Official Luthiers Forum!

Howdy folks,
Awhile back I decided to convert my first steel string guitar (shown here: viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=25610 ) into a 12 string. Just thought I'd share some pics of the finished product.

I had to make a new neck and fingerboard, otherwise it's the same.











I'm pretty happy with it, although I need to make a new nut, to tweak the string spaces, as well as compensate the saddle.

Any comments welcome.

Phillip

_________________
Regards,
Phillip Patton

http://www.pattonblades.com

The bitterness of poor quality lingers long after the sweetness of low price has faded.

https://hoosierbladesmith.wordpress.com

Very cool conversion Philip!
Is that a maple fretboard? String spacing on a 12 is tricky, looks like you have a nice string spread at the saddle. What is the string spread measurement there, and what nut width did you go with?

Joe

Neat project!
BTW-
I wouldn't hesitate to put some 'notches' in the saddle rear edge if necessary to get the string spacing where you want it.
Did you remove the existing 6-string bridge and put on a new bridge?
Very clean job, if that was the case.

Cheers
John

The fretboard is osage orange.
The string spacing at the saddle is about 2-3/8", if I remember correctly. The nut width is 2" even. The original neck was 2-1/8". I kinda wish I'd left it at 2-1/8", since it's hard to play cleanly.



Using notches to "keep" the strings is a good idea. I think I'll do that.
This is the original bridge. It was extra wide because I didn't plan ahead very well and wasn't sure if the bridge plate was in the right place. Turns out it was fine, but it all worked out in the end, because the bridge is perfect for a 12 string.

_________________
Regards,
Phillip Patton

http://www.pattonblades.com

The bitterness of poor quality lingers long after the sweetness of low price has faded.

https://hoosierbladesmith.wordpress.com