12 Strings - no longer popular?

[L20A]

Originally Posted by cu4life7

Not sure how “popular” they ever were, but they are certainly less common now than they used to be. To me, they only work for a select few songs and styles and are terrible for anything else. Jangle and sparkle in the mix is much better filled with other instruments (like mandolin) than guitar. Outside of playing Gordon Lightfoot songs, I just don’t see the point. I also can’t name anyone under 40 that plays one or wants to play one...

This is a good point.
Until a newer artist has a hit or two using a 12 string, younger players will not have an interest in owning a 12 string.

[JeffreyAK]

I never really cared who had a hit playing a 12-string, and I couldn't name more than a couple songs that definitely were played on a 12-string. I fell in love with the first one I played because of the rich sound, and that's going to be the same sound for everyone who plays one, though I'm sure some folks don't like the extra volume and sonic breadth. It wouldn't be my first choice for strumming folk songs in a band, since all that sonic breadth will tend to turn to mush in a mix, but for solo guitar it adds a unique flavor that you can't get with a 6-string.

Besides, even if no one under 40 plays a 12-string, wait 15 years and you'll see hordes of people playing 12-string, just to be different.

[portsider]

Originally Posted by TBman

12 strings are a unique animal and song choice, at least to me, would limit its use as I'm not a singer/songwriter type.

But, in the right hands they are excellent. I see them all the time in stores. My ear is very sensitive to trebles being out of tune so I avoid playing them.

The “trebles being out of tune” sound” is what gives 12s their resonance. The different width strings tuned in octaves aren’t ever going to be perfectly in tune up and down the neck. The trick is to find that sweet spot where it sounds lush and not dissonant.
That’s my opinion anyway.

[Martie]

I've had two (electric and acoustic), but ended up selling them. And I really wanted to, but I just couldn't take to them. I distinctly remember thinking 'less is more'. Each to their own though, and I do have an old electric set up specifically for nashville tuning, which I occasionally use for recording.

[rmoretti49]

My two 12 strings get regular play. While 12 strings often get used as strummers, I feel their true beauty can't be appreciated until they are played fingerstyle.

[Nyghthawk]

Originally Posted by rmoretti49

My two 12 strings get regular play. While 12 strings often get used as strummers, I feel their true beauty can't be appreciated until they are played fingerstyle.

Whereas I believe 12 strings make great strummers due to full bodied sound, listening to Roger Hodgson play "Even in the Quietist Moments" on his huge Guild is just gorgeous.

[merlin666]

It is interesting that in my regular music playing circle I am the only guitar player with a 12 string as main instrument, whereas most of the other players have shifted away from guitar altogether toward mandolin and/or fiddle. It is completely different at my workplace, where the only other two guitar players as well as another colleague's son exclusively play 12 strings!

[opencee]

Originally Posted by rmoretti49

My two 12 strings get regular play. While 12 strings often get used as strummers, I feel their true beauty can't be appreciated until they are played fingerstyle.

12-String fingerstyle:

[DCCougar]

Originally Posted by rmoretti49

My two 12 strings get regular play.

12-string lover here! My Guild jumbo JF30-12 gets played first. Then the Gibson dread Songwriter 12. Then the smaller Martin GPC12PA4. The Epiphone 12 is a travel/campfire guitar. I'm totally focused on 12-string. Of course, the Guild F50R 6-string gets thrown in there routinely.

Yes, 12-strings are different instruments than 6-strings. You have to play what your instrument allows you to play.....

[Steadfastly]

Originally Posted by L20A

Guitars in general are not selling fast right now.
A specialty guitar like a 12 string will be even slower selling.

Has the 12 string lost it's popularity?
Perhaps it has lost a bit from the 60's Folk Era but there are still a lot of us that play a 12 string some of the time.

I would not be surprised to see that a baritone guitar is more popular than a 12 string right now.
Both are fun alternatives to a 6 string guitar.

While there are likely some other reasons, you hit the nail squarely on the head. That said, I am a lover of the 12 string sound and if possible, will always have a 12 string in the home.

[nowgibson]

Even tho they both have bridge lift issue's, so where's that Taylor 12?

[Heroditus]

Originally Posted by marit

How about the Eko Rangers?

I had one of those for many years! That sucker was as heavy as an anvil!

[Stomp]

I first got a 12 string many years ago, so long ago that I've forgotten what brand.
There followed a Rickenbacker 360/12, a gaggle of Guilds 12s; D25-12, F-112, JF30-12 and a Guild F-512 which I don't think I'll ever part with.

I find the shimmer and jangle of a 12 string to be very addictive and I would not be without at least one.

Some day I plan to get an old slope-shouldered B45-12 Gibson and perhaps a Rickenbacker 660/12 for the wider neck, the 360/12 was a little narrow for me.

[vintageom]

I currently own a Guild F-512.

I bought my first 12-string guitar in 1974. I have owned 7 of them since then. Whenever I was without one, I missed it and replaced it.

I play finger style and strum on them. Each style presents a vastly different experience. The key to enjoying them is a proper set up. They have to be comfortable or you will not play them much.

People who have said they hate 12-strings have played mine and they are amazed how easy it is.

As to the OP, Some have cited that until and unless some young hot player records on one, they will remain out of mind. The 60's and 70's were filled with such performers and they inspired my love of them and I learned how broadly they can be applied to all kinds of music. If you think they are only for strumming, you are missing a lot. The individual note separation and overtones are amazing to me. You can play the same songs for months on a 6-string and then try them on a 12-string and see how an old song can become new.

I hope the younger players will give them a shot. Used to be you had to spend a lot to get a playable and lasting 12-string. Not any more.

[Nyghthawk]

I am intrigued by the Seagull Concert Hall cutaway 12 string. I don't remember ever seeing a 000 size 12 string. Has anyone here played one?