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January 2004
Posts: 1225
Location: Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey | I have recently added a Legend 12 string to my collection and I was hoping that some of the "12 stringers" out there might be able to help me out on a few questions as I don't have much experience with 12 string guitars.
1.) String Tension. I couldn't find any information on Ovation's site regarding their recommendations about string tension. I am currently tuning the guitar 1 full step down. Am I correct in doing that?
2.) Capos. I have a Kyser 12 string capo but it seems to throw the guitar out of tune. Does anyone else have this problem or know of a better 12 string capo to use?
3.) Amplified sound. When I play the guitar through my P.A., I'm finding it difficult to get the sound that I want. I'm finding that the bass strings start to feed back well before the level is up to where it needs to be (even after using the notch filter). Maybe I am just used to my 6 string Martins and need to get used to the 12 string sound.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I would like to use the guitar for my gig Friday night, which is currently in danger of being snowed out, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
Many thanks!
John |
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September 2003
Posts: 23
Location: Perth Amboy, NJ | Well, to answer your first question, Ovation 12 strings should be tuned to concert pitch. My Pacemeaker 12, which I bought new in 1983, has been tuned to concert pitch for 20 years! without any ill effects. Perhaps tuning down a full step is the cause of the feedback. I use the same capo without tuning problems. And I suggest when you get a chance you try out D'Addario ESP strings on it. They are coated, including the plain strings, sound great and last a long time. Better than Elexir's in my opinion. (I assume you will grow to dread changing 12 strings at once :-) |
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December 2003
Posts: 420
Location: On the beach in Southwest Florida | You might want to invest in a sound hole plug, a Behringer Shark Feedback Destroyer or a LR Baggs Para Acoustic DI all of which can assist you with the feedback issue. |
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August 2003
Posts: 2246
Location: Yucaipa, California | Yep, Concert Pitch is just fine... also try a SHUBB 12-string capo and place it as close to the fret as you can with only as much "grip tension" as you need to "stop" the strings without buzzing....
works for me!
tim |
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Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | John;
Tune it to concert pitch.
That's what it was designed to be played at.
I've got two Ovation 12's, they're both tuned that way.
Keep the Kyser for your Martins and get a Shubb 12-string capo. I bought a Kyser 12 and it's now a spare for my 6's. Shubb's are a little more expensive, but they're quality-built, have great precision, and work the best on O'12's.
If the re-tuning doesn't help reduce the feedback, lemme know. I've got a FeedbackBuster soundhole plug I can let you use for the gig. (I bought it at MusicDen - when they used to be on Rte.46 - for $5.99) I think the tuning will alleviate it, though.
Where ya' playin' Fri.? Barnyard or Second Half?
I'll try to stop by. |
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Joined:
January 2004
Posts: 1225
Location: Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey | Thanks for the great tips, everyone. I really appreciate the help. I will try re-tuning the guitar and see what happens. I may leave it de-tuned 1/2 step because I normally do that anyway. It helps lessen the strain on my voice during gigs.
Cliff: I will be playing at The Barnyard Inn Friday (weather permitting). If you are able to make it, I'll introduce you to the person in charge of booking. She's a bit of an airhead, but very nice. I'm sure they would book you there.
John |
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August 2002
Posts: 623
Location: Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey | Hey John-
Where's the Barnyard Inn?
-Johnny |
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January 2004
Posts: 1225
Location: Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey | Johnny:
I'm from Lake Hiawatha too! To get to the Barnyard Inn, take 46 east to 80 east. Take the exit for Minnisink road in Totowa. Make a left turn on to Minnisink Road and follow it to the end. Make a left on to Totowa Road and The Barnyard Inn will be on your right about 1/2 mile up the street. It's only about a 15 minute ride.
John |
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May 2002
Posts: 1026
Location: Back in the Valley of the Sun Mesa Az. | John,
Seeing you're fairly new here, let me help you out bro. The thing is, that 12 O you have is just not worth the adjustments. Let me send you out my Yamaha 12 string, as it is much easier to understand. You'll know to keep it tuned a full step down, by the bridge becoming vertical at "concert pitch". No need to worry about feedback no matter how high you turn her up, cause she doesn't have any sound either way...oh yea, no electronics either. As far as a capo, you'll quickly find that a good craftsman cresent wrench is the answer, as anything else just doesn't quite have the ummph to squeeze down the final three inches to the board.
Just send me that decrepid Legend, my Yammy is in the mail. No need to thank me Johnny, I'm just into helping people out and stuff like that!
Norse(oh yea, I've got this great seashore condo available for rent during Februarys up here in Brainerd,if you have any friends[as I don't] let them know!)man1 |
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Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | Jeez, Norse!
John may be "new", but he IS from Jersey!!!
Nice try, tho. :D |
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January 2004
Posts: 1225
Location: Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey | Hey Norse - If you throw in a gig bag, maybe we can make a deal. ;) |
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March 2002
Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | oy! |
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May 2002
Posts: 1026
Location: Back in the Valley of the Sun Mesa Az. | Ya one of dem dere gig bags?! Ya you betchya dere John! |
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August 2002
Posts: 623
Location: Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey | Damn, Bro! You're right in town! We should jam!
I've been to the Barnyard, now that you mention the directions. My friends Cherry Lane (a duo from Lake Hiawatha-they are playing the Rockingham Coffee house in on Beverwyck this Thursday) used to play there.
Are you going to the OFC tour?
All the best!
-Johnny |
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January 2004
Posts: 1225
Location: Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey | Johnny _
I am hoping to go on the tour. I'm still trying to work out some details. There is a new place (Top Notch) opening right by the coffee house in late March. My friend is the owner so I will definately be playing there.
John |
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Joined:
January 2004
Posts: 1225
Location: Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey | Once again, a big thanks to everyone for all of the advise. I tuned the guitar up to concert pitch which really improved the sound / feedback problem. Of course, this made the guitar much harder to play, so I took the shim out from under the saddle to lower the action a little, which seemed to help quite a bit.
John |
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12 String Questions
