12 string playability

[cappucho]

Try tuning one step down and put a capo on the 2nd fret. You'll find it much easier on your fingers.

[JimmerO]

If you want to pick a 12 String strictly on playability I think that Ovations and Taylors are the way to go. They have low action and nice frets.

I sold my Ovation 12 string to buy a wonderful Guild F-412. I love the Guild for it's beautiful tone but it's nowhere near as easy to play as the Ovation.

[1neeto]

Originally Posted by cappucho

Try tuning one step down and put a capo on the 2nd fret. You'll find it much easier on your fingers.

Past the second fret is where the problem really starts. The neck bow is quite bad and also the sound board is caved in a bit raising the action even more as you go down the neck. I’ll take a pic of it when I get home.

[Marco Polo]

Hi 1Neeto

I would also recommend moving the octave strings so all are equidistant with their base string. The spacing below looks off to me (the A string is a good example - looks too far apart). If the spacing is even, it will be easier for your right hand to pick the individual notes without inadvertently hitting other strings...when you get all-else ironed out.

[robj144]

Nice guitar. 12 strings are fun.

My Guild 12 string plays pretty darn closely to a 6 string. It's not much of an adjustment for me and it has always played that well.

[L20A]

Originally Posted by 1neeto

Past the second fret is where the problem really starts. The neck bow is quite bad and also the sound board is caved in a bit raising the action even more as you go down the neck. I’ll take a pic of it when I get home.

It's time for you to get a new 12 string.
If the neck is as bad as you say, the guitar will need a reset to get the action low enough to enjoy the intonation and play ability.

Take your guitar with you to some guitar stores and A/B it with other 12 strings that have good necks and set ups.
You should feel a huge difference in the way the guitars play.

[johntrem]

Originally Posted by L20A

If you want that 12 string to really wake up, remove the adjustable saddle and install a new bone saddle.

I have seen this done on a few old Gibson guitars with remarkable improvement.

L20A is very correct. Adjustable bridges on acoustics are tone suckers. My only 12 string is a 1974 Fender F55-12 that had an adjustable bridge which I replaced with a bone saddle. Big improvement. Also modern 12 strings are much easier to play that older ones with wide, baseball bat necks. They can also be tuned to standard pitch which the older 12 strings didn't do well. Try tuning down a whole step (D or even C) and see how much better it sounds. Much richer. If you need standard tuning slap a capo on it.

[FrankHudson]

If this is like my vary similar Cortez 12-String from the 70s that bridge is a farily soft plastic too. Mine got notched badly by the strings, and I replaced it with a Tusc one.

[Brucebubs]

Originally Posted by FrankHudson

If this is like my vary similar Cortez 12-String from the 70s that bridge is a farily soft plastic too. Mine got notched badly by the strings, and I replaced it with a Tusc one.

I think Frank means the saddle - it certainly looks rough and frayed in your picture.
Replacing it may also improve the string spacing - they look like they're caught up on that rough saddle too.

[ridethewind]

In addition to the repairs others have suggested, may I recommend using lower-tension strings? Newtone makes low tension sets for 12-strings in their Heritage series and they both sound good and obviate the need to tune the guitar down to make it playable. DR also makes low-tension 12- string sets in their Rare series. DR Rares are hex-core, Newtone Heritage are round-core.

[1neeto]

Originally Posted by Brucebubs

I think Frank means the saddle - it certainly looks rough and frayed in your picture.

Replacing it may also improve the string spacing - they look like they're caught up on that rough saddle too.

Yeah that saddle and bridge are all notched by the strings. I’ll go down 1/2 a step and see how that goes. Thanks!

Originally Posted by ridethewind

In addition to the repairs others have suggested, may I recommend using lower-tension strings? Newtone makes low tension sets for 12-strings in their Heritage series and they both sound good and obviate the need to tune the guitar down to make it playable. DR also makes low-tension 12- string sets in their Rare series. DR Rares are hex-core, Newtone Heritage are round-core.

I’ll definitely look for those strings, thanks!

[1neeto]

Here so you guys can see how the action progressively raises to about a foot at the bridge. [emoji23]

It’s tough to play, but not impossible. Tuned the Eb made a difference but I need to see if I can turn that truss rod some more.

[lagator]

Originally Posted by FrankHudson

Looks very much like a 1970s Cortez 12 String I have.

The zero fret system your guitar has should remove one of the issues with 12 string playablity: action too high at the nut. One could tune down a 1/2 step or a whole step as well.

Nice looking Ventura.

Frank, I also have a Cortez 12 string as well and the playability is very good. it has very low action and great tone to my ear which is more beginner than anything.

Mine however looks quite a bit different from this one. Different headstock, no zero fret, different rosette, different pickguard, different bridge.

Mine doesn't say anything on the headstock but the label inside says made by Cortez as a custom order for C.A. Gotz. I got it from a German seller on Reverb, not to Hijack but I'd love to see some pics of your Cortez 12 String and share pics of mine since I've never seen another one but mine.

[Brucebubs]

Looks like the bridge is lifting at the rear.
Quite common.
Can you slide a piece of paper under that back edge?




The entire bridge will need to be removed and reglued.
I wouldn't bother using that old one again.
Time for a new one without all that adjustable string height hardware - just a plain bone saddle like this one.



I like this one too because it places the primary strings closest to the saddle and the octaves at the rear - the way Guild has always done it.
Just under $20.00
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Grover-Tr...4AAOSwv-NWbgjW

[1neeto]

Originally Posted by Brucebubs

Looks like the bridge is lifting at the rear.
Quite common.
Can you slide a piece of paper under that back edge?




The entire bridge will need to be removed and reglued.
I wouldn't bother using that old one again.
Time for a new one without all that adjustable string height hardware - just a plain bone saddle.

Yeah I wanted to show how the sound board is caved in a little because of the tension. The bridge is bolt on and I do want to replace it. It was a free guitar so putting some money in it shouldn’t be that big of a deal as long as it doesn’t get ridiculous.