What E9th universal guitar should I order or buy?

[Darrell Criswell]

I have been playing around with a 10 string BMI for a while, I am not an advanced player. I would like to get the thicker bottom two strings that an Extended E9th has. What model guitar would you advise me to get. Thanks so much.

[Bill McCloskey]

At this point, I'd go with a williams if you are buying new. Their lead time is 8 months.

[Steve Lipsey]

Williams is great....I played them for the last decade....but my new steel is a Shoji, even better....
https://www.shoji-workshop.com/en/

[Jerry Overstreet]

You state extended E9 which is different than Universal. The extended E9 just adds 2 strings to your 10 string E9 by putting a G# and E on the bottom in the lower register and a longer and wider body. Some players like a 4th pedal on these.

The Universal E9/B6 uses more foot pedals and pulls to add the copedents of both D10 E9 and C6. It eliminates the 9th string D and adds low G# E and B, a wider neck and longer body.

Just depends on the configuration you are lookin for.

FWIW, I played Universals off and on for several years. I believe certain builders offer the best features and playability for Unis.
If I were buying a new Universal today, I'd pick Williams or Excel, Toshi's new Shoji from Japan with keyless tuners. Reason being, conventional 12 string keyheads add mass and length to the body which I personally don't like. BMI still builds a keyless 12 far as I know along with GFI

For used, I really liked the old Sierra Crown or Session 25 keyless universals but they are heavy. Probably a used modern Ross built Sierra 12 but they're pretty scarce and pricey.

For extended E9, most builders offer those and there are usually a few showing up on the used market too.

[Bill McCloskey]

I hear great things about the Shoji and I know you are happy. When I was deciding between the two, I went with the williams for 2 main reasons: unknown shipping costs and possible tariffs, and for me: parts. In Japan they use the metric system and I didn't want to depend on a single provider for future parts, legs, rods, etc. But if those things don't bother you, people certainly like them a lot.

[Robert Miller]

It might be a good approach to wheel and deal on an older model. There are a surprising number of Dekley Ext. E9th guitars still running around. They made excellent S12s.

[Bobby D. Jones]

GFI does make 12 string guitars, They sometimes show up
here on the forum. If weight is being considered. A GFI S12 U with 7P/4KL, Key Head in factory case, Weighs 49lb.

[J D Sauser]

... and MSA has a tradition of making Universals.... J-D.