Tracing the Origins of the American 12-String Guitar to Early Harp-Guitar Patents
The Birth of the American 12-string Guitar
I propose that the ubiquitous 12-string guitar evolved from overlooked early instruments, specifically Carl Brown's 10-string 'harp-guitar' patent and subsequent models by Rene Grunewald. By analyzing historical trade reviews and patents from the 1890s, I trace how these unique designs, intended to simplify amateur playing styles, laid the foundation for the modern steel-string 12-string we know today.
I propose that the ubiquitous 12-string guitar may have largely evolved from and been inspired by two previously overlooked instruments: An early non-floating-strings instrument named the 'harp-guitar,' and the true harp guitar with floating strings.
- SloopJon
I'm probably preaching to the choir in a story about guitars, but if you're looking for some good 12-string music, Leo Kottke's 6 and 12 String Guitar is a good start.
If you haven't heard (or seen) Michael Hedges play a harp guitar, there's some background and links to videos here:
- indymike
The author is Gregg Miner, and Gregg has an extensive library of harp guitar music. A long time ago I met Gregg when one of my friends Brad Hoyt (a keyboard and harp guitarist as well) hosted a harp guitar convention here in Indianapolis, and I got recruited to help. Gregg and the rest of the artists that were there were extremely approachable, and most of the crowd were musicians (some pretty famous ones, too) checking out one of the more interesting variations of the guitar... and what you could do with one. Fun times.
- babblingbrook
What I love about links like this is that we see information being shared just for the love of it. This person has done a lot of work simply to share knowledge with the world about something they are passionate about. This is what great about the internet and is easily lost amongst all the commercial content.
- pluc
12 strings is one thing, but how about microtonal? That's instead of adding strings, you add frets!
If you haven't heard them yet, you're in for a wild ride: https://www.youtube.com/@AnginePoitrine
- dhosek
I’m a bit skeptical of the claims given that multi-course tunings are almost as old as guitar-family instruments.