6L6
Senior Member
Great link, Guildmark. Thanks!
6
6
12 string tuning question
- Thread starter Ragpicker
- Start date
I've been thinking about tuning my F412 down to D or C#, but mainly because this suits my vocal range better (I have no intentions of using a capo regularly since that would in essence defeat the reason for why I'm tuning down in the first place). However, I don't really want to tune down with my current 0.010 gauge strings because they become way too flimsy for my liking.
Does anyone have any thoughts on whether 0.012 gauge strings might give me a similar tension if tuned to C# or D as compared to 0.010 gauge strings tuned to E?
For all of you that have tuned down your 12 string Guilds, did you adjust the truss rods?
Just curious!
Does anyone have any thoughts on whether 0.012 gauge strings might give me a similar tension if tuned to C# or D as compared to 0.010 gauge strings tuned to E?
For all of you that have tuned down your 12 string Guilds, did you adjust the truss rods?
Just curious!
going to a .012 set (Martin M1700 e.g.) and tuning down to D gives you very close to the same tension as a set of .010s (e.g. Martin M1600) tuned to pitch. therefore, you can put them in, tune down for your voice, get the same feel and play, and have the neck at the same tension...what a deal! the added benefit is that it's eaier to play and easier on the neck joint and bridge.
RussD
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Pretty sure that SRV used .13's and tuned down a 1/2 & sometimes a full step, so you're in reasonably good company. My jf65s sing with the heavier strings.
One of the reasons I've played Guilds for 20 years is that I can tune the 12-string to pitch, and go to alternate tunings for an entire set, and never worry about truss rod adjustment.
One of the reasons I've played Guilds for 20 years is that I can tune the 12-string to pitch, and go to alternate tunings for an entire set, and never worry about truss rod adjustment.
sitka_spruce
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There's a chance the names of the gauges has been missunderstood in this thread. A light 6-string set is .012 and a light 12-string set is .010. These gauges are those recommended by Guild btw.
Worth bearing in mind is the exceptionally long scale of the Guild 12-strings; full 25.5 or 25 5/8". Common practise is going from e.g. 25.4 to 24.9 on a 12-string in order to relief tension to the parts involved. Tuning down a semi-tone will give you aprox. the same effect, yet the strings will obviously have a less tension and won't drive the top too well - disfavourable for Jumbos and thick-tops. Also the tone will be janglier and even rattlier.
A trick is using cryohardened strings which, thanx to their toughnes, drives tops better at lighter gauges (though one has to put in more efforts to play them).
All this said I'm worrying for my D-212 having developed a seam separation (did that before I bought her) and has a slightly lifted top.
Worth bearing in mind is the exceptionally long scale of the Guild 12-strings; full 25.5 or 25 5/8". Common practise is going from e.g. 25.4 to 24.9 on a 12-string in order to relief tension to the parts involved. Tuning down a semi-tone will give you aprox. the same effect, yet the strings will obviously have a less tension and won't drive the top too well - disfavourable for Jumbos and thick-tops. Also the tone will be janglier and even rattlier.
A trick is using cryohardened strings which, thanx to their toughnes, drives tops better at lighter gauges (though one has to put in more efforts to play them).
All this said I'm worrying for my D-212 having developed a seam separation (did that before I bought her) and has a slightly lifted top.