Newbie dumbass part deux

[littlebobby]

Anybody be so kind as to give me an insight into how the 12 and 14 fret blues differ?

[Deleted]

Looks, playability up the neck, bit more beef and bottom end - that's it maybe?
TT

[bonzo]

I've had both, lovely guitars. I swapped the 12 fret, kept the 14 fret because I like the extra room on the neck. That's just me though.

[Michael Messer]

Hi Littlebobby,

The 12 fret was the original 1929 steel bodied National guitar design. It has a big fat full sound and is in some people's eyes, the classic National guitar shape. The 12 frets to the body join does take some getting used to, but with practice it is not a problem. The balance also takes a bit of getting used to because it can feel like it is body-heavy. I have toured and recorded with 12 fret National and National-style guitars for 45 years, so I'm very used to them. I also have a couple of 14 fret MM guitars around the house, one in my office next to me, that I play most days.

14 fret steel bodied National guitars came into existence in 1934. They are in some people's eyes, more user friendly with the 14 frets to the body. This gives much easier access to the 12th and higher frets and the small body might be more comfortable to some people. Soundwise, these tend to have a little less bass, but are very powerful and punch the sound out like a little cannon.

The comments made by TT and Bonzo are spot on. Each to their own and you should be ruled by your heart. Having said that, you would not be making a mistake with either model because both are great guitars.

I hope that is helpful.

Shine On
Michael

[littlebobby]

It sure is. Many thanks all.