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Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 1196
Location: Lafayette, Louisiana | Hello everyone. I have a question for you 12 string players out there. What gauge strings are you using. Do you tune to standard pitch? Just getting into 12 string guitars, and can use alittle help with strings. I play with a soft touch, so what do yall recommend? Thanks....Paul Hebert |
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Joined:
May 2002
Posts: 3005
Location: Las Cruces, NM | Paul
I went through my first 12 string phase in California some years ago, and intend to go into my second as soon as I get some extra money, as I no longer have a 12 string. My inspiration was some Glen Campbell albums called "Mr 12 String" or some such. Anyway, use medium to light strings on any good quality 12 string and tune standard. The Mexican Bajo Sexto used in conjunto bands is tuned down, I think, but is not the sound most 12 string anglos want. Because the properly strung 12 string is a combination of wound and plain strings, you can experiment with medium plains and light wounds to get a little oomph but you definately do not want heavy wounds or you can destroy even an Ovation which is, or was, one of the toughest 12 strings built.
Bailey |
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Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | I use D'Addario light gauge and tune to concert pitch. |
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Joined:
January 2003
Posts: 38
Location: Denver, Colorado | I use light gauge on my 1866 and use standard tuning. I've never had a problem with it. Oh, The album was "The Astounding 12 String Guitar Of Glen Campbell" I still have it somewhere. I should put it on CD to play in the car if I find it. His guitar playing is really astounding. |
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Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 136
Location: Parkersburg, WV | I've got that album around somewhere also. I remember a really cool version of "La-Bamba", years before the movie brought the song back.
Patsbro |
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February 2003
Posts: 2178
Location: the BIG Metropolis of TR | His guitar playing is really astounding.
Amen Brother!!!
Mike :cool: |
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Joined:
May 2002
Posts: 1445
Location: Nova Scotia, Canada | "I should put it on CD..."
I have that one on CD. I got it a few years ago from a guy that had transfered a lot of the more obscure stuff to CD. It the same time I also got "The Big Bad Rock Guitar Of..." from him as well. Glen was a road hardened veteran studio musician at this time and this was killer music.
Wayne |
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Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15686
Location: SoCal | Regarding string gauge on an Ovation 12 string. When I first got Big Blue (Adamas 12 string), I put medium gauge strings on it. It held in tune and the guitar was probably fine, but you could see the pull on the top of the guitar below the bridge. I pulled them off pretty quickly and went to lights. No problems.
If you want to go with medium to heavy gauge strings, tune down to an E or C. You will be amazed at the cool sounds you can get. |
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12 string gauges
