NGD - Orpheum 12-string OM Mahogany Natural

[ladytexan]

Well, the sun, finally, appeared for a bit and I was able to take a few pictures. This guitar is fabulous! Even though it is 'new', the sound and projection is amazing. It's the best 12-string I've ever played (now keep in mind, my total number of 12-strings probably equates to 20 or so! :laughing. It is GREAT! I do not have the where-with-all to do a sound clip....sorry. My observations: the adirondack top is beautiful. I like the larger grain. The tuners are antique, brushed nickel (nice touch). The buttons do not have the embossed Guild logo like my other Orpheum...but, a nice ivory (colored) buttons that go well with the tuners. The neck is a little chunkier than my regular OM, but that's to be expected for a 12-string.

Playability is outstanding! The shorter scale of the 12-fret, combined with the OM body size, makes it a dream to play! WOW!!!!! To me, it's perfect!

Thanks to Ren Ferguson and the NH Guild Team!

 

[Triggs]

So jealous! That is one beautiful 12-string. If they ever make them in lefty, I will jump on it.

 

[SFIV1967]

Beautiful mahogany on the back! I can understand that you are totally happy!
Ralf

 

[twocorgis]

Wow, just beautiful Toni! 12 fret guitars are very special, with a totally different projection than their 14 fret counterparts.

 

[capo12]

Wow, what a GORGEOUS guitar! Somewhere along the way (because I was focused on a 12 fret slope shoulder) I missed this model. I'm a devoted mahogany fan and also a devoted short scale fan so your new guitar really has it goin' on. I don't know about you but I am just ecstatic that Ren is still with Guild. It's guitars like this one that keep me interested in just what other ideas he will bring to fruition.
ladytexan, what's your take on the short scale aspect of this twelve versus other twelves you've owned?

 

[Watasha]

Incredibly beautiful Miss Toni. God bless you for having the patience to re-string a 12-string slot head though!

 

[Neal]

Yeah, the back of that guitar is something else.

May you enjoy many years of playing it. That thing is pretty much the top of the heap.

Neal

 

[ladytexan]

ladytexan, what's your take on the short scale aspect of this twelve versus other twelves you've owned?

It is much easier to play. The 14-fret 12-strings just have an additional 'reach' factor (even my F112). So, the shorter scale just makes it easier and more comfortable to play (for me). One of the selling points for getting the Orpheum model was being able to get a 12-fret, mahogany 12-string. One of my better decisions. :tickled_pink:

 

[ladytexan]

God bless you for having the patience to re-string a 12-string slot head though!

I know, right? A taste of single malt might be in order before I begin the process, but then again, I need to be as clear-headed as possible. I'm sure I'll just set aside an entire day when the evil deed needs to be done. Is there a patron saint in charge of changing strings on a 12-string slot head? I'll need saintly help! :courage:

 

[Aristera]

Ladytexan,

Very nice! Is the neck width noticble? According to the Guild site the width is 48mm which is 2mm more than a F412/F512. Should be great for fingerpicking.

James

 

[ladytexan]

Ladytexan,

Very nice! Is the neck width noticble? According to the Guild site the width is 48mm which is 2mm more than a F412/F512. Should be graet for fingerpicking.

James

James, the width of the nut is fine...in fact, it is a great width for fingerpicking. It's the overall depth (girth) of the neck that is a little chunkier than the neck of my 6-string OM. It will just take a little bit of playing it before it seems 'normal'.

 

[Brad Little]

Great looking guitar, and I bet it sounds as great as it looks. 12 fret Orpheums are on my short list of GAS desires, I'm jealous...

Brad

 

[FNG]

I know, right? A taste of single malt might be in order before I begin the process, but then again, I need to be as clear-headed as possible. I'm sure I'll just set aside an entire day when the evil deed needs to be done. Is there a patron saint in charge of changing strings on a 12-string slot head? I'll need saintly help! :courage:

'

A good patron saint would be a solid guitar tech who would do it for 25 bucks.

That is a really nice looking guitar!!

 

[chazmo]

I know, right? A taste of single malt might be in order before I begin the process, but then again, I need to be as clear-headed as possible. I'm sure I'll just set aside an entire day when the evil deed needs to be done. Is there a patron saint in charge of changing strings on a 12-string slot head? I'll need saintly help! :courage:

LOL!!! If there isn't a saint for this there should be!!!!

Toni, it's not so bad. Just take your time and do a wind or to to the inside and then continue winding to the outside. Taylor used to have a good document that showed their method, which included slotheads. One thing that's a little harder with the slothead is that the tuner buttons are in the back rather than the side. Last time I did the winding on my lap, but next time I think I might put the guitar on its side and leave it on the table. It's a little tricky getting the winder in place.

All that said, I am not one to belittle the value of a couple of fingers of scotch during the process.

 

[davismanLV]

Holy CRAP, Toni!! What a STUNNING guitar!! Glad you got some sunshine so you could share these wonderful photos with us. Golly gee, that thing is pretty!! Love the slot-head. I'd heard horror stories about restringing a slot-head. The first time I did the Tayor GC8 slot-head...... it went just fine. A little different, but not the horror story I was led to believe it would be. Maybe I did it wrong? But 12-strings so..... double that!

Congrats on the new baby!! :encouragement:

 

[chazmo]

Toni, FYI, I found the link. I can't navigate Taylor's website anymore, but it was easy to find this: http://www.taylorguitars.com/sites/default/files/Steel_Restring.pdf

 

[MLBob]

That's a piece of art! I can see why you'd be pleased.

Bob

 

[ladytexan]

Toni, FYI, I found the link. I can't navigate Taylor's website anymore, but it was easy to find this: http://www.taylorguitars.com/sites/default/files/Steel_Restring.pdf

Thanks, Charlie, much appreciated! What a great how-to document!

I've changed the strings on my Wechter TO-8418 slot head, but it's only a 6-string. I didn't have any problems. I think the real challenge with our Orpheum 12-stringers is how close the tuning keys (buttons) are. A challenge worth taking!

And as Effin suggested, have my guitar technician do it. That way, two fingers of scotch would be no problem.

 

[ladytexan]

Holy CRAP, Toni!! What a STUNNING guitar!! Glad you got some sunshine so you could share these wonderful photos with us. Golly gee, that thing is pretty!! Love the slot-head. I'd heard horror stories about restringing a slot-head. The first time I did the Tayor GC8 slot-head...... it went just fine. A little different, but not the horror story I was led to believe it would be. Maybe I did it wrong? But 12-strings so..... double that!

Congrats on the new baby!! :encouragement:

Thanks, Tom! I'm going to be optimist that I can change the strings without too many problems. ositive:

 

[chazmo]

Thanks, Charlie, much appreciated! What a great how-to document!

I've changed the strings on my Wechter TO-8418 slot head, but it's only a 6-string. I didn't have any problems. I think the real challenge with our Orpheum 12-stringers is how close the tuning keys (buttons) are. A challenge worth taking!

And as Effin suggested, have my guitar technician do it. That way, two fingers of scotch would be no problem.

I think the scotch is fine either way.

Oh, last link and I'll shut up: http://www.taylorguitars.com/media/restringing-your-taylor-guitar (I forgot Taylor had a video for this too).