Are you looking for the Best 12 Gauge Acoustic Guitar Strings? If so, you’ve come to the right place.
Choosing the Best 12 Gauge Acoustic Guitar Strings can be difficult as there are so many considerations, such as Dunlop, Elixir Strings, Ernie Ball, D’Addario, GHS Strings, Martin, Fender, DR Strings, Curt Mangan. We have done a lot of research to find the top 20 Best 12 Gauge Acoustic Guitar Strings available.
The average cost is $14.77. Sold comparable range in price from a low of $6.99 to a high of $39.99.
Based on the research we did, we think Ernie Ball Earthwood 80/20 12-String Light Acoustic Guitar Strings Bronze is the best overall. Read on for the rest of the great options and our buying guide, where you can find all the information you need to know before making an informed purchase.
20 Best 12 Gauge Acoustic Guitar Strings (20 Sellers)
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$9.98
4.7
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Durability . Craftsmanship
Features:
- Bright, balanced tone with excellent projection and clarity
- Wound strings are 80% copper, 20% zinc wire wrapped around high-carbon steel core wire
- Element shield packaging prolongs string life and keeps strings as fresh as the day they were made
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Durability . Craftsmanship
Features:
- Mellow ringing sound
- Excellent clarity
- For acoustic guitar
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Durability . Craftsmanship
Features:
- Layer of silk between the 80/20 wrap and core
- More mellow sound and comfortable feel
- For 12-string acoustic guitar
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Durability
Features:
- Acoustic guitar strings
- Hexagonal core
- Standard ball end
$12.95
4.8
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Craftsmanship
Features:
- Core: steel
- Made in: mexico
- Ending: ball end
$8.01
4.8
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Craftsmanship
Features:
- Gauge.010/.014/.022/.030/.040/.050/.010/.014/.008/.012/.018/.026w.
- 013/.017/.026/.036/.046/.056.
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Durability
Features:
- Next generation lifespan treatment for long life
- Great playability and feel
- Superior reliability and authentic tone
$9.99
4.8
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Durable . Well made
Features:
- Bronze strings.
- Ball-end design.
- For acoustic guitar only.
Reviewers Noted:
Sound quality . Craftsmanship
Features:
- Reduce finger fatigue
- Ideal for fingerstyle and note bending
- Offer comfort withoutsacrificing tone
$12.99
4.8
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Durability
Features:
- Wound with alloy 52, these strings are magnetically active which makes them ideal for acoustic/electric applications.
- The material also resists corrosion to help players with high acidity and those that live in humid climates.
- This non-tarnishing material delivers an extra brilliant sound with a very long tone life.
$12.99
4.8
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Durability . Craftsmanship
Features:
- Thinly coated for longer lasting tone
- Ultra soft feel
- Developed and tested by gibson master luthiers
$27.99
4.6
Reviewers Noted:
Sound quality
Features:
- D'addario's advanced coating technology fully protects the string winding from contamination, preserving long-term clear tone with maximum durability.
- Lower damping than other coated strings for a pure d'addario sound.
- The inner package has an easy-open, resealable zip closure so you can conveniently store strings you're not using.
$27.99
4.3
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Lacks durability
Features:
- Thinnest coating ever!
- Dramatically increases string life.
- Protects strings from corrosion.
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Durability
Features:
- Make sure this fits by entering your model number.
- Bright, balanced tone with excellent projection and clarity.
- Wound strings are 80 percent copper, 20 percent zinc wire wrapped around high-carbon steel core wire.
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Durability
Features:
- For 6-string acoustic guitars
- Round wound
- Hexagonal steel core
$16.98
4.7
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Craftsmanship
Features:
- Feature: handmade guitar strings very comfortable playing feel, excellent sound even though uncoated long playable 80/20 bronze wound strings are often called old-school, vintage and/or bright bronze and were the…
$6.99
4.7
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Durable . Well made
Features:
- Core material: tin-plated steel wire
- Coated: no
- Wind type: round
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Durable . Well made
Features:
- Make sure this fits by entering your model number.
- Xt acoustic guitar strings come with a code, which you can register to earn players circle points.
- Made in the usa – these strings are made in the usa—drawn to our exacting specifications at our new york production facility.
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Durability . Craftsmanship
Features:
- D'addario's lightest acoustic guitar string gauge, minimum tension for maximum playing comfort
- Long lasting bright acoustic sound ideal for all musical styles
- Eco-friendly and corrosion-resistant packaging keeps strings fresh and intact
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Lacks durability . Well made
Features:
- Martin strings are high quality strings for daily use.
- Core and wrap wires must meet strict requirements in order to make the grade.
- Martin strings are wound to precise specifications.
1. Ernie Ball Earthwood 80/20 12-String Light Acoustic Guitar Strings Bronze
Product Details:
Earthwood is the legendary acoustic guitar strings faction of ernie ball – the most famous guitar strings brand in the world. these strings are made using the bright, loud, and crisp sounding 80/20 bronze wrap wire over tin-plated steel hex core. they'll feel slinky and responsive while offering good tension for big chords. earthwood strings are consistently the acoustic guitar standard. earthwood is the legendary acoustic guitar strings faction of ernie ball – the most famous guitar strings brand in the world. these strings are made using the bright, loud, and crisp sounding 80/20 bronze wrap wire over tin-plated steel hex core. they'll feel slinky and responsive while offering good tension for big chords. earthwood strings are consistently the acoustic guitar standard.
Reviews:
I just put these strings on my 12 string Yamaha fg720S. I had D'addario 80/20 10-47 on it before I changed strings. I made a video with the old strings and these strings which wasn't much of a comparison since the D'addario strings were old and the Ernie Ball were new and they sounded different but both sounded great so I can't choose between the 2. I took my guitar to church and the Ernie Ball 80/20 strings were just as bright and loud as the D'addario strings. So if you can't make up your mind between the 2 either way you win. But let's see how long these last.God's guitarist
These are just fantastic strings. They're warm even in the lighter gauges, they break-in quickly, and stay stable and consistent for quite a long time. At this price point, I don't think their quality can be beaten. The way I see it is this: Everyone who plays acoustic has "that sound" that they're always trying to replicate. For me, these EB Earthwood Lights on my battered cheapo flattop get me about as close to there as my mediocre noodling could ever ask for. Very highly recommended.jensonj
2. Ernie Ball 2153 Earthwood 12-String Phosphor Bronze Light Acoustic Guitar Strings
Product Details:
Ernie ball earthwood acoustic guitar strings are produced with an exclusive phosphor bronze wrap wire (made from 92% copper, 7.7% tin, 0.3% phosphorus wire). engineered to meet the demands of acoustic musicians worldwide, these concert quality strings provide deep, rich bass notes with clear bright trebles. ernie ball slinky acoustics are played by the counting crows, the edge, and maroon 5 amongst many other touring musicians. made with the finest and freshest raw materials, all ernie ball strings are hermetically sealed to ensure your strings stay as fresh as the day they were made. ernie ball earthwood acoustic guitar strings are produced with an exclusive phosphor bronze wrap wire (made from 92% copper, 7.7% tin, 0.3% phosphorus wire). engineered to meet the demands of acoustic musicians worldwide, these concert quality strings provide deep, rich bass notes with clear bright trebles. ernie ball slinky acoustics are played by the counting crows, the edge, and maroon 5 amongst many other touring musicians. made with the finest and freshest raw materials, all ernie ball strings are hermetically sealed to ensure your strings stay as fresh as the day they were made.
Reviews:
3. Ernie Ball 2051 Earthwood 80/20 Bronze Silk And Steel 12-String Soft Acoustic Guitar Strings
Product Details:
The ernie ball earthwood 2051 silk & steel 12-string soft set are manufactured in the usa with precision and to the highest standards. with a gauge of 9-46, these earthwood strings provide bright and balanced tones with crisp and pleasing highs. these popular acoustic guitar strings are ideal for guitarists who enjoy mellow tones produced by the silk. these 80/20 strings are precision wound from 80 copper and 20 zinc and they come as a 12 string set. the earthwood silk and steel reduces finger noise and offers a comfortable playing experience. the earthwood 80/20 strings are manufactured to ensure optimum performance and long life.
Reviews:
I usually use brands that cost more – I decided to try these out on my 12 string because I like to try out different strings and they were cheap. As I was putting them on, I immediately noticed that the strings needed to be stretched out a lot more than the brands I usually use. As I was tuning them up, the small G string snapped. Later one of the high E strings snapped. I was afraid to keep tightening the strings to get them up to pitch because they did not stretch out like normal ones. When I finally got ten strings tuned, they kept going flat. Eventually they stretched out & actually sounded nice (with ten strings on a 12 string guitar). I ended up taking them off the next day and throwing them out & putting a new pack of nicer strings on. I've been changing guitar strings for 32 years so I know how to do this – I've worked with many different brands & types of strings (80/20, phosphor bronze, silk & steel, coated, etc). I say that to emphasize that I'm not a novice at putting strings on a guitar. Maybe they'll work for you but I won't try them again.10nhm69
4. Martin Ma500 Sp 12-String Phosphor Bronze Extra-Light Authentic Acoustic Guitar Strings
Product Details:
These strings are engineered with the performer in mind and they will always stand up to rigorous practice and performance schedules. they start with their highest tensile-strength core wire, then tin-plate it on all six strings for added corrosion resistance; because what you don’t see matters! when coupled with their highest quality wrap wire you get consistent true tone that you can count on song after song. available in 80/20 bronze and 92/8 phosphor bronze. martin authentic acoustic sp strings offer excellent tuning stability, corrosion resistance and great playability.
Specifications:
Reviews:
Fine quality and value.papdjones
They are on all of my acoustics.NYCTeach
5. Martin Ma190 Sp 12-String 80/20 Bronze Light Authentic Acoustic Guitar Strings
Product Details:
These strings are engineered with the performer in mind and they will always stand up to rigorous practice and performance schedules. martin starts with the highest tensile-strength core wire, then tin-plate it on all six strings for added corrosion resistance; because what you don't see matters! when coupled with their highest quality wrap wire you get consistent true tone that you can count on song after song. martin authentic sp 80/20 bronze 12-string acoustic guitar strings offer excellent tuning stability, corrosion resistance and great playability.
Specifications:
Reviews:
Good quality and good tonevernarts
not used to playing a 12 string, but my daughter gave me a martin D12, so I had to buy strings, they seem to be strong, as none of them have broken yet, although I did not tune the G an octave above. It took me all day to get in tune, but I was being careful and I guess it's the nature of 12 strings.toolman
6. Johnny Brook Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings For 12 String Guitars (Light Gauge) Set Of 12
Product Details:
Specifications:
Reviews:
Good quality. Great value028stratts
7. Martin Ma500t Lifespan 2.0 12-String Phosphor Bronze Extra-Light Authentic Acoustic Guitar Strings
Product Details:
Martin guitar authentic acoustic lifespan 2.0 strings provide unrivaled quality, craftsmanship, and tone for your acoustic guitar. designed to produce true, consistent tone, these extra-light-gauge strings provide excellent tuning stability and playability so your guitar can stand up to rigorous practice and performance schedules. made from 92/8 phosphor bronze, these strings feature a patented anti-corrosion treatment that protects the core and wrap wire from corrosion. this pack of professional-grade guitar strings will last through long jam sessions, late-night campfire songs, and plenty of picking. it's an ultra-reliable set of strings that you can take on tour or keep in the studio.designed to bring out your guitar's true tone, these 92/8 phosphor bronze guitar strings can be used for fingerstyle blues, americana, country, bluegrass, ragtime, and many more styles. with this pack, you'll receive 12 guitar strings designed for optimal playing performance. the low e strings measure 0.047" and 0.027", the a strings measure 0.039" and 0.018", the d strings measure 0.030" and 0.012", the g strings measure 0.023" and 0.010", the b strings measure 0.014", and the high e strings measure 0.010". this total set of strings features a tension of 263.3, making it easy to get a rich, bright tone with a softer feel. add these professional guitar strings to your touring and performing equipment today! martin guitar has been producing high-quality, musician-choice guitars and guitar accessories since 1833. the martin authentic acoustic lifespan 2.0 guitar strings are the real dealnot an imitation. discover your guitar's true voice with this professional-grade guitar string pack.
Specifications:
Reviews:
Bought a new guitar and these were the original strings. Martin Guitars also recommended the strings and I wanted to capture the original sound when purchased. The end result is the guitar sounds exactly as it did in the shop. They sound great and are long lasting, maintaining a constant tonal quality. When I changed the strings there was no sign of degradation or pitting. To be fair, I only changed the strings because I thought they'd been on too long rather than any deterioration in sound. I also regularly used a Fender Speed Slick String Cleaner.Ian C.
The new LifeSpan 2.0 treatment does not protect the plain steel strings from tarnishing under acidic fretting fingers. Attached photos show tarnishing that occurred after three hours of use. I had the exact same thing occur after using sets of Martin's untreated strings. Martin's previous MSP7600 LifeSpan strings would not tarnish after playing them over a month. And Elixir's anti-rust plain strings would last me at least four months with no tarnishing.MusicfromFDR
8. Fender 70-12l 80/20 Bronze 12-String Acoustic Strings – Light
Product Details:
Fender acoustic 80/20 bronze feature a loudness andclarity that stand out especially well in band situations. their brightness also complements dark and dullsounding acoustic guitars, bringing them to life. fender acoustic 80/20 bronze are an excellentall-purpose string, whose clear, even tones make themthe perfect choice for most styles of acoustic music.
Specifications:
Reviews:
Definitely the best strings at the price point lately. They have a thinner or smoother wind than Ernie Ball slinkys or Daddarrio exl and this results in less finger noise and a zingier tone IMO. I'm into clean and classic rock, and I doubt you would like these over the former two names if you were into more modern and metal sounds. It depends on the guitar for me, on my strat I could use just about any strings. My guitars with humbuckers seem more picky, at least to my ears. I prefer these over the other two as far as cheap strings go, and these are often cheaper. Win win. Used to be I would never have preferred Fender strings so either my tastes are changing or these strings have changed over the years.Joelish
Overall: Don't pay any attention to the low price these are great strings. Have used Fender 7250's on all kinds of bass guitars they always sound great and feel good. Years of use have proved quality. I put them on my Jazz bass, my PJ, and my Squire, have used them on Samick, Music man, OLP, and Epiphone basses, all good.Scott
According to a Fender rep, these are what came on the Fender PJ bass I ordered from Musician's Friend. They produce the classic Fender tone I wanted. I eventually replaced them with a set of Fender 7250L (.040, .060, .080, .100) to make it easier to play on the guitar's 9.5" fingerboard radius. I stayed with Fender because of the tone that the 7250M strings produce. The Light's have slightly less oomph on the low end, yet all the tone while the lighter gauge makes for nice melodic work on the high end of things. If you have a Fender bass and want Fender tone…Vice
9. Martin Ma500fx Authentic Acoustic Flexible Core 12-String Phosphor Bronze Light Guitar Strings
Product Details:
Martin ma500fx flexible core phosphor bronze 12-string acoustic guitar strings feel soft to the touch, making them ideal for beginners. but dont be fooled by comfort! they are for professional players too. just ask tommy emmanuel who performs with flexible core strings night after night. martin starts with high tensile-strength core wire, tin-plating it on all six strings for added corrosion resistance; because what you dont see matters! when coupled with high quality wrap wire you get consistent true tone that you can count on song after song. with flexible core strings, you get total flexibility and total control. available in 80/20 bronze and 92/8 phosphor bronze. martin authentic acoustic flexible core strings reduce finger fatigue, they are ideal for fingerstyle and note bending, and offer comfort without sacrificing tone.
Specifications:
Reviews:
These flex core strings are the best, I use them on all my guitars. The tone quality and response is awesome for fingerpicking and they're super easy on the fingers. The only issue I have with the twelve string set is that it only comes in the extra light gauge so you can't detune them very far. I use some medium gauge strings for the low e, a and d stringHayden
10. Ghs Wb12l Light White Bronze 12 String Acoustic Guitar Strings
Product Details:
Wound with alloy 52, these strings are magnetically active which makes them ideal for acoustic/electric applications. the material also resists corrosion to help players with high acidity and those that live in humid climates. this non-tarnishing material delivers an extra brilliant sound with a very long tone life
Specifications:
| Full Set Material | Alloy 52 |
| Winding | Round Wound |
| Core | Hex |
Reviews:
Try them, they're great. Feel nice, sound wonderful, last a long time. I've been through so many brands and so many different types of string, and these are the absolute best (for me). Even better than the expensive Austrian and German brands. I play many acoustic gigs, most are three sets a night. Some mainstream brands don't even last for one gig, going dead too soon. And if you try to squeeze a second gig out of them, it's normally the wound third string that disintegrates, regardless of manufacturer or price. But these White Bronze strings hold up well. My acoustic guitar is also stiff to play (yes, I should get an easier-playing guitar), but these feel perfect and my fingers aren't beat up by the end of the night. The singer-songwriter I often work with heard these strings on my guitar and immediately noticed the difference, and then wanted a set on her guitar.Colin
I have my favorite strings for acoustics, electrics, and classical guitars. But I needed something that would work well with the pick ups on my new Ibanez arch top Expressionist. I've tried several. These are a great option. I like the wound 3rd string. There's a set of D'Addario with a wound 3rd string I also want to try. The D'Adarrios have a slightly smaller gauge 3rd and 6th string, but these ghs white bronze will definitely be on my favorites list.Coca-Cola Cowboy
These strings are great for archtop guitars that carry a magnetic pickup. I play my Gretsch archtop unplugged every now and then and the flat wound jazz strings just don't have much acoustic presence. I tried the DR Zebras and they are pretty weak when plugged in. These guys are the best of both worlds. Sound great unplugged and are nice and clear through the amp!Riverrat123
11. Gibson 12-53 Light Coated Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings
Product Details:
These j-200 strings utilize gibsons heralded production standards to achieve the proprietary mix of phosphorus and bronze. to produce the strings, the very same that come with gibson acoustics j-200 models, gibson relies on a slow-winding process, resulting in richer tones and a longer lifetime. as a finishing touch, the ends of the j-200 strings are silk-wrapped to reduce saddle wear and eliminate sympathetic overtones.just like gibson instruments, authentic gibson strings are american made, world played. all gibson strings feature specs absolutely unique to gibson and are factory sealed to guarantee freshness in every set.
Specifications:
Reviews:
These came installed on my new Epiphone J-45 and man do they sing. Nice bass response and they are not tinny sounding, got the just right acoustic sound. They are coated and to me they make it easier to play. As I haven't played them for that long I'll have to see how they hold up. One other reviewer gave them 3 stars but if you read the review, he was complaining about the shipping time and even said he hadn't tried them. I find it hard to believe that it was AMS's fault for the delay, they always ship super fast. We were (and still are) getting slammed by Covid and delivery times by carriers were way behind in September when that review was written.Greg 'Purple' Hays
I haven't used the strings yet but I guess they'll be good as they are Gibson specification for Gibson acoustic guitarsReviewed by Kenny's Music custom
12. D'addario Xs Acoustic Guitar Strings, Phosphor Bronze, Light, 12-String, 10-47
Product Details:
The most innovative coated string ever made microscopically fine film coating on each wrapped string, as well as a unique polymer treatment of the plain steel strings, give xs a high level of protection against unwanted corrosion while delivering maximum durability and a comfort feel these strings breathe new life into coated strings. the microscopically fine film coating on each wrapped string, as well as a unique polymer treatment of the plain steel strings, give xs a high level of protection against unwanted corrosion while delivering maximum durability and an exceptionally comfortable feel. xs also has a “ny high carbon steel” string core which, in combination with the exclusive “fusion twist” technology, guarantees incomparable tear resistance and tuning stability. all of this makes xs the most innovative coated string ever made. never fade away! a new milestone in coating technology offers maximum protection against sweat and dirt deposits and thus ensures long-lasting sound and durability. an extremely thin cover is wrapped over the string and then fused with it in order to keep the wrapping spaces free of dirt, while at the same time creating a pleasantly soft feel on the strings. the legendary d’addario sound of the strings is preserved because the coating creates less sound attenuation than other coated strings. by using the “ny steel” for the string cores, xs delivers unmatched tear strength and tuning stability, which is further enhanced by our proprietary fusion twist technology. the new xs products use our 100% recyclable packaging including a new resealable vci bag.
Specifications:
| String Gauge | 12-String Light 10-47 |
Reviews:
Bellissime, le sto usando ancora oggi.
Look forward to comparing these with my Nickel BronzeJames F.
Struny super, piękne brzmienie, miękkie.
13. Cleartone Coated Light 12-String Acoustic Guitar Strings
Product Details:
Gauges: 10-10-14-14-23w-10-30w-13-38w-17-47w-26w. cleartone 12-string acoustic guitar strings feature the finest phosphor bronze available for the warmest and brightest resonance on acoustic guitars. a unique treatment called emp coats the entire string with an ultrathin protective film. it's the thinnest coating ever applied to guitar strings (less than one micron!) and will withstand more abuse from hard strumming than coatings 1000 times thicker! emp ensures longer string life by protecting strings from corrosion due to skin acidity, salt, and moisture without compromising feel and sound. super-high tension winding over a hex-core is used to maintain tuning consistency throughout performance duration.
Specifications:
Reviews:
While I cannot yet attest to the longevity of these strings, I can say without reservation that their initial tone puts to shame all other coated strings I have ever tried. As the name implies the tone is remarkably clear and well-balanced, the perfect blend of warmth and definition. They also settled in very quickly. If they last nearly as long as others suggest I will update this review. These may well be the strings I have been looking for since 1968.Tom S.
I service guitars for local player and collectors. One of my customers preforms regularly with a set of USA Ovation's (Ovation 6868 Elite Standard primary & Ovation 1868 Elite backup). Over the years we have tried on 3 or 4 different brands and gauges with varying results. About two years ago I installed a set of Cleartone 7412 EMP Phosphor-Bronze Light 12-16-25-33-43-53 Acoustic Strings on the pair and never looked back. Customer has not once broke a string, feels great without the Elixir overly "slick" feeling, and these last a very long time before going dead. Used to be able to buy these locally on sale in the $8 to $12 range (per set), but those days appear to be long gone. Therefore price may be the only downside.budacus
The Cleartone 10's were for a relative's 3/4 size acoustic guitar. Their lightness suits it very well and have significantly improved the tone, resonance, volume and response of the instrument. The player feel of the strings is excellent and they are oxidation resistant, so they stay good and bright. So although they are a bit more expensive than some other string sets, a regularly played instrument is worth the upgrade. They do turn out to be a pleasing choice. We find them to be of very good value for money and they do not disappoint.arajuk0
14. Ernie Ball 2012 Earthwood 80/20 Bronze 12-String Medium Acoustic Guitar Strings
Product Details:
Earthwood is the legendary acoustic guitar strings faction of ernie ball – the most famous guitar strings brand in the world. these strings are made using the bright, loud, and crisp sounding 80/20 bronze wrap wire over tin-plated steel hex core. they'll feel slinky and responsive while offering good tension for big chords. earthwood strings are consistently the acoustic guitar standard. earthwood is the legendary acoustic guitar strings faction of ernie ball – the most famous guitar strings brand in the world. these strings are made using the bright, loud, and crisp sounding 80/20 bronze wrap wire over tin-plated steel hex core. they'll feel slinky and responsive while offering good tension for big chords. earthwood strings are consistently the acoustic guitar standard.
Reviews:
I've been on the lookout for some thicker 12-string sets (not for down-tuning, but just so the thing puts up a bit more fight), and they're getting hard to find (most companies max out at .10's). So I was glad to stumble across these, and the price point seemed right; however, while bringing them up to tension and making requisite truss-rod adjustments, two of the new strings [high A .22w and high G .10] popped, leaving me to go shopping the next day for individual strings. Ernie Ball has long been my go-to for electric strings, and I can't say this experience rules them out for me, but I was disappointed. Will definitely be trying Martin strings the next time my 12 needs changing, as they offer even thicker strings and come recommended from several friends I've talked to since. On a final note, if you haven't tried using sets where the high A is wrapped, I'd recommend you do so; the high A has always been one of the main sources of 12-string tuning frustrations in my experience (if it sounds in tune open, it sounds off when fretted & vice versa), and having it wrapped seemed to clear a lot of that up.czdolphy
15. Dr Strings Rpm-12 Rare Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings (12-54)
Product Details:
Give your guitar the best. the dr strings rare acoustic strings medium, 12-54 are crafted to stand out. possessing a distinctive sound that will be sure to astound any audience, the rare phosphor bronze emits a tone of rich, authentic character. so you can witness a sound that glistens with the usa-made quality of dr strings.depth and projection. the two most important factors when it comes to acoustic performance. luckily, dr strings have got you covered there too. this is thanks to the low tension design of these 12 gauge strings, giving them a wonderfully textured resonance with every note you play. for a sound of unique flair, and a beautifully warm acoustic voice – it simply has to be dr strings' rare handwound strings.
Reviews:
I am a guitar tech with my own shop, so I do a lot of string changes, and get to experience a lot of different strings on different guitars. My personal go-to acoustic strings have been Martin SP phosphor bronze for years. In my shop I use a lot of D'Adderio and Ernie Ball because they are good and inexpensive. About a year ago I went through a bunch of different strings, trying to find the best fit for my OM Martin. When I put on a set of DR Rares my search was over. They gave that guitar volume and richness that none of the other strings could match. Since then I've started putting the Rares on my dreadnaughts, and they sound great as well. They have a nice feel, and they last. The ones on my Martin have been on for two months, and still sound great.Norm H
Whenever I get a new or a new, used guitar I begin the search for the strings that sound best for it to me. This can take a long time because I've learned that brand new, freshly mounted strings take a couple of days to settle in and then it takes more time to evaluate how they sound, how they feel and how they last before a judgement can be made. I don't think I've ever tried any modern strings that I disliked so much that I took them off the guitar right away but there are differences among string brands and models. As regards these DR Rare strings; eight or nine years ago I got a new 2006 Gibson J-50 and boy was it tight sounding. The highs and mids were fine but the low end was lacking. I did a number of things (that ended up working) to try and loosen the top up on this guitar but along the way I found DR Rares to be the strings for it. At first there was just the slightest increase in bass response over other strings but the feel of these strings was just so tasty I stopped my search for strings once I had played them for a month. At this guitar's ten year old mark this guitar began to really blossom with the Rares and it has only gotten better with more age. I find DR Rares to be very consistent in quality and tone and longevity and well worth trying, especially on short scale instruments. They definitely have their own little niche when it comes to feel and tone.Mountainpicker
I put these on my Greg Bennett OM3. It's an all sapele, all laminate box. They sweetened the sound of the tinny trebles. Slide very smooth but still squeak of course. Feel great on the fingers. They are the loudest strings I've ever had. They settled in and held their tuning within minutes. The cheap guitar is always in tune. Never had strings perform like this. I play 90 minutes every night and the strings sound fresh after a month or more. They're showing no sign of corrosion or wear. However, I don't like the overall tone they give to this particular guitar. I used them to replace the cheapest Martin P.B. which are not my favorite strings, and the Martins sounded better. After much experimenting, D'Addario PB lights are the best string for my OM3. I'm going to try the Rare Bluegrass version on my Yamaha FG730S, and will review those in the future. These DR Rare strings have a lot going for them, and are relatively inexpensive. Try them and see how they sound on your guitar.I_likewalnuts
16. Curt Mangan 11-52 12-String Medium 80/20 Bronze
Product Details:
Feature: handmade guitar strings very comfortable playing feel, excellent sound even though uncoated long playable 80/20 bronze wound strings are often called old-school, vintage and/or bright bronze and were the most popular only alloy used to make acoustic strings until the introduction of phosphor in the early seventies. 80/20 bronze wire is made from 80 percent copper and 20 percent zinc. 80/20 bronze provides a balanced highs and low with a slight increased in mid-range that seems the make the notes cut-through a little more. 11-11-15-15-24w-10-30-14-42-22w-52-28
Specifications:
| Finish | Bronze |
Reviews:
It has a very fundamental tone, good for mahogany guitars. But on rosewood guitars, it may kill off the overtones, which may not be right for some people. Recommended on larger guitars rather than small ones. They do last quite a long time, which helps justify the high price to an extent.J A.
recently asked curt mangan to make me up a custom set of round core monel strings in 12 string configuration. What a great set of strings. I loved monel strings on my maple bodied guitars. But when i saw they had round core available i ordered a set of 6 string strings. They were so good ,i asked about a 12 string set. They dont offer them as of yet, but rep. said they could make me up a set. i askedfor 10- 48,s round core monels, …What a great set of strings. My guild F 412 has always been a stunner tone wise with monel strings. But the round core monels enhanced that 5 x,s .. Btw, ive got over 26 hours of playing on the 6 string set. and no noticeable fall off .Dave Gover
I put these on my Gibson J-55 and man what a difference over the phosphor bronze that came stock. I have yet to put them on my '29/'31 L3 or Custom Shop martin 0018, but I really adore the sound on my J-55. The J-55 has an Adirondack top, mahogany back/sides and is essentially a Gibson version of a Martin D-18 without the super boomy low end. I love these strings and they really bring out the natural woody tone of the guitar, which is how it should be in my opinion. After using these I really like the sound, and in a weird way I'm closer to that guitar than I ever was before, the phosphor bronze that were on the guitar were just too bright and metallic, I prefer the natural earthy tones. I put this guitar in different tunings and these strings really open it up there and in standard tuning as well. I can't wait to put these on my Martin 000, I just got it so the strings on it are fresh but they're 80/20s and I really don't like them. You can't go wrong with these strings. I'm going to be using them on my acoustics forever. Just vintage, natural, woody earthy tones and I couldn't be happier!Antonio
17. Martin M190 12-String 80/20 Bronze Light Acoustic Guitar Strings
Product Details:
Martin m190 traditional 80/20 bronze acoustic, 12-string, lightmartin m190 12-string 80/20 bronze light acoustic guitar strings are made from a composition alloy to give brilliance, clarity, and longevity of sound. the bronze winding is ideally suited for making strings that have deep, rich basses and clear, bright trebles. martin strings are high-quality strings for daily use. core and wrap wires must meet strict requirements to make the grade. martin strings are wound to precise specifications.
Specifications:
| Set | M-190 |
| Gauge | Light |
| Package | 12 strings |
Reviews:
I was setting the action on this 12 string for a friend and, talked him into letting me restring it also.What a difference it made,It didn't sound like the same guitar.The tone was so sweet and full after installing the M 190 12 string set.Thanks for your good products and value. Paul in the Mountains of Pa.Squire
Thank you so much everything is goodmarkiss-us
18. D'addario Xt Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings 10-47
Product Details:
D'addario xt acoustic phosphor bronze strings combine our most popular acoustic alloy with an advanced corrosion resistance treatment on every string in the set, preserving the natural tone and feel of uncoated strings. since d'addario introduced phosphor bronze acoustic guitar strings in 1974, they've been synonymous with warm, well-balanced tone. xt phosphor bronze offers that and more, boasting enhanced break resistance, better pitch stability, and longer life than our standard phosphor bronze strings. the xt coating delivers advanced corrosion resistance, while still retaining the warm tone and natural feel of the uncoated string. beneath the coating, these xt acoustic strings are constructed with a ny steel core, phosphor bronze wrap wire, and fusion twist technology, affording tonal versatility with added resilience, excellent for a wide range of acoustic styles. this 10-47 extra light gauge set is easy to play and easy to bend. xt phosphor bronze acoustic guitar strings feature an advanced corrosion resistance coating, extending string life, while preserving the natural tone and feel of uncoated strings. phosphor bronze wrap wire provides tried-and-true d’addario acoustic tone, with beautiful balance and warmth suitable for all musical genres. with a ny steel core and fusion twist technology, xt phosphor bronze offers greater break strength and unmatched tuning stability—staying in tune 131% better than other acoustic strings. xt acoustic guitar strings come with a code, which you can register to earn players circle points. these strings are made in the usa—drawn to our exacting specifications at our new york production facility.
Specifications:
Reviews:
I am an amateur player and have always used Elexir Phosphor Bronze Nanoweb strings, different gauges, on my 6 string acoustics in the past. However, I recently bought a second hand Luna travel guitar which needed a string change, and I looked up which strings it was likely to have come with from the factory – and the consensus was it was probably Daddario’s previous version of these. I decided to try this new version as they were very well reviewed online by professionals. To quote, and I would agree with all of it – rich and balanced, don’t need breaking in, coated but don’t sound it, bend like electric and good projection. I am particularly pleased with the projection, they make my small guitar sound very loud indeed for the size. I am so pleased with them that as the strings on my other guitars need replacing, I will get these Daddario XS.Linda W.
Having been a long-time user of Elixer acoustic strings, I was afforded the opportunity to try D'Addario XS Acoustic coated strings. After restringing my vintaged Harmony Stella baritone, best midrange tone guitar I own. Tuned her, after a little stretch time fine-tuned her. First strum my ears were amazed! The tonal range of these strings, warm, bright, full bodied, this guitar has never sounded so good, I can only imagine how incredible they will sound on the Taylor! Before I forget to mention, playability is awesome! Good job D'ddario, you've hit a grand slam!!!!!Jason
These D'AThe Daddario XSAPB1253 Acoustic Phosphor Bronze, Light, 12-53 are some of the best sounding acoustic strings I've come across. They are thin and light and clear and enjoyable to play with. They produce a mellow sound yet can create the volume I like. So far I am really liking these. I especially like the bright tones. Also the coating, although light, makes a big difference in the smoothness. I recommend these strings.1100
19. D'addario Ez890 85/15 Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings, 9-45 Super
Product Details:
D'addario s lightest gauge of 85/15 acoustic strings, ez890s are ideal for beginners or players who prefer a softer tone and easy bending.85/15 bronze combines the brilliance of 80/20 bronze with the longer life characteristics of phosphor bronze. the 85/15 bronze wrap wire is precision wound onto a carefully drawn, hexagonally shaped high carbon steel core, resulting in long lasting, bright sounding tone with excellent intonation.
Specifications:
| Length | 4.75 in |
| Height | 0.384 in |
| Width | 1.72 in |
Reviews:
Not crazy about their sound. First time I tried them. Too metallic and the strings Vibrate too long, disrupting a chords pure and rounded sound. The e string broke immediately as I was re stringing the guitar. Luckily i bought 2. But won’t purchase again. I miss a warmer, fuller sound. I had elixir 10’s before which were excellent. I will go again for 10’s or 11’s.Nina V.
I ordered 9 high string because my barre chords were causing me grief. These seem much louder than my recent strings (which may have become dull) I use my fingers mainly but a pick requires some restraint. They haven't settled in yet requiring retuning each day but may be due to the weather i.e heating coming on! For the price I've had less performance from much more expensive strings.grummanfly
I believe I already rated these once before but as I've been asked to do it again…ok. Not the usual kind of strings you would expect to be able to use on an acoustic guitar but worth trying. The only issue I had with these is that the G string would not intonate properly and I could not get that in tune for trying and so I bought a separate custom string to replace it. The measurement of the G in the set is .015 plain steel and I replaced this with a .017 wound string and this fixed the problem very easily. If, like me, you like a consistency of feel and sound I would recommend getting all the strings in custom strings. It's very easy to do. And there you have it… 🙂 Overall a nice set of strings but maybe just think about changing the G (.015) to a custom string (.017) wound string.Francis O.
20. Martin Silk & Steel Acoustic Guitar Strings M130
Product Details:
Gauges 12-16-25-32-42-54martin m140 light acoustic guitar strings have an 80/20 composition for brilliance, clarity, and longevity of sound. the bronze winding alloy is ideally suited for making strings have deep, rich basses and clear, bright trebles. the martin m-140 acoustic pack has high-quality strings for daily use. core and wrap wires meet strict requirements to make the grade. martin guitar strings are wound to precise specifications.
Specifications:
Reviews:
Of all the steel strings I've used in over 40 years of playing guitar, these strings are the easiest on your fingers. If you're a beginner, or if you haven't picked up your guitar for a few years, these are a perfect set of strings to get you going. The down side of these strings is the tone. I find them to dull the sound of my guitar. Some may find them to be just what they like however, I like a bright clear tone, with a punchy bottom end. These are more balanced, and don't have the bright highs and robust lows that I like. Like everything else, it's all about personal preference.bluesman59
I needed a lighter than light set of strings for a 1975 Ovation I bought from Guitar Center. The truss rod was near the end of adjustment so these strings worked perfect for the setup. They sound brighter and louder than I expected from reading other reviews. I used the strings when gauging the slot depth for the new nut I filed in place. I tightened and loosened each string maybe ten times without any breaking. Eventually I will install Fishman active electronics in this guitar as it pre dates the use of electronics by Ovation. That review forthcoming. They play like butter.Jonathan Storms reverbnation
A few years ago, I found an old Gibson student guitar in the trash with no bridge. Up to last year, I took it up to purchasing gluing a new rosewood bridge on my guitar and (with some sanding and finishing on the top) it worked out perfect, except for one thing. During rebuilding, I noticed that the top of the guitar was a little unstable after I put steel strings on the first time, and as a result, I had to detune this guitar when I wasn't playing and when it was in standard tuning, the action was hard and unstable. The solution, the guitar needed light gauge strings, so I tried phosphorus bronze custom lights before switching to these silk and steels. The final result, I'm able to keep this guitar in standard tuning with the silk and steels on and now this guitar is good for playing folk, classical, and even some Gypsy jazz. I highly recommend these for the older guitars than tend to have harder action with the traditional bronze strings.
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