maton 425c/12 string
I bought a 12 string Hoya in'64. It was a right hander that I entrusted to a confident but clueless counter-hopper called George to convert to left hand. It was a disaster from the start but at least cured me forever of making do with less than purpose built guitars. I still cringe when I see upside down guitars on stages today. It was also the catalyst for me to switch to bass for "a while" which has continued off and on for 40 years.
My current 12 string is a very different matter. Instead of a mediocre German take on a Harmony this is a far superior instrument and is built here in Australia.
Maton acoustics are world class. They make a wide range of models with varying combinations of native Australian timbers. 225s get Queensland maple sides and backs, 325s and the 12 string 425s use Queensland walnut and so it goes on. You can really order what you want, if you are prepared to pay and that is what I did with this one. I chose herringbone binding and snowflake dots from the top range Messiah model and a Blackwood faced keyhole cut headstock from another one. I had them stain the top as I think the spruce they use looks a bit pink against the sides. I could have gone further but the options turned a reasonably priced guitar into quite an expensive indulgence.
$2200 is a lot of loot but it sounds mighty!
