007
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Post by 007 on Oct 1, 2013 14:49:21 GMT
I have an Epiphone 12 string and am trying to find the best tuning. Many of the website I have been on suggests that you should tune a 12er down at least an octave to reduce pressure on the neck.
I have tuned it to various tunings currently in drop D so every string is one octave lower than standard.
However I am not totally happy with this tuning any alternative tuning suggestion would be appreciated.
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Akquarius
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Post by Akquarius on Oct 1, 2013 14:59:06 GMT
Paul, which kind of strings are you using?
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007
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Post by 007 on Oct 1, 2013 15:04:00 GMT
I think, not sure they are atandard 12 string pack can't recall the brand will see if I still have the packet
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ocarolan
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Post by ocarolan on Oct 1, 2013 15:05:10 GMT
Certainly not an octave Paul! Most modern 12ers are built to take standard pitch, but many sound better down a tone or two.
I use my PB sig 12er with a set of 12-52 strings tuned down one tone (2 frets) - D to D. These also sound good at C# to C# but are maybe a little floppy at C to C unless played fairly gently.
For standard pitch E-E I'd maybe use 11-50 or thereabouts. I'm sure your Epiphone would cope with that, but try some downtuning (for tone purposes rather than neck preservation) sometime - you may like it!
Keith
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leoroberts
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Post by leoroberts on Oct 1, 2013 15:13:32 GMT
Yup, what he ( ocarolan ) said My PB 12-er has 11-52s on and is tuned down a tone (D-d)
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Akquarius
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Post by Akquarius on Oct 1, 2013 15:16:43 GMT
I use a set of 12-54 strings on my Seagull and have it tuned down a semitone.
Keith said it all. Unless you have some medium gauged strings on it, you'll probably be fine tuning the guitar down one or two steps/semitones and place the capo on the first or second fret to get back to standard E-E tuning.
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007
C.O.G.
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My main instrument is: 1965 Hagstrom H45E
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Post by 007 on Oct 1, 2013 16:14:32 GMT
sorry I meant a tone rather than octave but thanks for all your advice I think I will try a lighter gauge
Seen some 10/47s on the stringsdirect website might give those a go
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Post by scorpiodog on Oct 2, 2013 10:01:16 GMT
I've got 13 - 56's (Elixirs) on mine, and have it tuned B to B standard tuning intervals. certainly sounds different! But if you want it tuned concert you can go ultra light. That makes the octave G a 9! Electric guitar string, that.
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Post by sigmadel on Oct 2, 2013 12:15:08 GMT
I've got Elixer 10s on mine and its usually either concert pitch or c# occasionally I'll go d-d and it handles these other tunings really well .
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