Acoustic Strings

How do I restring a 12-string guitar?

Quick Answer

Change a 12-string one string at a time, so the neighboring strings act as a guide to placement and order. Each course has two strings: the four lower courses pair a main string with a thinner octave string, and the top two courses are unison pairs. Note where each string sits before removing it, since pair order varies between guitars.

A 12-string takes longer to restring than a 6-string, but working one string at a time keeps it simple and keeps the neck's setup steady.

Steps:

  1. Lay out the new set and match each string to its course using the gauge chart on the package.
  2. Remove one old string and note which side of the pair it sat on.
  3. Install the new string at the bridge (bridge pin or tailpiece) in the same position.
  4. Take it to its tuner, leaving enough slack for a few wraps. Plain octave strings need more wraps than wound strings.
  5. Tune it close to pitch before moving on.
  6. When all twelve are on, tune each main string, then tune its partner to match.

Watch the thin octave G. It's the lightest string on the guitar and is tuned high, so bring it up slowly and check it on a tuner as you go.

S.I.T. 12-string sets include P12946 Extra Light and P121046 Light in Phosphor Bronze, GB12946 and GB121046 in Golden Bronze 80/20, CP121047 in CRT Coated Phosphor Bronze and RL121046 in Royal Bronze. For electric 12-strings, see S12946 and S121046 in Power Wound Nickel.

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