New on 12-Strings

[dermot]

i have 12-54's and tune to open B, mainly for Kottke tunes with bottle neck... a 60's Gibbie pin bridge B45-12

d/

[LaminateBoy]

They are supposed to be rich and deep and full sounding.  If I wanted "jangly" I'd buy a Taylor. 

I would say that you can have both full sounding and jangly. By jangly, I don't mean thin. I mean you have to have the sound of the octave strings which is the very definition of a 12-string. I keep my 12 string "rich and deep" by tuning down a full step.

[pigtown]

I had a Tak 12 some time ago, and I contacted them about string gauge and tuning to pitch.  They replied use 10s and there would be no worries.  Just IMHO if I had to tune down, I guess I really wouldn't want to own a 12 string.  I want to pick up a guitar and play normally.  Just a pet peeve of mine, I suppose.

[Danny]

i have 12-54's and tune to open B, mainly for Kottke tunes with bottle neck... a 60's Gibbie pin bridge B45-12

d/

Is this the "infamous" black plastic bridge? My 66 Gibby had a plastic bridge and an adjustable ceramic saddle.

[cke]

I just restrung my new 12 for the first time, with EJ 38's (10-47). Geez what a production! there is so much less room to work with and so much more to keep track of!

I just went from bottom to top in order (Taylor method, but bending rather than cutting strings), but I began to wonder if it would be easier to do them in a different order.

So any tips to make it easier?

[Mr_LV19E]

I install my strings E, A, D    E, B, G.  I don't like trying to put the high E string on after the G and B are installed, to easy to poke your finger.  I increase tension on the strings from the center out though.

[cke]

I install my strings E, A, D    E, B, G.  I don't like trying to put the high E string on after the G and B are installed, to easy to poke your finger.  I increase tension on the strings from the center out though.

So I found!

Good tip. Thanks

[unclrob]

Low to high E to E.To help to avoid pain I'm using Elixer's 10-47's.

[cke]

Old thread I know. But I just restrung my git with John Pearse #1400L  10-47 PB, which I had queried about. I had been through 80/20 (Ok but lacking the warmth I like), replaced the EJ 38's (good standard baseline string for me), and I like these better. A bit richer and warmer, not as bright. I like them! I see why the brand is popular.

After this I have a set of DR Rare 10's to try.  I'm getting better at the procedure to get all those strings off and on neatly and without  trauma.

[Danny]

After this I have a set of DR Rare 10's to try.  I'm getting better at the procedure to get all those strings off and on neatly and without  trauma.

I have a Norman 12r that needs re-stringing, but they are a "job", so it waits while I play others. Still a 12 string is nice for certain tunes. Dead strings can sure take away from that "dreamy" 12r sound though.

[cke]

  I have a Norman 12r that needs re-stringing, but they are a "job", so it waits while I play others. Still a 12 string is nice for certain tunes. Dead strings can sure take away from that "dreamy" 12r sound though.