12-string

[steve]

I'm thinking of buying a 100$-200$ 12-string guitar. Is there anything I should know. Is it different from playing a 6-string?? How much does the average one cost..... how cheap could I get a fairly good one??? Thanks to any replies.

[bobcat]

I attempted a 12 string...but only once! My hands were too small and not strong enough to handle that many strings. I love the sound of them, but for me, I would have to get a 6 string with built in chorus to get a similar sound.

I would suggest going to a music store and trying them before you purchase one.

As for price range, I forget! They were higher priced than a six string. Not sure what you would be able to find in that price range. Good luck! :p

[ESP_Viper]

OK honestly, why do you persist in buying pieces of ****... Why not save your money up and get a nice instrument. Yeah you can have 20 guitars and only spend 1000 bucks total... But all of them will be pieces of **** that play like what they are worth. If you want a 200 dollar 12 string go ahead get one, but buying cheap won't get you anywhere when it is heavily played. I never play my squire or ephipone because they suck and I can't stand playing on them.

[SteelSlider]

Hi Steve.
Yeah, Viper has a valid point.
Go to a music store, pick up a 12 string that costs no less than $500 dollars and play it for a while. It'll be an 'ok' guitar.
Remember, you get what ya pay for.

If your good on a six string, a twelve is not any different. My hands are medium, and I can handle a twelve string. You'll make the adjustments. Gordon Lightfoot has smaller hands than I do, and he's a 12 stringer.
After you try the $500 guitar, look around for a $1000 12 string and play it.
There will be a world of difference. A world, world of difference.

A 12 has much more tension on the neck, and a lesser quality 12 string 'does not' have a neck made that will last for very long without bowing on you. Then they are so hard to play.

Quality in a 12 verse a 6 string; the twelve will cost more, of course. Don't waste you hard earned bucks on a cheap muisical instrument. Save and get a good one. A cheapie will last you a year, a good one will last a lifetime.

Actually, I find playing a 12 string easier because the strings are side by side. Instead of one string digging into your tender finger tips, the two strings widens the pressure, and it doesn't hurt as much, if you don't have calluses.

Make sure a 12 string is what you want, they cost.
You'll only be frustrated with a cheap 12 sting. I've owned two cheapies and (i've edited this) felt so good when I torched them. I mean by fire. A good one should cost no less than 800. that's a heck of a lot more than what your wanting to pay, but make sure a 12 is what you want, and get a good one.

A good 12 string shouldn't be any harder to play than a six. It's all in the neck construction. The sound comes from the kind of wood.

[Coffee]

I love the sound of the 12 string too. Played one for several years and have the desire to buy another one but they are somewhat limited. For accoustic rhythm for a solo performer doing vocals they are awesome, and fill very well due to the harmonic qualities and natural phasing caused by the dual string system. They must be tuned carefully. If you have trouble with a 6 string, hang back. I agree with slider, for chording, I believe they are easier. If you're really having difficulty when you buy one, take it in and have it properly set up.

One thing that is awkward on a 12, to me anyway, is trying to play lead on it. When I had mine I did use it for the occasional line but could never get a lot of speed out of it. Buy a good 12, don't buy a cheapy, you'll never win. Do not under any circumstances sell your other guitar in order to buy it. It's a great addition but there's a reason I own an electric and accoustic 6 string and not a 12, their excellent for accompaniment but not for aggressive leads.