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12 string string spacing
http://luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=50054
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Author:  Colin North [ Sat Dec 16, 2017 6:55 am ]
Post subject:  12 string string spacing

Done a search and not much luck.
Building a first 12 string, looking at 48mm (1.88") width at the nut.
From memory of posts I've seem, maybe here or elsewhere, thinking 2.5mm spacing between the E/A/D/G octaves, and 2mm for the B/E strings, with 3mm octave/unison string spacing at the saddle to allow for pin widths.
Sound about right??

Author:  phavriluk [ Sat Dec 16, 2017 8:57 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 12 string string spacing

I bought a string-spacing guide from 'Luthiers Cool Tools' for a reasonable price last year. Two-sided pattern, 6-string on one side, 12-string on the other. Might be worth the investment.

Author:  Freeman [ Sat Dec 16, 2017 12:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 12 string string spacing

I have three twelve strings but frankly can't remember the exact spacing that I used when I built them. I'll check later today and post the measurements (and string gauges that I'm using).

Author:  Colin North [ Sat Dec 16, 2017 1:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 12 string string spacing

phavriluk wrote:
I bought a string-spacing guide from 'Luthiers Cool Tools' for a reasonable price last year. Two-sided pattern, 6-string on one side, 12-string on the other. Might be worth the investment.

Thanks, but never got on well with that type of string-spacing guide, tried it before.

Author:  Colin North [ Sat Dec 16, 2017 4:07 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 12 string string spacing

Freeman wrote:
I have three twelve strings but frankly can't remember the exact spacing that I used when I built them. I'll check later today and post the measurements (and string gauges that I'm using).

This may save you the trouble? http://www.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=44733&p=591414&hilit=12+string+pair+spacing#p591414

Author:  Mark Mc [ Sat Dec 16, 2017 5:07 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 12 string string spacing

i like the string spacing ruler - but even if you don't want to use it there is useful info on the StewMac trade secrets pages
http://www.stewmac.com/How-To/Online_Resources/Learn_About_Guitar_Nut_and_Saddle_Setup_and_Repair/Using_the_String_Spacing_Rule_for_guitars_and_mandolins.html

It includes the suggestion to mark it out on an index card, so you can play around with it a bit before transferring it to the nut.

Also, if I was building a 12 string, I would definitely go for the option of a 6 pin bridge (2 strings per pin). 12 pins in a bridge gets pretty crowded and makes it harder to get the spacing intervals right at the other end (plus being bigger, heavier and more weakening of the top with holes).

Author:  Freeman [ Sat Dec 16, 2017 9:59 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 12 string string spacing

Colin North wrote:
Freeman wrote:
I have three twelve strings but frankly can't remember the exact spacing that I used when I built them. I'll check later today and post the measurements (and string gauges that I'm using).

This may save you the trouble? http://www.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=44733&p=591414&hilit=12+string+pair+spacing#p591414


Yup, that sounds right. 0.095 is about what I remember (I was going to say 0.100) As I look down thru that thread there is no way I could play that falcate braced one - that nut simply wouldn't work. The compensation at the nut and saddle are interesting on it, but in my humble experience just compensating at the saddle has worked fine. One of the joys of a twelve string is that some of the strings are just slightly out of tune with each other, one of the frustrations of a twelve string is that some of the strings are just slightly out of tune with each other.....

I'm also going to say the you probably won't notice a few thousands difference in spacing as long as each pair is close enough to fret with one finger tip and play with one down or up stroke, and each pair is far enough from the next that you don't end up playing extra strings when you don't want to.

Here is the nut on the Stella clone - string are probably 0.013 to 0.056 (which is huge for a twelve), tuned to C or C# depending on my mood and finger strength.

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Not a great picture of the slotted saddle and tailpiece.

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If I was ever going to make another twelve I would make the saddle as thick as I could (1/4?) to have lots of bone for doing the compensation and if I was doing a pinned bridge I would put the primaries forward, both for break angle and so the thinner octaves can sneak by the pins.

It will be interesting to see what you build, Colin

Author:  Joe Beaver [ Sun Dec 17, 2017 1:26 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 12 string string spacing

I believe the Martin Custom shop still uses 1-13/16" to 1-7/8" at the nut and 2-5/16" at the saddle.

Author:  Colin North [ Sun Dec 17, 2017 3:33 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 12 string string spacing

Good to know Joe.

Author:  Haans [ Tue Dec 19, 2017 5:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 12 string string spacing

While looking for some string spacing in my jumble of files and notes, I ran across these string gages for different tunings on a 26-1/2" scale for Stella's. Might be useful to someone...

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The builder was a Brit by the name of RBrown. He made some fine guitars. Anyone familiar with him? Here's somebody with with the initials of CK and one of his BBQ Bob 12's...

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Looks like a really fine 12 string.

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