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Author Topic: 12 string acoustics?  (Read 8356 times)

badgermark

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12 string acoustics?
« on: April 20, 2006, 06:46:56 PM »
Howdie! I'm gonna go buy a 12 string acoustic tomorrow (probably THIS one) is there anything I should look out for when trying? Never actually tried a guitar before buying, they always have been gifts.

Anything special I should be checking?
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TwilightOdyssey

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12 string acoustics?
« Reply #1 on: April 20, 2006, 06:57:57 PM »
Make sure it sounds good! PDT_008
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38thBeatle

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12 string acoustics?
« Reply #2 on: April 20, 2006, 07:07:34 PM »
Make sure it is a solid top ( as appears to be the case)- make sure there is no signs of bowing around the bridge area and as TO says, make sure it sounds good- some can sound very wishy washy and the tone can be irritating.
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badgermark

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12 string acoustics?
« Reply #3 on: April 20, 2006, 07:33:18 PM »
i wouldnt get it if it didnt sound good :wink: more concerned by building issues and such like.
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mikeluke

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12 string acoustics?
« Reply #4 on: April 20, 2006, 07:48:22 PM »
Be prepared for VERY sore fingers! It takes quite a bit of getting used to - especially if you've only played electric.
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badgermark

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12 string acoustics?
« Reply #5 on: April 20, 2006, 08:10:56 PM »
Wont be a problem, I've been playing my acoustic solidly for 2 years now, I've got hands that could mix concrete ;)
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indysmith

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12 string acoustics?
« Reply #6 on: April 20, 2006, 09:40:41 PM »
12 strings do feel odd though. what do you use them for? lol - when i had a go i just couldn't play anything other than open chords and barre chords... boring
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Twinfan

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12 string acoustics?
« Reply #7 on: April 20, 2006, 10:02:48 PM »
I've got a couple of 12 string acoustics - an Aria AW-75T and a Martin J12-15.  Both completely different in terms of construction, tone and playability.

The Aria is cheap, always out in my living room on a stand, and a real strummer.  Lovely shimmering top end and sounds very "musical".  Even though it's laminate wood thorughout, it's just got something great about it.  It's my Bon Jovi guitar - it does a great "Wanted - Dead or Alive"  :D

The Martin is all mahogany (including the top) and has a really smokey sound.  Very mellow, loads of mids and is great for picking out complex runs/arpeggios etc.  Really low action makes it a doddle to play too.  Sounds superb for "Wish You Were Here" and "Hotel California".

I never check the minute details of a guitar.  If it sounds good, and feels good to play, then that's all I need.  At that price, you can't really pick fault!  If you get chance, try an Aria - they're great for the price.  Mine was £175.
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sambo

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12 string acoustics?
« Reply #8 on: April 20, 2006, 10:06:50 PM »
who needs 12-string acoustics when you can have a Chapman Stick....  8)

google it guys... and prepare to be amazed...
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badgermark

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12 string acoustics?
« Reply #9 on: April 20, 2006, 10:20:50 PM »
Quote from: indysmith
12 strings do feel odd though. what do you use them for? lol - when i had a go i just couldn't play anything other than open chords and barre chords... boring



There is something special about writing a great song only using basic open and barre chords, try it, its harder than you think.

I don't care about riffs or solos, as long as the song is good thats all I care about. Plus 12 strings sound amazing.
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Twinfan

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12 string acoustics?
« Reply #10 on: April 20, 2006, 10:24:40 PM »
Yep - I much prefer then to 6's for strumming.  Much fuller sound.
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indysmith

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12 string acoustics?
« Reply #11 on: April 20, 2006, 10:26:10 PM »
yeah i agree with you guys completely, but i get bored with strumming after so few seconds... if i was strictly rhythm it'd be playing 12s all the way...
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badgermark

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12 string acoustics?
« Reply #12 on: April 20, 2006, 10:33:17 PM »
To be fair I never strictly strum, my left hand always seems to embellish chords, even if it is hammering on a pinkey to the high e string (try it, play a C and add the high G, sounds snazzy).

I just love strumming and writing songs on acoustics, while my poor electrics gather dust...
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willo

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12 string acoustics?
« Reply #13 on: April 20, 2006, 10:42:57 PM »
Quote from: badgermark
To be fair I never strictly strum, my left hand always seems to embellish chords, even if it is hammering on a pinkey to the high e string (try it, play a C and add the high G, sounds snazzy).

I just love strumming and writing songs on acoustics, while my poor electrics gather dust...


Yeah, I really really need to buy an acoustic. There's a certain type of playing that only really comes out of me when I'm playing acoustic. With electrics it's sometimes a bit too easy to get carried away!

I'm listening to a live Jeff Tweedy gig right now, just him and guitar. It's great. But, you know, I couldn't write that kind of music on an electric.
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sambo

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12 string acoustics?
« Reply #14 on: April 20, 2006, 10:57:08 PM »
yer im with you guys on that.... i love writing songs on my acoustic....

and what you said about pinky-hammering on's badger- i do that all the time! really cool lol....

i may consider getting a 12-string now, you guys are talking me into it...
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