Topic: Would you get a 12 or 14 Fret Duolian?

[westside ryan]

I have been seriously considering picking up a Republic resonator.  They offer their Duolian in both 12 and 14 fret models.  Does one have any advantages over the other?

I've actually also been considering vintage parlors, but guitars of that age make me nervous for some reason!

Thanks!

[Adam Franklin]

I play a 12 fretter (not a Republic, my Daughter has one of their ukes though, it's pretty good), people say the deeper body makes for a bigger sound.

Pupils of mine often say they want the extra room, you have to think how often you'd be needing to play (and stay) past the 12th though. I use a capo quite a bit and use the slide to get chords up to about the 15th fret pretty easily.

Really though, it's up to you and what you like. Is there anywhere near you could try both?

Good luck with the search!

Adam.

[blueshome]

If you buy with care there is nothing to be afraid of with a vintage "parlour" (normally they are concert size, bigger than a true parlour). Just don't go for expensive collectors' items.

I have 3, ranging from a '10s $2 mail order job, a 1912 Oscar Schmidt and an all koa instrument from the '20s. 2 cost around ?600, and the former ?180. After a little work they all play beautifully and I have no problem taking them out.

As to resonators, the consensus is that the 12-fret models have a fuller sound. You need to balance this against playability if this is an issue for you. I have no problem playing traditional country blues on 12-fret instruments which are all I use nowadays, neither do many of my friends and acquaintances who play this music.

[unezrider]

hello friend,
i think it's a personal choice. but for what its worth, i used to own a 12 fret oscar schmidt, & currently have a 12 fret nat, & i never have had any issues or found myself wishing i had a little more room on the fret board.

[GhostRider]

Yeah, I visit that site often. They are inexpensive and seem to be all fixed up. Go for it.

Alex

[Rivers]

Makes you want to move to Vermont really.

[unezrider]

don't know about the republics, but the scale length is the same on national's 12 & 14 fretters. the body shape is what is different.