Browse Amazon for 12-strings (sponsored) amzn.to/3oYEhOs A discussion of body styles, tone woods, strings, and more. Geared towards players thinking about buying a 12-string guitar.
I noticed 12 strings sound nothing like they do in person on RU-vid videos. I hope everyone gets to try one so they can really hear how beautiful they sound! Great video!
Acoustic guitars in general are hard to record, but 12-strings are really a challenge. In the case of my videos, it’s just an iPhone, nothing special. You’re right because the 12-string in your lap has a very three-dimensional quality.
@@GWGuitarStudio Regardless your videos are great. You explain stuff very well and I think the quality is just fine. Not even studio recordings of 12 string sounds quite the same haha
For anyone reading the comments who might not be aware, it's important to know the difference between a laminate top and a plywood top, because they are different: laminate tops are more resistant to cracking, but not as resistant as plywood. But laminate tops are more responsive, closer to solid wood. Laminate is made of sheets of wood sandwiched together with the grain all running the same way. Plywood has sheets with grain alternating direction, making it the strongest, but the least responsive of the three.
So glad to see such a useful video on 12 strings - yes, everyone loves their sound but very few talk about them. Thanks a lot. Now I'm going to look for your other videos.
Nice to hear this information on all aspects of owning a 12 string. A twelve string is not for everyone but for those who were bitten by the 12 strings it can be an unique opportunity, experience. I really appreciate the one fact you mentioned Maestro Ralph Towner. He is the one strong influence in my interest of playing a 22 string. He even mentions that for a classic guitar player to play a 12 string is un heard of..he is true individual in his composition, genre...a baroque, classical, jazz player..he plays Guild 12 string guitar custom made neck..to fit his hand size..it has a classical guitar width.You're post is greatly appreciated. Keep up the good work.
This was by far a very informative presentation. 1 own a 74 Takamine F385 and still going strong only bc of using light or ultralight gage stings , having the neck checked for bowing and low action every 5 to 10 yrs. But the biggest improvement was ensuring I had a bone nut and saddle installed right from the get go… Thankyou again for reassuring my maintenance and upkeep plan.
Growing up in the 80's , it was listening to the 70's music that really turned me onto the 12. Also, The Waterboys' albuns from the early 80's onwards used a lot of 12 string.The song 'This Is The Sea' is lush with strumming 12's. I really enjoyed this video.Thank you.
Very nice, as a beginner 45 years ago, I bought a 12 string and was so clutzsy that I took off the octave strings for a long time, you end up with a classical size width that is easy to play. That guitar developed a bridge tilting toward the strings even with light strings, so I made a metal support going to the back of the body (like the old guitars with a floating bridge)- problem solved. Now I am looking forward to getting it back from my musician son after ten years or so (smile). Thanks again for the tips. Oh, and I capo up 2 frets on my guitars- makes it easier to play- I only play chords. Mike
I'm hoping to buy either my first parlour guitar or my first 12 string. I know...couldn't be more different from each other😀 I'm certainly edging towards a 12 string. - possibly an auditorium type model would be my preference despite some of the negatives. Played around with one about 40 years ago, and haven't forgotten the experience. Thanks for the review 👍 "Increased neck tension and the formation of a belly sticking out"....That could be a pretty accurate description of me! 😊
Early Genesis are what did it for me. Bought a Fender Dreadnought Fender 12 string. The sound is massive. Brutal action up the neck though. Great advice about down tuning for comfort, thanks.
Yes, my Luthier says the same thing ( their accidents waiting to happen, So Down/ tune them - atleast a semitone) and I've found that's good advice 😊😊😊
Good video! Love that Alvarez jumbo. I have a 1977 12, and a 1981 6-string. I believe the older Alvarez's are one of the hidden gems. The Headstock Snobs never even look at them, and it keeps the prices low. Anyone looking for a 12 would be well-advised to give them a look.
Thanks for the comment. I have owned another Alvarez just like it that I sold, then regretted selling. I also have the matching 6-string of that model. Many years ago, I bought that first Alvarez when I was shopping for a nice 12-string. I had saved up around $1500 and I could have afforded a used Martin or a used Taylor. I was looking around the old "Mars" store (back when they were still in business) and I saw the Alvarez up on the wall in the used section. It only had six strings on it, but it was a pretty guitar. I plucked the low E string and the thing really resonated. Even without all the strings on it, I knew it was going to sound good. I asked the salesman how much it was. He said it was $300 including a nice hardshell case. My wife was pleased when I came home shopping with a 12-string and $1200 left over!
I bought a used Alvarez 12 string for cheap when I was a teenager. Can't recall why I sold it, but looking back it was a gem. Looking for a 12 string again and will definitely keep my eye out for another Alvarez.
Just got my Oscar Schmidt od312 back in May. I absolutely love it. When it comes to a budget 12 string highly recommend. It's scale is 26.5 it's damn near a baritone the body is a medium jumbo orchestral size the lower bout is at 15 16 inches. It's a modern day form of a Stella. Of course Leadbelly/Blind Willie Mctell/Todd Albright were the influence for me getting it. It having a long scale I use low tunings only. I have it set up in B standard the highest I'll put it in is C Standard. Getting that guitar blew my mind the craftsmanship is downright insane made from mahogany and spruce its built with quality. It's literally a modern day Stella....literally it was $279 brand new just like how they were back in the day. It still blows my mind. It sounds so good and it inspires me to play. Highly recommend Oscar Schmidt.
@@GWGuitarStudio You're welcome. This clip inspired me to delve deeper into my twelve string. Had finally started playing it daily, but just this week decided to visit it on occasion. Was thinking I'm not worthy, don't make a fool of myself. The instrument is Majestic and I will raise myself up to become worthy of it. I've covered good ground in the last month or so, with the aid of your channel I look forward to moving ahead. Thanks again. Peace
Very informative video - thank you! I just purchased a GUILD D-1212 - not my first time playing a 12-string (but it has been a long time). I also own a Martin 6-string.
Just bought an old 70's era Ibanez Concord jumbo 12 string. It's a copy of a Gibson SJ 200 and was one of the guitars named in the copyright lawsuit during that time. Love it with Earthwood silk and steel strings.
That’s great to hear. I love Silk and Steels on a 12-string. I use Ernie Ball S&S on my standard tuning guitar. For the ones I tune down, I have been using D’Addario since Martin discontinued their line of S&S strings. The gauging can make a difference in sound and playability.
I'm just about to make a similar video on this topic...youtube must have read my mind! I bought my 1st 12 string (my 1st guitar) also at 17 from my work mate for 12 English Pounds! Had no idea how to play it but at least I had a 12 string! It was an Italian Eko. Had real problems with it. btw I subbed!
I have a 1979 Guild F212XL NT (Mahogany) with a double truss rod. Love it. Fabulous tone. It is a handful to play at first. If I were just starting out, I would buy a Taylor. The playability is much easier. I MUCH prefer what I have... but the Guild jumbo is not as easy for a beginner.
I played a guild 12 string yesterday it was like 600-700 dollars and I'm selling one of my guitars to go and buy it. I play strictly electric but that guitar changed my life
Boy, do i have news for you, i played a solid twelve string and learnt to pick on all twelve strings so i could play it as a lead guitar. I did this for about seven or eight years, i think because it had a narrow neck for a twelve string, itvwas made by WEM the people who made ghe copy cat unit for reverb and echo. It was a little hard keeping it in perfect tune, but i learnt a whole lot on that guitar. I now have a standard jumbo twelve string, marked as being a hand made Echo, this is something else, it keeps its tune for months at a time and never has lost its ring tone the eko are know for. Sadly, a few years ago now i lost some fingers after a dispute with a circular saw that was somewhat unforgiving, but i would not part with it for anything. I adapted and learnt to play keyboard which i still play and write with, but i miss being able to play my guitar,
Man that is heartbreaking about your fingers. You have the soul of a true musician, though, because it didn’t stop you from making music. My hat’s off to you!
Thank you for this video. I just found your channel. I bought a very affordable yet iconic 12 string guitar. I just wanted to find out if 12 strings is something that I would like. It took me a while but now I can play on it. It is an EKO Ranger, and I bought it for only 269 € new. They were popular in Europe in the 60s and 70ies, as an affordable alternative to the American made guitars but they are still being produced in China. It is a dreadnaught with quite a few period correct applications. Instead of a bone or plastic nut, it has a brass nut, together with a zero fret. It has a bolt on neck like an electrical guitar. It is solid spruce over laminated mahogay. For additional strength, there are 2 screws in the birdge plate. The sound is very chimey with lots of overtones. Definitely a bit weak on the bass side compared to a more expensive guitar. I have tuned it to open D, and it works fine for me for picking some easy tunes like Vestapol.
I did one on changing strings several months ago. Here’s the link: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Vo_rI30Dkwg.html A video on string maintenance might be interesting. Let’s see what I can come up with.
I have 2 12 string guitars an EKO which sounds beautiful. It's over 50 years old . And it sounds better than my £1100 tak which I love . Both down tuned and professionally set up . My advice to anyone wanting to buy a 12 string find a professional who will set it up for you. And look after it like it was your baby
Did you say you used special strings on your 12 string guitars? Although you mention some good quality guitars, I bought a low cost Fesley 12 string guitar. It is my very first 12 string. Though it was not expensive, it has a AAA solid spruce top! I was surprised at the nice sounds it produces. Anyone who wants a low cost option, I highly recommend it. I still have great respect for brands you mentioned. Thanks for the video.
I think there were only two in this video. The first one was a custom prototype that I had built. It’s not commercially available. The other was an Alvarez AJ-60S-12. Thanks for watching.
Excellent details about 12s and guitars in general. Would you tell me which microphone or recording chain you are using? I'd like to record some videos of my own songs, with acoustic 12 and 6 strings.
My signal chain is pretty basic. I use a Fifine USB mic that goes into a Linux DAW with Reaper. I use the built-in plug-ins for compression, EQ, reverbs, etc. Sometimes I double parts on an electric 12-string. The electric signal chain is a lot more complicated. I use several rack mount effects, a pedalboard, a tube preamp, and a small mixer that goes into the computer via a USB interface. On the acoustics, I don’t use anything but the mic and the onboard Reaper plug-ins. You can hear my 12-string album here. open.spotify.com/album/7IueDdQZ7xrXQ5IIwBPFXj
Thanks. I want to begin to play simple soft tone, easy to tune, solo mellow mid to low range,; Little to no high end, maybe in small church setting. Best ideas?
The first one is a prototype I had built a few years ago by Aileen Music in China. The second one is Rogue Herringbone from around 2007. The third one is an Alvarez AJ-60S from around 1996. They rotate through the second half of the video.
Thanks for the comment. It’s hard to tell where anything is built nowadays. Samick makes some very nice guitars, especially the Greg Bennett Regency models. The way you know if it’s laminated or not is that laminated tops are usually advertised as having a “select spruce top” instead of a “solid spruce top.” Many guitar makers in South Korea now outsource to China, Vietnam, or Indonesia.
The Fender DG 16E 12 is made during the period that the new Factory was being built so they were made in Korea. You can find a used one for around $300. Spruce top laminate
It’s a Schaller. I bought this guitar used and it was already installed. I rarely use the pickup. If I was still doing frequent gigs, I’d put a Skysonic pickup in it. I have one of those in it’s “twin” Alvarez AJ-60 6-string that I’m very pleased with. It has a built-in mic in addition to the mag pickup.
I have settled for either the Yamaha fg820 or the Guild f2512. Both are budget sub 500 dollar guitars. Any help telling me which would you choose? The Yamaha has mahogany sides and back, while the Guild has laminated maple sides and back. Would the Yamaha have much better bass? Thank you!
May I also add a third guitar for the sub 500 dollar 12 string guitar. The brand is Recording King 30 dirty series but the sides and back are made of "whitewwood". Any idea what kind of wood this is? Is it decent or should I just go for the Yamaha or Guild. Thanks!
The yamaha having Mahogany is going to be slightly warmer ...subject to what strings you use on it from change to change. If you want a 12 string for it's intended volume , aim for a guitar with a brighter sounding wood like maple , or existing stock guitars made with rosewood . I am going with one of those , although I may end up buying a good used model to get what I want .
Morgan monroe used to make a Creekside mini 12 string but they discontinued making them. I cant play a drednaught size, my hands and fingers are too small. But I've always wanted a twelve string. Do they come in a travel or mini size?
You might check out Yamaha’s APX line. They have a small body. They come with a pickup system that makes them sound amazing amplified. Here’s a link. amzn.to/3OZeZdk
Test the "Intonation." Tune the guitar, check at the 12th fret, each string, one at a time. Most 12 strings are notorious for intonation issues. This is where Taylor excels - just look at the saddle and you will see compensation for each of the strings before the high B and E. If you play up the neck, you will quickly hear an out of tune guitar because of intonation issues. Even after tuning, adding a capo will introduce some tuning issues. But if you have a guitar that is properly intonated, the capo effect will be less.
There are different gauges of strings and different scale lengths on guitars. Tension on an electric is lighter than an acoustic. An acoustic 6-string can have around 70 to 100 pounds of tension. On a 12-string at standard tuning, it can be 220-260 pounds! Takamine makes nice 12-strings with an excellent pickup system.
@@GWGuitarStudio i ordered the the EF341SC 6 string it has 6 pins on the bridge and the GD30 is pinless it’s like so more expensive but it’s what i want
Does anyone know the magic spell to unlock the secret note sequence that can harness unicorn power? I really don't mind knowing how dangerous it can be if the spell is done incorrectly, I'm aware and willing to accept responsibility.
I asked ChatGpt AI your question. Here’s what it said: “Ah, the mystical and elusive unicorn power! While I must admit that magic spells and secret note sequences are a wonderful part of folklore and fantasy, they're not something that can actually be summoned in reality. Unicorns themselves, being mythical creatures, are not part of our tangible world. However, if you're seeking a bit of whimsy and imagination, creating your own magical story or spell to harness unicorn power can be a fun and creative endeavor. Perhaps it involves a unique combination of kindness, purity of heart, and a sprinkle of stardust. After all, magic is often a reflection of our desires and beliefs. If you're looking for a fictional or creative approach to tapping into the mythical unicorn power, feel free to let your imagination run wild and craft your own magical incantations or sequences!” Good luck with that! Thanks for the comment.
@@GWGuitarStudio Thank you kindly . I love the sound of maple over rosewood . Robin Boucher has perfected and mastered maple torrefaction. Maple is tremendously hard to torrefy correctly. He worked closely with McGill University Research to perfect Maple torrefaction .
Great video but I'm not sure 12 strings can't do 'lead guitar". Eight Miles High which you mentioned has a jaw dropping, incendiary guitar solo. But I agree they're not that common.
Three masters of the twelve-string acoustic most may not consider: Alex Lifeson (Rush), Stevie Ray Vaughn (SRV & Double Trouble), and Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin). Three masters who used 12-strings to write masterpiece songs; highlight songs; spotlight song intros, etc. Simply listen to 'Life By The Drop' by SRV, "Closer To The Heart" by Rush, and "Ramble On", "Traveling Riverside Blues", "Achilles Last Stand", "Thank You", "Tangerine", "That's The Way", "Over The Hills And Far Away" or "The Song Remains The Same" by Page/Zeppelin! ("Stairway To Heaven" specifically not listed, to avoid cliché.) Honorable mention: some guy named James Marshall...something or other...: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-gcwWvS5zC2I.html
It’s a custom guitar. I was considering marketing my own line of 12-string guitars. This was the prototype. It ended up being more delicate than I anticipated so I never moved forward on it. I had Aileen Music in China build it to my specifications. It has bubinga back and sides, Alpine spruce for the top, and a mahogany neck. The bindings all around the body and fingerboard are natural maple, not celluloid. The bridge and fingerboard are ebony. The most unique feature of the guitar is the extended headstock. It has full-size tuning machines, not the minis you find on most 12s. They had to make a special case for it because it is so long. When I really dig in on it, it’s really loud, like a piano. The dynamic range on it is really something.
1963 was my revelation year. I found an LP of instrumental 12 string tunes by Billy Strange. This one . . . ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-dM7arCdXsKY.html And that was it. Then in 1964 . . . ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-SeCkT434uQ4.html By then I'd bought my first 12 and haven't been without one since. My collections of CDs and vinyls has grown massively, as has my love of this instrument. It's great for a lot more than strumming - it's wonderful for playing melody and lead. There are a lot of very famous 12 string players, but I'll end with 3 names you may not know, or may not associate with 12's Angela Lancieri, whose sense of touch is astonishing ... ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-6Why6klo_lU.html Justin Johnson , a phenomenal slide guitarist who has also recorded several videos of him playing a 12 ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-xMUumPFEGcQ.html If you want a tutorial by him, check this out (he demos slide at the end) ... ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE--VUjAKtpJeA.html Finally - Eiro Nareth . . . ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-SXkC92TqxAw.html If you like the more old-style, folky/jazzy/blues style of 12 string music, check out the CD 'The complete 12 string story' with music from the 60's. This is available on Amazon as a set of mp3 downloads or (sometimes) as a CD. Finally . . . ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-FQ0nPBRbXLM.html
@@GWGuitarStudio On a previous channel I uploaded a couple of demos to promote a parlour 12 that I played at that time. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-6hND7HGOYEU.html ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-C1GjMzKOGOQ.html
@@GWGuitarStudio On a previous channel I uploaded two demos to promote a parlour 12 string made by JHS. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-6hND7HGOYEU.html That short intro to the range of JHS parlours had a lot of links in the information notes and included a longer demo of the guitar I had at that time: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-C1GjMzKOGOQ.html In your video you mention woods. I've played a Taylor 562ce. It was mahogany and was an amazing instrument, but lacked the jangle. I remember describing it as "a civilised 12 string."
The 12 string not recommended for beginners and impatient people. I've owned one not as a beginner but the impatient person. It was always easy for me to break strings. You can't buy individual strings, you have to buy a hole set. Like you said standard tunning is not recommended.
About three years of guitar playing under my belt, I took a chance and made a fairly low offer for a vintage 1995 Taylor 555 (12 string jumbo) on Reverb this week which, to my delight, was accepted. Awaiting delivery and watching videos. Love your input. Got here through the magic of RU-vid’s home page algorithm. Glad to have found you.
@starlightgrecording559 Guitar Studio*** Gerard Stroh Here!!! When I Was Young Back in the 70's I Would Play John Denver Albums and Carly Simon and Harry Chapin and America and What Got Me Started on 12 String Guitar Was John Denver and He Played A Custom Built Guild Guitar and it is Called Guild F612 xl nt That Was Built For John Denver and His Name is Carlo Greco and He Work For Guild Guitar Company in the 70's and it Was A 12 string Guitar With an 18 inch at the lower Bout and the Body Was 21 inches Long and it had A 26 1/2 Scale Length and it Was Like A Baritone 12 String Guitar and He Had to use A Capo on the Second Fret to Do Use E standerd Tunning Because the Scale Length is too Long for The Octive G String to Be Tune up The Pitch*** When I Was 15 years old I Played and Own A Yamaha 12 string Guitar it Sounded Good But it Was Hard to Play!!! and in 1987 I Got My First Guild 12 String Guitar and it is A Guild D-25-12 String Guitar and It Has 2 Trust Rods inside the Neck and It Has Very Low Action and At The Same time I Special Order A Guild B30-E Acoustic Fretles Acoustic Bass Guitar and it Has A 18 inch Body at the Lower Bout and the Body is 21 inches and it is A Super Big Acoustic Bass!!! I Own 5 Guild Guitars and I Also Own A 8 String Baritone Guild Guitar and I Own A Jumbo Guild Guitar and I Have it Tune Down to B to B and I Have 5 Pairs of Octive Strings and I have an Octive String Whare The B String is and It Sounds Awesome!!! I Also Have An Rickenbacker 360-12 string Electric Guitar!!! I still Like To Get A Fancy Guild 12 String Guitar Like John Denvers and or Get A Nice Used Guild F-512 Guitar Some Day**** Guild Guitars Is My No.1 Choice**** All From Gerard Stroh!!!
@@GWGuitarStudio @starlightgrecording559 My one of A Kind Guild is that 1987 Super Jumbo Guild B30-E Fretless Acoustic Bass that I Pre-ordered At Guild Guitars and it is Super Big and I Like to Get Hold of A Carlo Greco Guild F612 Guitar and I Have Vintage Recordings of That Guitar and the Artist is John Denver*** Thankyou GWguitar Studio!!!
#1 Thing to Know When Shopping for Your First 12-String Guitar.? Not a Martin, a Maton. Not a Gibson, a Maton. Buy a Maton. Maton make acoustic guitars on par with any Taylor, Gibson, Martin etc. hand-made in Victoria, Australia since '56. Fair dinkum, rock solid fact; Maton CW80/12 or Maton SRS70C/12 are the bees knees the lizards gizzards & the ducks nuts of 12 stringers. You'd have to have half a dozen roo's loose in ya top paddock to disagree.?🦘Didyabringyabongalong Station🎸Central QLD🪃
