What Gauge Strings for Guild 12-string Tuned to D?

[count savage]

I have a new F 512. I will be playing it only tuned down to D. I have heard a number of recommendations on string gauges for it from guitar technicians. One says it could handle up to a 'heavy' set, meaning .013 at top like the Taylor Kottke 12, if tuned to D. Another technician recommends at most a medium '.012' on top. I'm leaning toward that. I don't mind the slightly lighter gauge and feel. Typically with my six-string I like medium gauges. What do the 12-string aficionados here use and recommend?

 

[12 string]

Noble Savage,

Many people use the "standard" light guage set, .010-.047, and tune it down to D. I tune these to standard and make sets from .012-.049 or so for D tuning. I would tune a set from .013-.053 4 frets low, down to C. I tune .014-.056 down to B, a P4 low. My guitars have stood up to the tension very well over the years, but many people feel more secure and/or find more playing ease tuning string sets like mine a fret or two lower than I do. I would not advise going to a higher tension but you have leeway to go lower and still get decent results. I have also noticed that most of the commercial low tuned medium and heavy guage 12 string sets are skewed to the bass end and put too much tension on the guitar. This is why I make my own sets.

Congratulations on your new 512! I suggest that you experiment a little and find what really makes your guitar sing.

' Strang

 

[count savage]

Thanks for the quick reply, 12-String. Your specific breakdown was very helpful. I'm going to have a guitar tech set up the F 512 for D and a certain string gauge I choose, so I wanted to get some outside opinions. No doubt, with your amazing collection, if anyone has experience you do.

 

[killdeer43]

On my D4-12, I use lights (10s) and when tuned to D, it's a downright heavenly sound....I have a tough time putting it down. Capo up when playing with someone in standard tuning and you're good to go.

Rejoice!
Joe

 

[Guildmark]

I do exactly the same thing on my G-312, Joe. Great minds and all that ....

 

[killdeer43]

.....great minds, indeed. And can you believe that great sound? Someone said a while back that a 12-string tuned to D sounds a lot like a well-played harpsichord. And then some. Works for me.

Joe

 

[Scratch]

On my D4-12, I use lights (10s) and when tuned to D, it's a downright heavenly sound....I have a tough time putting it down. Capo up when playing with someone in standard tuning and you're good to go.

Rejoice!
Joe

+2

 

[Taylor Martin Guild]

I use lights because I go back and forth between standard and D tuning.
Lights sound good tuned either way to me.

 

[andy3sheds]

I had planned to string my JF30-12 to open G 2 frets low with mediums just as I have done with an elderly Seagull 12 string that I had intended the Guild to replace, but the Guild wouldnt take it, :? the truss rods were at max and with no further adjustment the Guild is now strung to standard in concert pitch and the Seagull does all the low rumbling stuff
Seagull 1- Guild 0

 

[6L6]

I tune to Eb and use Light gauge strings on my '06 F-412. TONE CITY!!!!

6

 

[eagle52]

a luthier advised me to use the lightest guage strings possible and even consider down tuning and using a capo. The point is to save the bridge and soundboard from lifting. Double trussrods in Guilds protect the neck pretty good. That's just one luthiers opinion. He has probably repaired many 12 string bridges for folks who use heavy string and do not detune when guitar is not in use.

 

[carscratchmelt]

Guild 12-strings are typically pretty tough guitars...especially with 2 truss rods installed in them.
Rickenbacker does this as well...

I think you would be safe with .012's espcially tuned down a whole step.

Your Guild will be able to handle it... I promise.

I recommend Earthwoods made by Ernie Ball. The tension on the 12's is comparable to most 11's on the market.

Remember, the more tension you have on an acoustic the harder you will be driving that top. The harder you drive the top the more projection and the better it will sound...

Let me know how my suggestion works out for you...if you take it.

I think you will be very very pleased.

I find the .010's are a good introductory gauge for players used to 6 strings. It isn't so hard on the fingers and requires significantly less finger strength.

12's will optimize your tone and will make you feel like you are really playing a twelve string. Remember, once upon a time these super-light gauge strings did not exist. You want the vintage sound and feel...opt for a medium gauge.

Jack

 

[count savage]

Carscratchmelt, thanks for the helpful advice. Also, great tip about the Ernie Ball Earthwoods. I think I will give them a try. I was also toying with the idea of putting together my own set, which is what 12-String says he does. Perhaps the Earthwoods make that unnecessary. At the moment I'm torn between sticking with the light gauges Guild puts on the guitar when new and going a little heavier. I've never liked light gauges on my acoustics over the years, but I do like the incredibly responsive action you get from the lighter gauge on this guitar, which seems to help when you're playing fast single note lines. The trade off, I imagine, is the projection and tone. And I will be using it to record, so I'm thinking the slightly heavier strings might record better. I will say this, this new Guild sounds like the first Guild 12 string I remember playing 30 years ago, which in my book is quite a testament to the company. I'm extremely pleased with it and keep hearing new things on it. It's quite an instrument.

 

[carscratchmelt]

Thats great!

Try the earthwoods out.

I think you will like the heavier strings. It won't be as hard on your fingers as you think. Bending might be a bitch...but, who really bends on a 12 string???

I would venture to say that Guild uses lighter strings for freight's sake...and for shelf life in stores. More novice players tend to walk into music stores these days. You want something easy to play for your customer if you want to make a sale.

Plus, they can have more leniency on the setup. With lighter strings you can get away with higher action and still have a playable product.

Your heavier strings should help your guitar record better as well... it's all about projection. If your mic does not have to reach so hard to hear you... I'd say you are in good territory.

Jack