The Ultimate 12 String Tuning And Why?

Instruments, mechanical issues, copedents, techniques, etc.

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Michael Johnstone
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Joined: 29 Oct 1998 1:01 am
Location: Sylmar,Ca. USA

Post by Michael Johnstone »

A lot of guys are doing that Raising the 10th string G# to B and the 9th string B to D on the same lever.
I first had those 2 changes on RKR on my Keyless Sierra U12 uni but the lever was a bit stiff both because of the long pulls plus the fact that it was on the right knee and you have your foot on a volume pedal so your knee hits the lever higher up and there's less leverage. So I put those changes on a zero pedal all the way to the left of my A & B pedals and that worked a lot better. I broke a few 9th and 10th strings over the 7 years I played that guitar however because of the 3 fret pull - even with brand new strings. That problem went away completely once I went to an Excel Superb which as those who play one know - never breaks any strings because of it's keyless head and lateral changer motion.Lamar and Anapeg have that kind of changer as well.I don't know comfortable I'd be with those changes on a garden variety keyed 12 string with a standard changer design.It might be pretty worry free on the new Williams changer if it was keyless.
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Al Marcus
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Joined: 12 May 1999 12:01 am
Location: Cedar Springs,MI USA (deceased)
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Post by Al Marcus »

Michael-for me I dont do all those pulls, as not being in the workforce, I tune the way I like for me. I will agree with your post that on a lot of guitars, it would be stiff. And easier on certain guitars.
I like to keep my tuning simple, like I have only one pull on 4 knee levers, and 2 pulls on the other, but I am playing in E6 and get a few E9 sounds with the first two pedals. Steel guitar is so versatile and it is good to have so many different tunings to experiment with. But the standerd E9 and C6 will prevail for a long time...al.:):):)
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