Today I got my hands on a sweet 12-string semi-hollow from a company called Eastwood. They are a Canadian importer of Chinese guitars that captures some of the best of the spirit of the golden age of electric guitar: the fabulous 60's. The Classic series is patterned after a Gretsch Country Gentlemen, with a set of replica Filtertron pickups and serviceable compliment of knobs and a single pickup switch. The finish on the one I got is a walnut flamed maple top. The guitar has an arched flamed maple laminate top, a plain arched maple back and sides, and a maple neck. The neck is nice and thin, but is wide, to accommodate the 12 strings (unlike the popular semi-hollow Rickenbackers, which have necks so narrow you can't even finger an "A" chord).
The thing has a great tonal range. Capable of anything McGuinn or Harrison to conjure up, as well as darkening up for a little "Stairway to Heaven", with lots in between.
The guitar is surprisingly heavy, but I believe it is going to provide me with years and years of playing fun.
Here are some pictures of the guitar.
