Yeah, another thread from me on this.. Im sorry, but Im really struggling with this issue..
Heres the deal... Recently got a Tak 12 string. Like it. Not loving it at this point. Had alot of dead spots and get alot of dead notes when I play barre chords up the neck. I KNOW alot of this is my weak hands and poor technique. Checked things out, and board was flat and was getting fret outs. Truss adjust made HUGE improvement. Played some other brands and they played easier and better. But learned from a responder in one of my other posts, one of the other brands had a shorter scale too.
Ive considered returning it. Seller agreed. HOWEVER, the other 2 12s Id consider replacing it with are twice as much money. (this one normally cost about the same, but I got a great deal) I dont have the extra money at this time, so Im trying to look at EVERY ANGLE before I make a final decision.
Here is why Im posting. I need your input.
It sounds good and plays fine (albeit needing a firm grip) for all the cowboy chords and such. The string tension is stiffer than the cheapest Martin, but thats the longer scale I suppose. The action is alittle higher then the other 2 Id consider from mid neck to the end. When I play barre chords from anywhere higher than the fifth fret, I have to have my index positioned perfectly and Ive got to squeeze for dear life to get all the notes to ring cleanly. Definately No sloppy playing. So, this is probably me. Am I expecting too much? I definately want to improve my technique, and maybe this would force me to do so. I could see this if it was just positioning, but the fact I have to squeeze so hard, is uncomfortable and unnatural. For that and the high string height up the neck, someone suggested in my prev thread to have the saddle shaved down . Can that be done on a guitar where the pickup is/or is in the saddle?
Could it just need maybe alittle more relief ? It made a world of difference the first time I adjusted it.
And my biggest question as Ive never been a real accoustic guy, let alone a 12 string, is it even normal to spend much time playing that far up the neck? In my mind, Im thinking I should be able to play it like an electric (I know obviously that it wont play as easily, being accoustic and 12 strings) but I mean obviously it isnt really meant for 2 octave solos and such. I mean maybe my whole approach is wrong and Im expecting too much? Again, Ive never been real big on accoustic, so I may just be reading WAY to much into it. (I OFTEN do this) As I said, cowboy chords and barre chords up to frets 3-5 go ok. Any further up, I have to use the grip of death. And one last point, (this is why I say I may be expecting too much) I had a pastor once that was an amazing player and he only had one guitar. He had one of those huge bodied Guild 12 strings. (j30?) Anyhow, he could tear up on that guitar like Ive seen guys do on electrics..
I appreciate whomever has taken time to read this and any input. Im sorry if Im just being whack. I want to love the guitar, and really dont have the extra money to buy one of the other 2. But if it is something I should return (if its not all me) then I need to do so soon.
Thank you
Heres the deal... Recently got a Tak 12 string. Like it. Not loving it at this point. Had alot of dead spots and get alot of dead notes when I play barre chords up the neck. I KNOW alot of this is my weak hands and poor technique. Checked things out, and board was flat and was getting fret outs. Truss adjust made HUGE improvement. Played some other brands and they played easier and better. But learned from a responder in one of my other posts, one of the other brands had a shorter scale too.
Ive considered returning it. Seller agreed. HOWEVER, the other 2 12s Id consider replacing it with are twice as much money. (this one normally cost about the same, but I got a great deal) I dont have the extra money at this time, so Im trying to look at EVERY ANGLE before I make a final decision.
Here is why Im posting. I need your input.
It sounds good and plays fine (albeit needing a firm grip) for all the cowboy chords and such. The string tension is stiffer than the cheapest Martin, but thats the longer scale I suppose. The action is alittle higher then the other 2 Id consider from mid neck to the end. When I play barre chords from anywhere higher than the fifth fret, I have to have my index positioned perfectly and Ive got to squeeze for dear life to get all the notes to ring cleanly. Definately No sloppy playing. So, this is probably me. Am I expecting too much? I definately want to improve my technique, and maybe this would force me to do so. I could see this if it was just positioning, but the fact I have to squeeze so hard, is uncomfortable and unnatural. For that and the high string height up the neck, someone suggested in my prev thread to have the saddle shaved down . Can that be done on a guitar where the pickup is/or is in the saddle?
Could it just need maybe alittle more relief ? It made a world of difference the first time I adjusted it.
And my biggest question as Ive never been a real accoustic guy, let alone a 12 string, is it even normal to spend much time playing that far up the neck? In my mind, Im thinking I should be able to play it like an electric (I know obviously that it wont play as easily, being accoustic and 12 strings) but I mean obviously it isnt really meant for 2 octave solos and such. I mean maybe my whole approach is wrong and Im expecting too much? Again, Ive never been real big on accoustic, so I may just be reading WAY to much into it. (I OFTEN do this) As I said, cowboy chords and barre chords up to frets 3-5 go ok. Any further up, I have to use the grip of death. And one last point, (this is why I say I may be expecting too much) I had a pastor once that was an amazing player and he only had one guitar. He had one of those huge bodied Guild 12 strings. (j30?) Anyhow, he could tear up on that guitar like Ive seen guys do on electrics..
I appreciate whomever has taken time to read this and any input. Im sorry if Im just being whack. I want to love the guitar, and really dont have the extra money to buy one of the other 2. But if it is something I should return (if its not all me) then I need to do so soon.
Thank you
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