My Ric 370/12 has an odd problem. My standard G string tunes fine, but the the 'high G' string cannot be tuned to G. I am only able to tune it to E. Tuning it down brings it to Bb, and tuning it past E causes it to snap every time. The bridge looks fine, as does the rest of the guitar, and I am using the standard issue .010 string for the high G as provided by Ric. Please tell me what's wrong here. Thanks.

Howdy,

I had the same problem initially with my 12 string Rics. The easiest solution for me was to simply use a .009 gauge for the octave G. It works for me. Some folks may even suggest an .008. You can get a D'Addario single string at just about any music store for about $1.

Steve

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"A Splendid Time Is Guaranteed For All"

Does the string break in the same spot every time? If so, where - At the bridge, the nut?

I'm using a D'darrio .10 12 string set and the high G is a .7 guage. No problems as yet, and there's a spare high G that comes in the pack (I don't know if all string manufacturers offer this though).

Just my 2 pence

This should not be happening.Check for a sharp place on your tuner post,nut or saddle.I have three RIC 12 strings,and this has never happened to me.

Agree 100%. Even I know this as broken-string diagnostics 101.

Sorry, that came out a little nastier than I intended.
But I would send it to a tech and have them look for something that could be cutting into the string.

The High G is just one those strings (because it is so thin) that is going to pop every once in a while. But it shouldn't happen each time you tune.

There are some acoustic 12-string players who do away with the high G because it is now the highest string on the guitar and gives a different sound to chords than a six-string, where the high E is the highest note. Do know of any electric 12ers who do that. But could be I suppose.

- Mark

That was supposed to say -

I don't know any electric 12ers who do that.

[I admit, I am a horrible typist.]

Double check the nut. It sound like the string is being "pinched". A couple of swipes with sand paper on the SIDES of the nut slot and a drop a machine oil should help.

No, no, no! Please not oil! It will get into the guitar fingerboard and start deterioration. Don't use graphite, either, unless you want Jetglo all over the place.

Cub Scouts for quite a number of years now have the best solution for their Pinewood Derby cars: powdered teflon. You can buy a small tube cheaply at any scout distributor, or on line. When my son made his car, I used some on my guitar nuts as well as his cars, and life and tuning could not be any better.

BTW: he won his den and got overall 5th in the entire pack as a Tiger!