12-string guitar, only 6 bridge pins?

[piper_L]

I recently received the newest Taylor Guitars publication "Wood & Steel".
Pictured on the cover is the new V-class 12-string Grand Concert guitar - the article inside describes the models being released (552ce/562ce/352ce/362ce).

They're using only 6 bridge pins for the 12 strings - I don't think I've seen that before (in my limited experience). Are there other 12-strings that do this, either now or in the past?

From the photos, it's hard to see what sort of bridge compensation is used; I'd like to see one in person.

[jalbert]

I had a similar question after reading that article: how does one keep the strings spaced evenly? I didn't notice any notches on the saddle itself.

[AZLiberty]

There are a couple ways of doing this.

I think I have seen guitars with 6 pins where the pin holes are slotted.

Furch makes their 12 using a hybrid pined/pinless bridge. 6 strings use pins the other 6 go through the bridge like on a Breedlove.

Pictures on Taylor's website still show all of these with 12 pins though.

Edit to add: I just downloaded and read the latest Wood & Steel pdf and found nothing at all about 6 pin 12-strings. What page were you looking at?

[JayBee1404]

The pics on the website show twelve pins.

https://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/acoustic/552ce

[jalbert]

Originally Posted by AZLiberty

I just downloaded and read the latest Wood & Steel pdf and found nothing at all about 6 pin 12-strings. What page were you looking at?

It's on the cover of the Summer 2019 edition, described on page 20 with a close-up photo on page 21.

[piper_L]

Originally Posted by jalbert

It's on the cover of the Summer 2019 edition, described on page 20 with a close-up photo on page 21.

Yes, AZ; the pdf is not yet available for the most recent Wood & Steel (Summer 2019) which contains the article I mentioned. But I'm guessing it'll be up soon.

[AZLiberty]

Yeah, the most recent .pdf is the Winter 2019.

I guess there are some advantages to getting the physical copy.

[John Arnold]

Stella did some that way.

https://trcrandall.com/products/1935-stella-12-string

[niko]

Todd Combio has builds several Fraulini 12 strings with 6 pins bridge :





And Mike Hauver who also builds old 12 strings repros =, see his Holzapfel copy :
http://hauverguitars.com/holzapfel-jumbo-twelve-string/

[piper_L]

Niko,
Thanks for those examples! Interesting stuff to see.

I wonder if Taylor will make a video/article about changing strings on one of their new guitars, sooner or later? Probably not that much different, other than making sure the two strings set on the bridge correctly...

[appstaterules]

Originally Posted by piper_L

I recently received the newest Taylor Guitars publication "Wood & Steel".
Pictured on the cover is the new V-class 12-string Grand Concert guitar - the article inside describes the models being released (552ce/562ce/352ce/362ce).

They're using only 6 bridge pins for the 12 strings - I don't think I've seen that before (in my limited experience). Are there other 12-strings that do this, either now or in the past?

From the photos, it's hard to see what sort of bridge compensation is used; I'd like to see one in person.

I collect Alvarez Yairi's. DY90's, 95, 99, et. al. I am looking at a 1980's Canyon Creek Yairi with 6 pins/2 strings sharing the same hole on Reverb. I called my luthier, who is very conservative, and his view is that the string pressure on a twelve string is much more than a 6 string, of course, and doubling the strings into one hole will cause bellying, bridge bulging, et. al. over time. Other "experts" I have contacted say yes or no to the narrative above. Used, ask for pics of string height, new-full warranty and coverage that used does not offer.

However, high end companies use 6 pins, most use 12. But, Yairi's have been around along time, even before St. Louis, Alvarez guitar distributor, decided to offer the yairi line in collaboration with Kazou Yairi(deceased).

Be sure to check out action, ues a string instrument height gauge and check for yourself. No higher on the "E" at 2.5-2.8 mm. "e" string 1.5- 2.0 mm. Then check the lower bout for bellying by placing a straight edge and look for
uneven areas, if so, the bridge is causing issues and hydration from improper storage-45-55% constant humidity is crucial.

[appstaterules]

It got down to 34 here in Columbia, SC this morning. My room Hygrometer was at 34%. I will be going to the storage building and retrieve my other humidifier. The room is 25 X 18 and cathedral ceiling. A Lot of room to humidify. But for the investment in these works of art, any of us will do what it takes. Thanks for the info, I am versed in all this, but it never hurts to here it again!!