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italia rimini v agile harm 12
Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2010 6:55 pm
by rich

v
i'm possibly in the market for a sub-ric 12-string. i like the looks and the initial specs of both these dudes. reviews seem generally favorable for both. has anybody here played both? any strong opinions either way?
Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2010 7:38 pm
by ekwatts
The Italia, if only for the fact it has much more of its own identity. It's more expensive, and some would say better (entirely subjective though as by all accounts those Agiles are top instruments for the money) but I just like it better.
Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2010 7:39 pm
by thickarms
i am having serious GAS for a 12 string so i'm gonna keep a close eye on this thread
Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2010 7:43 pm
by Gabriel
The Italia is really nice, I don't know how it would compare to the Agile seeing as I've never played an Agile. I'd recommend the Italia (I really want one too).
Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2010 8:18 pm
by benecol
I've played Italias, and I wouldn't pay a premium to get one; I'll bet you chances are they're made in exactly the same factory. Italia as a brand always carries with it the faint whiff of British Guitar Shop Man - they're designed by Trev Wilkinson, who's like the patron saint of bemulleted guitar shop staff, with his pony Fret Kings, Vintages and Italias.
Get the Agile.
How much do they cost in the US anyhow?
Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2010 8:26 pm
by rich
italia is $680. agile is $390. pretty big cost difference.
Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2010 8:27 pm
by lorez
i like Benecol have played a few Italia's and not been impressed by them, I find there is something not quite right about any of the Wilkinson guitars even things like the Vintage Lemon Drop LP that a lot of people rave over. I've not tried the Agile's though, not sure how readily available they are in the UK but a lot of people sing the praises of their LPs and semis. Try giving both a bash if you can and then decide
Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2010 9:11 pm
by mezzio13
Gretchgirl had that Italia and said it was poo.
I like Agile, and the guys at Rondo are top notch.
Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2010 9:21 pm
by benecol
rich wrote:italia is $680. agile is $390. pretty big cost difference.
Then definitely buy the Agile - those Italias aren't
any better than (or very possibly even, a patch on) them.
Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2010 9:58 pm
by rich
has anyone actually played the agile? the price seems right enough to gamble on it, but a testimony or two could definitely put me over the edge.
Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2010 10:19 pm
by George
Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2010 10:32 pm
by rich
gross.
Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2010 10:56 pm
by 24HRS2MDNT
Agile has 335 vibes instead of Rickedness. I bet if it were cherry red then it would be extra 335-ey.
The best part will be adding the "Fr" in front of Agile.
Do.
Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2010 11:14 pm
by Rox
I'd look into a Stargazer. It's not semihollow but it is a great 12 string. But that comment is a grain of salt since I don't have much experience with 12ers . However I did compare the Stargazer to a Rick 12 string that day which the Stargazer kinda cloned . The Rick was obviously better but not by much . The Rick was smooth and took little effort to play but the Schecter played more solid but had as much sustain as the Rick . Bit for the ridiculous price gap between them and the sound quality between them the Schecter is amazing . The Italia is cool and all but would take the Schecter at a drop of a hat to it with the prices being so close .
Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2010 11:41 pm
by timhulio
Wow all these guitars are really horrible. It's like the fuckin ugly bugs' ball. I know you gotta sacrifice looks a little to cram on six more strings and tuners, but jesus. It's like Schecter's design team went and raped a few other guitar manufacturers.
Actually, this is almost definately designed by Schecter too, but at least it's pretty:

Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2010 11:58 pm
by Rhysyrhys
benecol wrote:I've played Italias, and I wouldn't pay a premium to get one; I'll bet you chances are they're made in exactly the same factory. Italia as a brand always carries with it the faint whiff of British Guitar Shop Man - they're designed by Trev Wilkinson, who's like the patron saint of bemulleted guitar shop staff, with his pony Fret Kings, Vintages and Italias.
Get the Agile.
How much do they cost in the US anyhow?
Never truer words said. I really wanted the Italia range to be good because I really adore the looks of the Maranello Speedster I (white with black go-faster strip), I've played a lot of that range now and I'm thoroughly unimpressed with the way they play and sound. The build quality feels rough and cheap too, lots of excess glue - nasty cheap feeling finger boards, sharp fret ends and stuff. Stuff that you wouldn't expect from a really cheap unbranded guitar in some cases.
Such a shame, great idea and stuff. Guitars look the nuts, even there more garrish ones I would love to be seen playing but they just don't live up to the looks.
Get the Agile.
Posted: Wed Dec 29, 2010 12:42 am
by rich
i like that daisy rock. played one in a terrible used music shop in a shopping center in the burbs and loved it. i went back a week later with my $150.00 and the bitch was gone.
Posted: Wed Dec 29, 2010 12:45 am
by Nick
Get a used Danelectro DC-12.
I love mine. got a bro deal on here for $275 IIRC from Bassintom but they don't go for much more than that.
Re: italia rimini v agile harm 12
Posted: Wed Dec 29, 2010 1:37 am
by dezb1
rich wrote:
v
I'd buy the one on the right as the one on the left looks tiny...
Posted: Wed Dec 29, 2010 8:42 am
by thickarms
Nick wrote:Get a used Danelectro DC-12.
I love mine. got a bro deal on here for $275 IIRC from Bassintom but they don't go for much more than that.
This is what I'm thinking, my only concern is the neck. I quite like the necks on the DC-59 but I've read the DC-12 is significantly thicker but for how cheap they are I might just risk it