Different Strings

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Antonio Cotichini on July 14, 2011 at 3:43pm

I remember an acoustic Rickenbacker 12 string model in which the strings were all reversed, with the lower string up. It didn't change so much...

Permalink Reply by Jim Handsfield on July 14, 2011 at 4:26pm

Yes - Rickenbacker does that on all their 12 strings.  I would say give it a try and see how it works out.  The person who most needs to like the sound you get is you.

Permalink Reply by Raymond I. Potter on July 15, 2011 at 8:49am

The guitar shop where I bought my Yamaha, used, carries a number of other guitars, acoustic and electric.  I have to stop by and see if they have a Rickenbacker that I can try to see how it sounds.  You're right.  The person who needs to like my sound most is me.  Thanks.

Permalink Reply by Raymond I. Potter on July 15, 2011 at 8:43am

Thanks for the reply.  I'm pretty much a beginner, so any reponse I get I appreciate.  I spent a little time last night looking up Rickenbacker guitars on the internet.  Couldn't tell if they made acoustic 12-strings.  I saw a number of electric 12-strings.  I was reminded that the guitarist, Roger McGuinn plays one.  Thanks again.

Permalink Reply by Rick Heenan on July 15, 2011 at 11:00am

Watch out for the size of the nut and saddle slots when you try to change the string positions.  Might end up needing new ones.

Permalink Reply by Raymond I. Potter on July 15, 2011 at 2:43pm

Are the slots made for specific strings?  Can they be redone? 

Permalink Reply by David Youngman on August 11, 2011 at 5:50am

Raymond makes a good point about the nut slots being the right size for your strings.  You will likely have to make a new nut or modify it if you switch the string locations.  As far as strumming, changing the string locations will not affect the sound.  For fingerpicking it will change the feel.  The main thing is you will notice when you fret on the G string and go to pluck it with one of your right fingers (not the thumb), the lower octave string is higher than the upper octave string.  This affects your angle of attack for fingerpicking that string because you want be able to pluck both strings at the same time.  It all depends on how you pluck and use that string set.  It would probably be easier to have the low G towards the bass side of the neck and the upper octave G towards the treble side (hope that makes sense).  This gives your fingers a good angle of attack.

Permalink Reply by DD on August 11, 2011 at 4:16pm

It is not so hard to file the nut a bit wider on the low G and refill and file if you don't like it.  If you are halfway mechanical, using a narrow 4" extra slim tapered file you can re-cut the nut.  These files should be available at any hardware store.  Go slow and keep a downward angle stroke toward the head stock to maintain the break angle.  If you mess up or don't like, you can refill by mixing some baking soda with super glue and filling the nut slot, and simply re-cut the nit slot.  You can get more information and alternatives at www.frets.com .  Or...here is a forum thread about the technique.