Lakewood D18-12

For many years, I wanted a 12 string that was comparable in quality to my Gibson. I had learned to play on an Egmond Double Six, that had cost around £18 saved from doing a paper round in all weathers. It was a masterpiece of plywood and wire. They must have seen me and my £18 coming down the street. Years later I had an Antoria 12 string that was modelled on a Gibson Hummingbird, but somehow it never measured up to my expectations. So for the best part of a decade I didn't have a 12 string. When my father died he left some money, I spent the majority on an extension to the house, and various other items around the house. Once again my wife stepped in and said that I should spend at least some of it on a 12 string before I blew it all on sensible things. Well I shopped around to get the best deal I could. At that time Gibson did not have a 12 string acoustic in their catalogue. There were two contenders, a Lowden 12 string and a Lakewood. The Lakewood was the cheaper of the two, and it was the only one that was actually in stock in any shop in the midlands. So that decision was made for me.

Lakewood for those who don't know are a small German firm owned by Martin Seelger, comprising half a dozen or so craftsmen who hand build guitars.

There are two fundamental approaches for 12 string players. The more modern approach is to produce a jingle jangle sound which is delightful and bright. The other is to go for the booming sound that players like Leadbelly and Blind Willie McTell had. This is achieved by very heavy gauge strings and tuning very low. This is what I do with my Lakewood, and it sounds fantastic. I use La Bella Silk and Steel Heavy Gauge strings and tune the base string down to A. If anyone is tempted to try this, do not tune up to concert pitch, or anywhere near to it. Quite simply it will destroy your guitar, and very quickly.