12 String Acoustic Auditorium Harp Guitar: Expanding Musical Horizons with Timberline Guitars

The world of acoustic instruments continues to evolve, and among the most compelling developments in recent years is the resurgence of the harp guitar. Timberline Guitars offers Five Series of harp guitars beginning with high-quality solid mahogany construction, T20HGc full-sized Auditorium series of harp guitars bringing these remarkable instruments to a new generation of musicians. The 12 string acoustic auditorium harp guitar is a fascinating intersection of traditional guitar craftsmanship and extended musical range.

The Evolution of the Harp Guitar

The harp guitar emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as musicians sought instruments that could provide both melody and bass accompaniment. These instruments typically feature six standard guitar strings plus additional unfretted bass strings that extend the lower register. The auditorium body size provides an optimal balance between projection and comfort, making it an ideal choice for both intimate performances and larger venues.

Modern manufacturers like Timberline have refined this concept, creating instruments that combine historical inspiration with contemporary construction techniques. Timberline offers 100% solid wood professional entry-level harp guitars starting at under $2,000, making these specialized instruments more accessible than ever before.

Construction & Materials Solid Wood Construction

Timberline constructs their harp guitars using 100% solid tone woods, a commitment that distinguishes them from manufacturers who use plywood. This construction choice significantly impacts the instrument's resonance and tonal development over time. Solid wood guitars mature as they age, developing richer harmonics and improved projection.

The choice of wood species plays an important role in the instrument's voice. Timberline offers several options across their range:

  • Mahogany: Found in the T20 Series, mahogany provides warmth and midrange focus

  • Tropical Acacia: Featured in the T60 Series, offering bright highs and solid fundamentals

  • Silkwood: Used in the premium T70 Series, delivering difficult harmonics and dynamic response

Design Features

Timberline harp guitars feature a classic Venetian cutaway body and high-comfort arm bevel design on the lower bout. These design elements serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. The cutaway provides access to upper frets on the main guitar neck, while the arm bevel ensures comfortable playing position during extended sessions.

The auditorium body size strikes an optimal balance between the intimate tone of smaller guitars and the power of dreadnought instruments. This size category typically measures around 15 inches at the lower bout, providing substantial internal air volume for rich bass response while maintaining clear treble definition.

Tonal Characteristics

Extended Range Benefits

The 12 string configuration on a harp guitar creates an exceptionally rich harmonic palette. The six standard strings provide familiar playing territory, while the additional unfretted bass strings add depth and resonance that traditional guitars cannot achieve. These instruments deliver amazingly balanced sound with tones ranging from the lowest frequencies of the sub-bass harp arm to the warm and familiar sounds of the auditorium body.

Musicians often discover that the sympathetic vibrations between the main strings and harp strings create natural chorus and reverb effects. These acoustic phenomena add dimension to single notes and chords, creating a sound that appears to come from multiple instruments.

Musical Applications

The extended range makes harp guitars particularly effective for:

  • Solo fingerstyle performances: The bass strings provide accompaniment while the main strings carry melody

  • Celtic and folk music: Traditional genres that benefit from drone strings and open tunings

  • Contemporary acoustic music: Modern songwriters use the extended range for atmospheric textures

  • Classical crossover: The instrument bridges classical guitar techniques with folk traditions

Playing Techniques

Right Hand Approach

Playing a 12 string acoustic auditorium harp guitar requires developing specialized right-hand techniques. The additional bass strings are typically played with the thumb, either as individual notes or as pedal tones that sustain throughout passages. Many players develop a hybrid approach, combining traditional fingerpicking with harp string techniques.

The positioning of the harp strings requires players to extend their right arm slightly compared to standard guitar playing. This adjustment becomes natural with practice, and the ergonomic design of modern harp guitars like those from Timberline minimizes any discomfort.

Left Hand Considerations

The main six strings follow standard guitar fingerings, allowing guitarists to apply existing knowledge immediately. However, the presence of harp strings opens new harmonic possibilities. Players often incorporate open harp strings into chord voicings, creating rich, full arrangements that would require multiple instruments to achieve otherwise.

Models & Specifications

T20 Series

The T20HGc full-sized Auditorium model features solid mahogany construction. This series is the entry point into professional-quality harp guitars, offering solid wood construction at an accessible price point.

T60 & T70 Series

The premium lines incorporate exotic tonewoods and upgraded appointments. The T70 Series features premium 12-string silkwood harp guitars with Macassar ebony arm bevels, fretboard, and bridge, available in parlor and full-sized auditorium models.

Electronic Integration

Modern harp guitars often include pickup systems for amplified performance. Timberline acoustic-electric models include two factory-installed K&K Pure Mini pickups, providing balanced amplification of both the main guitar strings and harp strings. This dual-pickup approach ensures that the full frequency range of the instrument translates effectively in live performance situations.

Care & Maintenance

Maintaining a 12 string harp guitar requires attention to both the main guitar strings and the extended bass strings. The additional string tension places different stresses on the instrument compared to standard guitars, making proper humidification and temperature control especially important.

Regular setup by a qualified technician familiar with harp guitars ensures optimal playability and prevents possible structural issues. The extended string length and alternative bridge configurations require specialized knowledge for proper adjustment.

Conclusion

The 12 string acoustic auditorium harp guitar is a compelling option for musicians seeking to expand their musical expression. Timberline Guitars has made these historically significant instruments accessible to contemporary players through thoughtful design, quality construction, and reasonable pricing. For guitarists ready to explore new sonic territories, the harp guitar offers a gateway to musical possibilities that extend far beyond traditional six-string limitations.

The combination of familiar guitar techniques with the extended range of harp strings creates an instrument capable of solo performances that rival small ensembles. As more musicians discover the creative capacity of harp guitars, these instruments continue to find their place in modern acoustic music, carrying forward a rich tradition while inspiring new musical directions.

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