What 12 String Sets to Use?

[twocorgis]

I tried searching the archives for this one, but came up with way too many impertinent hits!

I've been playing the new 12 string so much that it won't be long before I need to replace the strings, and I figured I'd poll the membership to see what everyone is using. I know this can be a bit like religion, but the folks here seem to be pretty civil! I always used to use Guild Phosphor Bronze strings, but, well, we know what happened to them...

 

[capnjuan]

Hi Sandy; I've always liked Martin Marquis 80/20 phosphor bronze lights. Good tone and decent useful life ... I don't get that much fun out of changing strings so how long they last matters to me ... but then I also like smoked gouda ... YMMV! CJ

 

[twocorgis]

Hi Sandy; I've always liked Martin Marquis 80/20 phosphor bronze lights. Good tone and decent useful life ... I don't get that much fun out of changing strings so how long they last matters to me ... but then I also like smoked gouda ... YMMV! CJ

Hey, for $8 and free shipping I guess I can't go too far wrong. The link you sent me was fro the Extra Lights. They seem like almost an electric guitar gauge. I guess the regular light gauge would be better?

 

[evenkeel]

With all the usual provisos....

I usually find 80/20's a bit to bright and brittle on 12 strings. You have so much bright, chimey tones anyway the 80/20's push it a bit over the top for me. On 12'ers Ph Bronze just seems bit richer and mellower w/o the harsh sounds. The brand of strings is so personal. I've tried 'em all, or nearly so, and frankly have a tough time telling them apart. Coated, yes I hear a difference that just does not work for me. Recently I've been buying bulk sets from Juststrings.com. Pretty cheap and you can pick exactly the gauge you like for each string.

On 6 string acoustics I use 12 - 54's. On 12'ers, not one in the herd right now but when there was, 11 - 50's.

 

[capnjuan]

Hi Sandy; I've always liked Martin Marquis 80/20 phosphor bronze lights. Good tone and decent useful life ... I don't get that much fun out of changing strings so how long they last matters to me ... but then I also like smoked gouda ... YMMV! CJ

Hey, for $8 and free shipping I guess I can't go too far wrong ... I guess the regular light gauge would be better?

Better? .... better than what? Buy a set of each ... see which you prefer ... I liked the ex lights because I thought they did justice to the coppery harmonics of mahogany ... I'm also less concerned with volume, more concerned with tone ... but I'm also a fan of pinot noirs ... good luck! :wink:

 

[timbo2]

Thanks to the friends on this site I tried the EXP's (Coated) phosphor bronze with good results. I also tried as a result of this site a set of the Thomsfeld Instik Plectrums, very interesting flat/wound/round wound/ sorta silk n' steel. Very soft, low tension, great sound, last a long time and cost a mint!
Have fun!

 

[twocorgis]

Thanks for the input all. I think I'll start with the cheap ones (the Martins) and work my way up if need be. Are those Thomastik-Infeld string that much better?

 

[fungusyoung]

These are also pretty inexpensive & I've always had great luck with them (I've used them on an F112 & JF30-12)...

http://store.daddario.com/category/144855/EJ38_Light_12-String_10-47

 

[chazmo]

Thanks for the input all. I think I'll start with the cheap ones (the Martins) and work my way up if need be. Are those Thomastik-Infeld string that much better?

They're really different, Sandy. You're embarking on the quest. Enjoy the search. No point in spending the big bux until you've tried other brands and you're ready for a change.

Me, I'm quite fond of phosphor-bronze strings, mostly D'Addario and I also like John Pearse.

 

[killdeer43]

D'Addario EJ38 lights work really well for me and they're downright affordable. Give 'em a try and see what you think. :wink:

Joe

 

[twocorgis]

Thanks for the input all. I think I'll start with the cheap ones (the Martins) and work my way up if need be. Are those Thomastik-Infeld string that much better?

They're really different, Sandy. You're embarking on the quest. Enjoy the search. No point in spending the big bux until you've tried other brands and you're ready for a change.

I believe I will Chaz! I'll tell you, as much as I'm enjoying the 12 string thing, I'm really enjoying this sweetheart of an F20. I'm starting to understand why Treem is having a massive GAS attack with that F30R that's on eBay. watching the end of that aucton ought to be intersting. I hope he wins without going into hock. :lol:

(Don't worry Treem. I know it's hanging out here that gives you constant GAS)

Me, I'm quite fond of phosphor-bronze strings, mostly D'Addario and I also like John Pearse.

I've pretty much always preferred phosphor-bronze strings. I used to use Guild strings pretty much exclusively while they were still being made. As it works out, Sweetwater is out of stock on the Martins. I'll spring for a couple of extra bucks for the D'Addarios.

 

[Treem]

Thanks for the input all. I think I'll start with the cheap ones (the Martins) and work my way up if need be. Are those Thomastik-Infeld string that much better?

They're really different, Sandy. You're embarking on the quest. Enjoy the search. No point in spending the big bux until you've tried other brands and you're ready for a change.

I believe I will Chaz! I'll tell you, as much as I'm enjoying the 12 string thing, I'm really enjoying this sweetheart of an F20. I'm starting to understand why Treem is having a massive GAS attack with that F30R that's on eBay. watching the end of that aucton ought to be intersting. I hope he wins without going into hock. :lol:

(Don't worry Treem. I know it's hanging out here that gives you constant GAS)

Me, I'm quite fond of phosphor-bronze strings, mostly D'Addario and I also like John Pearse.

I've pretty much always preferred phosphor-bronze strings. I used to use Guild strings pretty much exclusively while they were still being made. As it works out, Sweetwater is out of stock on the Martins. I'll spring for a couple of extra bucks for the D'Addarios.

Thank you Sandy,

Once again, for someone who really don't crave a burst.. :lol:...CONGRATULATIONS!!!

I highly recommend Thomastiks Spectrums 12string the 11s for you!! 8)

I have 2 packs and I don't have a Guild 12 Rosewood, yet! patience treem! 8) :lol: 8) :lol: :lol: 8)

Oh yeah, you know it! It's called the F30R BURSTITUS!!! :lol: :lol: :lol: 8)

SATURDAY IT'S ON LIKE DONKEY KONG!?!?!?!! :lol: 8) :lol: WOOOOOOOOO :lol: 8) 8) 8)

 

[twocorgis]

Thank you Sandy,

Once again, for someone who really don't crave a burst.. :lol:...CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Thanks. I couldn't be happier about this little guitar. It's not a burst, but the 12er sure is a nice one!

I highly recommend Thomastiks Spectrums 12string the 11s for you!! 8)

I have 2 packs and I don't have a Guild 12 Rosewood, yet! patience treem! 8) :lol: 8) :lol: :lol: 8)

The operative word being "yet", huh? I'll try the Thomastiks somewhere along the way, I'm sure.

Oh yeah, you know it! It's called the F30R BURSTITUS!!! :lol: :lol: :lol: 8)

SATURDAY IT'S ON LIKE DONKEY KONG!?!?!?!! :lol: 8) :lol: WOOOOOOOOO :lol: 8) 8) 8)

I'm sure we'll all be watching "Showdown at the eBay Corral" :lol:

Good luck!

 

[William63]

I know a lot of people hate them but I have loved Elixir lights one both my Guilds and Taylors.

 

[jpwillD25]

Hi Sandy,

I own a 65 F212 (Mahogany back / Spruce top) and a 71 D25 (all mahogany). On my 12 string I have tried Elixir 80/20 and phosphor bronze, Martin 80/20, and John Pearse 80/20. On my D25 I have tried Martin 80/20, and phosphor bronze, D'Addario 80/20 and PB, and John Pearse 80/20 lights and Bluegrass 80/20.

It seems to me the John Pearse strings were made for Guild guitars, at least the mahogany backed ones.

Currently my 12'er is strung with John Pearse 80/20 1300L and my 6'er John Pearse 80/20/ Bluegrass.

I tried the coated strings on my 12 string, because we all know how much fun it is to re-string them (takes twice as long for some reason) I am surprised at how long the John Pearse string last, so I stuck with them on the 12 string. As for sound they are hard to beat.

As least that's my 2 cents worth.

~Jon

 

[twocorgis]

Hi Sandy,

It seems to me the John Pearse strings were made for Guild guitars, at least the mahogany backed ones.

~Jon

Thanks Jon,

After getting another recommendation, I'll try them next time. I have a set of D'Addarios on the way for now.

 

[chazmo]

Hi Sandy,

It seems to me the John Pearse strings were made for Guild guitars, at least the mahogany backed ones.

~Jon

Thanks Jon,

After getting another recommendation, I'll try them next time. I have a set of D'Addarios on the way for now.

Oh, by way of recommendation.... Strings & Beyond is a great web-based retailer.

 

[twocorgis]

Hi Sandy,

It seems to me the John Pearse strings were made for Guild guitars, at least the mahogany backed ones.

~Jon

Thanks Jon,

After getting another recommendation, I'll try them next time. I have a set of D'Addarios on the way for now.

Oh, by way of recommendation.... Strings & Beyond is a great web-based retailer.

I've used them in the past Chaz, and have been pleased with their service. They seem to have good prices on the Pearse strings, too.

 

[Graham]

I've used them in the past Chaz, and have been pleased with their service. They seem to have good prices on the Pearse strings, too.

Check with Don, he has had very good prices on the JP strings in the past.

 

[twocorgis]

I've used them in the past Chaz, and have been pleased with their service. They seem to have good prices on the Pearse strings, too.

Check with Don, he has had very good prices on the JP strings in the past.

Graham,

Pardon my ignorance as I'm kinda new here, but who's Don?