12 strings strung as 8-string or 9-string

[stephen595]

I've been shopping, looking, GASing, researching a 12-string to upgrade a 25-year-old Takamine/Jasmine 12-string acoustic/electric (Takamine es-612 - $XXXX new) from my old rock/punk band days of the late 80s/early 90s. Here's an example (attachment).

Of course the Taylors lead the pack (I am a '94 810 and '16 612ce owner).  I have not played the Taylor 12 strings yet, but I presume, from reading forums, the neck is as good as any Taylor.  The neck and sound are what draws me in to the Taylor guitar.

However, I have been thinking (that's dangerous), if a get a 12-string, can (would/should) I be able to string it as an 8-string or 9-string without having to buy a specific guitar for that purpose?  Wouldn't a 12-string be the most versatile instrument for the extra sound we all want and allow me to 8 or 9-string it?  Am I pushing the 12-string too far?  Is there that much of a difference between the 12-string, the 9-string and the 8-string?

I have no hands-on experience with new 12 strings, so I thought I'd ask my friends here.

From what I've gathered, I should look for a combination of body style and woods - small and Mahogany was the answer.

Please let me know what you think (I should type "y'all" - I'm in Texas).

[Marco Polo]

Like any Taylor, the 12-strings play like butta'.  The necks are fantastic!

It should not be a big deal if you leave off any octave strings.  I believe the nut on most 12-strings is 1 7/8.

Small and mahogany?  https://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/acoustic/562ce-12-fret

Happy GASsing!

[Guitarsan]

You'll love Taylor 12 stringers. What Marco Polo said. Two things to think about, leaving strings off - that lessens the expected string tension. At a minimum you may need to adjust the truss rod because there will be less neck flex with less strings, so the 12 string truss rod adjustiment will likely be too much counteraction. Also, the bracing and the soundboard construction is based on 12 strings, so using less may do something to the balance and the volume. I suspect Taylor would give you the same answer roughly, but they will answer questions like this if you go to them directly.

[Edward]

Yup, no problem with removing tension (fewer strings).

If you drop to 9 or 8 strings, you may even try bumping the EAD strings up to medium gauge to offer not only increased bass volume/response, but also adding back some of the lost tension to the top (that is clearly designed/braced for 12 strings).  Report back what you find works.  OTOH, Taylor's 12s play so well, you may find yourself leaving it a 12!

Edward