Thoughts on 12 string vs 10…hard to change?

[Steve Lipsey]

So...you've decided that being even is more important than each one being in as far as it can be? Perhaps making the lengths random would damp out any possible resonance better?

[Bobby D. Jones]

Roger, Putting new strings on a keyless head guitar. Sometimes takes some added tools and a little extra work.
My favorite steel is a GFI Keyless.
The first time I changed strings on this guitar, I was a little uptight, With no nut rollers (solid steel nut bar) I was worried.
I even turned my tuner on so I would not over pull the strings.
But the rule of little strings have to be pulled or lowered further to reach the required note. Is really proven on a keyless steel. Seeing is believing.
The 3rd string always wins the longest pull on this guitar.





The more times you change strings the better you will get at the chore, And the more tools and special gadgets you will collect. This set was put on 9-23-23 time to change strings.
Good Luck changing strings, Happy Steelin.

[Ian Rae]

So...you've decided that being even is more important than each one being in as far as it can be? Perhaps making the lengths random would damp out any possible resonance better?

What I've decided is that none of this matters much. I just want to see if I can annoy Roger. But yes, getting each string as short as possible is ideal even if it looks a mess. Art v. science.

[Eric Moon]

Ian do you have any more pics, or drawings of your tuner design?

That looks really elegant. I'd worry you don't have quite enough range, but obviously it's working.... how many degrees can the fingers rotate?

[Jim Pitman]

I think the benefit of going with a couple more strings on the bottom is that you tune those two lower notes to the root and five, E and B, so you can play an alternating bass line. Also low end power chords are easy and come in handy for rock tunes just leave out the third, G# string..

[David Wren]

Thinking back to 1998 when I made the switch to U 12.....

It did take a while to find all the E9th stuff I was used too... but the main problem for me then, was if I sat in on a standard 10 string E9 steel, my thumb would miss the extra strings

[Chris Templeton]

I think playing a twelve string depends what kind of context it will be played in.
For playing at home, solo or a smaller band, and especially playing jazz instrumentals, having the low strings of a 12 string are nice to have. In a larger settings, one has to be careful not to interfere with the bass player. I've gotten the "stink eye" because of this.