• Guys, we've spent considerable money converting the Les Paul Forum to this new XenForo platform, and we have ongoing monthly operating expenses. THE "DONATIONS" TAB IS NOW WORKING, AND WE WOULD APPRECIATE ANY DONATIONS YOU CAN MAKE TO KEEP THE LES PAUL FORUM GOING! Thank you!

Stratocaster 12-String

OldStrummer

Active member
Joined
Sep 12, 2016
Messages
118
Based on some recent topics here and elsewhere, I spotted my MIJ FSR Stratocaster XII in its stand, looking lonely and forlorn, so I took it into my living room, tuned it up (it was in surprisingly good tune -- for a 12-string -- even after having sat idle for a while) and started to play some of the newer songs I've been working on. Zounds! There are definitely some tunes that a 12-string just adds a new dimension to! I've kept it out in my play area, because I have a special affinity for 12-string guitar (the first brand-new guitar I bought in 1971 was a 12-string acoustic!).

I agree that there's a "niche" for 12-string guitar, but I'm so glad I can fill it!
:D

2018-08-28%2017.20.20-X2.jpg


(My original 12-string, by the way):

2018-03-18%2020.10.10-X2.jpg
 

OldStrummer

Active member
Joined
Sep 12, 2016
Messages
118
Yes, it was a FSR in 2018, made in Japan. I don't know how many were made, but I think it was for only one year.
 

baiselmareo6

New member
Joined
Mar 23, 2020
Messages
3
Recently i have fallen in love with 12 strings, but they seem very rare.
I have seen Fender Strat models made in Japan online, but, my local guitar shops don't have them.
Almost all 12 string electric guitars i find are limited editions.
Why are they hard to find, 12 strings sound so powerful, also tutuapp , they are perfect for the style i want to play.
Am i wrong or 12 strings seem like a rare species? appvalley
 
Last edited:

OldStrummer

Active member
Joined
Sep 12, 2016
Messages
118
Just my opinion, and worth every penny you paid for it: 12-string guitars tend to lend themselves to the tone and style of the acoustic player. Many electric guitarists throw themselves not just into the guitar, but into the holy grail of pedal/effect and amp combinations, and twelve strings tend to get lost in the mix.

Most notably (in my memory) is Roger McGuinn and his Rickenbacker 370RM (you can taste it here). Note that he uses metal fingerpicks. In my experience, a 12-string isn't just a 6-string guitar with extra strings, but is a different animal altogether!


 

Ed Driscoll

Les Paul Forum Member
Joined
Apr 24, 2002
Messages
4,691
Given how (relatively) cheap Squier Strats are, I'm tempted to get one and string it in Nashville-tuning:


 

Iguana

Active member
Joined
Aug 22, 2018
Messages
108
I bought my first 12 string acoustic maybe 30 years ago. I haven’t been without one since.A 12 string Strat has gotta be fun. I’m guessing the main riff from “Sultans of Swing” would be awesome on one.
 
Top