12 string effect??

[rguagenti]

Hello All.

I am a newbie at this home recording thing so bear with me if this question sounds archaic.(is that the right word?)

I read in Acoustic Guitar magazine that recording 2 acoustic guitars, 1 strung Nashville style, and the other strung conventionally, playing the same part will produce a 12 string guitar effect that is more pleasing than a 12 string guitar because of the string vibrations.

They say that the courses on a 12 string guitar do not allow as much vibration because the strings are too close together. Is this true or is it a matter of opinion.

I would rather go out and buy strings for my other axe than a 12 string guitar. But if I must....

Thanks for any feedback.

 

[tjohnston]

I think there is a song in the mp3 clinic done with nashville tuning. I think its that tribute to waylon song. check it out

 

[Treeline]

It's true. And not.

And it is more trouble than it is worth to do anything with it, unless you have LOTS of patience.

A 12 string has strings closer together than the amplitude of the sine wave they produce when they are struck. That means there is often interference between one string and it's octave partner, either mechanically, or by virtue of the proximity of the waves they produce. You get a jangly kind of sound from that interference that is what we think of when we imagine "12 string."

Overdubbing a standard 6-string and a Nashville high strung guitar on the same part will give you the dual tones without the interference. It will ring more.

Is that good or bad? Well, it's neither. It's different.

It's also a hell of a lot of work. Go pick up a Tak 12 string for $600 and play the hell out of it instead.

 

[rguagenti]

Treeline:

Thanks for cluing me in as to the difference in sound - jangly vs ringing. I'm not looking for jangly, I'm going for ringing. I think I also read in that article that this is how the Eagles recorded "Best of My Love"(among other tunes I'm sure). That is the sound I am going for, those lush tones.

I'll let you know how it comes out.

Thanks again.

 

[philboyd studge]

I often use a high string when recording but almost never to double a part. I'll play other chord positions or capo up and fingerpick a pattern against the rhythm guitar's strum.

 

[King Elvis]

What exactly is Nashville tuning??

 

[Armistice]

It's explained here: Nashville tuning

Question I have is what you do with the nut - can't imagine removing a nut and having one specially made just for that - do you just use the nut as is and that works fine, or is there other stuff you need to do?

 

[Dakota]

I'm new to the Nashville Tuning thing, so I read thru the link Armistice gave. I'm wondering... Is it possible to use a 12-string set of strings for the 2 guitars? The 6 higher octive strings going to the nashville tuned guitar, and the rest going to a regular 6-string..?

 

[rguagenti]

I think you can use the same bridge, I wan't planning on doing anything other than restringing the guitar.

I am not sure if you can use the "other" strings as the regular guitar. Good idea though.

If the gauges on the heavier strings are the same as standard 6 string gauges I don't see why not. Does anybody know and does it matter considering the effect we are looking for?

 

[lesterpaul]

jellyfish????????

has anyone saw this it looks funny it has a blue grip with little metal teeth things that is used instead of a pick and it's supposed to get a 12 string sound out of a sixer ....just wondering

 

[rguagenti]

Yeah I saw an ad for it somewhere.

It's an electronic device that is supposed to be able to get 12 string, bow effect, etc. from your guitar. You use it like a pick I guess.

It's like 30 bucks or so. If you want I can dig up the ad tonight and get the info to you if you are interested, although GC might have it.

 

[BlindCowboy]

No, it's not..

The Jellifish is a 'pick'. However, the top of it is a thicker resin material, and imbedded in it is a series of steal (wound guitar) strings lined in a row. These are then cut to an edge. A sharp edge mind you...

When they were first introduced, the manufacturer sent me a sample. The results go something like this:

The sound is similar to raking a metal barbecue brush over your strings. Only, not as nice. Not to mention, the sharp edge of the 'pick' will completely ruin a new pair of strings in 1-2 sittings. And, if your a pick dragger such as myself, you can look forward to several gashes in your pickgaurd, and guitar finish. The sound produced is better achieved with a honed down quarter, than with this thing. Though I have heard of some people liking it, I super-glued it to the bench with a sign on it that says, "Caution, using this will ruin your guitar".

2 Cents and Advice,

Blind Cowboy...

 

[Treeline]

Hah. You should try my new Carbide Tipped flatpicks... If you lose one inside the soundhole, just shake the guitar a little and it will saw its way out.

 

[BlindCowboy]

Funny!

 

[glynb]

A lot of trouble!

Jeez, just read that Nashville tuning thing. What a lot of hassle. I hope it's worth it, I guess it must be or people wouldn't bother.

I'll stick with recording the 6 string acoustic twice and panning hard left and right, sounds fine to me!

 

[philboyd studge]

I'm new to the Nashville Tuning thing, so I read thru the link Armistice gave. I'm wondering... Is it possible to use a 12-string set of strings for the 2 guitars? The 6 higher octive strings going to the nashville tuned guitar, and the rest going to a regular 6-string..?

With mediums, yes.

 

[rguagenti]

Re: A lot of trouble!

Jeez, just read that Nashville tuning thing. What a lot of hassle. I hope it's worth it, I guess it must be or people wouldn't bother.

I'll stick with recording the 6 string acoustic twice and panning hard left and right, sounds fine to me!

Yeah, but I think I'm gonna give it a shot. When I read that the Eagles used it in Best of My Love(one of my all time favorite guitar songs) and some other songs I had to give it a shot. I just need the time to fart around with it.

I don't know what makes me think I can sound anything like the guitars on that song, but what the hey, you gotta give it a shot.

 

[glynb]

If you have time...

...then why not. I'd rather spend the precious time trying to write a song as good as the one the Eagles wrote, but that's my choice.

Good luck with your quest!

 

[rguagenti]

Re: If you have time...

...then why not. I'd rather spend the precious time trying to write a song as good as the one the Eagles wrote, but that's my choice.

Good luck with your quest!

Thanks glynb.

First things first.

Restringing takes less time and effort than coming up with THE great song(which I am working on as well BTW, evenings and weekends). But you gotta take all of these things;new sounds, good writing, et al, put them in a bag shake it up and see what comes out.

lol to you as well

 

[rguagenti]

Re: Re: If you have time...

Thanks glynb.

.....

lol to you as well

glynb:

Many pardons. I though lol meant lots of luck. I have just been informed it means laughing out loud.

So I retract lol and restate:

Lots of Luck to you as well.