Overall User Ratings (based on 50 ratings)
  • Overall:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Sound:
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Features:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Ease of Use:
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Quality:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Value:
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Manufacturer Support:
    3 out of 5 stars
  • The Wow Factor:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(50) (see rating details)
Submitted January 30, 2011 by a customer from msn.com

"The Ibanez AEF1812 12 string guitar. Exotic quality, at a reasonable price."

Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
I own every guitar that I have ever purchased. Even some guitars that I havn't played in decades because I found ones that play and sound better. I just can't bring myself to sell one. Of course after you get used to one guitar for a while and then find a new honey, it is not hard to upgrade, just dont sell the old one!
Sound
Played a AEF1812 in a pawn shop and fell in love with it. I obviously was not looking for this model but I have been looking for a good 12 string. I initially did not care for the shallow body as compared to other hollow bodys. The sound was not as rich as a deep body guitar which is important on a 12 string. The small trebble strings need a deeper guitar body to mellow out the overabundance of treble inherant with 12s. This is not that big of an issue for me though because it is also an electric. Any tone you like can be achieved with the amp. The ease of playing this guitar quickly overshaddowed any hangup I had with the body depth.
Ease of Use
This is the easiest 12 string I have ever played. I can play it finger style almost as easy as I can play my classical guitar. I am used to a wider neck and this one has a very ergonomic fretboard. It is not as wide as a classical fretboard, but wider than a standard steel six string. I fell in love with the action of this guitar.
Quality
The fit and finish is second to none. This is important to me. I never play a guitar while wearing buttons or zippers so as not to scrath it. I pay close attention to fit and finish detail and I had no disappointments here. Beautiful workmenship.
Value
It appears to be more guitar for the price than anything that I have looked at. By far and away more. It plays as well as guitars costing two, three and even four times the cost of this one. Don't get me wrong, a Taylor is worth every penny that you pay for it, but this guitar gives you the feel and sound of a Taylor without paying over $2000. Not everyone is a professional musicion and for a hobbie guitar Taylor is out of the question , at least for me.
Manufacturer Support
No
The Wow Factor
It is a very handsom guitar. I prefer dark trim around the body of the guitar and this one is ivory, but it is still a very nise insterment to look at.

Musical Background:

45 years amiture hobbiest

Musical Style:

Jazz, classical
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Submitted February 21, 2023 by a customer from yahoo.com

"I’ve had on for 20 years"

Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
I’ve owned one of these since 2001-2002. Mine was made in 01 and I used my confirmation money to buy it. I love this guitar. It is definitely a bright sounds 12 string but it is so easy to play and plugged in, the sound quality is amazing. Plus the EQ on it helps you achieve the sound your looking for. I’m suprised they are not worth more 20 years later.
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Submitted October 5, 2003 by a customer from fuse.net

"Taylor sound for an Ibanez price!"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
I can't say anything negative. I wasn't looking to buy Ibanez when I started looking, but after playing them, and comparing prices, they round pretty good against the higher priced brands. I hope they're as durable as they are beautiful.
Sound
extremely easy to play. I've owned an ovation 12 string for over 20 years, and the Ibanez is so much easier to play. I've played some of the newer Ovations, and while they too are easier to play than my old one, they cost more than twice as much as the Ibanez, and don't sound any better, nor do they paly any easier.
Features
nice size, great feel. Ibanez, for whatever reason only puts 1 strap peg on their guitars, so I've had to add the other on both of my guitars. It's too early to rate their long term durability, but they look great, and play great. The choice of Elixir strings, at least in my opinion is great. No squeak at all, and a crisp new sound all the time.
Quality
Cosmetically, they're beautiful, fit and finish are great. Long term, I can't say since I've only recently purchased mine.
Value
try them head to head with guitars with similar features, at twice the price, and judge for yourself. I'm fortunate to have two very large music stores to be able to compare several brands head to head, before I made my decision.
The Wow Factor
There's not a lot to choose from in the acoustic/electric 12 string market, but I've played Taylors, and Ovations, and honestly, they don't sound any better, and they play about the same. I can't justify the $1500 dollar and up price for one of theirs, when Ibanez offers the same quality for under $500.

Musical Style:

folk, acoustic
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by a customer from munroassoc.com

"Great sound, looks great, easy playing, good value"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
I do not expect to ever have to replace it. The more I play it, the better it gets.
Sound
Great in acoustic or amplified use.
Features
Single cut away allows simulating mandolin - like at the ending of Maggie Mae. Powered pre-amp & 3 channel equalizer allows volume control and some shaping of the sound.
Quality
Absolutely no complaints.
Value
I worked in a music store in the 60's - today's prices are amazing by comparison considering inflation.
Manufacturer Support
No contact
The Wow Factor
Beautiful curved back - mahogony grain. Unusual inlay around sound hole.

Musical Style:

Rock and Country Top 40, golden era
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