Thread: 12 string info

the main thing to keep in mind is the fact theres twice the string tension ..
So, a few things usually get beefed up in the soundboard department
Like the soundboard around 25% thicker, usually a 3rd tonebar behind the bridge instead of 2 like on a 6 string....and probably look at making the bracing 20 or 30% taller all over..

Maybe Martin will wade in ...,I know he's just completed one.

Trussrod and neck thickness are important also. I have always thought that 12ers are an ideal use for carbon fibre inserts. I am also going to install one of these:
http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Sp...ge_Doctor.html
In my yamaha 12er as it's got quite a belly buldge.
Remember that the increased mass in the headstock can make them balance wierdly, so be sure to check that before you whack in some strap buttons.

Thanks for the tips fellas, i didn't even think of the soundboard thickness upgrade. sounds like it may effect the tuning of the soundboard though being thicker and having taller braces. it will be interesting to see how it turns out. cant wait to play the finished product.

There is some info on William Cumpiano's website on how to beef up a 6 string design to handle 12 strings. Can't remember what he says though.

Peter

Im currently working on a 12 string Dreadie. Top is a bit thicker around bridge area but elsewhere its same thickness as my 6 strings. I have an extra tone bar across the lower bout and braces are only slightly meatier.

Other things to think about.....12 or 6 pin bridge and string spacing. Work out string spacing before you start building as it will affect width of fretboard/neck (dont ask me how I know this).

Should have the thing strung up in a few weeks so will post pics.

Cheers Martin

Thanks kiwigeo, I am looking forward to seeing the pics. i am contemplating changing the main idea of my dreadnaught 6 string into a 12 string as i have built it a little on the overkill side for strength with truss rodd bracing and soundboard bridge thickness. the neck is also fractionally wider as well. I love the richness of a 12 and cant wait to see the end result. so far so good! im making mine out of queensland maple back and sides binded with jarrah, with a king william pine soundboard and australian bouree fretboard and bridge that honestly is like cement its so hard and heavy. should be a great sound combination.

Originally Posted by xray

Thanks kiwigeo, I am looking forward to seeing the pics. i am contemplating changing the main idea of my dreadnaught 6 string into a 12 string as i have built it a little on the overkill side for strength with truss rodd bracing and soundboard bridge thickness. the neck is also fractionally wider as well. I love the richness of a 12 and cant wait to see the end result. so far so good! im making mine out of queensland maple back and sides binded with jarrah, with a king william pine soundboard and australian bouree fretboard and bridge that honestly is like cement its so hard and heavy. should be a great sound combination.

Hey, don't just talk about it, show us some pic's, man!!!