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| Author: | ecklesweb [ Wed Feb 20, 2008 4:23 pm ] |
| Post subject: | 12 string advice |
Hope all of you are doing well; been quite a while since I've posted (or built for that matter!). I'm thinking about a new build and would like your advice. I'm interesting in building an acoustic 12 string. My last build was an OM size acoustic that went reasonably well (other experience is a ES-335 like electric, a kit flattop mandolin, and a scratch carved top a-style mando). Question 1: I like the OM body size and shape, but wonder how appropriate it is to a 12 string. A lot (all?) of the 12s I've seen are jumbos or dreds. What are your thoughts on an OM size 12 string? Question 2: Aside from the obvious changes necessary like 6 extra tuners w/ longer headstock and 6 extra holes in a larger bridge, what modifications do I need to make to a typical 6 string plan for a 12 string build? Changes in top or back thickness? Bracing patterns or sizes? Any considerations for the neck itself (as in reinforcements)? I appreciate any thoughts you guys have. Jay |
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| Author: | Andy Zimmerman [ Wed Feb 20, 2008 7:19 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: 12 string advice |
Hi Jay I have made several 12's and love them. As far as body size, any can be used. All of mine are SJ's, so they don't have to be jumbos. Taylor guitars makes a 12 string in their Grand Auditorium model, which is similar to a 000/OM. Because of the full sound expected from a 12, larger bodies may be more appropriate. I love the slightly smaller SJ size. As far as other changes, I have my top about 10% stiffer from a deflection standpoint to handle the increased string tension. My bracing pattern is exactly the same as the 6 string version of the same body style but the X brace is just a bit taller. I make my neck 1 7/8ths at the nut. 2 CF rods, but I put them in my 6 strings That is it, they are not that different |
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| Author: | donh [ Wed Feb 20, 2008 11:00 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: 12 string advice |
Any body style can be used, as the energy is all in the strings. The smaller bodies will do fine, and can have a surprising amount of bottom end if you design for it. I suggest a 1-15/16" nut width and a 2-3/8 to 2-1/2" bridge string spacing. Works better for getting your fingers in there. Y'all have fun, now |
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| Author: | KenH [ Wed Feb 20, 2008 11:42 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: 12 string advice |
How little canyou get by with as far as the headstock length? I would like to put this in a standard dread case, but somehow I dont think it will fit??? anybody know? |
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| Author: | ecklesweb [ Thu Feb 21, 2008 9:04 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: 12 string advice |
I'm thinking that if you use mini tuners placed adjacent to one another (a strat is what I think of), then you should be able to have only a slightly oversized headstock and it should fit in a standard case. Maybe. |
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| Author: | John Kinnaird [ Thu Feb 21, 2008 6:34 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: 12 string advice |
My headstock is 8 inches long for the 12 fret and I use the mini shaller tuners John |
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| Author: | Michael Dale Payne [ Fri Feb 22, 2008 10:47 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: 12 string advice |
Hodges_Guitars wrote: How little can you get by with as far as the headstock length? I would like to put this in a standard dread case, but somehow I dont think it will fit??? anybody know? With these tuners you can keep the peghead even smaller than most standard six string pegheads I converted a six string OM to a nine string EADGgBbEe for a client using these on the GgBbEe. But I have to say I did not like the look much but the client was happy. Attachment: 5460_3lg.jpg
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| Author: | ecklesweb [ Sat Feb 23, 2008 5:42 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: 12 string advice |
Does it take any kind of special/hard-to-get tuners to do a slotted/standard hybrid headstock like on Rickenbacker 12 string electrics? (http://www.rickenbacker.com/gallery_ima ... _year=1980) |
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| Author: | Laurent Brondel [ Sat Feb 23, 2008 6:35 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: 12 string advice |
The neat Steinberger tuners are heavy, so for a 12 string that may be an issue. |
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