Official Luthiers Forum!

Howdy All,
I`m happy to say that I`ve finally hit the final set up of my first 12-string neck reset.
All went well as can be expected, and this guitar is the first repair that I have taken on that I haven`t had to say "I`ll see what I can do, but I won`t guarantee anything".
This time, I was able to say "I can repair it, but what value is it to you if I destroy it in the repair process?" Gentleman`s agreement made, (DON`T COUNT ON THIS EVERY TIME), and all worked out well. I`ll tell the story on this in another post after I`m satisfied(?) with the final outcome of my work.
Getting back to the subject at hand, I`ve been scraping the trenches trying to find specs on string clearance, setups, and action for:
Suzuki F-180 12-string.
I`ve had it strung up with the stock saddle and action, but the nut was not slotted correctly, and action is pretty high at the 12th fret (I think that this is probably from my taking a 6 string approach, if there is any difference).
Neck angle (now 3 1/2) has been adjusted, with frets leveled, truss rod primarily adjusted.
New bone nut and saddle ready for filing.
So it`s time to start from square one on the setup.
It doesn`t seem logical to me if one were to stick with the same set up for 6 string steel, considering the different string gauges.
Honestly, folks, I`ve been lurking and digging, but I only stray to Deb`s and Frank`s sites for fear of being fed inacurrate info, and I`m losing patience with the net lately.
Any help would be apreciated.
Coe Franklin

_________________
Give me 50 cents worth of regular.
Check my oil too, if you don`t mind,,,

Coe,

I have a Suzuki 12 string, but is a slothead, model #AD412S. I love this guitar! It was only about $200 back in about 1981. Cedar top mahogany back and sides. The action is quite low and does change a bit humidity (as expected). There is also only a little relief and the strings are still fairly close at the 12th fret. If you want numbers let me know which you want and I will measure this one for you.

Shane

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Canada

Shane,
I`m glad to see your response saying that the action is pretty low. That`s exactly what I`m looking at.
Maybe it`s twice the strings, twice the force to strum and pick, or the half-wit trying to make it easier to play, but to me, even on a hard pluck or strum, there is clearly more room to close up the gap.
If you can give me the clearances at the 12th fret (doesn`t need to be too exact in my case), that`ll get me in the ballpark.
Coe Franklin

_________________
Give me 50 cents worth of regular.
Check my oil too, if you don`t mind,,,