#1
|
|||
|
|||
Frustrated with my Seagull 12-string
Hi,
I've had my Seagull Coastline S12 for about a year now, but only recently started playing it extensively. The problem is it always sounds out of tune. I have it tuned a step down and no matter how precisely I tune it with my Snark tuner it always sounds off. Is this a set up issue? I have never had this happen with my 6 string Taylors, they sound great and even tuned a step down. From what I know about 12 strings is it's best to keep them tuned down to a D to relieve the pressure off the neck and just use a capo for standard tuning. When I bring it up to standard tuning however it really warps the neck, so I guess I need to adjust the truss rod? |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
30 years of 12 string tuned to concert pitch, abused and left in a hot truck for years. Still plays great.
But I use 10's at the thickest and prefer 9's I just rebuilt it, but it was still playing good before I rebuilt. Quote:
Quote:
|
#3
|
|||
|
|||
Use your tuner to check fretted notes, not just open strings. Could be an intonation problem.
|
#4
|
|||
|
|||
What strings are you using?
I use D'Addario EXP38's on my 12-string guitars, tuned down a 1/2 step. If you are using a similar guage .010-.047 and the neck is pulling forward at 1/2 step down then yes, I think the truss rod might need tightening up a little.
__________________
Brucebubs 1972 - Takamine D-70 2014 - Alvarez ABT60 Baritone 2015 - Kittis RBJ-195 Jumbo 2012 - Dan Dubowski#61 2018 - Rickenbacker 4003 Fireglo 2020 - Gibson Custom Shop Historic 1957 SJ-200 2021 - Epiphone 'IBG' Hummingbird |
#5
|
|||
|
|||
I can't tell which strings, it still has the original ones from the store. I'll adjust the truss rod and see if it improves. I'm just a little puzzled by the fact that strings tuned to pitch (according to my snark which has always been spot on) can sound so unharmonious.
|
#6
|
|||
|
|||
The first thing you should do is change your strings.
|
#7
|
|||
|
|||
Absolutely.
__________________
1950 Martin 00-18 RainSong Concert Hybrid Orchestra Model 12 Fret Eastman E20OOSS. Strandberg Boden Original 6 Eastman T185MX G&L ASAT Classic USA Butterscotch Blonde Rickenbacher Lap Steel Voyage-Air VAD-2 Martin SW00-DB Machiche 1968 Guild F-112 Taylor 322e 12 Fret V Class |
#8
|
|||
|
|||
First take it to a luthier, tell him which strings you want, and that you tune down to D. Hopefully that will do the job. If not, buy an F series Guild.
__________________
2007 Martin D 35 Custom 1970 Guild D 35 1965 Epiphone Texan 2011 Santa Cruz D P/W Pono OP 30 D parlor Pono OP12-30 Pono MT uke Goldtone Paul Beard squareneck resophonic Fluke tenor ukulele Boatload of home rolled telecasters "Shut up and play ur guitar" Frank Zappa |
#9
|
|||
|
|||
Frustrated with my Seagull 12-string
Totally worn out strings won't stay in tune to save your life. Especially on a 12 string, which can be a tuning nightmare anyway. I'd bet new strings will help a lot.
|
#10
|
|||
|
|||
Ok, thanks for the advice, I'll go get some fresh strings.
|
#11
|
|||
|
|||
12 string players spend one half of their time tuning and the other half playing out of tune.
My 12 string guitar is about 70 years old. The thing has a neck that is so fat most everybody tells me not that it is hard to play but impossible to play. If it were me, as others have suggested, if a fresh set of strings do not do the trick I would take the guitar to a good repair guy. In the end it may save you a lot of frustration.
__________________
"You start off playing guitars to get girls & end up talking with middle-aged men about your fingernails" - Ed Gerhard |
#12
|
|||
|
|||
Q: How long does it take to tune a 12-string guitar?
A: No one knows. (But new strings, especially if accompanied by a setup--and some stretching when they're put on--will help considerably.) |
#13
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
Ikravchik, If you think tension is warping the neck, then maybe it's not a trussrod adjustment that will help. Is it a twist in the neck or bowing from the tension? .....Mike |
#14
|
|||
|
|||
Once you have new strings, there's some nice tricks to get a twelve string tuned, using 12th fret harmonics and various intervals on the neck to get a pretty quick and painless happy medium.
I have a Simon and Patrick 12, tune it all over the place (CACGCE) and it's fine. Your rod needs a little stiffening I'd guess and new strings will help the whole picture. |
#15
|
|||
|
|||
I've had my ?Taylor since December, it's on its fourth set of strings. And I don't play it as much as I'd like.
First thing, change the strings, if you have qualms about doing it yourself, have it done. I have used D'Addario, Adamas, and currently John Pearse. I'm partial to strings that have a .010 octave G. It's a tiny bit harder to break. I tune half a step flat, when I play with others I capo at the first fret, and yes, I retune with the capo on. Seagull makes pretty sturdy guitars, you might have a luthier look yours over and check the relief, and action.
__________________
A bunch of guitars I really enjoy. A head full of lyrics, A house full of people that “get” me. Alvarez 5013 Alvarez MD70CE Alvarez PD85S Alvarez AJ60SC Alvarez ABT610e Alvarez-Yairi GY1 Takamine P3DC Takamine GJ72CE-12-NAT Godin Multiac Steel. Journey Instruments OF660 Gibson G45 |