I'm shopping around and wanted feedback / tips on things to watch for.  I really don't like buying a guitar (especially used) online but it seems like nobody carries them for me to compare.  I don't want to spend $1000 and end up with something less than perfect in every way, shape, and form.

 

Has anyone played an Italia Rimini 12 http://www.italiaguitars.com/guitarDetail_outer.php?thisGuitarId=18

 

How about an Eastwood Classic 12 or Nashville 12 http://www.eastwoodguitars.com/

The Burns Double Six got here yesterday...FINALLY!  It was completely worth the money and the wait.  It plays like a dream and you wouldn't believe the tone through a Vox AC30VR! 

I've looked at that Burns closely a few different times and I still have trouble knowing for sure if John uses all 12 strings while he plays it.

Anthony Beemer said:

John Dwyer from Thee Oh Sees plays that model. He makes it sound easy.

 

John Dwyer from Thee Oh Sees plays that model. He makes it sound easy.

In case anyone was wondering, I decided to pull the trigger on the Burns Double Six.  I had to save a bit since they are "valuable" (things are "valuable" if they're worth the high ticket price and "expensive" if they aren't).  Everything about it feels and sounds ... right.  I considered the Rickie but just couldn't justify the ~ $2000 price.

 

Hey There!

You should seriously consider saving up for a Rickenbacker. We 've got one and it sounds heavenly! And 80's -90's models don't go for too much, if you don't mind the higain pickups.

Burns Double Six..epic guitars.

I played some "vintage" 12 strings recently; a Vox teardrop (it was...ok but at $1500 it should have been godlike in perfection) and a Greco (pretty and nice tone but half the pickups didn't work, the neck was warped and the neck was a little too narrow for my pudgy fingers).

 

I hear that Dean makes one that is moderately ok and dirt cheap but is a little top heavy (but what do you want for $300?).  My brother has a Dano that's pretty good and a green Burns that makes me green with envy.

I played the Italia. It played pretty well straight outta the box and played/sounded fantastic after a setup. I never played an Eastwood so I can't comment.

as far as eastwood goes, our guitarist has a 6 string model and it totally kicks ass!no info on the 12 models though...

http://www.chorder.com/electric-guitars/Italia/Rimini+12-String+Semi-Hollow+1238/

I don't know much about 12 string guitars, BUT Dillion is now making Rickenbacker knock-offs in a 12 string. Have you tried Harmony Central's User Reviews?