Changing strings on a 12-string

[Bearman75]

Getting ready to change the strings on my Ibanez 12-string for the first time. I figure to try and keep neck tension even, I should start w/changing the low E string first, then the high E, going back & forth from outside to inside towards the middle. Any thoughts/comments/advice are greatly appreciated. Changing to Elixer nanoweb strings like on my 6-string. :) Bear

[stratman50th]

OK guys, I've wondered this myself. Give me a really good answer and I'll put it in Trade Secrets!

[martinedwards]

I start at the low E side of the guitar and work across one string at a time.

unless it need a clean then I'll take 'em all off and clean it, then start at the Low E to put 'em back.

any worries about releasing the neck tension are unfounded.

EVERYONE who knows says this!!

[stratman50th]

What is the tuning on a 12 string?

[Roger L.]

When I had my Glen Campbell Ovation I changed mine the way that Martin described, as I replaced a string I brought it up to pitch and went to the next string stretching them as I went and continually bringing them up to pitch as I went. I did this just so they were getting stretched as I went and still had to stretch them and re tune but it seemed not as often. And Like Martin if I was giving a good cleaning I just took em all off and hosed it down before I restrung as mentioned.

[shredd]

I'm also of the school of thought that neck tension should be maintained. So when I change strings on any of my instruments, I do one string at a time. The order really isn't important; just "tune as you go".
Now if only I could get Shania over to help me change the strings on my keyboard. And a little hot-tubbing...:naughty:

[chongo]

I start at the low E side of the guitar and work across one string at a time.

unless it need a clean then I'll take 'em all off and clean it, then start at the Low E to put 'em back.

any worries about releasing the neck tension are unfounded.

EVERYONE who knows says this!!

I dunno if everyone says this, but I agree. I'll sometimes just clip 'em all, clean the guitar and then get busy putting them all back on. Never had a problem with doing that (the ES-335-12 is 41 years old and counting). If your guitar's neck is made of jello, prestressed bubble gum and dried banana leaves, it might be a different story.

My 12-string is tuned normally for the main strings. The "octave" strings are tuned an octave above the main string, except for the high E and the high B, which are tuned to the same note exactly.

[fused]

I just change mine one string at a time. Not sure if it truely matters but it keeps me from losing my bridge pins. If I do them all at once, I always end up hunting down that last bridge pin. I don't know how it happens...but it usually goes over the wall when I'm not looking....

As for tuning.... I do the normal tuning except for I drop the entire guitar down to a C# tuning. But I also went to heavier strings and did the custom string gauge thing to balance the string tension across the neck... Just sounds nicer and plays smoother that way.

Love my 12!!!!!!

fused

[Sebber]

I dunno if everyone says this, but I agree. I'll sometimes just clip 'em all, clean the guitar and then get busy putting them all back on. Never had a problem with doing that (the ES-335-12 is 41 years old and counting). If your guitar's neck is made of jello, prestressed bubble gum and dried banana leaves, it might be a different story.

Yeah really I don't know where this "keeping permanent tension on the neck" comes from. Over the years I've left strings off my guitars for days, sometimes weeks, with no ill effect on the guitars.

Also, it's generally advised that if you're going to store a stringed instrument for a while, with its strings still on it, the strings should be loosened to relax the tension on the neck while the instrument is being stored.

Kind of shoots the "keeping permanent tension on the neck" argument out of the water.

[martinedwards]

yup, it's a myth that's VERY hard to kill!!

I keep my 12 tuned to concert
pitch
eEaAdDgGBBEE

[TheAngeloMc]

When I change my 12 I will unwind each string at a time until they are not pulling on the neck at all and cut them all off.

Clean the neck, then put it in order from Low E all the way in order up to the High E, and tune to concert pitch.

My neck has stayed in very good condition without any warping. 12 strings are generally made with extra support for the added amount of tension. Change it like any other 6 string guitar and you'll be fine.

[tf0r1]

electric or accustic?

What size strings do you use?

[Bearman75]

Mine's an acoustic electric, light strings and great action-very easy to play, makes it hard to pick the 6 string back up. Nice to see some different opinions here, I've ALWAYS taken all the strings off my 6 string at once and cleaned it before restringing, just was a little hesitant w/the 12 string after all I've heard in the past.