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Average Price: $900

High-end/Boutique

$200

$601+

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Description

Embrace the timeless allure of the Gibson B-25 12, a guitar that resonates with the spirit of the '60s. This student-level twelve-string marvel, part of the iconic B series that succeeded the LG series, offers a sonic journey back to the golden era of music. Its evolution over the years, especially the switch to a trapeze tailpiece from 1965 to 1970, marks its place in musical history. Perfect for both budding musicians and seasoned players looking to recapture the classic vibe, the B-25 12 stands as a testament to Gibson's legacy of crafting instruments with soul.

Key Features:

  • Student-level twelve-string guitar, ideal for beginners and professionals alike
  • Part of the historic B series, offering a rich musical heritage
  • Trapeze tailpiece (1965-1970) adds a unique aesthetic and tonal quality
  • Crafted from mahogany back and sides with a Spruce top for a warm, resonant sound

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model B-25-12
Finish Natural, Sunburst
Year 1962 - 1979
Made In United States
Categories 12-String Acoustic Guitars, Concert Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp No
Back Material Mahogany
Body Shape Concert
Color Family Brown, Tan
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gibson B-25
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 18
Number of Strings 12-String
Pickup None
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Gibson Kalamazoo Factory Era, Gibson Norlin Era
Sides Material Mahogany
String Type Steel
Top Material Spruce

FAQs

What is the tone like on the Gibson B-25 12-string guitar?

The Gibson B-25 12-string guitar is known for its rich, full-bodied sound with a bright top end, thanks to its spruce top and mahogany body. It offers a balanced tone suitable for both strumming and fingerpicking.

Is the Gibson B-25 12-string suitable for beginners?

While the Gibson B-25 12-string offers excellent tonal qualities, its 12-string setup may be challenging for beginners due to the increased tension and string complexity. It's better suited for players with some experience who are comfortable with 12-string guitars.

What are the neck specifications of the Gibson B-25 12-string?

The Gibson B-25 12-string features a mahogany neck with a rosewood fretboard. Earlier models had a standard 1 11/16" nut width, but post-1965 models have a narrower 1 5/8" nut width, providing a comfortable playing experience for most hand sizes.

Does the Gibson B-25 12-string have any electronics or pickups?

No, the Gibson B-25 12-string is an acoustic guitar with no built-in electronics or pickups, making it ideal for pure acoustic performances.

How does the Gibson B-25 12-string compare to other 12-string guitars?

The Gibson B-25 12-string is renowned for its vintage appeal and high-quality craftsmanship, offering a unique tonal character distinct from modern 12-string guitars. Its smaller concert body shape provides a more focused sound compared to larger-bodied 12-string models.

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

LEMMO DEMO: 1967 Gibson B-25-12 $1095 | "My Affordable Favorites"

Video thumbnail for LEMMO DEMO: 1967 Gibson B-25-12 $1095 | "My Affordable Favorites" by Normans Rare Guitars

LEMMO DEMO: 1967 Gibson B-25-12 $1095 | "My Affordable Favorites"

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson B-25 12-string by Oscar Guitars

Gibson B-25 12-string

Oscar Guitars

Oscar Guitars

Video thumbnail for Used Guitar for Sale - 1967 Gibson B-25-12 string Guitar Pro Setup Cherry Burst Pro Setup by Lawman Guitars

Used Guitar for Sale - 1967 Gibson B-25-12 string Guitar Pro Setup Cherry Burst Pro Setup

Lawman Guitars

Lawman Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson B-25-12 12-string acoustic from 1967 presented by Tobias Hoffmann at Vintage Guitar Oldenburg by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Gibson B-25-12 12-string acoustic from 1967 presented by Tobias Hoffmann at Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Reviews

PROS

  • Beautiful clear and ringing tone with great separation between bass and highs

  • Unique sound, perfect for blues, folk, and classic rock styles

  • Lightweight, under 5 lbs, with a comfortable mahogany neck

  • Smaller body size, ideal for fingerstyle picking

  • Low action makes it easy and less strenuous to play

  • Great for specific tunings, enhancing its tonal versatility

  • High quality and durable, even after decades

  • Perfect for recreating 60s-70s classic sounds

  • Authentic vintage aesthetic with its tobacco sunburst finish

CONS

  • Small body may not project as much volume as larger acoustics

  • Sound may be too high-register focused for some players

  • Older models can vary widely in quality; some may have poor tone

  • Larger headstock can cause balance issues, leading to neck dive

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson B-25 12.

Build quality

  • The B-25-12 features a pinless bridge, which is less common than the pinned or separate bridge/tailpiece designs.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Many original bridges required repairs due to top sinking, but models with the pinless bridge like this one often had fewer issues.

    Source

User experience

  • The smaller body size makes it easier to play than dreadnought-style 12-strings, enhancing playability.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The bridge design is similar to that of the B45 models from the early 1960s, suggesting a shared build philosophy.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
R

12 String Boomer Box

Walk Right In, Sit Right Down. That 12 string. Still in very good shape. My brother bought it in the 60's and gave it to me when left down with a new Guild, which I also have.

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