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March 20th, 2006
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Newcomer
Playing guitar for what seems like forever.
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Join Date: Jan 2006
Last Online: May 10th, 2008 09:02 AM
Location: Medford, WI
Posts: 17
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Tuning a 12 string guitar
I have just bought a used Fender Santa Maria 12-string acoustic. When I got it home I noticed that it was tuned a chord low. I assume, to take some of the pressure off of the guitar. Well, I re-tuned it to the normal EADGBE. It's been 2 days now and everything is still in tune, but, am wondering if I should maybe re-tune it low again (and use a capo) The guitar is about 16 years old, with no signs of strain on it. Will keeping it tuned to the normal EADGBE put too much tension on it? Am i just paranoid? I have read quite a bit about people keeping them tuned low to avoid possible future problems. ie bent neck and cracked framing.
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March 20th, 2006
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Moderator
Playing guitar for what seems like forever.
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Join Date: Jul 2005
Last Online: January 23rd, 2008 07:22 AM
Location: Columbus, GA
Posts: 595
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I've never owned a 12 strings and so I'm not well versed on the long term storage of them. I know that if I had to detune it every time I stopped playing it I'd get rid of it. I'm going to guess you should be ok but I'll ask some long time players of 12 strings to let me know.
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April 26th, 2006
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Member
Playing guitar for over 10 years.
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Join Date: Apr 2006
Last Online: 2 Weeks Ago 01:32 PM
Location: Canada
Posts: 256
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If you have light gauge or extra light guitar strings on your twelve string, you can keep it tuned to standard pitch without any worry about severe neck tension. However, if you have standard gauged strings, you should tune your guitar down one whole step. That is E A D G B E become D G C F A D from bass to treble.
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April 26th, 2006
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Grand Member
Playing guitar for what seems like forever.
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Join Date: Feb 2006
Last Online: 2 Hours Ago 09:38 PM
Location: Mile High City
Posts: 2,609
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Many 12 string guitars do better down a whole step, as mentioned by Cedric01. Light strings will usually work at standard pitch, but I like the sound of the 12 string down a whole step. I use a capo if I need to be in standard.
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April 26th, 2006
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Moderator
Playing guitar for what seems like forever.
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Join Date: Jul 2005
Last Online: January 23rd, 2008 07:22 AM
Location: Columbus, GA
Posts: 595
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I looked for this thread after I asked my buddies and couldn't find it. 
They say they keep 'em tuned to Eb.
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May 10th, 2006
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Member
Playing guitar for less than a year.
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Join Date: Nov 2005
Last Online: December 11th, 2007 09:48 PM
Location: Virginia, USA
Posts: 82
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I asked Alvarez about this as I've got a new jumbo 12-string on order. They replied that standard tuning (concert pitch, A = 440) is okay but they recommended tuning down if you're going to be away from the guitar for more than a few days. I plan to play mine regularly, but think I'll leave it in Eb if only to make playing easier. 
Mitch
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May 10th, 2006
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Moderator
Playing guitar for what seems like forever.
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Join Date: Jan 2006
Last Online: 2 Weeks Ago 09:08 AM
Location: Foothills Of Appalachia
Posts: 2,157
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err on the better side of judgement .... tune down
Chapman Jones - ASCAP
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Don't bore us. Get to the chorus!
The Jangle Music Project
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