Would buying a jumbo bodied 12-string guitar help decrease the neck tension
of a 12-string tuned in standard tuning (EADGBE)?

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Clarification of Question by haggs22-ga on 10 Jul 2006 09:58 PDT

My problem is that I own a Martin DM-12 and recently had to send it to
get repaired because the neck began to bow slightly and the body
started to raise a bit (just below the bridge).  I do know that if you
tune the guitar a half step down and put a capo on the first fret it
decreases the tension on the neck of the guitar, but I was curious if
there was a way to have a 12-string standard tuned without the hassle
of always having a capo.  I asked if the jumbo body would help because
I was looking into buying a different 12-string and wanted to know if
a slightly bigger guitar would help to decrease this tension,
especially below the bridge.

Hi,
This is just a free comment, not an answer, which only an official G-A
Researcher can post, one with a blue name.

I am also not expert.  I cannot see how the size of the guitar body
could have that effect.  The pitch of the strings is determined by
their length, weight (thickness) and tension.  If the guitar has a
standard fretboard and standard strings, the tension will be the same.
I suppose that the height of the strings above the fretboard various
between makes of guitars, but that doesn't seem to be what you are
asking about.

Please let me know if I am off track, or explain your question a bit.

No, you are on the right track.  My problem is that I own a Martin
DM-12 and recently had to send it to get repaired because the neck
began to bow slightly and the body started to raise a bit (just below
the bridge).  I do know that if you tune the guitar a half step down
and put a capo on the first fret it decreases the tension on the neck
of the guitar, but I was curious if there was a way to have a
12-string standard tuned without the hassle of always having a capo. 
I asked if the jumbo body would help because I was looking into buying
a different 12-string and wanted to know if a slightly bigger guitar
would help to decrease this tension, especially below the bridge.

I really appreciate the comment though and I hope this clarifies things a bit.

I am out of my depth on this.  Generally, I would say that it is
question of quality, either of the make or the individual instrument,
but since I know nothing about guitars makers, just that I saw a more
expensive ones on the web, that may be an entirely gratuitous remark. 
My apologies, if it is.
Don't bother to tell me that I am wrong  - or right.

Good luck

Hey, 12 string guitars are tricky and very tough to keep. No matter
what the size they're eventually going to buckle or bend in at the
butt of the neck(acoustic). The tension is too great and especially if
your in a very humid place. I suggest investing in an electric 12
string guitar, mainly because they are solid body and can hold up to
the tension. If your looking for an acoustic sound then use it through
a clean channeled amp and on moderate volue and tone.

Probably not a help but its just a comment :) good luck