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| 12-string radius? http://luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=28400 |
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| Author: | Josh H [ Wed Jul 28, 2010 9:05 pm ] |
| Post subject: | 12-string radius? |
I've got a 12-string instrument that is getting close to where I will need to radius the board. I haven't done many 12s, and this one is unique in that it is a 12-string bouzouki/cistern type instrument (oh and did I mention it is a double-neck instrument with a 8-string bouzouki for the other neck). The scale is a bit over 22" and the nut width is 2 1/16". I usually use a straight 16" radius on my guitars, but I'm thinking I should probably go with a 20 on the 12-string. Do you agree? I'll post some pics of the instrument when it is done. Josh |
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| Author: | KiwiCraig [ Thu Jul 29, 2010 1:43 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: 12-string radius? |
G'day Josh, I like 16 " on steel string 6 stringers too , but because of the wider neck on a twelve ( 1 15/16 " in my case ) , I opted for a 20 " radius. It feels quite comfortable . I went for a 24.9 " scale. With a wider neck, closer frets help in the playability. Thirteen frets to the body to help the neck cope with all that string pull. Attachment: zed11.jpg A shared 6 pin bridge . 5 mm. (3/16" ) width saddle . Each string individually compensated which makes a big difference when playing up the neck . A joy to have an "in tune " twelve string Attachment: zed41.jpg
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| Author: | TonyKarol [ Thu Jul 29, 2010 8:27 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: 12-string radius? |
Hey Josh .. dont know if you tried the 12 I had in Montreal, but it was 1 7/8 nut with a 16 inch radius .. plays like a dream to me (and a lot of people who tried it) |
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| Author: | Josh H [ Thu Jul 29, 2010 9:42 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: 12-string radius? |
Thanks guys, Tony, I don't think I tried out your guitar at the show. I've also done 16" on a 12-string guitar and liked it, but becuase this neck is extra wide I think I'm going to go with the 20. You can see a sneak peak of the instrument here. http://www.houseguitars.com/on-my-bench/double-neck-bouzouki Josh |
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| Author: | Josh H [ Thu Jul 29, 2010 9:44 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: 12-string radius? |
Oh and Craig, great looking guitar! I really like what you did with the bridge. |
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| Author: | KiwiCraig [ Thu Jul 29, 2010 6:51 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: 12-string radius? |
G'day again Josh, I've just looked at this double neck on your site. It looks to be quite a challenge ,but a great looking instrument . I'm sure the new owner will be thrilled to bits. I personally think you're on the right track with the wider neck . Much less congested and easier to play. I know Alan C. uses 2 inches at the nut. With 20 strings on the instrument you might want to consider the shared bridge pin method . I have found it to be very successful with many advantages. In the Tutorials section , I prepared a comprehensive tute '6 pin 12 string bridge ' on the anzlf forum http://www.anzlf.com/viewtopic.php?t=354 Attachment: zzas11.jpg I used the oversize Stewmac Ebony bridge pins Attachment: anz201.jpg
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| Author: | jfmckenna [ Fri Jul 30, 2010 10:13 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: 12-string radius? |
Beautiful looking saddle! Just curious though what is the idea behind a more shallow radius for a wider board? I use 16 on mine and it works out well for me. |
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| Author: | Josh H [ Fri Jul 30, 2010 11:29 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: 12-string radius? |
Hey Craig, Thanks for posting the extra pics and the link. As this instrument is an archtop I won't be using a pinned bridge. Each neck will have it's own bridge and tailpiece. I will keep your idea in mind for when I am doing flattops. I've built a few guitar-bouzoukis with pinned bridges and I think it would work great on that kind of instrument. Someone can probably do a better job of explaining how radius affects playability, but it seems to me that on a wider board (which is harder to get your hand around) it is easier to fret with a shallower raidus. Especially if you have short fingers. |
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