12-String Guitar

Comment

Comment by Edward Sparks on July 29, 2011 at 2:24pm

I am with Christopher on that one...bone is the way to go! I use Martin extra lights on my 1980 Guild JF212XL and I keep them tuned to concert pitch...it feels right and sounds right to me and I don't have to have the capo on the 2nd fret all the time. I have a Martin D-28-12 in the shop right now getting a neck reset and new set of frets and I can't wait to get it back! However, I will keep it tuned down a whole step for songs I need it that low for. The previous owner used lights and kept it tuned up to pitch and really blew it. My Guild has two truss rods in the neck and so with extra lights I have no worries. Edward

Comment by Christopher Cozad on July 29, 2011 at 1:49pm

I have never used graphite for any of my guitars, instead always opting for bone. I think my Guilds originally shipped with micarta (resin) and I had issues with breaking strings. I found string breakage to be a non-issue with bone nuts and saddles. I have also had guitars outfitted with Tusq nuts and saddles and they always performed well. If not using bone, I would probably opt for Tusq over graphite for the tone considerations, not to mention I think Tusq is something like 500% "slipperier" than graphite. Check it out.

Comment by Robert on July 29, 2011 at 1:41pm

A follow-up question: what about graphite for the nut and saddle?  I have a friend who always replaces these on his electrics, supposedly because it prevents string breakage. (I have very little trouble with breaking strings, so I haven't done it on any of my instruments so far.)

Comment by Christopher Cozad on July 29, 2011 at 1:36pm

Hello, Robert,

 

I use light gauge phosphor bronze (it is the tone I prefer the most, though I blow through them rather quickly). I have not been very brand loyal in recent years, and rotate between the major brands all with about the same performance. Coated strings last longer, but begin life "duller", so I tend to avoid them when I am performing or (or just feeling really picky about the sound).

 

I prefer brass strings (80/20) on my 6 string rosewood jumbo as it really "brightens" the tone, but I am beginning to believe that is due to how flat the guitar's sound has become over the years. It is in need of a neck reset just as it's 12 string mate received. But the real distinguishing item in my recent revelation has to do with the thickness of the bridge.

 

After resetting the neck, the bridge was completely replaced on my 12 string, and the mass of that new, thick ebony beast really drives and vibrates the top resulting in unparalleled tone (I never remember this guitar sounding this good). The bridge on my 6 sting has been shaved down over the years to a mere sliver, with the saddle buried deep in it in order to keep the action playable. As a result, there is very little vibration of the top when a string is plucked. The difference between the two guitars is remarkably noticeable. Once it gets a new bridge I am fairly certain I will retire those brass strings on the 6 string.

Comment by Robert on July 29, 2011 at 1:18pm

Very, very sweet Chris.  What do you use for strings?

Comment by Christopher Cozad on July 29, 2011 at 12:48pm

So here is my 1976 F-512, just back from the shop. The guitar underwent some major surgery in the expert hands of the now defunct Guild Custom Shop / Fender Nashville Shop. These guys did a stellar job of bringing new life back to this marvelous guitar, and my hat's off to them. I am so sad to see the shop closed down, as it marks another end to another era. The guitar sounds just as good as she looks. It "rings", and the vibration felt in my hands, arms, and chest while playing it is simply indescribable.

Comment by Jeff Lustick on June 19, 2011 at 3:40pm

I actually don't have any pictures but will post as soon as I have some.

Comment by Christopher Cozad on June 18, 2011 at 8:46pm

Great recording, Jeff. Thanks for the posting. The guitar sounds great. What did you use to record with?

I have two older Guild 12's; a '76 F-512 (rosewood) and an '80 F-412 (maple). They are not cutaways, though, and that is a feature I miss.

You have got a great guitar in your 654ce! I am with Edward...where are those pictures?  <grin>

Comment by Jeff Lustick on June 18, 2011 at 7:55pm

Chrtistopher,

 

You are right about the maple back, sides etc and it is a beautiful guitar. It is not my first 12 string but I haven't had one in quite a while. I use it both lpugged and unplugged. Ther is a song on my page here called Swim With The Tide where  used itI-it's the kind of high picking sound in the background.  I play with an acoustic duo/trio and we do a couple of songs that call for a 12 string so either I play it or one of the other guys does. It also sounds great unplugged.  I don't currently own a Guild but I have in the past and i know they are wonderful guitars particularly their 12 strings. Which Guild do you have???

Comment by Edward Sparks on June 18, 2011 at 7:53pm

Hey Jeff,  Post some pics of that new Taylor!!!  Edward

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