Topic: Opinions on Fraulini Angelina 12-string

[pete12string]

I'm real close to ordering a Fraulini Angelina 12 and I'd like to hear the opinions of others on the options that are available.  I'm most interested in what people think of the pin bridge vs. a tailpiece.  Also, the back and sides.  I think I would go with Mahogany.  Other opinions on Oak or Birch?  What would you choose?  Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[frankie]

If you like mahogany, then go with mahogany.  I have a Francesca 12-string with oak b/s that I love beyond all reason and a friend's Angelina 12-string, also oak, has been visiting for the past month or so.  Both guitars are tp models, although mine has the repro tp.  A friend has a mahogany Angelina/pin bridge - nice guitar.  I think the sound of the tp model have a little extra "something" at the expense of a little volume, maybe. The pin bridge models seem to be more direct...  depends on what your preference is.  Frankly, I think Todd's got a nice touch with oak, and I'm hoping to grub up one of his maple guitars someday.

[Parlor Picker]

Wait for Blueshome to get back from the Weenie Guernsey gathering.  He's got a nice example that he will doubtless wish to report on.  I think Natterjack has one too (also in Guernsey I believe).

[blueshome]

I agree exactly with what Frankie has said, having just spent the weekend with my own Angelina (tailpieace/oak) and Natterjack's pin bridge version. It was hearing the latter that convinced me to buy a 12-string Angelina when I had been going to order a 6!

I'm sure either would satisfy, but I made my choice and I'm happy to stick with it after a year's ownership and daily playing.

Speak to Todd about your personal requirements as to sound and volume, but I don't think you will make a mistake whichever way you go.

[Richard]

Yes, it was the official annual UK Fraulini owners club meet and very nice they sounded too (two?)....

[Bald Melon Jefferson]

I couldn't decide between a 6 and a 12.... so Todd and I agreed to split the difference.

[natterjack]

Well, I went for the mahogany and pin bridge and like Blueshome, I'm delighted and wouldn't change it. I've played a few old ladder braced six-strings and the pin bridge ones always sounded better to me.

Whatever you choose, I don't think you can wrong

[pete12string]

Well, I'm on Todd's list - the wait is 9 months (like having a baby!).  I haven't decided on all the details yet, but I have plenty of time to think about it.  Thanks to all of you who offered your opinions.  After all I've heard, I have a feeling that I can't go wrong with a Fraulini. 

[frankie]

My friend's Angelina 12-string has been visiting here, and I decided I wasn't taking enough advantage of the opportunity, so I made it a point to pick it up at least a couple times a week in between other stuff for the last few weeks, just to give it a chance to speak and to see what would come out.  This is what came out:



Not sure it'll really give you an idea what this kind of guitar can sound like, or that it's really the kind of tune that most folks look for or expect on a 12-string, but I (gasp!) kinda like it.

[Slack]

Just great - love the low end twang!

[Rivers]

Excellent work Frank. You got to have the right 12 string to make it work, even more so than a 6, I think.

[Mr.OMuck]

Puts me in mind of Miss Bozo herself! Though I think she was cranked up to standard pitch. Sounds to me like you're in Georgia Bill mode. Is Bozo still alive and making guitars does anybody know?

[uncle bud]

Nice job, Frank!

[frankie]

Thanks, guys.

You got to have the right 12 string to make it work, even more so than a 6, I think.

I'm not sure that the low-tuned sound is quite right for Rev. Davis's music, as Mr. O'muck pointed out - he usually tuned to pitch or even a little sharp.  I have one recording where I think he had borrowed a 12-string from Pete Seeger - there he was tuned about a whole step flat, maybe a little more.  I like the low-tuned sound for a few things because it makes me think a little more independently about his music and it puts my voice in a more comfortable range.

Plus, I have a schoolboy crush on my 12-string...

[Mr.OMuck]

You did a slammin' job on that song Mr. Frankie. A truly great and under performed song it is too.
Who playeth in F like unto RGD I ask thee? Fuckin' NO ONE thats bloody who mate! Lower tuning don't bother me at all, frankly, Frankie.