12 string/6 string question

So I'm set on buying a nice Maton acoustic once I save up enough money for one. I love the sound of a 12 string, especially hearing John Butler, but it isn't a sound that I'd want all the time, I definitely want the 6 string sound as well but I don't have the money to get a nice one of both. So my question is if I bought a 12 string, could I just put the normal 6 strings on it when I wanted to instead of 12 without anything bad happening to the guitar itself, and would it still sound like a normal 6 string with the same quality of sound??

I would be worried about the change in string tension throwing off the setup. With just the six strings the action would be much lower and the intonation would be a bit off. That's my guess.

My goodness, this is like the fifth or sixth most asked question on guitar forums.

Don't do it!

A Maton 12 in the States is going to cost A LOT of money.
Choose another brand, save a lot of money and get a six and a 12.
You won't be sorry.

Twelve-strings are one of nature's gifts to humans.

Also, a 12's top is designed for the tension of 12 strings to "drive" it. It may sound weak with 6 strings. Just buy a 6 and a 12 and get on with playing them.

Mike Bruce

get a six and a 12.
You won't be sorry.

Just buy a 6 and a 12 and get on with playing them.

What they said. Based on my current playing, I'd recommend getting the 12 first. Mine is my go-to guitar (sorry Teles).