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More on my 12

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bcinbergen
Posted 2017-06-14 1:53 PM (#535525)
Subject: More on my 12


Joined:
June 2017
Posts: 8

So it is all strung with lite strings, neck is straight, pickup works, what not to like?
Ill tell you.. Its hard to fret and playing is not fun.

Any suggestions. No shims under the bridge to remove
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Old Man Arthur
Posted 2017-06-14 5:47 PM (#535529 - in reply to #535525)
Subject: Re: More on my 12



Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 10777

Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR
When in doubt, try THESE

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2wheeldrummer
Posted 2017-06-14 6:22 PM (#535532 - in reply to #535525)
Subject: Re: More on my 12



Joined:
February 2014
Posts: 699

Location: moline,illinois
What's the action at the 12th fret,how's the relief any bowing of the neck?

High action makes 12ers hard to play,bowing could be corrected with a truss rod adjustment.

Post some pics if you can and someone will offer you more suggestions.


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DanSavage
Posted 2017-06-15 1:00 PM (#535536 - in reply to #535525)
Subject: Re: More on my 12



Joined:
June 2012
Posts: 2303

Location: Lake Forest, CA
Two things to consider.

1) Is it tuned to concert pitch, or tuned down?

Tuning down 1 step can reduce the amount of pressure it takes to fret the strings.

2) In addition to the action at the 12th fret, what is the action at the nut?

High nut action will make a guitar harder to play than high 12th fret action. To test this, you can put a capo on at the 2nd fret. If the guitar is easier to play, then the nut action needs adjustment.
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DetlefMichel
Posted 2017-06-16 10:38 AM (#535541 - in reply to #535525)
Subject: RE: More on my 12



Joined:
May 2011
Posts: 751

Location: Muenster/Germany

Most 12 string guitars I ever had in hands did suffer from bad fine-tuning.

Here some things to think about:

1. Tune it down. Dab Savage is completely right, 12string guitars should be tuned down at least one halfstep, depending on guitar type. Ovation 1/2 step is enough.

2.Strings. Use the lightest strings available. The best for 12 string guitars are THOMASTIK PLECTRUM AC211  .11-.50. YOu will not believe that it is your old guitar when you try them.

3. Setup.String action and neck relief should be carefully watched. The best string height on the 12th fret is 2,25mm +/- 0,25mm. This is the measure from the fret surface to the string.If you have an Ovation and you have no shims left you will need a neck-reset, (but this is really no big thing when you have a post-1980 USA model with bolt-on neck).

A guitar neck must not be abolutely straight, the strings need space to move, thus a very little bow in the neck is better.

Most 12string guitars have poorly made nuts and saddles. The nut should be made so that if the string has contact with the 2nd fret it should be a only avery tiny space between string and 1st fret ( a thin stamp).See pic1

The strings on the saddle should have precise positions. I saw so often that the strings were "somehow" positioned on this. It makes playing so much easier. see pic2

Many if not all 12string guitars have a too wide string spacing on the nut. Playing will be easier when you have the strings pairs a little narrower. Unfortunately you will have to replace the nut, but this is no great business and will give you more playing comfort for years. see pic3

If you have done all this perfectly your guitar will not be the same. But it takes a little more precision and patience than on a 6 string guitar. I have done these modifications on all my 12 stringers over the years and all of them are very easy to play.

Maybe you find here some ideas to even make better! Good luck with your guitar. 12strings are best!!!

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moody, p.i.
Posted 2017-06-16 5:46 PM (#535547 - in reply to #535525)
Subject: Re: More on my 12


Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15651

Location: SoCal
Set up on a 12 string is important and can make a real difference. But I disagree regarding strings and de-tuning. I've had an Adamas I for 21 years. Light gauge strings on it and tuned to concert pitch. Plays like buttah up and down the neck.

Take your 12 to somebody who knows what they are doing and get it set up properly. Might need a new nut, saddle, or neck adjustment. Set up properly, you'll love how it plays, with lites on it and tuned to concert pitch......
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