12-String Guitar Setup and Restring in Manhattan

Twelve strings put nearly twice the tension on a neck, and the octave pairs have to intonate together or chords turn to mush above the fifth fret. Most 12-strings we see have never been adjusted and play like a bed of nails. A proper setup turns them into the instrument they're supposed to be.

12-string setup

$200, the advanced setup rate, because every adjustment is done twice. Truss rod relief for the full string load, action at the saddle with the octave strings balanced, intonation on each pair, nut slots checked for both strings in each slot, fret polish and conditioning. On acoustics we check the bridge and top for the belly that high tension causes over the years.

Restrings

A 12-string restring is $115 plus strings. If you're tired of fighting it, ask about tuning down a half step or a step with a lighter set; we'll set it up for whatever you decide to live at.

Nut and saddle

A 12-string nut has twelve slots at two heights and is the most common thing wrong with a cheap 12. A hand-carved bone nut is $200, Tusq $150. On acoustics a compensated bone saddle is $200 and makes a big difference to intonation on the octave pairs.

Prices

See the full repair and setup menu for everything else we do.

12-string setups are done in 3 to 7 days. Bring the set you want to use.

Common questions

How much is a 12-string setup in NYC?

$200 at Brothers Guitar Shop. A 12-string restring is $115.

Why is my 12-string so hard to play?

High action from a neck that has pulled forward under tension, plus a factory nut cut too high. A setup and, often, a new nut fix it.

Should I tune my 12-string down?

Many players tune down a half step or a full step to reduce tension and make it easier to play. Tell us at drop-off and we set it up for that tuning.

Do you set up electric 12-strings?

Yes, Rickenbackers, Danelectros and the like, same $200 advanced rate.