First 12-string build

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Francis M
Posts: 28
Joined: Wed Feb 18, 2015 5:54 pm

Re: First 12-string build

Post by Francis M » Wed Apr 01, 2015 11:29 am

Mmmm - smelly!

Mentioned in the timber specs when wet but supposed to be OK when dry...
http://www.wood-database.com/lumber-ide ... /ovangkol/
Have fun in your workshop

ken cierp
Posts: 3924
Joined: Tue Dec 13, 2011 11:23 pm

Re: First 12-string build

Post by ken cierp » Wed Apr 01, 2015 11:43 am

Every guitar I own has a case or sound hole humidifier -- and that is what I recommend to all to Help prevent cracks.

John Link
Posts: 800
Joined: Tue Nov 27, 2012 8:01 pm
Location: Kalamazoo, MI

Re: First 12-string build

Post by John Link » Wed Apr 01, 2015 2:00 pm

Francis, You could consider applying a coat of 1 pound cut shellac on the inside of the guitars. That, combined with the finish on the outside, would inhibit the rate of exchange between the wood and the air in the room, so the amount of "smell" released in any given interval of time would be somewhat reduced. Might inhibit the tendency to crack as well, since this applies to moisture exchange as well.

The Ovangkol has a look similar to "old time" Brazilian. Nice.
John

Francis M
Posts: 28
Joined: Wed Feb 18, 2015 5:54 pm

Re: First 12-string build

Post by Francis M » Wed Apr 01, 2015 6:51 pm

Thanks - I think it will be a nose test during construction. Damping to bend the ribs will probably create the worse case senario. I have only ever shellac'd the inside of one guitar, these might be two and three...
Have fun in your workshop

ken cierp
Posts: 3924
Joined: Tue Dec 13, 2011 11:23 pm

Re: First 12-string build

Post by ken cierp » Thu Apr 02, 2015 10:24 am

I believe Alvarez "Yari" models still are made with a lacquer finish on the inside.

Francis M
Posts: 28
Joined: Wed Feb 18, 2015 5:54 pm

Re: First 12-string build

Post by Francis M » Tue Apr 07, 2015 4:35 am

Thanks Ken.
Further thoughts on this 12 string:
The plans show 3 tone bars behind the bridge plate - I can understand that with the extra string loading. Looking around at different 12 string models I see some still use 3 bars but the bar nearest the bridge plate now runs parallel to the bridge plate and joins with the X-brace at either end. The two other tone bars are placed similar to a standard 6 string.
To me this arrangement would seem to strengthen the area behind the bridge by transferring the loading directly to the x-braces and allow the soundboard more freedom and open up the bass side?

Is my thinking wrong in this?
vis:
Attachments
Tone bar changes.jpg
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Have fun in your workshop

Francis M
Posts: 28
Joined: Wed Feb 18, 2015 5:54 pm

Re: First 12-string build

Post by Francis M » Sun Apr 12, 2015 4:38 pm

OK made some changes to the overall concept, I've decided to make a smaller 12 string with an OM body size to start with before I commit to the Ovangkol and the larger GS body size.
The schematic gives an idea of my thinking at present although bracing the top is still far from being decided at this time.

Francis
Attachments
OM style 12 string.jpg
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