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Post subject: tune down the 12 string villager
Posted: Sun Nov 20, 2011 9:18 am
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Greetings all, my question is can you tune down the 12 string villager as much as 2 steps? I am getting ready to change the strings. Thanks in advance. Robert


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Post subject: Re: tune down the 12 string villager
Posted: Sun Nov 20, 2011 12:08 pm
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Two full steps would have the low string tuned to C. To tune that low you'll probably have to adjust the truss rod (loosen it) and you may want to use heavier strings than you're using now (unless you want them to be really floppy). The intonation may suffer a bit.

But it won't hurt the guitar (unless you don't loosen the rod and it pulls the neck into a permanent backbow over time).


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Post subject: Re: tune down the 12 string villager
Posted: Sun Nov 20, 2011 1:50 pm
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I wouldn't. If you don't have proper tension on an acoustic guitar, besides the setup problems, you'll lose the tone. You may also have massive tuning problems. I have an old Yamaha 12 string that has been put through the ringer. If you want some really great acoustic guitar information, go to the Martin guitar forum. Tons of information that is relevant to all acoustic guitars. not just Martins.

Is the action too high for you to play comfortably?

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Post subject: Re: tune down the 12 string villager
Posted: Sun Nov 27, 2011 3:59 pm
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I tuned down a whole step and capo it back up. It sounded bad with and without the capo. The main problem was a bunch of different fret buzzing, I did not have that problem without tuning down.
What I was trying to do is help my vocal range, I start at the G below middle C and go 2 octaves down. I guess I will try a different tuning, any suggestions for the kind of tuning in my low vocal range?


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Post subject: Re: tune down the 12 string villager
Posted: Mon Nov 28, 2011 9:37 am
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Why not just transpose the Key?? Twelve string guitars are touchy beasts. There is a tremendous amount of pressure om the top of the guitar and the neck. Just play in a key you can sing.

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