Official Luthiers Forum!

Hello everyone, well I'm brand new and I have got the luthier bug
Bigtime.....I've got my neck blank ( mahogany ), I've got my walnut back and sides.
I've also got my Sitka top ( ordered ). I'm getting my workshop, supplies and tools together.
Wanted some advice on weather or not to try and build a 12 string right outta the gate??
Otherwise will start with dreadnought pattern....any and all advise welcomed !

No real reason not too, though the bridge, nut, and string placement will be a bit trickier. However, as a 12 string is a bit of a 'specialty' item, you'll probably get more real use of a standard dread...

As a frequent 12 string player and a builder of two, I'll just say that there are lots of things to think about. I only know of one good set of plans - looks basically like a copy of a Taylor style jumbo (Ultimate). You could also copy an existing 12 or modify plans for a sixer of some body size that you would like.

Some things to think about - some 12 strings like my old D12-28 are braced exactly like a 6 (it has 5/16 unscalloped just like a D28) but you have approximately 50 percent more tension if you tune to concert. Some 12's like Taylors have a slightly thicker top plate and a third tone bar. Taller braces (remember the cube factor) might be in order - but on the other hand the wonderful LKSM has very wide braces that are deeply scalloped (and is tuned to C#).

Minor but important issues will include scale lenght (again, depends a bit on tuning), neck size and shape, peg head shape (and tuners), string spacing at the bridge, and even the decision whether to put the primary or octaves closest to the saddle. Use an extra wide saddle to give you more bone for intonating.

I've played mahogany, rosewood and maple 12's - lots of folks prefer mahogany because there are so many overtones and complexity already. I'm not sure how walnut will sound. You see lots of dreadnaught 12's but I prefer a jumbo for a strummer and OM for finger picking. Be careful about sizes and body shapes - I've had to buy custom cases for mine.

fwiw - here are my three - the short scale D12-28, the long scale OM-12 and very long scale ladder braced "Stella clone".

Thank you Freeman!
I don't suppose you could shoot me those Taylor Jumbo plans ???
Or give me a hint on how to obtain them ?
I believe if I read all I can and take my time I can do it.
jselis54@yahoo.com

Here is the link.

http://ultimate-guitar-online.ultimate- ... ucts_id=21

It says that it is a Taylor GA (which is smaller than a jumbo and I didn't know Taylor actually made a GA sized 12) or a Martin Grand J (which is a jumbo). Note that Taylor just dropped the jumbo size for their 12 strings (the x55 series) and changed everything to their GS size - you'll just have to work out the final size details for yourself.

I think they also have a dreadnaught sized 12 string on this site. Good luck - if there is anything I can do to help let me know.

edit to add - you don't say what your 12 string experience is or what particularly tuning and sound you are looking for. I would suggest playing as many as you can, listening to different 12 string players (Leadbelly, Kottke, Sulgar, Proctor, Geremia.....) and focusing on the tuning and sound. My Martin is a wonderful guitar, but it doesn't suit my playing style which is why I built the other two.