Tuning a Martin 12 String

[ncognito]

A friend will be loaning me his Martin 12 string that he inherited from his dad.  It's a slothead from circa early seventies so I'm guessing (I haven't yet seen it) a D-12-20, or D-12-35.

In return I told him I'd throw a new set of strings on it.  Should I tune it to standard pitch or step it down a bit?

       DAVE

[AZLiberty]

I personally would tune a 70's Martin 12 a half step down.

[Michael T]

Don't know old Martins, but most 12ers will handle lights tuned to pitch just dandy fine.

[unclrob]

If its a D12-20 be careful and check it over first they're notorious problem child's.I would tune it down a whole step.The D12-35 didn't have as many issue but check it over also.10-46 string guage on either of these even tuned down.

[AZLiberty]

Don't know old Martins, but most 12ers will handle lights tuned to pitch just dandy fine.

Normally I'd agree, but remember those 70's guitars didn't have adjustable truss rods.  And the 70's quality in general was spotty.

The OP should tune it down a full step and then check the neck relief.  If it's good, I'd leave it.  If not, tune up a half step, and recheck.  If still buzzing and only then would I tune it up to concert.

If this was an old Guild  I'd say it could take the tension no matter what.  

[ncognito]

Thanks everyone.  I'll take all this into consideration, and try to remember to report back.  I don't get it until monday.

             DAVE

[dermot]

If its a D12-20 be careful and check it over first they're notorious problem child's.

I've not heard this before... why are they seen as problem child's?

d/

[unclrob]

I've seen more that had very bad bridge belling and even more that needed neck sets.Also a few that had twist and cracks in the slotted headstock.The tuners also have been a problem.Many repairpeople back in the day shsved the bridge top to lower the action instead of doing necksets.Now let me say when you get a good one there fantastic guitars.

[ncognito]

Sorry, I forgot to report back.  It's been tuned to standard pitch for forty years so I chose, with permission form my friend, to keep it that way.  The bridge and top show no signs of stress.  It's a D-12-35 which has a three piece rosewood back and rosewood sides.  The D-12-20 has mahogany back and sides.  Both models have spruce ( think Adorandak, Rob?) tops.  I put light guage D'Adarrio EXP pb strings on it.  It's a beautiful, sweet sounding guitar in very good condition.  What a shame I had to return it.     I much prefer the neck profile on my Taylor 12.  With the same wood combinations they sound very different from one another.  The Martin more articulate and sweet.  The Taylor with incredibly spiritual overtones.

           DAVE