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Location: Warren,Pa. | I saw this you tube of a guy playing a Guild 12 string. He had it strung with HEAVY strings, tuned to Open-B. It sounded amazing. Like a piano.
So here's my question: Is that any more tension than the light-gauge strings I use now tuned to standard tuning? My guitar is a '79 1115 which had some structural issues that have been repaired...except that the bridge had been shaved down at one time to compensate for the top bellying/bridge turning. A bridge Dr. has been installed, a couple of loose braces are re-glued...everything's OK except the bridge is still thin. It's got the 2 bolts from the factory plus the Bridge Dr. holding it.
Should I be scared to try heavy strings tuned to Open-B? Just for a little while to have some fun.
John <>{ |
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February 2004
Posts: 1634
Location: Warren,Pa. | Don't all jump in at once. |
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Location: Sydney, Australia | I suppose the question is how heavy the strings are. At some level of heaviness the force exerted by heavier strings tuned to open B will be heavier than the lighter strings in standard tuning |
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Location: Vernon CT | I would assume that Open B tunning is tuned down from Standard tunning? I know that doesn't answer your question but I'm curious. If it is tuned down, wouldn't there be less tension on the bridge?? Am I missing something? |
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Location: Warren,Pa. | No, that's all. I'm gonna try it but I'll be nervous. I just thought there might be someone here who (like Temp) has a degree in string tension studies and could either assure me it's OK or warn me not to try it.
Since I don't have the $$$ to get a 12string that's in new condition, I'm gonna try it with my 30 year old, battle worn but patched up 1115.
John <>{ |
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December 2003
Posts: 13987
Location: Upper Left USA | I took a Heavy set of 12 string, strings and put them on a Pacemaker. I tuned it to "C to C" and it was marvelous.
No extra tension, just needed more relief.
I have also taken an .074" and used it as the 6th string, then use a Heavy Set only start at the "A" with the "E", toss the 1st string back in the box.
This made for an "A to A" poor man's Baritone.
If you got a .070" with a matching Octave you could use a heavy set for 12 string and do the same. "B to B" would work but "A to A" makes more sense because when you transpose it makes D-A, C-G, G-D, etc.
Same fingering as a Tacoma Papoose only an octave apart.
The only real issue is the modification of the Nut for the larger strings.
Send me your 12 String and I'll git'er done for ya! |
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Posts: 3618
Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :) | If I could just buy Stuart's 12 string I'd give it a try and let you know. |
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March 2005
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Location: Blue Ridge Mountains | Guild 12's have two truss rods and can really take the added tension: and YES, there is a lot more tension using Heavy vs Lite or even Med. If you restring an Ovation 12 w/heavy ga I'd recomend tuning down at least a step and use a capo: the guitar will sound great and won't chance damage from over tensioned neck/bridge.... |
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February 2004
Posts: 1634
Location: Warren,Pa. | I thought "Open-B" would be tuning it down. |
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February 2004
Posts: 1634
Location: Warren,Pa. | So I am SO ignorant!!! "I saw a guy on you tube playing a Guild 12"
The guy is Danny Flowers. I've never heard of him before. What a nice discovery! Anyone else here know of him?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWPCP0YLXd4&feature=related |
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Is this gonna be safe???
