|
Post by flashart on Jan 15, 2018 19:19:10 GMT
I'm currently playing my humble Eko Ranger 12 string which I've got tuned down to C#. Because of my singing, I've been using a capo for a lot of tunes. I gather constant use of a capo isn't good for the frets. I could tune up ½ a step to D but to be honest, it makes the keys easier to play but still not the best shapes. The question is, which is less harmful to a 12 string, constant capo use or standard tuning? Hope that makes sense, as it may inform a new guitar purchase. (Although, I'd swore I had bought my last guitar with this one )
|
|
|
Post by dreadnought28 on Jan 15, 2018 20:28:29 GMT
I’ve never given wear caused by constant use of capos a single thought in 50 plus years of guitar playing. I keep my Kinscherff 12 string at concert pitch. Many years ago I did the same with the Ranger 12 I had then. It’s what they are designed for. You shouldn’t have problems either way.
|
|
|
Post by RodB on Jan 16, 2018 19:58:36 GMT
I’ve never given wear caused by constant use of capos a single thought in 50 plus years of guitar playing. I keep my Kinscherff 12 string at concert pitch. Many years ago I did the same with the Ranger 12 I had then. It’s what they are designed for. You shouldn’t have problems either way. Same here - except in my case I have a D12-20 bought in the late '70s. Until recently I didn't realise people were concerned about capo fret wear or 12-strings being kept in standard tuning - neither have been an issue for me. However if it was an issue, and if I had to choose (I don't sing - well only once....!) I would still tune and capo for convenience and risk an eventual re-fret.
|
|
|
Post by curmudgeon on Jan 17, 2018 23:18:34 GMT
Hi, I have two 12 strings - a recently acquired '60s Harmony h1270 and a rebuilt and customised 1964 Martin d12-20.
see :
I keep them both tuned down one tone (d-d) and use capos all the time. Both models are known for needing neck resets (both been done before I owned them), but those ol' Ekos are as solid as rocks, so I doubt that many have needed a reset, but frets wear out on all guitars after a while but never connected it to capos.
|
|
|
Post by flashart on Jan 18, 2018 6:23:51 GMT
Interesting, I assume then it must be overtightening of "Shubb" type capos etc that would cause wear.
|
|
|
Post by scorpiodog on Jan 18, 2018 17:55:52 GMT
I have 2 12 strings.
A Vintage Paul Brett which I keep tuned to B (standard intervals) because I like the way it growls. That's strung with 13's. I did have it tuned to standard with 10's on for a while.
I also have an Eko just like yours only substantially more bashed about which I have had from new in about 1969 and has always been in standard tuning, though not always with a full complement of strings (I was very poor when I first had it!). I have never had any trouble with the neck, which has such a thick finish, I've often thought it made of plastic rather than wood.
Frankly, I don't think you need worry about the tension provided you don't put heavy gauge strings on. My Eko has 10's at the moment but it's spent most of its life with 11's.
The capo issue is an interesting one. I've never seen a guitar which has fret wear evenly across the strings at any fret, and I should have thought this would be the way the frets would wear if it were a capo issue. I don't use a capo much myself, so I'm no expert, but fret wear always seems to follow the style of play of the owner.
|
|