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794 Views 4 Replies Latest reply: Feb 10, 2010 9:11 AM by gmcgann RSS
peter3006uk Just Startin'
peter3006uk
6 posts since
Oct 25, 2007
Currently Being Moderated

Jan 25, 2010 5:39 AM

Question about alternative tunings

Hi all,

 

I am trying to have a 12-string acoustic model tuned down a semi tone, as that is the tuning we play in with the band.

 

For some reason none of the 12 string models let's me downtune a semi tone, but all other body's and settings do.

Is there a special reason why this is?

And how can I work around that if there is a special reason?

 

Thanks in advance

 

Peter

  • peter3006uk Just Startin'
    peter3006uk
    6 posts since
    Oct 25, 2007
    Currently Being Moderated
    Jan 25, 2010 5:39 AM (in response to peter3006uk)
    Re: Question about alternative tunings

    before i forget, I have a Variax 600 :-)

  • es336td Just Startin'
    es336td
    154 posts since
    Jan 29, 2007
    Currently Being Moderated
    Jan 25, 2010 5:46 AM (in response to peter3006uk)
    Re: Question about alternative tunings

    The short answer: you can't get there from here.   This has been a pet peeve of mine since I got my 600 in 2006.  I forget the techincal answer, but... basically, they allow you to tune each of the "12" strings to something different, but not as a group like the 6 string models; useless.   The answer is, to tune the entire guitar down to where you'd normally be, then adjust the 6 string models accordingly. Also, you cannot use open tunings with the 12 string models AND you cannot change the 12 string body styles (i.e.- make a 12 string Les Paul or Strat).  However, this is just an annoyance, at least to me.  The 600 has made playing in a cover band so much easier.

     

    L

    • peter3006uk Just Startin'
      peter3006uk
      6 posts since
      Oct 25, 2007
      Currently Being Moderated
      Jan 25, 2010 5:52 AM (in response to es336td)
      Re: Question about alternative tunings

      Hi

       

      Thanks for the reply, was very helpfull.

      Seems I got some tweaking to do lol

       

      But it is indeed true that the guitar makes playing in a rick covers band quite a lot easier.

      Thanks again and best regards

       

      Peter

      • gmcgann Just Startin'
        gmcgann
        36 posts since
        Feb 1, 2008
        Currently Being Moderated
        Feb 10, 2010 9:11 AM (in response to peter3006uk)
        Re: Question about alternative tunings

        The technical reason you can't use an alternate tuning for a 12-string is that you only get 1 alternate tuning per string. If you tune each string up one octave and pan the mix between the standard and alternate tuning to 100% alternate tuning, you hear only the alternate tuning - a guitar tuned one octave up. If you set the mix the other way you hear only the original tuning - a standard guitar. If you blend them you hear both - a 12-string.

         

        An alternate tuning using the normal six strings is just a tuning with the original sound faded to zero so you hear only the alternate. Getting a different tuning for the 12-string models would require TWO alternate tunings per string. Your only choice is to retune the whole guitar 1/2 step down. You could then use a capo on the first fret to play something in standard tuning.

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