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Joined: June 2007 Posts: 58
Location: Montreal | I need to rely again on the advice of you seasoned experts.
I've got a 1981 GC1618 12-string. As you know it is only 12 frets to the body and in excellent condition, kept humidified in-case, etc., etc.
Do I need to tune it down to prevent below0bridge-heaving (BBH)? At 26 years of age plus you have to reallylook and feel for any heaving.
Jeff |
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Joined: April 2006 Posts: 2491
Location: Copenhagen Denmark | I suggest something Light , I use Martin M170 gauge 10 - 47 , allthough them are just 80/20 bronze , they last reasonably long , and have a " chimey " sound , great on a 12 stringer , as far as that " belly -up " U`re mentioning , that happens to most ( all ) 20 plus yrs. guitars , many feel that it improves the sound.
Tuning down/differently should depend on the music U play , not the quality of the guitar .
Vic
..try not to worry , have fun instead.. |
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Joined: June 2006 Posts: 7307
Location: South of most, North of few | Never had a problem with any of the 12 fret slot 12 strings, that I've owned, with the neck or the top. They are probably the strongest in existence, except for the Adamas line. |
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Joined: December 2004 Posts: 4394
Location: East Tennessee | You probably do not have to tune down an Ovation. Years ago earlier model 12 strings from other manufactures recommended it. I do it and use a CAPO. :D |
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Joined: April 2006 Posts: 2491
Location: Copenhagen Denmark | CG : You probably do not have to tune down an Ovation. Years ago earlier model 12 strings from other manufactures recommended it. I do it and use a CAPO
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But even setting the action higher to avoid stringbuzz , the strings could still " clang " against each other , How do U do it ( replace strings often ? Heavy gauge ? )..?..secrets on the table please :)
Vic |
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Joined: December 2004 Posts: 4394
Location: East Tennessee | I use light,(.010-.047), strings, tune to "D" and I don't use a pick. I have tried heavier gauge strings on my 12 strings but didn't like the feel. Note; I do use heavier,(.011-.052) on my 6 string guitars with good results. The action on my guitars is standard or a little higher.
If I do strum too hard the sound isn't as clean which may be caused by the strings hitting each other although i don't think so. The group i play in a church does a lot of stuff in Bb,Eb and F. So tuning down allows me a lot of options such as when playing in F I can capo up to the third fret and play in E, or remove the capo and play in G,(Rumble) :D . |
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Joined: April 2006 Posts: 2491
Location: Copenhagen Denmark | That`s Sound thinking :)
Vic |
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