how do you tune ..

[Davey]

a 12 string ..



a coworker is probably going to bring his 12 string acoustic over sometime this week, so i'll check it over and see if it's salvageable (i'll post pics then.. i'll need all your help probably)


FAIK (i could be wrong, dont hold me on my word) you tune the note (E for example) and the thinner string is the octave right?

and it goes thicker string and then thinner as in E e, A a, D d .... ..
now he claims it's the thinner string first, then the thicker one, which i find ridiculous (why have the octave first and then the root tone.. )

anyway.. enlighten me. i got no clue

 

[stevie_bees]

Re: how do you tune ..

The top 2 strings (E & B) are the same gauge and are tuned the same and the remaining strings are tuned to the octave. So you get:

E
E

B
B

G
G octave

D
D octave

A
A octave

E
E octave

 

[RushOfBlood]

Re: how do you tune ..

yes, and some 12s are set up with the octave strings on the "wrong" side of the regulars.

 

[stevie_bees]

Re: how do you tune ..

Yeah Rickenbackers have them the other way.

 

[Pecan]

Re: how do you tune ..

Confusing...

 

[Davey]

Re: how do you tune ..

i still dont know on which side the octave string is ..

bottom or top. looking from the bass side down

 

[Martian]

Re: how do you tune ..

i still dont know on which side the octave string is ..

bottom or top. looking from the bass side down

As you are looking at the guitar on say, a guitar stand, except for a Ric, the higher octave strings are to the left of the primary string.

 

[MikeS]

Re: how do you tune ..

The easy way would be to see whatever configuration the nut was cut for.

 

[Davey]

Re: how do you tune ..

The easy way would be to see whatever configuration the nut was cut for.

very true

 

[Frantic_Rock]

Re: how do you tune ..

Wow I didn't know they are octaves on G D A and E.
I thought all of them were the same guage twice.

This is really cool. I want a cutaway 12 string accoustic, and the Jimmy Page doubleneck gibson.

 

[ErikH]

Re: how do you tune ..

When playing, the normal 6-string strings are on bottom. Stevie's right on with the tuning. It can be a bitch sometimes, especially if the intonation is off, then it becomes a complete nightmare.

Edited for correction. :smack:

 

[WhoFan]

Re: how do you tune ..

When playing, the normal 6-string strings are on top. Stevie's right on with the tuning. It can be a bitch sometimes, especially if the intonation is off, then it becomes a complete nightmare.

I made an electric double neck and oneday i'll have to finnish it and mount the 12 string bridge.... i'm guess for an Electric 12 string bridge i just mount it like a normal 6 string bridge?

 

[WhoFan]

Re: how do you tune ..

Yep. Just make sure it's lined up correctly but remember that on the bass side, the thicker wound E is on the outside and on the treble side, the outside string is the "secondary" string.

You sure..... i thought on my Gotoh bridge it was thin strin then large string for the low E

 

[ErikH]

Re: how do you tune ..

It could be that way. I've seen it both ways. I prefer the octave string to be on the outside anyway so it guaranteed to get hit with the pick.

Wait a minute, you're right. :smack:

BAHHH!!! I need more coffee...LOL. My whole post answering Davey is bass ackwards. Gonna edit.

 

[Truant]

Re: how do you tune ..

The 12 string acoustic I used to goof on was thick string outside on low E. Exactly the way Erik described.

Edit: Well hell, now you've got me second guessing. ><

No I'm pretty sure this one was thick string out, cause i always had trouble getting the octave string to come out. (I had to dig in with the pick). But, it was a friend's guitar...so it could have been wrong, or I could be on crack.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: how do you tune ..

I like tuning the normal strings first, using a tuner, by doing upstrokes with the pick on each string.

Then, go back and match the skinny octave strings to them, either by ear or tuner.

I really really want a Taylor 12 string acoustic. They sound so beautiful.

 

[V-Spot]

Re: how do you tune ..

When playing, the normal 6-string strings are on bottom. Stevie's right on with the tuning. It can be a bitch sometimes, especially if the intonation is off, then it becomes a complete nightmare.

Edited for correction. :smack:

I rented an acoustic 12-string with bad intonation.. Ugh, never again!

 

[stevie_bees]

Re: how do you tune ..

My Washburn 12-string acoustic has the skinny strings first. As far as I'm aware thats the norm apart from Rickenbacker who have the thick strings first. Either way I love the sound of my 12-string, and am off to play Wanted Dead Or Alive right now!

 

[ErikH]

Re: how do you tune ..

.....Either way I love the sound of my 12-string, and am off to play Wanted Dead Or Alive right now!

Oh, piss off.

I want a 12-string. New GAS. Actually, old GAS rehashed.

 

[stevie_bees]

Re: how do you tune ..

Oh, piss off.

I want a 12-string. New GAS. Actually, old GAS rehashed.

Erik, you've been practising your diplomatic skills again!