loading
reading
writing
saving
searching
Lotus 12 String Guitar - $250 (New Castle)
make / manufacturer:
Lotus
model name / number:
12 String Guitar
size / dimensions:
43 x 15 1\4
QR Code Link to This Post
Dimensions 15 3/4" width lower body
43" length
20 frets 18" long fretboard
s/n 21233
Lotus 12 String Guitar
Dimensions 15 3/4" w lower body
43" length
20 frets 18" long fretboard
s/n 21233
Cha GPT:
Here’s what can be said with reasonable confidence about your **Lotus 12-string acoustic guitar**, based on the photo and known history of the brand.
## Lotus 12-String Acoustic Guitar — Overview
### Brand background
**Lotus** was an import guitar brand best known in the **1970s through early 1980s**. The guitars were:
* **Made in Japan** (earlier period) and later **Korea**
* Built for affordability, not as a premium or boutique brand
* Often distributed in the U.S. by companies such as **Midco** and others who rebranded factory instruments
Lotus guitars are generally considered **solid, serviceable instruments**, especially the Japanese-made ones.
---
## What your guitar appears to be
Based on the image:
* **Type:** 12-string acoustic dreadnought
* **Era:** Likely **mid–1970s to early 1980s**
* **Country of manufacture:**
* Most likely **Japan** if earlier (1970s)
* Possibly **Korea** if later (early 1980s)
### Visual clues supporting this:
* Black headstock with **gold “LOTUS” decal** (very typical of 1970s MIJ imports)
* Slotted 12-string tuner layout with open-gear tuners
* Adjustable bridge saddle with **two visible adjustment screws** (common on Japanese imports of that era)
* Laminated spruce top with laminate back/sides (typical construction at this price point)
* Simple dot inlays and unbound fingerboard
* Large black pickguard in a Martin-style shape
---
## Construction & materials (typical)
* **Top:** Laminated spruce
* **Back & sides:** Laminated mahogany or nato
* **Neck:** Mahogany or nato
* **Fingerboard:** Rosewood
* **Bridge:** Rosewood with adjustable saddle
The adjustable saddle was popular at the time but can slightly reduce volume and sustain compared to a fixed bone saddle.
---
## Playability & tone
* These Lotus 12-strings are generally:
* **Bright and jangly**, which suits folk and rhythm playing
* Structurally stable if the neck angle is still good
* Watch for:
* Neck relief and action (12-strings are hard on necks)
* Bridge lifting
* Top bellying behind the bridge
If it plays comfortably without extreme action, that’s a good sign.
---
## Value (realistic market range)
Assuming good structural condition:
* **$150–300 USD** typical
* Toward the higher end if:
* Japanese-made
* Clean condition
* Original hardware
* Good neck angle and setup
They are **not rare**, but are respected as honest vintage imports.
---
## How to narrow it down further
If you want a more precise identification:
1. **Check inside the soundhole** for:
* “Made in Japan” or “Made in Korea”
* Any model number or paper label
2. **Measure the scale length** (nut to 12th fret × 2)
3. Look closely at:
* Tuner brand markings
* Bridge plate condition inside the body