New Gadget Day! -Addstring-

[srick]

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Can’t wait to get home to try this out.

This turns your 6 string into a 7 string. It adds a harmonic G string, much like the Martin D7 (Roger McGuinn model). The mod is reversible and the string can be taken out of play.

The Addstring is made in Holland. It used to be distributed in the US by Breezyridge (John Pearse), but now is a direct order.

Here's an AGF thread from 2013 talking about the gadget: https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...d.php?t=317709

[srick]

The Addstring is better suited to a flat paddle headstock as opposed to my Guild GAD-30
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You have to cut a slot for the .009 string. A saw is included, but I used my StewMac nutfile. I would be hesitant to recommend this to a beginner.

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Here is the gadget that attaches to the bridge pins and hold the ball end in place.
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Thoughts:

• It's expensive for what you get (79.50 euro $98.19 USD), but it is reversible.
• It does give that hint of 12 string zing. On my Guild, it seems to be a real sweet spot. Apparent volume of the instrument has increased.
• It plays pretty well, but like any paired string, needs close attention to fretting pressure.
• The instructions are in classic IKEA-ese. I would recommend watching the videos from their website for clarity.
• You have to be careful when cutting the nut. Not for the beginner.

I think I'll keep it on for awhile as it's sort of cool. It's not a 12 string, by a long shot and it's not a Martin D7 either, but it definitely added a new dimension to this guitar.

Rick

PS - there is a piece that is supposed to attach to the soundhole. It's designed to let you mute the seventh string. I didn't have the patience to fit it and will probably ignore that part of the kit until the weekend, or maybe ignore it completely.

[Steadfastly]

I have looked at this a couple of times but think I will go full 12 string instead. It is a pretty cool addition, though.

[srick]

I had fun playing this morning - need to lower the slot a wee bit more to improve action at the first fret. I like it! But it's not a twelve string.

Rick

[mr. beaumont]

It's a very cool idea...if the price were just a little lower, I'd probably jump at the chance to add one to some old guitar...I dunno, I like it enough I might still try

[srick]

One advantage over a twelve string - five less strings to tune, five less strings to break. Just lunched the .009. They're such wimpy strings!

[jricc]

I think that's a cool gadget, need to check it out

[FrankHudson]

Nice to see the pictures. Thanks!

This is something I've thought about, as I sure like 12-strings and the Roger McGuinn connection adds to the allure.

The one thing that worries me is that the octave G string is something that I often find problematic on a 12-string. Not only is the octave G the one that breaks the most often, it often seems to "jump" out in a way that's awkward when playing single note riffs. I've sometimes used a double G string course tuned in unison (I once read Leadbelly did that) and I currently keep one 12-string in Steve Tibbetts tuning where the G and D are in unison (Tibbett's sometimes also tunes the A string course in unison).

I be interested in a follow up as you play the guitar more with this setup.