D’Angelico Premier Fulton 12-string Acoustic-electric Guitar Review Vintage Sunburst Tone and Comfort

Description

Stunning Design and Build Quality

I have to say, the D’Angelico Premier Fulton LS 12-string Acoustic-electric Guitar in Satin Vintage Sunburst is a feast for the eyes. Its 16-inch-wide Grand Auditorium body, crafted from mahogany, feels both sturdy and elegant. The spruce top adds a timeless charm, while the vintage sunburst finish elevates it to a piece you’d proudly showcase. The torrefied merbau fingerboard complements the design with a warm, natural aesthetic. Holding this guitar, I could immediately appreciate its high-quality craftsmanship—it feels substantial without being unwieldy. Despite having a 12-string configuration, it manages to stay lightweight at just 8.8 pounds, making it surprisingly comfortable during extended sessions.

But the real highlight for me was the attention to detail. From the fixed guitar bridge system to the phosphor bronze strings, every element seemed thoughtfully selected to enhance both aesthetics and performance. The slim “C”-shaped mahogany neck is a standout feature, as it perfectly fits the palm, making the guitar feel incredibly playable. For someone like me with medium-sized hands, this neck profile was an absolute joy to use.

Sound Performance that Shines

The sound from this guitar exceeded my expectations. That classic, chimey 12-string resonance is fully realized here, with a robust bass and a shiny high end that feels balanced and vibrant. The spruce top and mahogany back work in tandem to deliver a warm, full-bodied sound that’s perfect for both strumming and fingerpicking. I tested it with a mix of folk, rock, and even some experimental genres, and it held up beautifully.

Plugging it in for amplified performance was equally impressive. The D’Angelico MG-30 Preamp and Tuner provided clear, rich tones without any muddiness. The onboard tuner was an absolute lifesaver, especially with 12 strings to keep in check. I appreciated how intuitive and user-friendly the preamp controls were—no fumbling around mid-set, just straightforward adjustments for volume and tone.

Positives

• Stunning design with a vintage sunburst finish that’s hard to ignore.
• Rich, resonant sound with balanced lows and highs, even at amplified levels.
• The slim “C”-shaped neck provides incredible comfort and playability.
• D’Angelico MG-30 Preamp ensures seamless amplified sound and includes a handy tuner.
• Lightweight for a 12-string guitar, making it easy to hold for long periods.

Critiques

• Tuning all 12 strings can be a bit time-consuming, even with the onboard tuner.
• The phosphor bronze strings, while offering great tonal quality, may not suit those used to lighter strings.
• The torrefied merbau fingerboard, though beautiful, might require extra care to maintain its finish over time.

Target Audience and Playability

This guitar is ideal for intermediate to advanced players looking to expand their tonal palette with a 12-string instrument. That said, even for someone newer to 12-string guitars, the slim neck profile and the lightweight body make it an approachable choice. I also see this being a hit with performers who need a reliable acoustic-electric guitar for gigs. It’s versatile enough to handle various genres, from folk to blues to light rock.

If you’re someone who values both sound quality and visual appeal, this guitar delivers in spades. However, beginners might find the string tension and tuning process a bit challenging initially.

Market Rivals

Now, comparing this to a few other 12-string acoustic-electrics I’ve tried, the D’Angelico Premier Fulton holds its own remarkably well. For instance, the Taylor 150e offers a similar sound profile but comes at a higher price point. While the Taylor has a slightly more polished tone, the Premier Fulton offers solid versatility and better comfort at a more accessible price.

On the other hand, guitars like the Yamaha FG820-12 come in at a lower price but lack the premium features and aesthetic appeal of the D’Angelico. The onboard preamp and tuner make the Premier Fulton more suitable for live performances, where the Yamaha might fall short in tonal clarity when amplified.

Bang for the Buck

From my perspective, this guitar offers fantastic value for money. Its design quality, sound performance, and built-in preamp are features you’d usually find in much pricier instruments. Sure, it’s an investment, but for what you’re getting—a reliable, great-sounding, and visually stunning 12-string acoustic-electric guitar—it’s absolutely worth it. If you’re on the fence, just remember that the sound clarity and ease of playability are hard to beat at this level.

Additional information