doubt we'll see Fender or Gibson going down this road...

[wazkelly]

You played the Fan-fret 6-string?



Yeah, but that would be the same as knocking back the opportunity to sit in a Lamborghini. You have to keep the dreams alive!!
Having said that, if you don't play as many guitars as you can, you can't find the sweet spot.
I got let loose in a local guitar shop about 12months ago when I was looking to get the 8-string, and I played every guitar in the shop. They had Matons, Takamines, Fenders etc, all ranging from $300 - $3k.
The best sounding guitar in the shop? It as an elcheapo from Timberidge that cost about $350.
Obviously that was my own opinion, but you never know what you can find until you try them all!

Some sound great acoustically and others sound better through an amp, pretty rare to find one that does both jobs as well as each other. Names on headstocks aren't always a good indicator and yes you were right in trying everything in the shop to find what suited you the best. The results are often unexpected.

[Zandit75]

Some sound great acoustically and others sound better through an amp, pretty rare to find one that does both jobs as well as each other. Names on headstocks aren't always a good indicator and yes you were right in trying everything in the shop to find what suited you the best. The results are often unexpected.

Yep, very good point. While I thought the sound of the 8-string I bought was not the best acoustically, it gave me a taste of the difference I was after from the standard 6-string guitars. Plugged in, it soars.

[wazkelly]

Seems to be the case with a lot of acoustics with in built pre-amps and pickups.

My 33 year old acoustic sounds great as is. Doesn't have any on-board electronics and have often been tempted to add some but then reckon this one must have been made to be mic'd up instead.

[dingobass]

The Ibby I played was just a standard fretted one, but she was a nice Guitar for the money.
As Wazza pointed out, names on headstocks dont mean the Guitar is going to be great....
I have had Martin and Taylor Guitars in for some TLC and to be honest, they were really ordinary..
Then occasionally someone will bring a budget Yamaha or such and they sing like a bird..
Go figure..