12-string String Change Done, But.......

[TaylorGirl]

.....not my favorite job!
Got the strings changed (using the "Taylor method") the other day and I'm sure glad that's done. The 6-strings are quick and easy, but I have always seemed to have less interest with the 12-strings. Maybe because there are twice as many strings, maybe because of the octave strings, maybe because I'm just weird.

But, as I was doing it, I kept thinking to myself....."Tim (timfitz63) how do you do it, with that impressive collection of 12-strings"?

[Cindy]

I don't own any 12-strings, but I sure do love the Taylor method!

How do you like playing a 12-string compared with a 6-string?

[TaylorGirl]

How do you like playing a 12-string compared with a 6-string?

Since finding my cedar/mahogany GS, I've finally got a 12-string that sounds good fingerstyle. I'm learning to be clear and articulate with the songs, something I was never able to do before on a 12-string. So, I like the challenge and love the sound. With the GS body, it's a great sounding strummer, when I accompany a violinist during our monthly performances at an assisted living facility. So, I really like playing my 12-string (.....string changes  ).

[Guitarsan]

I know, I don't like changing 12 strings either. So I replaced my Taylor tuners with Gotoh mini-locking tuners. Slide the string in and turn. I can change 12 in the same time it takes to change 6 on my other guitars. (Mini so they'll fit on the headstock)

[timfitz63]

... But, as I was doing it, I kept thinking to myself....."Tim (timfitz63) how do you do it, with that impressive collection of 12-strings"?

Well, I just get a new guitar when the strings get old...

Believe it or not, so far I've only had to change the strings on one of my 12-string guitars; apparently going away to work in another state makes your strings last longer...

Plus having so many 12-string guitars means I'm not playing just one of them all the time -- which, again, tends to make the strings last longer.  But admittedly it is a much less economic approach than just buying another set of strings...

I'm also very diligent about washing my hands before playing and wiping down strings after playing them.  And my skin chemistry seems to be "string-friendly," so to speak. 

But there's ultimately no way to avoid it... And the one time I've done it -- yeah, it's definitely a chore on a 12-string...  Not looking forward doing it regularly when I get back to Texas...  I'm planning to rotate string changes on each guitar so I don't have to change all of them at once.

[shorty]

I know, I don't like changing 12 strings either. So I replaced my Taylor tuners with Gotoh mini-locking tuners. Slide the string in and turn. I can change 12 in the same time it takes to change 6 on my other guitars. (Mini so they'll fit on the headstock)

I am a little curious about these locking tuners....never heard of them before.  Thanks!

[Gutch]

My 12-er is the only one that gets Elixirs just so I don't have to change them as often...

[Guitarsan]

I am a little curious about these locking tuners....never heard of them before.  Thanks!

SGS510Z mini with MG (locking) option in a variety of finishes:

http://www.japarts.ca/Gotoh/Gotoh-Products-SG510.asp#SGL510

Magnum Lock:
http://www.g-gotoh.com/international/?btp_work=whats-magnum-lock

[TaylorGirl]

... But, as I was doing it, I kept thinking to myself....."Tim (timfitz63) how do you do it, with that impressive collection of 12-strings"?

Well, I just get a new guitar when the strings get old...

Believe it or not, so far I've only had to change the strings on one of my 12-string guitars; apparently going away to work in another state makes your strings last longer...

Plus having so many 12-string guitars means I'm not playing just one of them all the time -- which, again, tends to make the strings last longer.  But admittedly it is a much less economic approach than just buying another set of strings...

I'm also very diligent about washing my hands before playing and wiping down strings after playing them.  And my skin chemistry seems to be "string-friendly," so to speak. 

But there's ultimately no way to avoid it... And the one time I've done it -- yeah, it's definitely a chore on a 12-string...  Not looking forward doing it regularly when I get back to Texas...  I'm planning to rotate string changes on each guitar so I don't have to change all of them at once.

Funny, your first comment is exactly what I say to my critics who say I have too many Taylors......"I have several, because every time a guitar needs new strings, I just buy another". 

I also wash my hands before playing and have good skin chemistry, so my strings last quite awhile too.

The 12 doesn't get the play that the 6's do, so that helps too.

Was thinking about you, Tim!

[TaylorGirl]

My 12-er is the only one that gets Elixirs just so I don't have to change them as often...

Yes, mine gets Elixirs too, it sure helps lengthen the time between sting changes.

[TaylorGirl]

I know, I don't like changing 12 strings either. So I replaced my Taylor tuners with Gotoh mini-locking tuners. Slide the string in and turn. I can change 12 in the same time it takes to change 6 on my other guitars. (Mini so they'll fit on the headstock)

Looks pretty cool! I have the Gotoh 510 mini's in black. I'm too cheap to replace them, but I like those.

[George]

I don't own any 12-strings, but I sure do love the Taylor method!

 hahahaha

[timfitz63]

... But, as I was doing it, I kept thinking to myself....."Tim (timfitz63) how do you do it, with that impressive collection of 12-strings"?

Well, I just get a new guitar when the strings get old...

Funny, your first comment is exactly what I say to my critics who say I have too many Taylors......"I have several, because every time a guitar needs new strings, I just buy another"... 

You know what they say:  great minds think alike!

... Was thinking about you, Tim!

Well it's nice to know someone is...!

[theonemanband]

Re-stringing a Taylor 12 string.......doddle!!!

You should try re-stringing a Rickenbacker 12; particularly the ones with the  old "sealed trough" style headstock........allow at least one week off work!! 

But when it's done, it's well worth the effort........that wonderful, mystical, "Rickenbacker Jangle"