12 String: Avid Users

[Silence Kid]

Anyone use a 12 string as their primary/preferred guitar? Which 12 string is your go-to?

About a month ago I began an attempt to mostly use 12 string, in part to develop my hand strength & rhythm playing, also just to sound different. I'm probably playing 12 string acoustic maybe 75% of the time. Not "inspired" by any particular 12 string sounds or artists, but I have caught on to some Byrds/folksy licks along the way. Mostly just trying to adapt my own playing to a twelve-string mindset.

I have a '68 Yamaha made in Japan slot-head twelve that came to me with issues (half-inch action among them.) I shimmed the truss rod nut, shaved the saddle and ramped the bridge. It is now what to me is "high" action (3mm or so?) but maybe more like normal for most people. Using silk/steel Ernie Balls. The top is somewhat bellied but the worst contributing issue is the neck requiring a reset. Still it sounds great, esp. as it's ply; very loud and sensitive, very smooth, jangly (stringy?) , although high-string chords "glass over" a bit when you strum hard. It also is very lightweight despite a HUGE neck.

Also have a Mitchell MD100S12 that's the polar opposite; almost too warm/rich/woody for (stereo)typical 12 string sounds, but a great guitar on its own with an easy neck. Much more complex high end but mids and attack can maybe become a bit bouncy/phlegmy for me. It's also quite heavy (though very sturdy through the years, I doubt it'll warp or break after all it's been through.)

I love Taylors so far as I look toward more 12 strings, do want to try a Breedlove or maybe a Seagull. Might start really making them my "thing" at this rate.

 

[Boogie Bill]

Re: 12 String: Avid Users

For an acoustic, I would take a hard look at the Takamine EF381SC. Black, dreadnought, cutaway, and the excellent CTB4 preamp. I have a pair of them; bought one used and loved it, and then found a new one at a close-out price. I wanted a Taylor Jumbo for years, but these actually fit my needs better and the value is off the chart. Plan on spending a few extra dollars to get the nut action correct for your style.

My electric 12-strings are a pair of DanElectro Innuendo models. Again I got them REALLY cheap; both were less than $200 each. They sound good, and play better than any Rickenbacker I've ever played.

I use the standard light gauge 12-string sets by D'Addario--I use the coated EXP Phosphor Bronze on the acoustics and the regular XL sets on the electric, in standard tuning.

A 12-string is never going to be my main guitar. With my band I use the electric for about four songs, one per set. For my acoustic solo gigs, I'll do about six songs for a two-hour gig. I don't want to over use it.

People love the sound of a 12-string--it always gets a good response. People get a big smile on their face. I wish I'd bought mine years ago.

And a chorus pedal DOES NOT SOUND LIKE A 12-STRING. You can get close, but it just isn't the same.

Good luck!

Bill

P.S.

There is a guy named Tracy Moore, from the Boston area, who plays solo 12-string. Might see if he has anything available on disc. Great player.

 

[VinceT]

Re: 12 String: Avid Users

I have tried 12 string at various times over the years. I really enjoy the Reverend Airwave - as ever, Joe Naylor has designed and produced a fantastic guitar at the price point.


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[Plessure]

Re: 12 String: Avid Users

Off topic, but what do you mean by "glass over"?

 

[Mincer]

Re: 12 String: Avid Users

I use a 12 string model on a Variax Acoustic a lot, especially for recording. Regular 12 strings don't work for me as an everyday player sort of thing.

 

[beaubrummels]

Re: 12 String: Avid Users

Guild F412, Rickenbacker 330-12 or 620-12 with mini-humbuckers