Any serious 12 strings players left?

Subject: RE: Any serious 12 strings players left?
From: GUEST,Greg Murf the Surf
Date: 06 Aug 06 - 05:44 AM

I bought a fender f57 12 string when I was 18,second hand and it was my main guitar for 30 years. I have a Martin DM 6 string I play now, but am looking at getting the Martin D12x1 this week. I love the sound of 12 stings. It is a joy to listen to and play. I am looking forward to playing one again.

Subject: RE: Any serious 12 strings players left?
From: Kaleea
Date: 02 Aug 06 - 05:09 PM

too hard to tune? too lazy to tune! try tuning my Spanish Laud which has 17 strings. Or my Harp which has 31. Or my Autoharp which has 35.
Or a Hammered Dulcimer which can easily have over 150. Or a grand Piano which has about 230.
   Most 6 string Guitars I see being played have dust. Many players of various instruments never clean their instruments. I've seen dust under the mechanisms of woodwinds, brasses, & percussion instruments-also lots of tarnish. I've pulled all kinds of things out of instruments including pianos, such as combs, papers, pens, pencils, baby rattles & other toys & things which can't be mentioned in polite company.
Sometimes people are just too lazy to do alot of things. Laziness may be the one thing that keeps some people from playing 12 stringed Guitars.

Subject: RE: Any serious 12 strings players left?
From: leftydee
Date: 02 Aug 06 - 01:56 PM

Check out Peter Case. His album "Plays Like Hell" is a classic.

Subject: RE: Any serious 12 strings players left?
From: Grab
Date: 02 Aug 06 - 01:32 PM

Jack, if you're in the UK then you should go and see Show of Hands. Steve Knightley uses a one of these. As you say, it projects amazingly - sounds a lot like a mandolin, and projects like a (good) mandolin, but it's a slightly different sound.

Graham.

Subject: RE: Any serious 12 strings players left?
From: GUEST,Jack Campin
Date: 01 Aug 06 - 03:59 PM

Okay, what about ten strings?

I acquired a Chinese-made Puerto Rican cuatro a while ago and I'm not quite sure yet what I can do with it. I play the ud a bit (and some related Middle Eastern fretless things tuned in fourths) so an instrument with the same sort of sensible tuning seemed like a good idea (low to high, it goes bB eE aA dd gg, none of those stoopid thirds like you get on guitars). It produces a massively solid sound for its size, but I still find the frets a bit of a nuisance.

I believe these have been used in country music, anybody know where? I can see where the sound fits in for a typical country/bluegrass lineup - in effect it's like a tenor mandolin.

Anybody use ud-style all-fourths tuning on a fretted 12-string?

Subject: RE: Any serious 12 strings players left?
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Aug 06 - 10:48 AM

Another player worth checking out is/was Pete Laity from Coventry. Very popular on the folkscene of the 80s/90s, Pete made a couple of LPs which demonstrated his truly virtuoso ability, albeit influenced by Gordon Giltrap (another whizz 12 stringer). Pete played a hand-made Rob Armstrong.
Nowadays, he tends to prefer making a lot of noise on a Fender Telecaster in the Aardvark Ceildh Band, and rarely plays the 12 string. Shame!

Subject: RE: Any serious 12 strings players left?
From: kendall
Date: 01 Aug 06 - 07:42 AM

If you haven't heard Gordon Bok's recording "A Rogues Gallery of 12 string tunes" you haven't heard one of the best pickers I have ever heard.

Subject: RE: Any serious 12 strings players left?
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 01 Aug 06 - 05:34 AM

elves - please delete last post

Subject: RE: Any serious 12 strings players left?
From: GUEST,Tom Stracke Southern CA.
Date: 06 Dec 04 - 06:27 PM

Gee, The 12 string. My EKO ranger 12 is my best friend. It's older thay my oldest Son. It's one of two 12 strings that share my emotions. The other is a 360 Ric. It's my calm. The sound,the strengh and emotion thay envoke is not of this world. They are demanding to play and yet rewarding to play. But find the lost cord on a 12 string and you find a love that will stay with you. I am only one of many Im sure. Thank you. Tom

Subject: RE: Any serious 12 strings players left?
From: Sailor Ron
Date: 27 Oct 04 - 11:42 AM

ROSS CAMPBELL OF RED DUSTER MUST BE ONE OF THE MOST TASTEFUL 12 STRING PLAYERS AROUND, HE FINGER PICKS HIS FYLDE 12 STRINGER LIKE TO DIE FOR

Subject: RE: Any serious 12 strings players left?
From: burntstump
Date: 27 Oct 04 - 09:01 AM

Gordon Lightfoot has played a Gibson B45 for nearly 40 years and swears by them for stage work and recording.
Sundown must be a classic 12 string song.

Subject: RE: Any serious 12 strings players left?
From: red_clay
Date: 27 Oct 04 - 07:57 AM

geezzzz chris,with that kind of attitude,why have threads here at all??

Subject: RE: Any serious 12 strings players left?
From: GUEST,Raggytash
Date: 27 Oct 04 - 07:54 AM

Strawhead use one, Malcolm their guitarist uses it exclusively, cannot recall him ever playing anything else

Subject: RE: Any serious 12 strings players left?
From: chris nightbird childs
Date: 27 Oct 04 - 02:39 AM

why respond to a 12-string thread then?

Subject: RE: Any serious 12 strings players left?
From: red_clay
Date: 26 Oct 04 - 10:27 PM

geeezzzz,everytime i'm around a 12 string guitar player,all i hear is the ROOFTOP SINGERS'song,"walk right in!"
dang,is that the only song these folks know?
besides that,no 12 string guitar fits in oldtime and bluegrass music!
if you "folkies " love it,so be it! but i'm not a fan of it at all!!!

Subject: RE: Any serious 12 strings players left?
From: synbyn
Date: 26 Oct 04 - 02:26 PM

Check out Ian Kearey- his CD Preaching To The Convertible has one of the best cover shots ever! Saw him live last year & very powerful.

Subject: RE: Any serious 12 strings players left?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 24 Oct 04 - 11:35 AM

Does anybody else remember Mark Spolestra on the Blues Project Album. There was this lovely solo in France Blues that haunted me for years. Is Mark still around? Also on that album - - She's Gone. Dave Peabody and Hugh McNulty used to do a shit hot version of that.

Subject: RE: Any serious 12 strings players left?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 23 Oct 04 - 09:26 PM

Yes Dave, I was going to mention Pete. His provenance (from Donegan days) is considerable.

El Greko, I have not forgotten the song you wrote about (Because she did). I am just awaiting the return of a Bjarton BJ12E I got from Denmark, and it has a BIG sound - maybe when you re in Kent you could PM me and we could work on the song using that guitar...

Brian Rodgers (No Worries) also sometines picks a 12.

Subject: RE: Any serious 12 strings players left?
From: GUEST,banjoman
Date: 23 Oct 04 - 03:57 PM

Although the name suggests nothing to do with 12 string guitars. my first "new" guitar was a Stella 12 string which had a short neck (12 frets) no truss rod and an action that needed vice like fingers to play. The sound it produced was great although the tuning did sometimes leave a bit to be desired.
I then bought a japanese 12 string which eventually succumbed to a badly warped neck although a great sound impssible to keep in tune.
About 2 years ago, I found a Washbourn cut away 12string, tuned to concert pitch with an action to dream of. Hardly ever goes out of tune and capo's well.I still play this one regularly and it has a place amongst all my banjos.
I agree with former comments, that the 12 string is a special instrument in its own right. I have never regarded it a just another guitar with extra strings.
PS I met Stan Francis a while back on a visit to Lancashire.
Keep picin'

Subject: RE: Any serious 12 strings players left?
From: chris nightbird childs
Date: 23 Oct 04 - 03:06 PM

Yes, it all depends on what you're after. I've done coffeehouse gigs with just the 12 miked up, and no mike on my voice. Luckily I project enough that they could hear me at the back of the room!

Subject: RE: Any serious 12 strings players left?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 23 Oct 04 - 06:16 AM

I really love the 12 sound on the variax modelling acoustic sound guitar.

Whilst this may not be for the folk purist, or the guy who has a guitar tech and an entourage to sort out all his pre-gig stuff. I find this instrument very satisfactory for pub gigs and the occasional folk gig.

No more tuning problems, volume to die for, less hand strain - ease of access to open tunings.

Its not an easy instrument to get to terms with, having said that. However earlier this year, I was contemplating putting together a gig using several guitars and when this thing came out earlier in the year, I knew I had to look at it. It is getting there. the greater volume you have makes it difficult to judge - particularly in different roooms.

thats the current problem - there have been others. It took an age to understand how to tune it - the book was dreadful - luckily another mudcatter helped me out. All I'm saying is, if you want a 12 sound - you could do a lot worse if you're in a band.

I work solo. For small quiet folk clubs - the acoustic is best. But for anything larger - say venues of 150 or so - the variax takes a lot of the crap out of the job - tuning problems, feedback etc

anyway thats my opinion.

Subject: RE: Any serious 12 strings players left?
From: Bernard
Date: 22 Oct 04 - 07:49 PM

Yes, Greg, I still have my old Eko Ranger 12 - far too quiet with a voice like mine!

My thirty-five year-old Yamaha FG260 really shouts, though! I've always used 'standard' tuning, with the occasional dropped 'D'.

I really cannot justify paying a lot of money out for anything else, the Yammy is in a class of its own!

Subject: RE: Any serious 12 strings players left?
From: PoppaGator
Date: 22 Oct 04 - 06:30 PM

When I met Lucinda Williams back in '72, when she was about 18-19 years old, she played a 12-string exclusively -- I'm pretty sure it was the only instrument she owned; may have been a Harmony, I don't remember for sure. And she fingerpicked it, with *four* fingers (thumb plus three, like a classical player except wearing picks.) That's some *strong* hands on a little teenaged girl!

She was doing more covers than originals back then -- lots of Robert Johnson and Skip James numbers -- but she was already a very impressive young songwriter, as well as a highly skilled player and a very intense and soulful singer. Intimidated the hell out of me, that's for sure. I still find it hard to believe that it took so many years for her to finally get the recognition she deserves.

Subject: RE: Any serious 12 strings players left?
From: chris nightbird childs
Date: 22 Oct 04 - 05:51 PM

Thank you all for giving this incredible instrument it's due! I AM a serious modern 12-string player! My 1970's Ventura is pretty much my main instrument. Once I went with the 12, I just couldn't put it down! It contains my sound, and the sound of so many incredible players (thank you for mentioning Willie McTell, Mark). The time it takes me to string it is DEFINITELY worth the sound! From Celtic to Blues to Rock the 12-string has been there...

Subject: RE: Any serious 12 strings players left?
From: Big Mick
Date: 26 Mar 04 - 11:31 AM

I own a '66 Guild 12. It is a wonderful instrument, with a great action and a voice to die for. Nicely balanced sound top to bottom. These old Guilds are heavy critters. I used to use it for rhythm and fingerstyle, but now I haul it out for specific songs, and mostly for fingerstyle when I am accompanying others. For example, we do Dark Island with our female fiddler/singer. When I accompany on that 12, it is magical. When I am performing solo, I use it a bit more than in the band. With a mando, fiddle, and banjo already in, the last thing we need is more treble strings.

As to the capo, I used to have the tuning problem until Rick Fielding hauled out an old "U style with a clamp bar" and modified it for me. Basically he put a new pad on it made of linoleum, and then filed compensation slots that matched the individual strings. It is the best capo I have ever had for the 12.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Any serious 12 strings players left?
From: Lanfranc
Date: 26 Mar 04 - 06:36 AM

I've nearly always had a 12-string in my armoury. The late Colin Scot was the first person I heard playing a decent one - a Gibson B45-12, and that prompted me to buy my first, cheap 12 - a £50 Egmond. It was not very well made and the neck warped within 2 years, but it did have something of the sound of Leadbelly's old Stella.

Over the years I've had Yamahas, a Takamine and a couple of Washburns, but my current Martin DM12 knocks them all into a cocked hat! It cost me about GBP500 and was sold as a factory second, but the only flaw I can find with it is the slightly uneven application of the finish. The sound, action and intonation are spot on, and superior to a D18-12 owned by a friend - his opinion as well as mine.

Another friend, Rick Thomas, owns the very Gibson B45-12 on which the Seekers intro to "I'll never find another you" was played.

I once had the opportunity to buy a Stan Francis 12, but turned it down because I didn't like the feel of the neck. Stupid decision, but there you go.

I covet George (el Greko)'s ability to fingerpick a 12, I still have to content myself with reasonably accurate flatpicking. I use an old Heriba capo, which has a plastic comb arrangement under the latex bar that frets the strings, and doesn't put them out, but I've nearly worn out the latex bit and I suspect that a replacement might be hard to find.

Don't think I'd have a 12 as my only guitar, but wouldn't be without one.

Alan

Subject: RE: Any serious 12 strings players left?
From: GUEST,Greg in Australia
Date: 26 Mar 04 - 12:36 AM

Had a 12-string since age 19 after I emigrated from the UK to Australia, and never been without one since. There's something about those shimmering overtones that completely satisfies MY musical soul. Never play with picks - have learned to get the most out of it with fingertips (don't use my nails). Managed to record a 24 track CD ("EKO12") containing bluegrass instrumentals, a few songs and some classicals, just to show what a 12-string can do. Still have my original EKO (it would break my heart to part with it) but recently also bought a new Takamine 12 with pickup for a new CD of original songs.
The story on everything can be found on www.clancys.com.au/music/music.html
PS. The guy who said a capo puts him out of tune ... probably capo pressing the strings too hard ... try a SHUBB capo (use the 12-string version which has a longer bar)... it provides an infinite range for clamping pressure ... adjust it JUST enough to stop the strings buzzing.

Subject: RE: Any serious 12 strings players left?
From: GUEST,cocoberry
Date: 06 Mar 04 - 05:56 PM

Fine subject for a thread my brothers & sisters. I think what would awaken even our tightass-bluegrass players to the beauty of 12 string was the music of the late great Gabby Pahinui and the recent work of his son Cyril. I have two Guild 12's: a 1967 f212 (retired) and an active duty 1976 f412SB. Both instruments are non-original-they have the imprint of artistic lutiers adding touches over the years. I use them any more to get inspiration when I'm in a writing slump because sometimes the subleties of a different sound in your ear can take you to pleasurable places indeed.
What I would recommend to those having tuning troubles on a good quality 12, is to spend some dough on your axe and get your saddle completely compensated. True, this is time consuming for the luthier to do correctly and will be reflected on the invoice he hands you, but you will nver regret this!
Aloha & malama pono

Subject: RE: Any serious 12 strings players left?
From: musiclover
Date: 28 Feb 04 - 03:21 PM

hi all, I only own a 6 string now. but i want a 12. I would figure that the six string would be more limited. But as far as i go when playing an insrument, they are all limitles! (even though there is only like 13 notes on a guitar)

Subject: RE: Any serious 12 strings players left?
From: GUEST,Whistle Stop
Date: 26 Feb 04 - 08:08 AM

I love the sound of a well-played 12-string. Along with all the other fine players mentioned in this thread, I would add the name of Ralph Towner, a guitarist who has done outstanding work as a solo and with various ensembles (including Oregon and the Paul Winter Consort, and side projects with musicians from the jazz world like Gary Burton, John Abercrombie, and others). Anyone who thinks the 12-string is a limited instrument should give him a listen; it'll open your ears to all sorts of possibilities.

Subject: RE: Any serious 12 strings players left?
From: Gorgeous Gary
Date: 25 Feb 04 - 08:42 PM

I have a Seagull 12-string. I use it for the Renaissance dance band I play with, and like to use it for the faster and peppier songs in my reportoire.

Especially, the space-themed songs I write for the filk community really ring out when I'm playing them on the 12-string. Also "Sedona" (which has been mentioned in other categories here and which I've played at the FSGW Getaway).

For the dance band, I'll admit part of the reason I like the 12-string is that I **do** keep it tuned down so I can take the capo off and transpose songs we do in Bb and Gm a step up into keys I don't have to learn bar chords to play. Yeah...I'm lazy. But since I basically play rhythm guitar for the band, the 12 works nicely for that.

As for other 12-string players, Sean McGhee of Dc-area duo Side by Side comes to mind.

-- Gary

Subject: RE: Any serious 12 strings players left?
From: GUEST,JB
Date: 25 Feb 04 - 03:48 PM

Brilliant guest Taliesn,

You have awoken great interest in this fantastic and very underestimated instrument.

Naturally there will always be a few cynics out there who know everything better and have already buried the 12-string, but we`ll survive without them.

I play an old Guild 12-string F112 myself. I think it`from the 60`s and it doesn`t look in any way imposing. The action is incredibly low, but still does not buzz when I use a capo on the fifth fret. It also keeps the tuning very well and picking can be very effective using picks.

Gordon Lightfoot has always been a great exponent of the 12-string. He plays a Gibson Sunburst, (just see that very sexy picture on his Sundown album. He constantly alternates between the 6-string and the 12-string and the effect is pure magic.

Long live the 12-string!

JB

Subject: RE: Any serious 12 strings players left?
From: Ironmule
Date: 25 Feb 04 - 02:16 PM

I'm WesleyS's brother. Thought I'd say the serial number of my B45-12 Gibson puts it's birth date about '57. I'd loved the 12's I heard on the old "Hootenany" TV show, and dropped into every music store and pawn shop I went by for more than two years trying actions and listening for the sound I wanted. I was then a GI stationed in Charleston SC, and took many different back roads to and from Florida to find more music stores to visit. When I was reassigned to the Puget Sound area, I finally found my "friend" in a small pawn shop in Everett WA, in the winter of 66-67. Hours spent with it helped me stay sane in those days. ....BG

Took quite a few hours of practice to get precise enough finger placement to cleanly do ragtime fingerpicking of things like "Alice's Restaurant" "Cocaine" and such.

I've remembered Wesley in my will ...VBG

Jeff Smith

Subject: RE: Any serious 12 strings players left?
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 25 Feb 04 - 11:57 AM

Pete Hicks (of "Slattery", somtimes "Skinner's Rats", and "Crayfolk" etc) still uses a 12-string. He was playing it at the "Fenn Bell" session the other Sunday as about nine mudcatters can testify. I'm waiting for him to make his entry onto Mudcat - probably as "Streaky".

Subject: RE: Any serious 12 strings players left?
From: GUEST,Shaldon
Date: 25 Feb 04 - 11:09 AM

I have been to folk clubs where Paul Mitchell plays. He visits this board somethimes. He plays a mean 12 string. He plays it different to anyone else I have ever heard. Sings well as well.

Subject: RE: Any serious 12 strings players left?
From: GUEST,AT
Date: 25 Feb 04 - 10:04 AM

I have a rare instrument an Ovation Custom Balladeer 12 string about 16 or 17 years old now. She'll whisper, croon, sing, scream, holler and yells if you need her to. Best memory is Ken Hamm playing Last Steam Engine Train Blues on it. Hope he converts to 12 strings in future albums! Leadbelly and Leo Kottke are up there still.

Subject: RE: Any serious 12 strings players left?
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 25 Feb 04 - 09:23 AM

Robert Lockwood Jnr.

RtS

Subject: RE: Any serious 12 strings players left?
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 25 Feb 04 - 08:35 AM

It was definitely intentional, Frayeddawg!
Or it should have been. :-)

Subject: RE: Any serious 12 strings players left?
From: GUEST,barry biesanz
Date: 25 Feb 04 - 08:24 AM

I believe Spider John Koerner still plays 12 string regularly in Minneapolis. I recently saw an old video of him, Tony Glover and the late Snaker Dave Ray, who also played 12 string. Made me want to get one!

Barry

Subject: RE: Any serious 12 strings players left?
From: johnfitz.com
Date: 24 Feb 04 - 08:42 PM

I love my Taylor 12 string, but I play with Hatrack Gallagher on harmonica. Damn, if he doesn't give me the evil eye when I pull out a capo. It always puts the guitar just slightly out of pitch. Any suggestions there? I've tried every tuning known to man. I'd hate to think of having to upgrade from a guitar that already cost an arm and a something.

Subject: RE: Any serious 12 strings players left?
From: freightdawg
Date: 24 Feb 04 - 02:24 PM

My new and most honored friend El Greko,

Never in the history of the English language has an unintentional slip of the finger been more noted and appreciated.

Ah, or was it unintentional? Is it possible that out there somewhere a star has begun to shine on my presence?   Perhaps my aura is beginning to exude its splendor? Is the grand poobah of 12 strings recognizing my pitiful contribution to the artistry of the 12 string?

I seriously doubt any of that. However, for the brief life of this thread, and for its little niche in history, I hereby humbly accept and will graciously bow to the most honorable and unexpected title of "Greightdawg."

Tail held high and laughing hysterically,

Freightdawg

Subject: RE: Any serious 12 strings players left?
From: Wesley S
Date: 24 Feb 04 - 01:50 PM

My first 12 string was a cheap Italian Eko Ranger. It must have been 50 pounds. A real pain to carry around. Currently I own a Lowden made with Ovenkol and a Cedar top. In my opinion it spanks any Taylor I've ever played. YMMV.

My favorite 12 string belongs to my brother. It's an old { mid 60's } Gibson B45-12 as I recall. And if you can wrap your hands around the neck it has a bass response that sounds like a train rolling through your living room.

Now as far as 12 string players goes I'm suprised that no one has mentioned Fred Neil. He's the guy I always wanted to sound like. His old Electra LP's were classic.

Subject: RE: Any serious 12 strings players left?
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Feb 04 - 01:20 PM

TBH, I own a 1968 Martin D12-20 I didn't play for so long that I loaned it to a friend 10 years ago; he plays it regularly. I saw a Taylor 12 a couple of months ago that I would definitely play if it lived with me, though.

But the reason I stopped playing the 12 was simple: too many instruments to carry on the road. And autoharp atm fulfills any desire I have for a fuller stringed sound.

wg

Subject: RE: Any serious 12 strings players left?
From: Rex
Date: 24 Feb 04 - 01:06 PM

The 12 was my main instrument in the 80's. These days I play more on the fiddle and mandolin but still enjoy the jangling sound of the 12. I like to finger pick it.

Rex

Subject: RE: Any serious 12 strings players left?
From: GUEST,Martin Gibson
Date: 24 Feb 04 - 12:57 PM

Clarence White was amazing and 'ol Tut is still a dobro king, but these recordings are from over 30 years ago and at best can be considered a novelty.

Anything can be used in bluegrass once in a while, just for a change of pace.

Subject: RE: Any serious 12 strings players left?
From: Steve-o
Date: 24 Feb 04 - 12:38 PM

M-G, I basically agree with you- the twelve has limited applications, but there are good examples of what can be done with a 12-string in Bluegrass. Dan Crary currently does a few good things, although he is a little too "flashy" for my tastes. If you want to hear the best, find an old album by Tut Taylor- I think it's called "12-String Dobro" or similar- with the unmatched Clarence White flatpicking a 12-string. That'll pique your interest.

Subject: RE: Any serious 12 strings players left?
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 24 Feb 04 - 04:10 AM

Could be right there, Roger - opa!
Thanks for the compliment, Martin -I haven't been called a "boy" in a looooong time.
It does boil down to taste with the 12-strings, I guess. Greightdawg is right, I can see the fad reappearing in a few years, and we can be "gurus" then!
Meanwhile, 2 weeks ago I heard that Dave Pegg (he of Jethro Tull and Fairport fame) is splitting up with his wife and selling all his kit, including a very interesting Guild 12-string that used to belong to Ian Anderson. Aaarghhh - I only just bought my new Cort, I think the wife won't talk to me for a month if I go out and buy another one....

Subject: RE: Any serious 12 strings players left?
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 24 Feb 04 - 03:38 AM

It must be a Greek thing, George. My Greek guitarist friend, Yorgos Glinatsis, also favours the 12 string, plays bare fingered and can make it sound like a bouzouki at times.
If you ever get to Kalymnos pop up to Emborios and drop in at the Atistico, the two of you would have a blast!

RtS

Subject: RE: Any serious 12 strings players left?
From: Mooh
Date: 24 Feb 04 - 12:01 AM

Dan Crary plays a pretty mean 12 string, Taylor I think.

I love mine, a Beneteau rosewood and spruce. There might be a picture of it in the Mudcat photos. Stays in tune as well as my 6 strings.

There's precious few of them these days but I've a notion to get another sometime so that there's less downtime stringing and changing tunings. Trouble is, I'd like another a lot like the one I got and I don't think I can afford one right now or anytime soon. Wanna take up a collection? Charity's fine, subscribe to mine.

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: Any serious 12 strings players left?
From: freightdawg
Date: 23 Feb 04 - 11:50 PM

I had an Alvarez 12 string as a teenager and now own a Pimentel. In terms of active players, I have a video tape of Paul Stookey with an awesome rendition of his "Wedding Song" (fingerpicking, no less). If I'm not mistaken, Gordon Lightfoot plays the 12, and of course my favorite, although not among us anymore, was John Denver (both flat pick and finger pick). I love the 12 for its versatility, although I must admit to being more of a hacker than a player. They can be dreadfully finicky animals, but like most things that demand a little more effort, they make the effort more than worthwhile. Just wait a little while. In a few years someone will "rediscover" the 12 and everyone will act like it is a new invention. Meanwhile, those of us who love and adore our 12 strings will grin knowingly and go back to our pickin'.

Freightdawg