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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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Josh House

Canadian Luthier Supply
http://www.canadianluthiersupply.com
https://www.facebook.com/canadianluthiersupply?ref=hl
House Guitars - Custom Built Acoustic Instruments.
http://www.houseguitars.com

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.



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

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CRAIG LAWRENCE of AUSTRALIA
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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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Tony Karol
www.karol-guitars.com
"let my passion .. fulfill yours"

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

_________________
Josh House

Canadian Luthier Supply
http://www.canadianluthiersupply.com
https://www.facebook.com/canadianluthiersupply?ref=hl
House Guitars - Custom Built Acoustic Instruments.
http://www.houseguitars.com

Oh and Craig, great looking guitar! I really like what you did with the bridge.

_________________
Josh House

Canadian Luthier Supply
http://www.canadianluthiersupply.com
https://www.facebook.com/canadianluthiersupply?ref=hl
House Guitars - Custom Built Acoustic Instruments.
http://www.houseguitars.com

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




I used the oversize Stewmac Ebony bridge pins

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CRAIG LAWRENCE of AUSTRALIA
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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.

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.

_________________
Josh House

Canadian Luthier Supply
http://www.canadianluthiersupply.com
https://www.facebook.com/canadianluthiersupply?ref=hl
House Guitars - Custom Built Acoustic Instruments.
http://www.houseguitars.com