History of the Twelve String Guitar

thrandur — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 14:53:12 +0000

The origin of the twelve string guitar is shrouded in mystery. First appearing in America around the turn of the century, there is some debate as to whether it was invented by Italian luthiers or imported from Mexico. One thing is for sure though, when the twelve string finally caught on, it caught on big.

From Led Zeppelins "Stairway to heaven" to The Eagles' "Hotel California" the twelve string guitar has made its mark on rock-n-roll history. It's unique chorus sound lends a dramatic tone to a song while also giving it that "old world" sound.

The first musician we know of to make regular use of the twelve string was "Blind Willie" McTell. After playing six string guitars, Willie found he preferred the twelve string for its louder volume. Songs such as "Travelin Blues" and "Statesboro Blues" brought Willie's Piedmont sound to the forefront in the 20's and 30's

Twelve string guitars are also widely used in Latino music, and have been since the beginning. One of the early starlets of the Latino music scene, Lydia Mendoza made her mark when she graduate from mandolin to twelve-string and eventually recorded her hit "Mal Hombre" which made her an overnight celebrity.

No discussion of the twelve string would be complete without mentioning Huddie "Leadbelly" Ledbetter who so famously used his twelve string to "sing his way out of prison." The reality is that in both cases Leadbelly had already served almost all of his sentence, but his music also played a role as he was well known for performing in prison for his cellmates and was even recorded for the Library of Congress.

Leadbelly went on to a rich career and penned many of the staple songs of the blues genre. Leadbelly songs like "Goodnight Irene" "Gallis Pole" "Midnight Special" and "The House of the Rising Sun" have been covered by so many artists and have become so ingrained in our culture that most people don't even realize that its a Ledbelly song.

In the 60's and 70's with the rebirth of blues music, the twelve string made a big comeback. Rock artists such as The Who and Led Zeppelin used the same versatility and dramatic sounds of the twelve string to great effect. Folk artists such as Arlo Guthrie, Paul Simon and Neil Young used the melodic chorus to widen their sound and enrich their music.

Vintage 12 String Guitar Deals On eBay

VINTAGE 1964 GIBSON 12 STRING ACOUSTIC GUITAR
US $305.00

Rare Vintage Custom Carvin Doubleneck Guitar, 12 String and 5 string Bass
US $2,499.00

Astounding Condition Vintage Guild 12 String Guitar Westerly, RI from 1981
US $985.00

IBANEZ 1993 RT-452 12-STRING ELECTRIC "ONLY MADE TWO YEARS" VINTAGE! RARE! OHSC!
US $455.00

Vintage '60s Egmond 12 String Guitar ! X-Braced Dreadnaught Holland ! Beatles
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Gibson / Epiphone 12 String Acoustic Guitar - Vintage
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Twelve String Acoustic-Electric Guitar

thrandur — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 21:07:22 +0000

If you know how to play the guitar then you probably already want to increase your variety of playing styles. A twelve string acoustic electric guitar could be just what you are looking for. The first time I heard one I knew I had to try my hand on it.

Twelve String Acoustic-Electric Guitar

The local music store had one in stock and it was a sight to behold. Twelve tuners instead of six just knock you out. The strings are positioned just like a six-string guitar except there is one large and one small string closely tucked side by side for each position.

I could tell at first glance it played just like a six string. The difference being instead of fretting one string per note you were mashing two simultaneously. When playing a chord the twelve strings rang out with a sound unlike any six-string guitar I had ever heard. It only took a few minutes for my fingers to adjust to the extra strings.

Having both acoustic and electric capabilities are an advantage you can really appreciate. For small gatherings around the living room it is great to have just the acoustic sound. When you are on stage or jamming with your friends you can really ring out when hooked up to an amp.

Twelve string acoustic-electric guitars are available in many brands and price ranges. You may want to save a few dollars but keep in mind you usually get what you pay for. While less expensive models may have just as good a sound or even be better looking than more expensive ones I have found there is usually always something that makes them cost less.

I would recommend you actually play the model you are thinking of buying if possible. If you are not able to try one out you should check the reviews on this site. One of the characteristics of less expensive guitars is usually the action being too high. This might not bother some people but for others it is one of the main things that discourage novice guitarists.

Tuning is easily achieved with twelve string acoustic-electric guitars. Most come with instructions. There are also sites on the Internet that show how to tune, and also have sound files.

Basically they tune the same as a six-string guitar with the exception being the last four accompanying small strings tune an octave higher than their mate. The highest strings or the first and second strings have their mates tuned the same as they are tuned.

When you get your twelve string acoustic-electric guitar you will be thrilled. The variety of music you can make with it is endless.

12 String Guitar Deals On eBay

Eko Ranger XII Electra Acoustic Electric 12 String Batwing Guitar Jimmy Page
US $1,495.00

Black 12 String Acoustic Electric Guitar Dreadnaught
US $119.95

Galveston 12 String Acoustic Electric Guitar
US $199.95

Ovation 12 string acoustic /electric guitar
US $1,500.00

New Gibson Songwriter Deluxe 12 string Acoustic/Electric Incl. Hard Case
US $2,199.00

Ovation Applause Deep Bowl 12-string Acoustic Electric Guitar (AE-35)
US $150.00

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Guitar 12 String » Twelve String

History of the Twelve String Guitar

Vintage 12 String Guitar Deals On eBay

Twelve String Acoustic-Electric Guitar

12 String Guitar Deals On eBay