difference twixt 6 and 12 string

JohnButler · 08-02-2009 11:14PM #1

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

Alanstrainor · 08-02-2009 11:19PM

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.

spoonbadger · 08-02-2009 11:25PM

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!!.

seachto7 · 09-02-2009 08:44AM

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...

Joey the lips · 09-02-2009 08:50AM

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.

Red Sleeping Beauty · 09-02-2009 10:39AM

Joey the lips wrote: »

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

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

Joey the lips · 09-02-2009 12:28PM

alan dunne 27 wrote: »

No real difference ? Are you taking the piss

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!

rgjmce · 09-02-2009 12:52PM

Joey the lips wrote: »

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

6stringmaniac · 09-02-2009 12:53PM

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

JohnButler · 09-02-2009 01:59PM

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.

ball ox · 09-02-2009 06:09PM

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.

6stringmaniac · 09-02-2009 08:16PM

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

seachto7 · 11-02-2009 02:06PM

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

Joey the lips · 11-02-2009 02:09PM

seachto7 wrote: »

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

Lovely keep jamming!

Red Sleeping Beauty · 11-02-2009 02:33PM

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

seachto7 · 11-02-2009 04:01PM

Joey the lips wrote: »

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....

Red Sleeping Beauty · 11-02-2009 04:02PM

I think Burns do an affordable 12String

spoonbadger · 11-02-2009 11:51PM

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

.

Joey the lips · 12-02-2009 07:44AM

spoonbadger wrote: »

It's called the smiths .

Good one

it's true

difference twixt 6 and 12 string

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