What I ended up with is a 12 string size2 parlor guitar (inexpensive "cheap" travel guitar), my goal.
What I started with was an off the shelf Ibanez PN1MH, all hog-ish, 6 string size 2 parlor guitar. This is one of their entry level import models that seems to be nothing special but actually has some features that set it apart from the slew of other travel size guitars. Firstly it has a 24.4" scale length, close to standard. Secondly it has a very small size 2 (12" lower bout) parlor type body that is deep, 3-3/4". The other travel size guitars I've looked at usually have either a larger 0 size (13-1/2" lower bout) parlor body with a standard scale or a short almost tenor like 21.5" to 22.5" scale with a mini-jumbo body. Thirdly the PN1 goes for $169 with either a laminate spruce top or laminate mahogany top.
I'm certainly no luthier like our @AcornHouse who is currently doing some amazing work on an octave mandolin (definitely check out his "AHG Octave Mando Build" thread in this forum) but was able to do some low "cost" risk modifications on this inexpensive PN1. The biggest hurdle was making the 6 tuner headstock into a 12 tuner headstock. Fortunately the headstock had some extra length to it which made it possible. After removing the original tuners I drilled 6 additional holes between and above the existing tuner holes. I pickup up some inexpensive Stewart MacDonald individual mini tuners that JUST fit. I did have to do a bit of trimming on the inner tuner housings on either side of the headstock. Replaced the nut with a Tusq 12 string 1-11/16" nut and I was almost done. I did not want to replace the bridge, not in my wheel house. But fortunately I had a direction to go set by Stella in the early 1900's among others and Bob Taylor on a few of his current models. So I filed slots or ramps in the string pin holes to guide two strings exiting from each of the 6 original holes. Not an elegant job but all in all did work and provides me with an inexpensive small deep body 12 string travel guitar with good sound, for what it is, at under $250 in parts as well as the fun of doing it!
Compared to a Guild D-15-12
Ibanez PN1 before mods
PN1 after mods
What I started with was an off the shelf Ibanez PN1MH, all hog-ish, 6 string size 2 parlor guitar. This is one of their entry level import models that seems to be nothing special but actually has some features that set it apart from the slew of other travel size guitars. Firstly it has a 24.4" scale length, close to standard. Secondly it has a very small size 2 (12" lower bout) parlor type body that is deep, 3-3/4". The other travel size guitars I've looked at usually have either a larger 0 size (13-1/2" lower bout) parlor body with a standard scale or a short almost tenor like 21.5" to 22.5" scale with a mini-jumbo body. Thirdly the PN1 goes for $169 with either a laminate spruce top or laminate mahogany top.
I'm certainly no luthier like our @AcornHouse who is currently doing some amazing work on an octave mandolin (definitely check out his "AHG Octave Mando Build" thread in this forum) but was able to do some low "cost" risk modifications on this inexpensive PN1. The biggest hurdle was making the 6 tuner headstock into a 12 tuner headstock. Fortunately the headstock had some extra length to it which made it possible. After removing the original tuners I drilled 6 additional holes between and above the existing tuner holes. I pickup up some inexpensive Stewart MacDonald individual mini tuners that JUST fit. I did have to do a bit of trimming on the inner tuner housings on either side of the headstock. Replaced the nut with a Tusq 12 string 1-11/16" nut and I was almost done. I did not want to replace the bridge, not in my wheel house. But fortunately I had a direction to go set by Stella in the early 1900's among others and Bob Taylor on a few of his current models. So I filed slots or ramps in the string pin holes to guide two strings exiting from each of the 6 original holes. Not an elegant job but all in all did work and provides me with an inexpensive small deep body 12 string travel guitar with good sound, for what it is, at under $250 in parts as well as the fun of doing it!
Compared to a Guild D-15-12
Ibanez PN1 before mods
PN1 after mods
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