The twelve-string guitar is an acoustic or electric guitar with 12 strings in 6 courses, which produces a richer, more ringing tone than a standard six-string guitar. Essentially, it is a type of guitar with a natural chorus effect due to the subtle differences in the frequencies produced by each of the two strings on each course.
Use of twelve-string electric guitar almost appears to be cyclical: beginning with Blind Willie McTell in the '20s and '30s, Lead Belly in the '40s, and continuing with Bob Gibson in the '50s and early '60s, performers and Gibson acolytes such as Mike Pender of The Searchers and Roger McGuinn of The Byrds, brought it to the fore for a decade, until it fell out of favor and was largely limited to niche use by progressive rockers in the 1970s. The instrument was revived in the 1980s by alternative rockers such as Robert Smith of The Cure, Dave Gregory of XTC, Peter Buck of R.E.M., Marty Willson-Piper of The Church, and Johnny Marr of The Smiths. During the 1990s, its popularity waned again, although it plays a key part in the sound of indie rock acts such as Low and The Decemberists. The most popular electric twelve-string model since the 1960s has been the Rickenbacker 360/12, first popularized by George Harrison. Many double-neck guitars have a twelve-string neck, in order for guitarists to switch between tones during live performances, for example, when playing Stairway to Heaven, Hotel California or Xanadu.
Performers who use acoustic 12-string guitars span a range of genres, from folk (Arlo Guthrie, Gordon Lightfoot) and traditional blues (Lead Belly) to folk rock (Paul Simon, Neil Young), country (Pinmonkey's Michael Reynolds) and rock bands (George Harrison of The Beatles and Pete Townshend of The Who). Some musicians, notably Leo Kottke and John Butler use it as their main instrument. Taylor Swift also plays a 12 string guitar for the majority of her performances. English musician James Blackshaw is also noted for his use of 12-string guitars in creating instrumental songs.
Electric Rickenbacker 12-string users include a range of jangle pop guitarists, ranging from Roger McGuinn (The Byrds) to Peter Buck (R.E.M.). The Gibson EDS-1275 electric 12-string was used by blues rock/early heavy metal guitarist Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin), Guns and Roses guitarist Slash, Alex Lifeson of Rush, Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine, System Of A Down & Scars On Broadway guitarist Daron Malakian.
Use of twelve-string electric guitar almost appears to be cyclical: beginning with Blind Willie McTell in the '20s and '30s, Lead Belly in the '40s, and continuing with Bob Gibson in the '50s and early '60s, performers and Gibson acolytes such as Mike Pender of The Searchers and Roger McGuinn of The Byrds, brought it to the fore for a decade, until it fell out of favor and was largely limited to niche use by progressive rockers in the 1970s. The instrument was revived in the 1980s by alternative rockers such as Robert Smith of The Cure, Dave Gregory of XTC, Peter Buck of R.E.M., Marty Willson-Piper of The Church, and Johnny Marr of The Smiths. During the 1990s, its popularity waned again, although it plays a key part in the sound of indie rock acts such as Low and The Decemberists. The most popular electric twelve-string model since the 1960s has been the Rickenbacker 360/12, first popularized by George Harrison. Many double-neck guitars have a twelve-string neck, in order for guitarists to switch between tones during live performances, for example, when playing Stairway to Heaven, Hotel California or Xanadu.
Performers who use acoustic 12-string guitars span a range of genres, from folk (Arlo Guthrie, Gordon Lightfoot) and traditional blues (Lead Belly) to folk rock (Paul Simon, Neil Young), country (Pinmonkey's Michael Reynolds) and rock bands (George Harrison of The Beatles and Pete Townshend of The Who). Some musicians, notably Leo Kottke and John Butler use it as their main instrument. Taylor Swift also plays a 12 string guitar for the majority of her performances. English musician James Blackshaw is also noted for his use of 12-string guitars in creating instrumental songs.
Electric Rickenbacker 12-string users include a range of jangle pop guitarists, ranging from Roger McGuinn (The Byrds) to Peter Buck (R.E.M.). The Gibson EDS-1275 electric 12-string was used by blues rock/early heavy metal guitarist Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin), Guns and Roses guitarist Slash, Alex Lifeson of Rush, Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine, System Of A Down & Scars On Broadway guitarist Daron Malakian.
The write up should be a little more exhaustive.
ReplyDeleteHowzit. I play, and largely learned, on a President 12-string, model 386. I've been playing it for 16 years now, and no matter how often I play my 6-string, the 12-string forms the base of my sound.
ReplyDeleteI'm a hard strummer, and have a heavy left-handed action as well, so the 12-string works for me, especially on progressive blues and the like.
I have one question: do you know anything about President Guitars? I've googled it so many times, but haven't found a single trace of evidence that the company existed. I love my guitar, and would love to know some background on it. It's just increased the quality of it's sound, yet is obviously not an expensive instrument. Any clue where I can find out? I bought it second-hand.
As far as my knowledge goes... "President" (or "President XII" as it was called) is a particular model name of Hofner Guitars. This model stormed the markets around the mid 60s. President is no more in production now and has become vintage. Yes, you are right. Its not expensive... But its gonna be invaluable. I am sure of that. So take good care of that devil. I also Googled a lot about it but couldn't find any substantial news. And you know what, I am a bit jealous of you that you possess such a nice guitar... ;)
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