Where to get a decent 12-string?

The MusicVox site.
The Hamer site.
Adding a pic of a custom built that I like. A conversion might be an option?;





Kenny Howes' Rickenbacker 2030 4-String to 12-String Bass Conversion.

 

I have an Epiphone SG body and a Schaller bridge like the one used by Kenny Howes. I found a source for a 30" scale neck. So I have been considering making either a 8 or 12 string 30" scale bass.

 

I bet it sounds cool with the lower octave on top. That's a finger-full of strings, though. Next on my list (after I finish the 'Rutherford' in my avatar), will be an 8 string / 4 string doubleneck, in 4080 style. Maybe I'll go 12 /4 instead.

 

I have a Galveston and a Dean. The latter is slightly better, not by much. Both kinda buzzy monsters. Hard to keep the necks true.

 

Waterstone.

http://waterstoneguitars.com/bass-tp12.html

 

Oh yeah, isn't that what Amy of Clatter plays? I have a Waterstone downstairs, it's not a 12er, though.

 

Yes, Amy plays a Waterstone 12 string bass. Tom Petersson of course played one for ten years and did last night at a Cheap Trick gig in Mexico.

 

I own a dean Rhapsody.
Love the crunch and shimmer of the harmonics.
One of the 1st things I did to mine was change out the strings. They weren't old or dead,nothing like that,I just prefer a lighter gauge than what it came with (105 to 50 for the fundamentals and 45-20 for the octaves).
I use Rotosound Funkmasters on all my 4 strings.These are lighter than usual... 90,70,50 and 30.
So I wanted a similar set for my Dean:

Fundamentals

30 (G)
50 (D)
70 (A)
90 (E)

Octave pairs

18 (G)
25 (D)
30 (A)
40 (E)

Stainless and long scale.

I am currently in talks with the awesome folks at S.I.T. about a custom set of strings. Just awaiting the production depts finalization and I should have a custom set right soon. I will post a full review!

 

I have both a Galveston and a Dean, I agree with you, the Dean is slightly better, not much. Both are prone to neck issues as well.
If you can find a good 8, converting to a 12 might be feasible, or custom build using an 8 string bridge and a paddle headstock neck.

 

I'm wondering if maybe there might be enough interest to convince Eastwood to do a round of decent 8 and/or 12 string basses. Imagine a surfcaster 12! Anyone?

 

Hello folks!
I got my custom set of strings for my dean from S.I.T.
Just wanted to point you to a review I did at The 12-String Bass Website

go to Strings>String Reviews