The 12 Steel String Guitar
The design and creation of this guitar was primarily inspired by the brilliant solo lute music composed in the 16th century and the modern day fingerstyle music of the last 10 years. Jason also felt that the incredible potential of the 12 steel string guitar was not being tapped, mainly because the left hand technique was hampered by the difficulty the neck posed.
The question was how to lower the action enough so one could perform the classical repertoire and essentially perform any work regardless of difficulty, without compromising sound. After studying this problem, George Lowden sent diagrams for a possible solution to Robert MacBlane, a very fine repairman who works on Jason's instruments. Since it was impossible to completely reset the neck, George proposed a very precise sanding and shaping in conjunction with adjusting the truss rod. As a result, it is now possible to play almost any work one could perform on a 6 string classical or steel string guitar on a concert level. Certain adjustments in nail length and texture play a factor, but the main difference in playing 12 steel strings as opposed to nylon is the mandatory use of the free stroke for scale passages. It is therefore important to develop as strong an attack for the scale passages as possible because of this limitation.
We found that the light gauge strings work best, as they provide enough substance for a good sound without excess noise and just enough play to negotiate the more difficult pieces. Jason uses a Fishman Matrix and a GLM mic and runs them through the Fishman Blender for a composite mono sound.
In summary, Jason feels that we have successfully extended an old concept of the 12 string guitar to an instrument of unlimited potential, an instrument which can cover anything from guitar concertos and Bach, to the current breakthroughs of the fingerstyle guitarist. So if you would like to hear an instrument which evokes the sound of the lute, classical guitar and harpsichord, you're in the right place!
