Strings and Tuning for T5z-12?

[rbr49x]

Just bought a beautiful used T5z Custom Koa 12-string.  I'm pretty sure at least some of the strings on it are wrong and the tuning is setup wrong.  The Taylor "String Gauge Reference" page doesn't mention the T5z-12, but since all others are Nanoweb and Elixir only makes one set of 12-string electric strings (Nanoweb 12-String Light 10-46, 10-26), this is likely what's used from the factory.  Can anyone confirm?

The set currently on this guitar appears to have two plain .017s for G strings and they were tuned in unison like the high-E and B pairs. I assume this was a kludge due to not having a .009 for the octave-up G (gotta learn the right terminology for this thing - guessing at the moment).  Can anyone confirm that the G pair should be two different sized strings tuned in octaves?

Thanks for any help on this and and tips about the T5z-12.

[Edward]

I've personally never in my life seen a 12-er pack of strings with the G as unisons; the G has always been "standard" G and the octave in the plain string. 

I'd simply go get a new set of strings and make that your baseline.  And yes, Taylor strings everything they sell with Elixers from the get-go. Decide on what gauge and/or brand you want after living with it stock for a bit.  And for that matter, whether you want coated strings (say, Elixir or EXP) or conventional. 

BTW, pics around here are the norm, so let's see that happen first! 

Edward

[rbr49x]

Some wonky reflections in that pic - I'll get a better one after I get the hardware cleaned up - it's is rough shape.

Thanks for the info - as I suspected.  I found the only set of 12-string electric strings within 30-miles of me and put 'em on.  They're extra-lights so too light for this guitar but they'll let me noodle until I get it into the shop in St. Pete for a good setup late next week (they'll have the Elixir lights 10-46, 10-26)

Measured the Gs after I cut 'em off - both 17.  Either last stringer was tired of breaking the .009 of just used whatever he had.  Whole set had oddities in it - hope they didn't mess up the nut.

[Frettingflyer]

That is one fantastic looking piece of KOA! Congrats

[Edward]

Criminy, that's gorgeous figuring, wow!

Just a headsup for ya on strings: I've ordered from StringsAndBeyond for decades and they are fabulous. Competitive prices, huge selection, shipped to your door, and shipping is free if you order over $35 (which is easy considering the price of Elixirs if that's the direction you're going).  Not to mention they run sales every so often, including free-shipping specials every now and then. Just an fyi, anywho

Edward

[rbr49x]

Thanks for the comments on the photo folks.

I got confirmation from Taylor that the T5z-12s all come from the factory with the only 12-string electric set Elixir makes (Nanoweb Light (12450) 10-46, 10-26).

And I also use Strings and Beyond for almost all my string supply - probably learned about them here. Thanks!

[Earl]

I cannot help with T5-12 specific tips, since I've only ever played one once in a store.  I use Elixir light gauge sets exclusively on my twelver's as I hate to change that many strings.  I've been quite happy with them.

One thing that I do is swap the wound and the plain G string course.  I mostly finger pick, so the up stroke of my index finger is shielded fully from the octave string in the normal configuration.  You can hear it missing.  I've done this for years with all of my twelve string guitars.  95% of the time it is not even necessary to widen the slot in the nut;  I just switch the strings.  Pay attention to which tuning key you are turning though, as the pattern isn't "normal" as you move from button to button.

Very pretty guitar, BTW.  Big koa fan here.