12 fret vs 14 fret to the body

[Kevin in California]

Okay so I'm beginning to plan my crossover build. I don't know if I want to go with 12 frets or 14 frets to the body or what difference it will make in the playability or sound, so I'd like some input on that too, but my real question is; can I just take scale length that I would normally use on a 14 fret OM and shift it down to the 12th fret and of course place my sound hole and bridge accordingly? I am going to use a modified fan bracing pattern from a classical guitar that doesn't even call for a bridge patch, but I thought I would add one.
Any thoughts, suggestions or ideas? This is new to me as I have not even yet built a classical guitar.
Thanks guys.

Kevin

[mike-p]

I like 12 frets to the body as the overall length is less. Others will know more about the sound differences but I tend to like the way 12 fretters sound too. I researched the old gibson l-00's and they are braced the same for 12 and 14 fret configuration, just all shifted down. although some 12 fretters had a second shoulder brace and I have added one on the one I'm building.

[ken cierp]

Yes you can just shift the brace pattern, bridge and sound hole

Here's the Norman Blake Model
http://www.martinguitar.com/guitars/ite ... blake.html

I've been considering Kitting this model.

[Kevin in California]

Thanks Ken and Mike,
Ken, do you make and sell a template for routing a slotted headstock? I can make one if I HAVE to.

Kevin

[ken cierp]

Sorry no slotted templates

[Dave Bagwill]

The Blake is a powerhouse of an instrument. He uses a .060" bass string for cryin' out loud.
The ladder-braced git I am making is based on the 00-14 body, but my friend wants 12 frets to the body so I made the adjustments. It's easy to do.

[mike-p]

That is a big string, is that really what he uses. Can't believe he'd put those on his vintage guitars? Does he use a custom combination?