well i have a 12 string, and they are an absolute bugger to play. but when (or if) you do play them properly they are amazing instruments. they sound so full and lush. its true they do sound better playing chords, but just about anything will work, except solos with lots of bends. because the strings are slightly apart, when you bend the doubles they dont sound perfctly in tune and get annoying. they are good at everything else though. they kinda make you play in a different style; help you discover new ideas and themes... great things, just dont try to de-tune them! *shudders*