Search options

couple of hours...each morning when I get up.  I'll go over a set or a gig song list, switching back and forth from 6 and 12 string and banjo.  I'm retired and the only thing close to work I have is the band and the music...keeps me young...keeps my hands limber and pain free.

I use a Thalia.  When I got it, it worked just a little bit better than my G7th. 
For those who are unaware of Thalia capos, they offer different radius pads for different guitar brands.  My Martin uses a 16" pad.  Thalia is aware of the problem and has been working with some of us 12 string users and first, they added an extra high pad kit.  I was sent one of these and it vastly improved performance but I still needed to squeeze the capo to assist the tension for a clean tone.
This info led to a heavier spring capo.  When I received the capo with the heavier spring, I found I had the perfect 12 string capo.
Like some of the others who have responded to this thread, I do not capo a lot, choosing to just play in a different key but there are some songs that need a certain chord, etc.
Because of the correct radius for the specific guitar, increasing the tension does not cause the guitar to sharpen up like other capos do.
I urge anyone who uses a capo on his 12 string to try it but specify 12 string when you order.  They are really on to something.
I realize, everyone has their favorite capo and I have owned most every brand for my 12 string over the years.  I could always make them work but, it took a lot if fiddling.  I set the Thalia and forget it.  It is so easy.  They are not cheap but they are worth it.  I have 2 and I paid full pop for them.  I'm not affiliated in any way.

I have a 25.5" scale jumbo 12 string.  I tune it BEADF#Bwith mediun gauge strings.  barr chords are a snap with the softer tension...much easier to fret cleanly.  In a jam, if the song is in G...you are playing C chords...song in D, you are playing G chords, song in A, you are playing D chords etc...
the added benefit is that the guitar's tone really growls.  The downside is, in a group...transposing on the fly.  The capo(always an issue with a 12 string)is not such a problem.
Not for everyone but, it is a lot of fun.

I change the wound strings often but leave the 3 nylon for months.  I hear no degrading at all...got G, B, E's comin' out my ears.

I have both, if by classical guitar, you mean, nylon string guitar.  I play anything on my nylon string, crossover.  I use my finger nails and they are a little long.  My wife hates them and is constantly telling me to cut them down.
I switch from my nylon string guitar to my banjo, to my tenor ukulele with very little adjustment.  I also have a 12 string guitar with steel strings which is tuned down to baritone levels.  I play all four instruments with my fingernails.  All four are as loud I need them to be.
The lower tension on my 12 string (B,E,A,D,F#,B) doesn't wear my nails down and feels very close to my nylon equipped instruments.  My banjo is also strung with nylon strings which I make up from harp strings.  It is a long neck and regular sets of nylon banjo strings are too short.
I gig these instruments about 4 times a month using a mic rather than onboard pick-ups.
I have owned many true classical guitars over the years but the slightly narrow neck (1 7/8 nut)and 18" fret board radius on my Martin 000c make the switch to my 12 string easier than using a true classical with it's flat fret board and 2" nut width.

I have been playing the guitar and banjo for 50 years.  I have had a lot of 12 string guitars in that time.  I sell one off, I end up buying another.
My only advise would be,  always have a good 6 string,,,never just have a 12 string.  If you can afford it, always had both.  john

we are a small acoustic group. 4 voices, banjo, 2 guitars.  We use the Alto AEX-400...cheap, easy to pack around and works fine for small rooms,50 or less.  We have ordered an AEX 900 and will keep the 400 also.  We have had zero problems with their stuff