F112 epiphany about missing dot markers

[wileypickett]

Clever observation. I don't know if that was a benevolent design decision on Guild's part, or simply an effort to just save money. But it sure makes sense, especially for beginners, as massive position markers only serve to confuse fingering when the player tunes down 1/2 to 1 step and adds a capo.

If that were true, why put fretmarkers on their six-strings?

The fact that Guild later added them to all their guitars, including their 12-strings, suggests -- as CC says -- that it may have been economical. (Did their top-of-the-line 12s -- the F412 and F512 -- ever come without fretmarkers?)

It is true that the frets are key to the geometry / stiffness of the neck -- the neck arcs more without them than with them -- but I doubt the fretmarkers have any impact on that.

 

[Christopher Cozad]

If that were true, why put fretmarkers on their six-strings?

Are you suggesting it makes half as much sense (to put fret markers on 6 strings as on 12 strings)?

 

[wileypickett]

Are you suggesting it makes half as much sense (to put fret markers on 6 strings as on 12 strings)?

I have no idea what I'm suggesting anymore!

 

[Rocky]

It is true that the frets are key to the geometry / stiffness of the neck -- the neck arcs more without them than with them -- but I doubt the fretmarkers have any impact on that.

Sort of true. People use frets with oversized tangs to 'compression fret' to reduce bowing of the neck. But I'm not convinced that frets add to the stiffness any more than is removed by cutting the fret slots.

 

[adorshki]

Sort of true. People use frets with oversized tangs to 'compression fret' to reduce bowing of the neck. But I'm not convinced that frets add to the stiffness any more than is removed by cutting the fret slots.

This calls for a fretboard thickness poll.

 

[WaltW]

I'm bringing this thread back to the top to ask a question rather than starting a new 12 string topic.

My 1978 D-312SB was tuned to standard pitch EADGBE when received from Westerly in 1978 and within 1 year the bridge started to pull up. It had been restrung by me using Martin Marquis ex-light .010s. It was returned to Westerly for repair and I have always tuned it down to DFCFAD since then just to make sure there are no more bridge issues. I am getting ready to purchase a Taylor 362e (Grand Concert/small body) and I will tune it the same as the Guild.
Question: If you play a 12 string , How do you tune it?

 

[AcornHouse]

I'm bringing this thread back to the top to ask a question rather than starting a new 12 string topic.

My 1978 D-312SB was tuned to standard pitch EADGBE when received from Westerly in 1978 and within 1 year the bridge started to pull up. It had been restrung by me using Martin Marquis ex-light .010s. It was returned to Westerly for repair and I have always tuned it down to DFCFAD since then just to make sure there are no more bridge issues. I am getting ready to purchase a Taylor 362e (Grand Concert/small body) and I will tune it the same as the Guild.
Question: If you play a 12 string , How do you tune it?

I've always tuned my F-112 to standard E tuning until I did my cover of S&G's Blessed where Paul uses open D tuning. DADF#AD
( https://letstalkguild.com/ltg/index.php?threads/blessed-on-the-couch.218133/ )
Then I discovered most of Dylan's Blood on the Tracks also used open D.
( https://letstalkguild.com/ltg/index.php?threads/blood-on-the-couch.218063/ )
So I've been there since. At least until after I record the next Dylan song.

 

[Christopher Cozad]

...Question: If you play a 12 string , How do you tune it?

By hand.

Seriously, to concert pitch (A=440), standard or Drop-D tuning.

 

[HeyMikey]

I like to tune my 12’s to D for a few reasons. One is to lesson tension on the neck, but also for vocals, and third because I play smaller models so find it provides a better depth of sound to my ears.

 

[beecee]

It has to do with compensation for string tension.

I imagine by the time you get to a F312 on up, position markers were a must because of the bling factor.

F112 and 212, no a dot marker between the two of them, rather odd for any steel string flattop from anyone.

I never noticed the lack of fret markers on my F212....but I have a sleeping cat on my lap.....I ain't getting up to look until time to go to work!