Official Luthiers Forum!

Hope all of you are doing well; been quite a while since I've posted (or built for that matter!).

I'm thinking about a new build and would like your advice. I'm interesting in building an acoustic 12 string. My last build was an OM size acoustic that went reasonably well (other experience is a ES-335 like electric, a kit flattop mandolin, and a scratch carved top a-style mando).

Question 1: I like the OM body size and shape, but wonder how appropriate it is to a 12 string. A lot (all?) of the 12s I've seen are jumbos or dreds. What are your thoughts on an OM size 12 string?

Question 2: Aside from the obvious changes necessary like 6 extra tuners w/ longer headstock and 6 extra holes in a larger bridge, what modifications do I need to make to a typical 6 string plan for a 12 string build? Changes in top or back thickness? Bracing patterns or sizes? Any considerations for the neck itself (as in reinforcements)?

I appreciate any thoughts you guys have.

Jay

Hi Jay
I have made several 12's and love them. As far as body size, any can be used. All of mine are SJ's, so they don't have to be jumbos. Taylor guitars makes a 12 string in their Grand Auditorium model, which is similar to a 000/OM. Because of the full sound expected from a 12, larger bodies may be more appropriate. I love the slightly smaller SJ size.

As far as other changes, I have my top about 10% stiffer from a deflection standpoint to handle the increased string tension. My bracing pattern is exactly the same as the 6 string version of the same body style but the X brace is just a bit taller.

I make my neck 1 7/8ths at the nut. 2 CF rods, but I put them in my 6 strings

That is it, they are not that different

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Andy Z.
http://www.lazydogguitars.com

Any body style can be used, as the energy is all in the strings. The smaller bodies will do fine, and can have a surprising amount of bottom end if you design for it.

I suggest a 1-15/16" nut width and a 2-3/8 to 2-1/2" bridge string spacing. Works better for getting your fingers in there.

Y'all have fun, now

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-donh-

Everything is a tone control!

How little canyou get by with as far as the headstock length? I would like to put this in a standard dread case, but somehow I dont think it will fit??? anybody know?

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Reguards,

Ken H

I'm thinking that if you use mini tuners placed adjacent to one another (a strat is what I think of), then you should be able to have only a slightly oversized headstock and it should fit in a standard case. Maybe.

My headstock is 8 inches long for the 12 fret and I use the mini shaller tuners

John

With these tuners you can keep the peghead even smaller than most standard six string pegheads I converted a six string OM to a nine string EADGgBbEe for a client using these on the GgBbEe. But I have to say I did not like the look much but the client was happy.

Does it take any kind of special/hard-to-get tuners to do a slotted/standard hybrid headstock like on Rickenbacker 12 string electrics? (http://www.rickenbacker.com/gallery_ima ... _year=1980)

The neat Steinberger tuners are heavy, so for a 12 string that may be an issue.

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Laurent Brondel
West Paris, Maine - USA
http://www.laurentbrondel.com/