George's 12-string Baritone Guitar

mica · May 10, 2006, 11:04:36 AM

Super nice and swirly top that Chip selected for this guitar:

mica · May 10, 2006, 11:11:32 AM

Hi George,

It's here, your Factory to Customer thread for your 12-string baritone guitar. I'll post pictures as interesting things happen.

Let me know if you've got any questions, and make sure you get any changes or additions posted in that area so they won't be overlooked.

the_8_string_king · May 10, 2006, 07:02:00 PM

George, that's a REALLY cool piece of coco bolo!!!

George, I respectfully submit that you should strongly consider getting a bookmatch to center. It would look really awesome, and get more of that beautiful wood on the top.

It looks like they'd have no trouble with the fit at all. I think it would look much more awesome.

I mean no disrespect, but I wanted to suggest this before the boards are cut and then you don't have the option.

(Message edited by the 8 string king on May 10, 2006)

the_8_string_king · May 10, 2006, 07:09:54 PM

Hi George! Just in case you missed my other post, I wanted to compliment you on the exceptionally awesome speciman of coco bolo Chip selected -but also to suggest that you might consider getting a bookmatch to center option for your top.

Your boards look awesome, and look like they'd have no trouble covering the top completely.

In my opinion, it would look substantially more awesome, and would allow you to use/show even more of that beautiful coco bolo top. If you compare what it would look like with the BTC, you might prefer it -and I don't believe it's a very expensive option.

12-string baritone guitar... I love it!!! Hard-core!!! This may just be another Alembic first! (I'm the guy who got the first Alembic 8-string bass -that's tuned in straight 4ths, not an octave-bass).

bassjigga · May 10, 2006, 08:40:39 PM

Yeah I agree with the 8 string king. Beautiful piece and definitely do the bookmatch to center.

george_wright · May 11, 2006, 05:38:14 AM

I hear ya, but.... This item is meant to match a custom bass. I spec'd the bass with not-to-center top and back so as to have the flame maple and ebony neck lams on display.

It was a tough call then, and it's a tough call now. But the through-neck is a major feature, both cosmetic and functional. I think it should be in-your-face :-)!

george_wright · May 11, 2006, 05:50:06 AM

I appreciate the thoughts, Mark, but, as I said in the top thread, I'm going for a matched pair here.

As for the 12-string, well, that takes me back to my senior year in college, when my graduation present to myself from myself was a Gibson B-45-12 (which I still have, 40 years later). As for the baritone spec, blame that on Leo Kottke and his tuned-down Bozo. The first thing I'm gonna do when I get this guitar is slap on a drop-A(!) tuning and go for Louise.

tom_z · May 11, 2006, 08:05:42 AM

Nice concept George.

They say that Louise was not half bad.

Peace
Tom

george_wright · May 11, 2006, 08:38:42 AM

Speaking of concept, Tom, I asked Susan to explore the technical feasibility of stringing ALL the courses in octaves, not just the lowest-pitched four. Current feedback by phone yesterday is that the question is still open, but the highest-pitch course may still need to be a pair.

bassjigga · May 11, 2006, 08:58:22 AM

Well, it should still look awesome regardless!

lbpesq · May 11, 2006, 10:19:26 AM

George:

I'm with you. When you got it (neck-thru), flaunt it! Awesome piece of cocobolo. Can you tell I like swirls?

(the back of my in progress Further)

Bill, tgo

george_wright · May 15, 2006, 11:56:59 AM

Bill, about the swirls.... I told Susan I wanted swirls, and here's what she came up with for my bass

The baritone twelve is meant to match: three ebony lams with flame maple for the outer lams.

jacko · May 18, 2006, 01:08:02 AM

I'm with bill on this one. Just love those coco bolo swirls;-)
https://club.alembicguitars.com/Images/411/17164.html?1126545125

Good luck with this one george. can't wait to see how the wood turns out.

Graeme

georgie_boy · May 18, 2006, 08:47:37 AM

Graeme, I still think your Rogue has about the best CocoBolo grain that I have ever seen!!

G

nate1884 · May 19, 2006, 03:10:13 AM

Hi guys, long time reader, first time poster.

I know it's not quite the same, as the 12 string will have greater tension on the neck, but Bill Conklin puts a high A string on his extended range guitars, he uses an 8 gauge string, I believe. It's only a tone below what you'd be trying to achieve which leaves you the option of seeing how you like the extra tension (i'm guessing it'll be pretty high) or tuning your instrument A-A, rather than B-B (which I've heard alot of bari players do).

I've never picked up a Conklin so I have no clue what the high A feels like to play, so I guess it'd be helpfull if any Conklin players on the board chipped in their views, but I just thought I'd give my $0.02

Nate