thinking about a 12-string

[speakmon]

I've been working on acoustic for three weeks. I've always loved the sound of 12-string acoustics (not so much electrics) and I'd like to get one in the near future. Is there a great difference between playing a 12-string and a 6-string? Would it hamper my learning any? I'd like eventually to play most acoustic stuff on 12-string.

TIA.

[bobcat]

Hi! Another member had a question about 12 strings under the "acoustic guitar" section. SteelSlider has a good answer there that may get you started. Good Luck! :p

[FritzP]

I recently got a 12 string acoustic/electric. It's a VERY low end, but for my purposes - just fooling around with it - it's great - has low action, and I LOVE the sound! I agree with alot of the advice given under the 12 String question in the Acoustic Guitar folder. If you just started with the acoustic, I would stick with the 6 string for a while longer. Go to a music store, like suggested, and try some 12 strings - cheap ones AND the big bucks ones. You'll see the difference, and get the feel for them before buying. With some, the action is so high, it hurts to play! They are a pain to tune, too - but worth it when you get them right! I got a 12 string YEARS ago when I had just been playing a year or two. It was a cheap one with high action and miserable. I got really frustrated with it and sold it within a year. Now, 30 years later (I'm dating myself now!) I got the bug to try one again. Like I said, I'm in love with it! I guess 30 years experience makes the difference! Good luck, and just ENJOY playing!

[Kickassicalead]

I have played 12 string and I say that any guy that has a brain and can play a 6 string can play a 12 string. I mean its just two to one string ratio. It cant be that hard. some songs that require just plucking of strings can sound alittle diffrent but hell thats why you would buy a 12 strings