The Samick Greg Bennett D7 12CE is a 12-string acoustic-electric guitar that combines traditional craftsmanship with modern versatility, offering musicians a powerful, budget-friendly instrument. Designed by Greg Bennett and manufactured by Samick, a South Korean company with a reputation for quality affordable guitars, the D7/12CE is part of the Beaumont series, paying homage to the iconic dreadnought style. In this review, we’ll explore its design, sound, playability, electronics, and overall value to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your musical journey.
Design and Craftsmanship
The Samick Greg Bennett D7 12CE boasts a classic dreadnought body, known for its large size and robust projection, making it a staple in acoustic guitar design. Its key specifications include:
– Body Shape: Dreadnought
– Top: Solid cedar
– Back and Sides: Rosewood (laminate, 3-piece back)
– Neck: Nato (Eastern mahogany)
– Fretboard: Rosewood, 12” radius
– Scale Length: 25.5” (64 cm)
– Frets: 20
– Tuners: Grover A102C, 14:1 ratio
– Bridge: Rosewood
– Electronics: Built-in ClearWave 10 preamp and pickup system
– Inlays: Slotted square
– Binding: 8-ply
– Nut Width: 1 11/16”
The solid cedar top paired with rosewood back and sides delivers a rich, warm tone with excellent harmonic sparkle, particularly in the high end. The 3-piece rosewood back, with its decorative seams, adds aesthetic appeal, while the nato neck ensures durability and stability. The rosewood fretboard feels smooth, and the Grover tuners provide reliable tuning stability, crucial for managing the tension of 12 strings. The craftsmanship is impressive for the price, with clean binding, a glossy natural finish, and attention to detail that rivals more expensive models.
However, some used models have been noted to show minor cosmetic blemishes, such as finish imperfections near the neck, though these don’t affect playability or sound.
Sound and Performance
Samick Greg Bennett D7 12CE guitar shines with its balanced, resonant tone, characteristic of a 12-string dreadnought. Unplugged, it produces a full, vibrant sound with a strong low-mid range and bright, shimmering highs, thanks to the cedar top and rosewood back. The dreadnought body provides ample volume and projection, making it ideal for filling a room without amplification. It excels in genres like folk, country, pop, and blues, where the 12-string’s lush, jangly timbre adds depth to chord progressions and arpeggios.
When plugged in, the built-in preamp and pickup system captures the guitar’s natural warmth effectively. The preamp offers bass, mid, and treble controls, allowing players to shape their amplified tone for live performances or recording. Feedback is minimal even at higher volumes, making it stage-ready. The electronics are reliable, delivering a clean, nuanced sound that complements both fingerstyle and strumming.
Playability
Samick Greg Bennett D7 12CE offers a comfortable playing experience despite the inherent challenges of a 12-string guitar. Its slim neck profile and low action make fretting and bending easier, though the 1 11/16” nut width may feel slightly narrow for players with larger hands. The rosewood fretboard and 20 frets provide ample range for both chords and lead work. The 25.5” scale length is standard for dreadnoughts, balancing tension and playability for the doubled strings.
While 12-string guitars can be more demanding to play due to increased string tension, the D7/12CE’s setup is forgiving for beginners and intermediates. A professional setup is recommended for optimal performance, especially for used models, to ensure the action and intonation are dialed in.
Value and Availability
Priced between $250 and $400 new (with used models as low as $150-$250), Samick Greg Bennett D7 12CE offers exceptional value. It competes with brands like Yamaha, Alvarez, and Epiphone in the budget 12-string market but stands out with its solid top, Grover tuners, and versatile electronics. Compared to Samick’s D7 (non-electric) or Avion series, the D7 12CE’s amplified capabilities and dreadnought power make it a better choice for gigging musicians.
The guitar is available through retailers like Reverb, Guitar Center, Sweetwater, and smaller music shops. Its relative scarcity in big-box stores reflects Samick’s focus on smaller, specialized retailers who prioritize quality service.
On forums, opinions vary. Some players praise its sound and value, with one user calling it a “great deal” for a 12-string at $400, while others suggest saving for a Taylor or Martin for superior quality. However, for budget-conscious players, the D7/12CE’s combination of features and affordability is hard to beat.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
– Rich, balanced 12-string tone with excellent projection
– Solid cedar top and quality materials for the price
– Reliable Grover tuners and built-in electronics
– Comfortable playability with low action
– Affordable, typically $250-$400 new
– Suitable for live performances and recording
Cons:
– Laminate back and sides may lack the resonance of solid wood
– Slightly narrow nut width for some players
– Used models may have minor cosmetic imperfections
– Less brand prestige compared to Taylor or Martin
Who Is It For?
The Samick Greg Bennett D7-12CE guitar is ideal for beginner to intermediate players seeking an affordable 12-string acoustic-electric guitar with stage-ready features. It’s perfect for singer-songwriters, folk and country players, or anyone wanting the lush, complex sound of a 12-string without breaking the bank. While it may not match the resonance of premium solid-wood guitars, its quality construction and versatility make it a standout in its class.
Thoughts
The Samick Greg Bennett D7-12CE guitar is a compelling choice for musicians on a budget who need a versatile 12-string guitar. Its solid cedar top, rosewood back, and reliable electronics deliver a rich, balanced tone suitable for both acoustic and amplified settings. With comfortable playability and thoughtful design, it punches above its price point, making it a worthy contender in the entry-level acoustic-electric market. Whether you’re strumming in a coffee shop or recording in a studio, the D7-12CE offers quality and value that’s hard to overlook.