Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

sorry for the naive question, but is it common practice for folks to string 12s as 6s? Is there a significant difference in feel between a 6 and a 12 strung as a 6 (the necks are more or less the same, right)?

In order for the string spacing to "feel" right as a 6, you would have to change bridge saddles and the nut. Otherwise, I suppose you could just leave off the octave strings and pairs and play it like a slightly "strange" six-string. A neck re-set would probably be necessary.

I've done it when ever I've owned a 12. It doesn't feel that weird to me. Sometimes the neck needs to be adjusted... but not re-set!

I own a 12 and would personally not be happy with taking 6 strings off it and would not be attempting it myself. It is very possible, but if i was to do it, I wouldn't have the extra 6 strings off it for less than half a day or more than a gig's worth, otherwise I think I would have issues with the neck, but if you can live with the probable need for adjustments, I don't see why you can't attempt it.

I guess another way of getting around this issue is not a cheap one by any means, but you could just buy a 6 string version and a 12 string version of a model

A 12-strings strung as a 6-strings often buzz a lot due to unused tuners and loose bridge saddles. And the truss rods will need to be adjusted. This is generally not a good idea.

the reason i ask this is because i've stumbled upon some very cool 12-stringers (cool finishes, pickups etc) for reasonable prices on which I passed simply because they were 12s and I wanted a six. If I were to get one, I wouldn't go back and forth between 12 and 6, so I suppose the playability after a single transition from 12 to 6 can be restored rather easily by loosening the truss rod. Regarding the buzz and rattle, this can be completely avoided by removing the extra tuners and replacing the bridge with a 6-saddle version. I'd be less keen to replace the nut.. I'm guessing the fundamental strings are slightly offset to the bass side compared to the 6-string nuts, but the string spacing is more or less the same since the fretboards are the same for 12s and 6s. is that actually the case?

If I were you, I'd just go for a 6 string Ric. 6s and 12s are pretty much the same apart from number of strings, string spacing and a bit of weight difference, you'd probably have less neck dive with a 6 string from less weight from the headstock.

Save yourself the hassle you'd get and just go straight for a 6 string if that's what you're after in the first place

Gene: Most guitarists can play most instruments with enough practice.

The strings will not be where you would expect them and as you say, slightly off. You would really need to recut the nut and replace the bridge to do it. Also, the aesthetics of this may not be what you would want. Can it be done, yes to a degree. I am betting you wouldn't like it though.

I'm betting you will have an easier time finding a 6 string than a 12 string anyway...