6 string or 12 string?

[Andy Bounsall]

Contemplating whether to build this sapele and Sitka dreadnought out as a 6 string or 12 string. If 12 string, maybe a 24.75” short scale 12 fretter. What do you think?

[Jeff Mc]

I think that if you are building this as a spec guitar to sell, I would stick to a 6 string.

[Coler]

I personally have not particularly liked any 12 string dreadnought I have played - but I acknowledge there are plenty who love their 12er dread.

I just find that body shape to lack focus/definition when 12 strings are hooked up to it.

I much prefer a Jumbo or OM body, for different reasons.

So I would make that into a 6 string, personally.

Edit : interested to know the proportions - body looks extra deep in that pic, to my eyes.

[Tim McKnight]

Just to provide some background and context … I’ve been building for 30 years and have had 2 orders for a 12 string. If you are building on spec with hopes of selling it then I would add a +1 to Jeff’s advice.

[Andy Bounsall]

Jeff / Tim, I suspect you’re right and that’s likely what I’ll do. When I build a guitar on spec, it can be an opportunity to try something new or different. Interestingly, I’ve had several inquiries about 12 strings in the past few months. No orders but it did start me wondering if there’s a larger market for 12 strings than I had thought.

Coler, I guess it must be the camera angle. That body is my normal dreadnought depth of about 4 7/8” at the tail.

[Mark Hatcher]

Apple or Orange?