My first 12 string. Any special considerations re: setup?

[theoctavist]

Want it to mimic my Santa Cruz VJ and Cort acoustics that play like butter. Low action, etc. Anything I need to keep in mind? Have Erlewine's books but no specific mention of 12string. Y'all are the best! Thank you!

[Guilty Spark]

The only consideration that immediately comes to mind is getting a professional setup, no matter the 12-string.
I had Elderly do a setup on my Yamaha 12-string. Money well spent.

[Dru Edwards]

Make sure the intonation is spot on. Although not part of a setup, good tuners are a must.

Although both of those are a must for a 6 string as well, I find a 12 string just exacerbates those issues.

[Rosewood99]

I like to tune down my 12 string one step. Makes it way easier to play.

[HogsNRoses]

Use a fully compensated 12 string saddle like the Taylor 12 string saddle. Taylor also adjusts the height of each string to improve playability. It might not be long enough to fit your slot, but that’s OK.

You might want lower action, so level frets are important.

Replace the A octave string with a smaller diameter (replace the 18 with 15 or 16), and replace the octave E with a 24 or 25. GHS (11-50), Ernie Ball (9-?), and Pyramid #339 offer sets like this. Or get an ultra-light set like D’Addarrio’s 9-45. I have a custom set of Stringjoy Foxwoods gauged like Pyramid 339 (11-50) that I really like so far.

I think the main obstacle to playing Barre chords on a 12 is that 18 gauge A. Replace it and you’ll be happier. I play standard tuning, by the way.

[theoctavist]

Thank y'all so much !!!

[terryj47]

Originally Posted by Rosewood99

I like to tune down my 12 string one step. Makes it way easier to play.

+ 1. I do this too. Sometimes I capo at the second fret.

[FrankHudson]

If you play it without a capo and in cowboy chord positions, attention to an optimized nut slot string height is especially important for comfort. Attention to the ramping and rear slot angle can help a bit too.

I mention this, though there's reason to do "half-a-setup" even if the nut is important for 12-string satisfaction even more than on a 6 string.