Good point about the 12 string realism in context. For that matter, it’s easy enough to produce the overall impression of a 12 string, then add characteristics of instruments not found outside the digital domain [18-string; 30-string; alien 12-strings, etc.]
I’ve had some moderate success with signal splits for 12 string tunings. Octaves on the lower 4 strings; micro-delays for the upper two; crossover EQs at the split point. The filters shouldn’t be as ‘brickwall’ as one might expect. There’s so much overlap between the harmonics, and close proximity of the fundamental frequencies. But still – the emphasis on octaves & unisons can be blended rather convincingly.
