Ok to use 6 strings on a 12 string guitar?

[ayc6]

hi,

 

is there any reason NOT to use a 12 string guitar with 6 strings? i only have one folk acoustic and it's a 12 string when what i really need is one 6 string small acoustic.

 

the big acoustics are too loud for my voice...

 

thanks in advance!

[daklander]

It's fine to do that if you don't mind the neck width. Just leave off the octave strings and play it as a six string guitar.

[Tony Burns]

good advice : check the gauge sizes of the 12 string guitar, their lighter than 9/10 acoustic guitars-- maybe just to take off the octive strings to see if the increased fretboard width is doable for playing first- the bigger gauge on most 6 string sets will put a different tension on you guitar, which may effect the guitar, as well as its playability . maybe just looking for a good used 6 string might be a better alternative ( to save the bucks ) Most experienced players prefer older guitars anyway because the increased age on the instrument gives the guitar a better tone, plus stuff like neck bowing etc, is more apparent- weeding out the {censored}ty guitars--

[Herb Hunter]

If you switch go from 12 to 6 strings you are going to have to adjust the truss rod in the neck to compensate for the reduction in stress. Depending on how your guitar was set-up you may find that removing half the strings may cause the remaining one to be too close to the frets. Ajusting the rod will restore the strings to the proper height.

 

To my way of thinking there is no such thing as an acoustic guitar that is too loud. All one has to do is play softer. You will find that a loud guitar played softly sounds better (all else being equal) than a weaker guitar played more forcefully. You may also find that your playing eventually improves with a lighter touch.

[Kap'n]

You can do it, but it'll probably sound dull.

 

Many 12-strings have thicker bracing to compensate for the added tension. Thick bracing + 6 strings = dull tone.

[JasmineTea]

Originally posted by ayc6 is there any reason NOT to use a 12 string guitar with 6 strings?

None whatsoever.

[Mr Handman]

Originally posted by ayc6 hi, is there any reason NOT to use a 12 string guitar with 6 strings? i only have one folk acoustic and it's a 12 string when what i really need is one 6 string small acoustic. the big acoustics are too loud for my voice... thanks in advance!

 

Wait a sec, ayc6!

 

That could cause SHC! (Spontaneous Human Combustion)

 

What?

 

Oh

[JasmineTea]

I know a guy who prefers the 12 converted to 6, he likes all the extra room.