#16
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The attraction for me is that they add a different sound (but you can use your already-acquired guitar stills to play them). The sound is also fuller, as if there were two people playing, in harmony. Like a duo with one singer. And that sound seems to fit certain songs better than others. Some just do not feel right to me if not played on a 12 string.
Yet I do not use mine regularly in day-to-day playing. When on stage or recording it plays a much greater part of my musical life. Many of the songs I use it for are ones I've played forever, ones that don't get much practice time.
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#17
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You might as well ask why a mandolin. Or why a banjo. It's a different instrument, a different sound entirely. Either you like it or you don't, or you're indifferent, but that's why.
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#18
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why 12
I don't gig or play in alternate tunings. All I do is play melodies with a chord here and there, but I've been doing that for more than 50 years. I can't barre the thing. The only guy I ever knew who could was a guy a couple years ahead of me in high school. He had polio, and used hip-high crutches. That gave him the hand strength, I imagined, could snap a guitar neck if he so chose. Barre chording a 12 was easy to him.
I came across my first 12 in a Florida pawn shop in the summer of '72. There was a lot of great music caressing the airways back then. Some of those songs wouldn't leave my head until I plucked them out with my Conrad 12. I was 19 then. I dunno what it was, but when there were emotions inside of me that needed to come out, nothing but a 12 would do that for me. Don't ask me why, but it's no different today. At the end of a day, when I'm a bit tense, my FG-820-12 drains the chains and sends me to sleep relaxed and content. May not make sense, but who cares? It works for me sans further analysis. |
#19
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My enjoyment of the 12 string started as soon as I learned to play the guitar. My best friend's father was a music lover and gave him a new Yamaha 12 string. No one in the family played.
So, I would go over to his house and tune the 12 string (they were amazed by this accomplishment alone) and play his father's favorite Beatles songs. It was a good time. I eventually got one as an adult and added it to my folk repertoire. It's also nice to have a 12 string when you play in an ensemble, or a duo. It adds texture. And, if that's not enough check out all the music from the 60s and 70s. Or, go back further to the Leadbelly, Guthrie, Seager days, etc.
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"Lift your head and smile at trouble. You'll find happiness someday." Last edited by martingitdave; 04-27-2024 at 06:40 PM. |
#20
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To answer your question they are simply a different sound and flavor. Also I do not personally think there are "12 string songs" as any song can be played on any guitar.
Here is a short clip I made of a Don Henley song that was originally written on piano with Bruce Hornsby. There are no rules |
#21
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Quote:
Mike
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Larrivee OM-03, OM-03 laurel, OM-50, L-03 laurel, LSV-03 walnut (Forum VI) |
#22
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Why a 12 string
Here's a few good reasons:
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"Mistaking silence for weakness and contempt for fear is the final, fatal error of a fool" - Sicilian proverb (paraphrased) Last edited by Steve DeRosa; 04-28-2024 at 05:36 AM. |
#23
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Thanks Mike, it is a cheap Martin x series 12 string. I think I got it for 400 bucks used.
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#24
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For me the attraction of a good 12-string is the sound. I just love the sound.
- Glenn
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