![]() ![]() Having witnessed the potential of Rickenbacker’s 360-12 in the hands of George Harrison, Fender quickly responded with its own 12-stringĪlthough it’s fair to say that Danelectro’s Bellzouki and Gibson’s EDS-1275 Double 12 pipped Rickenbacker to the post in the race for the first electric 12-string several years in advance, the Rickenbacker brand ultimately proved to be far more successful in the long run. In the 1950s and early 60s, the popularity of 12-string acoustics gathered momentum as they became a regular sight on the folk-music revival scene of beatnik coffee shops, college parties and festivals.įender amp-style knobs with metal caps for master volume and master tone controls on a chrome control plate (Image credit: Neil Godwin / Future) Going electricīefore too long the 12-string acoustic was winning the hearts and minds of guitarists everywhere. Twelve-string acoustic guitars appeared on sale in catalogues at the turn of the 19th century and were adopted as inexpensive folk and blues instruments, finding notable favour with some of the early blues players such as Blind Willie McTell and Lonnie Johnson, as well as Leadbelly - who released King of the 12-String Guitar - who often played a large Stella model. In the early 60s, the popularity of 12-string acoustics gathered momentum as they became a regular sight on the folk-music revival scene It’s uncommon to find a guitarist who plays 12-strings exclusively, although some players are perhaps better known for their association with them, such as folk musician Fred Gerlach whose album title Twelve-String Guitar left no one guessing about his instrument of choice! Popular with solo performers and bands alike, they can also make an excellent addition to any studio, adding shimmer and depth to rhythm parts as well as filling out lead lines with a natural chorus effect. Meanwhile, being able to play a 12-string well is like adding another string (or six) to your bow. Owning a 12-string is on many a guitarist’s bucket list. ![]()
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