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difference twixt 6 and 12 string

  • 09-02-2009 12:14AM
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 387 ✭✭


    Hi all i was just wondering could someone tell me the differnce between 6 and 12 sring acoustics? Obviously 6 extra strings but is a 12 string harder to play?

    Thanks JB


Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,146 ✭✭✭✭Alanstrainor


    Dont know about harder, but they're certainly different to play. As far as sound twelve strings are brighter sounding, i love the tone of them, I've been GASing for one for months, but alas, i dont have the cash. I dont know what else to say really, are you looking to buy one? The best advise would be to go out and play a few and see what you think. Play ones of differing value, from cheap to quite high end stuff to see what the difference is.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,367 ✭✭✭spoonbadger


    JohnButler wrote: »
    Hi all i was just wondering could someone tell me the differnce between 6 and 12 sring acoustics? Obviously 6 extra strings but is a 12 string harder to play?

    Thanks JB
    The neck will be wider, and dont expect to be able to do bends on them, it just wont happen.

    Also,they'll be an absolute b*tch to tune and re-string (twice as much time, naturally :)).

    They will also feel a little bit more neck heavy than a 6 string,but not by much.

    But most importantly,they sound gorgeous!!. :D


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,863 ✭✭✭seachto7


    I assume you like John Butler yeah? So you'll know how nice a 12 string sounds in an open tuning.
    I'm picking up a used one this week. can't wait. a solid top crafter!:cool:
    €250. couldn't leave it lying in a house somewhere...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,262 ✭✭✭✭Joey the lips


    No real difference, the 12 sounds nicer a little harder to play if you picking, its more suitable for ryth guitar

    If you lucky enough to get the 12 cheap jump on it.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,443 ✭✭✭Red Sleeping Beauty


    No real difference, the 12 sounds nicer a little harder to play if you picking, its more suitable for ryth guitar

    If you lucky enough to get the 12 cheap jump on it.

    No real difference ? Are you taking the piss :confused:


    Op, you can read all the posts in the world but you just gotta play one (a 12string) to know the difference yourself. It'd also help to listen to records/live recordings of 12string guitar parts.
    If you're attempting to learn to play on a 12string before a 6string erm, you're mad :P


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,262 ✭✭✭✭Joey the lips


    No real difference ? Are you taking the piss :confused:


    Op, you can read all the posts in the world but you just gotta play one (a 12string) to know the difference yourself. It'd also help to listen to records/live recordings of 12string guitar parts.
    If you're attempting to learn to play on a 12string before a 6string erm, you're mad :P

    No I am not taking the p1ss but clearly you have not inter the question correctly. Take it easy and read next time because you have went on to say what I did.

    I agree with you on the last bit but if you had the chance to get your hands on a 12 string would you not take it. I would!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 613 ✭✭✭rgjmce


    No I am not taking the p1ss but clearly you have not inter the question correctly. Take it easy and read next time because you have went on to say what I did.

    I agree with you on the last bit but if you had the chance to get your hands on a 12 string would you not take it. I would!

    Well unless it was your first guitar


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 121 ✭✭6stringmaniac


    Im surprised no one has told him that the first four extra strings on a 12 string are tuned an octave higher


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 387 ✭✭JohnButler


    Hi again all,

    ye im a massive John Butler fan, the man is gifted. Ive been playing 6 string for bout a year now and just love the sound of a 12 string so im sorely tempted to get one as soon as i get some cash together. Im getting pretty handy, so im excited about getting myself a 12 string. I will definitly be trying out some different ones and see how i get on.

    Thanks for all your comments.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 699 ✭✭✭ball ox


    In my experience cheaper 12 strings tend warp at the neck over a couple of years so you might want to aim for a mid range one if you don't want to end up using it as a cheese grater in a few years time. That said, I'm sure someone out there makes a decent budget 12 string.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 121 ✭✭6stringmaniac


    JohnButler wrote: »
    Hi again all,

    ye im a massive John Butler fan, the man is gifted. Ive been playing 6 string for bout a year now and just love the sound of a 12 string so im sorely tempted to get one as soon as i get some cash together. Im getting pretty handy, so im excited about getting myself a 12 string. I will definitly be trying out some different ones and see how i get on.

    Thanks for all your comments.


    Can I recommend the FENDER CD-140S-12
    http://www.thomann.de/ie/fender_cd140s12_na.htm


    I have it and I love it to bits.
    Sounds great for John Butler ish stuff


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,863 ✭✭✭seachto7


    got my crafter solild top 12 string yesterday. so far, loving it...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,262 ✭✭✭✭Joey the lips


    seachto7 wrote: »
    got my crafter solild top 12 string yesterday. so far, loving it...

    Lovely keep jamming!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,443 ✭✭✭Red Sleeping Beauty


    12 Strings do sound great - especially for sketching out extra guitar tracks/parts


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,863 ✭✭✭seachto7


    Lovely keep jamming!

    got it used and its in great nick. I was initially thinking "you don't need it!"
    Now I have it, I'm already approaching it slightly different as a 6 string..

    Now I;'m wondering what a 12 string electric cranked with a pedal would sound like....


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,443 ✭✭✭Red Sleeping Beauty


    I think Burns do an affordable 12String


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,367 ✭✭✭spoonbadger


    seachto7 wrote: »
    got it used and its in great nick. I was initially thinking "you don't need it!"
    Now I have it, I'm already approaching it slightly different as a 6 string..

    Now I;'m wondering what a 12 string electric cranked with a pedal would sound like....
    It's called the smiths :).


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,262 ✭✭✭✭Joey the lips


    It's called the smiths :).

    Good one :)

    it's true


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