Tuning question

dave · Post by **dave** » Wed Jan 31, 2001 11:41 am

I've recently purchased a 360/12 (1986), changed the strings and tuned to standard E. This is my first 12 string by the way. After doing this I read an article stating that 12 string guitars should be tuned 1/2 to 1 step below standard due to increased tension that 12 strings exert. It went on to say that tuning to E can snap the headstock off. My question is: is this true of Ric 12 strings? I did notice that it was tuned to D when I first purchased it. I thought it was just out of tune. Anyway, ?????????

markthemd · Post by **markthemd** » Wed Jan 31, 2001 1:54 pm

These guitars are made to tune to pitch.

McGuinn (and this is an age thing-your voice drops) tunes to E flat .

This standard pitch DOES NOT snap off the headstock.
Since I left the factory I have worked on plenty of Rick 12 strings and only once for a broken headstock.It was caused by a car accident though.

Your guitar was tuned down to D as the G octave is prone to break when played really hard.This is true for ALL 12 strings,any brand any electric or acoustic.

Everything you heard was 3rd hand knowledge from people who don't know ....total myth.

markthemd · Post by **markthemd** » Wed Jan 31, 2001 1:58 pm

By the way ..I work on 5 to 10 guitars per day and have since 1977 in the repair business

If that is true and I work at the bench 5 days a week that comes to 100 per month ...5,200 per year and in all those years about 124,800 guitars that have crossed my bench.

I think I have seen it.

dave · Post by **dave** » Wed Jan 31, 2001 4:27 pm

OK. Thanks!