!2 string dilemma

Kupuna50 · #1 10-12-2014, 04:24 PM

Just purchased a new Martin D-12 28 12 string. I've had 12's in the past, but sold them all. (Sold my Taylor 4 months ago - Taylor 12's have far too much (many) overtones) I like the Martin primarily because it is a dread, but also because I like the Martin bass response.
I've always tuned everything down 1/2 step and put a capo on the first fret. Less tension on the bridge and seemingly a better overall tone.
After receiving the guitar, I let it acclimate to its new surroundings for several days. I tuned it down and put the capo on. The higher of the low 'E' strings clanked. The 'B' strings buzzed. Absolute horror!
Question: Why?
I'm using a 12 string capo - G7th.
Tried 'adjusting' capo back and forth with no luck.
All else on the guitar is perfect. No capo and the tone is awesome.
In fact I can capo on the 3rd or 5th fret with no problem.
Any thoughts??

robj144 · #2 10-12-2014, 04:27 PM

I'd say a problem with the nut, frets, or saddle.

lpa53 · #3 10-12-2014, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kupuna50

...I'm using a 12 string capo - G7th.
Tried 'adjusting' capo back and forth with no luck.
All else on the guitar is perfect. No capo and the tone is awesome.
In fact I can capo on the 3rd or 5th fret with no problem.
Any thoughts??

I like G7th Capos but was not impressed with their 12-string capo. I've been using a Planet Waves NS 12. Try another capo.

Transylvania · #4 10-12-2014, 04:35 PM

I've always had good performance from my Shubb 12 string capo.

Long Jon · #5 10-12-2014, 04:42 PM

Another vote for the Shubb 12. Works on Guilds anyway...

Kip Carter · #6 10-12-2014, 04:43 PM

The Kyser 12 string capo works well for me... I'd be a little leery of G7's design on a 12 (though I think they look really cool).

I don't capo like you do for the half step down trick and it tuned to concert pitch. I've considered doing that with my 12 but it really isn't necessary for me.

Kip Carter · #7 10-12-2014, 04:50 PM

I'm thinking of picking up one of these Paige 12 string capos... like the design.

MBE · #8 10-12-2014, 04:52 PM

Wait, do you mean that you can capo other frets and not have buzzing, but just that one fret causes issues? That would point to the need for a fret leveling. If it's multiple frets, you have to look at the entirety of the setup components: but, saddle, truss rod, and frets.

Steve DeRosa · #9 10-12-2014, 05:18 PM

Tune it to concert pitch first and see if you have the same problem...

DanPanther · #10 10-12-2014, 05:19 PM

How does the guitar perform tuned Standard, without the capo ?
Dan

jjordan47 · #11 10-12-2014, 05:37 PM

I use a shub to be able to adjust the tension.

wcap · #12 10-12-2014, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kip Carter

I'm thinking of picking up one of these Paige 12 string capos... like the design.

I've not tried every 12 string capo out there, but so far this Paige 12 string capo the only one that has worked well on my Goodall 12 string (the Shubb 12 string capo does not work well for me). (It was not easy slipping those little rings on and positioning them on the Paige, but once in position they stay put really well).

With this capo I put it really close to the nut. But with the Shubb and other "normal" capos I get better (though not great) results (particularly for the thinner octave strings) with the capo farther from the fret (roughly midway between frets) rather than close to the fret.

wcap · #13 10-12-2014, 05:49 PM

You could have setup issues too of course. But even after a good setup the only capo that works really well for me is the Paige.

For me I think a big part of the problem I have with many capos on that 12 string is a mismatch between the capos and the fretboard radius.

Kip Carter · #14 10-12-2014, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wcap

You could have setup issues too of course. But even after a good setup the only capo that works really well for me is the Paige.

For me I think a big part of the problem I have with many capos on that 12 string is a mismatch between the capos and the fretboard radius.

I'd heard that all the Martins 15 and above were Plek'ed out of the factory. If that were true then it would be highly unlikely that the setup would be 'that' far out of whack.

Can anyone confirm the plek'ing on the new Martins?

L20A · #15 10-12-2014, 06:18 PM

The guitar was set up up to be played in standard tuning using light gauge strings.
If you want to drop the tuning a 1/2 step, you may have to get the guitar set up for that tuning.
I am a believer that it is a good practice to have any new guitar set up for your playing style.

While you are having a set up done. have the intonation checked out and if needed, a new compensated saddle installed. This will make playing with a capo a lot better.