12 to 6 string conversation

[archie19]

I recently pulled an old 12 string with bridge pull problems out of its case for the first time in 25 years, and decided to try it again with only six strings. It sounds so good and plays so well that I'm thinking of trying to convert it to a legit 6 string. All I really want to do is center the strings on the fretboard. Right now the high E sits very close to the edge of the board at the nut.

 

Can it be done? If so, how, and is it worth the time and trouble?

 

Any help appreciated, thanks.

[Singin' Dave]

I would think replacing the nut and saddle would be easy enough (and you coud go with tusq or bone). Not sure how that would line up with your bridge pins though....

[MH3]

This is interesting to me, as I am currently playing my Guild 12-string as a 6, however I am not having the problem on the high E that you are having.

 

I'm sure 99 people will tell us why this won't work, but why don't you try loosening up the high E string and positioning it in the unoccupied space in the nut for the extra high E? That would place it higher (geographically speaking) on the fretboard, farther from the edge.

[archie19]

MH3-

 

I think what I'll try is sliding all the strings to the left into the vacant slots in the nut, which will leave the low E closer to the edge of the fretboard. Could just try a 6 string nut, but the nut slots won't line up with the bridge pins.

 

Any other ideas?

 

Thanks.