Hi Peeps.

Marty! This is really a question for you or anyone else that has a DBR 12 string.

As many of you know I've been considering a new DBR stick. My question is, given DBR tuning, how comfortable do you feel with the relatively close string spacing on a 12 string?

I've even considered DBR on a 10 string and thought that might work really well. I've played Evil Gus' 10 string grand many times, so I have a sense of that spacing and believe I could even make the adjustment.

I'm a 10 string classic guy, so 10 DBR seems appealing. Buuuuut going 12 DBR has some appeal.

What do folk think about this?

Geek-rad

My experience is with Ironwood 10 Classic and a 12 Grand. Tuning doesn't matter, except in range situations ie 4ths in bass, and DBR, where I think because of the tuning IT IS NECESSARY FOR 12 STRINGS - how much melody you are willing to lose playing in a comfortable position in r. hand. String spacing is the key. I found that NOT LOOKING at my left hand is when I would "mis-step", hit a wrong note in a R,5,octave, or 5 octave above, in the lower register (closest to nut). Or any "motor" in my l. hand from 5th fret toward the nut. My neck hurts looking there too, so it's practice, practice, practice. I don't know (though I've often thought) if a 10 Grand would make it easier, or would it just forgive SLOPPY PLAYING. But I'm not willing to give up that 6th (12th) string on the bass side OR the melody range. I hope this is clear, if not mebe someone else will chime in or PM me or ask another Q.
I always forget to add this: Tony Levin has played the Ironwood and since they came out, the 12 string. Bass player, upright, no problem with string spacing

That’s wicked Marty, thanks.

It’s interesting with Tony how he’s been playing the 12 for so long. Still it’s a matter of deciding what types of playing one is going to do on any given stick. I think that’s the reason why I’m looking at eventually owning 3 sticks, which seems almost conservative compared to some folk.

It’s funny with string spacing how you can adjust over time. I remember first getting my 10 string and thinking it looked close, now it’s just the most natural thing....

Thanks again Marty, it all helps.

My reasoning for DBR 12 string is this: #1: I like the timbre and low range in the melody. Yes, it's "redundent" in it's tuning. (no it isn't I use string 6 and I play all the way to the nut) #2: You don't need 6 strings on the bass side to play Emmett's "Free Hands" (HE DOESN'T). But I really like that high string and I play a lot of things w/ my r. hand and reach over with my thumb. It's my approach, it works for my music, and I also play it w/ my l. hand, and tune it down to the 4th interval for certain things. (T.L. tunes that string down to play Elephant Talk). I also tried 7+5 DBR to get one more higher string on the melody, but I missed the 12th string too much. (I have said before I could go for a 13-string Stick) The Grand was (and still is) all the Sticks I can afford, so it has to be the "ideal" tuning for me. I have the Ironwood and that of course has the Stickup and frets so it has it's unique sound and I'm never giving that up, but I like my 12 string Grand. I'm just happy that Emmett invented this contraption because it gave me an expanded pallet I always was longing for.

Sheesh! You've adapted your 12 string in interesting ways.

It's good to hear you articulate that further.