Best 12 String Guitar Strings (2024 Update)
If you're looking for a unique sound and style with your guitar, then you might want to consider the 12 string guitar. This type of instrument offers a rich, full-bodied sound that is distinctly different from a standard six-string guitar. However, to make the most of your 12 string guitar, you need the right type of strings. Choosing the best 12 string guitar strings can be a daunting task, especially if you're new to this type of instrument.
Before you decide on which 12 string guitar strings to buy, there are a few things that you need to consider. One of the most important factors is the type of music you plan to play. Different types of strings produce different sounds, and not all 12 string guitar strings will be suitable for all styles of music. You'll also need to consider the gauge of the strings, the material they're made of, and your own playing style.
Are you looking for strings that can produce a bright, articulate sound or a rich, warm tone? Are you a beginner or an experienced guitarist? What type of music do you play? These are some of the questions that you need to ask yourself before you choose the best 12 string guitar strings for your needs. Keep reading to find out more about what makes a great set of strings for a 12 string guitar and discover some of the best options available on the market today.
10 Best 12 String Guitar Strings
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Ideal for electric guitars with 12 strings, offering a light gauge and high-quality sound.
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2
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Ideal for acoustic guitarists looking for bright and long-lasting strings to play 12-string instruments with a light gauge.
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3
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Ideal for acoustic guitar players looking for a long-lasting and bright tone.
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4
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Ideal for acoustic 12-string guitar with a natural, clear, and focused tone in a light gauge.
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5
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Ideal for acoustic guitar players looking for rich and full tone, made in the US with 3-pack offering.
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6
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Ideal for acoustic guitars with a bright and balanced tone, made for players who prefer a light string gauge.
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7
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Ideal for electric guitars, producing warm, bright and vintage sound with easy playability and long-lasting durability in jazz and other styles.
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8
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This product is ideal for those who need extra light 12 string sets made of 92/8 phosphor bronze with a flexible core.
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9
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The product is ideal for musicians playing a 12 string electric guitar with a high-quality sound and durability.
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10
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Ideal for acoustic guitar players looking for durable and bright-sounding strings with a comfortable feel.
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1. D'addario Guitar Strings| Electric | 12 String | 3 Pack | Exl150 | Light
The D'Addario 12 String Guitar Strings, proudly made in the USA, are a must-have for any guitar enthusiast. This product comes in a convenient 3 pack, providing a great value for your money.
These strings are made from high quality materials, ensuring durability and longevity. The precision wound strings provide a clear and balanced tone, allowing you to produce rich and harmonious sounds with ease.
The D'Addario 12 String Guitar Strings are designed to fit most acoustic guitars with twelve strings, making them a versatile choice for musicians of all skill levels. The medium gauge thickness provides a balance between playability and tone, allowing for a comfortable playing experience without sacrificing sound quality.
Whether you're a seasoned musician or a beginner, these guitar strings are a reliable and high-quality choice. The D'Addario brand has a long-standing reputation for excellence in the music industry, and these strings are no exception.
2. Nanocoat 12-String Guitar Strings By Elixir
Introducing the 12-string acoustic guitar strings, designed to enhance the playing experience of any musician. These strings are constructed with high-quality phosphor bronze wrap wire, ensuring a dynamic balance of rich, full-bodied tone and sparkling high-end clarity that will elevate your music to the next level.
One of the key features of these strings is the ultra-thin NANOWEB Coating, which provides a traditionally textured, “uncoated” feel. The patented coating technology used in these strings protects against common corrosion, extending tone life longer than any other brand’s coated or uncoated strings, as confirmed by the Elixir Strings player survey.
The 12-string Light gauge set includes six strings with the following gauges: .010/.010 .014/.014 .023/.009 .030/.012 .039/.018 .047/.027. These specifications ensure that the strings are optimized for a 12-string acoustic guitar, providing a well-balanced and harmonious sound.
Whether you are a professional musician or a beginner, these strings are designed to meet the needs of all players. They are easy to install and provide a reliable and consistent performance. With their exceptional durability and long-lasting tone, these 12-string acoustic guitar strings are sure to enhance the sound of your instrument and bring out the best in your music.
3. Elixir Strings 16539 Light 80/20 Bronze Nanoweb Acoustic Guitar Strings 3-Pack (.012.053)
The acoustic guitar strings are a high-quality product constructed with 80/20 bronze wrap wire, which is a blend of 80% copper and 20% zinc. These strings are perfect for those seeking a bright tone with an expressive and vibrant presence.
One of the standout features of these strings is the ultra-thin NANOWEB Coating that provides a smooth feel when playing. This coating is a patented technology that protects against common corrosion and debris buildup, which extends the tone life of the strings longer than any other brand's coated or uncoated strings. This claim is supported by Elixir Strings player survey.
Additionally, these acoustic guitar strings are from America's #1 acoustic guitar string brand as per MI Sales Trak (US $ Vol). This is a testament to the quality and popularity of the product in the market.
4. Cleartone Nickel Bronze 12-String Guitar Strings
Experience a rich and clear sound with D'Addario Nickel Bronze strings, made with nickel-plated phosphor bronze that is wrapped over a hexagonal NY steel core. These strings produce a clear and focused sound that brings out the best in the guitar’s wood, thanks to the nickel-plated phosphor bronze wrap wire.
Apart from offering excellent sound quality, these strings also come with increased corrosion resistance due to the nickel-plating, ensuring that they last longer than uncoated strings.
As an added bonus, players can earn reward points with the recyclable VCI bag that comes with a code. Register the code to earn Players Circle points and enjoy exclusive rewards.
D'Addario is committed to producing quality products, and these Nickel Bronze strings are no exception. They are made in the USA, drawn to exacting specifications at the New York production facility.
Upgrade your guitar's sound with the superior quality and performance of D'Addario Nickel Bronze strings.
5. Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings – Rich Tone.
If you're looking for corrosion-resistant, high-quality strings for your acoustic guitar, look no further than D'Addario Phosphor Bronze acoustic guitar strings. These strings are precision wound with phosphor bronze wrap wire over a hexagonal high-carbon steel core, providing a warm, balanced tone that is suitable for all musical genres.
First pioneered by D'Addario in the 1970s, Phosphor Bronze strings have now become the standard in acoustic guitar strings. The tried-and-true D'Addario acoustic tone has been trusted by musicians for decades, and these strings are no exception.
When you purchase D'Addario Phosphor Bronze acoustic guitar strings, you also have the opportunity to earn reward points through the Players Circle program. Simply register the code found on the recyclable VCI bag that comes with your strings, and start earning points towards exclusive rewards.
These strings are made in the USA, drawn to exacting specifications at D'Addario's New York production facility. With their corrosion-resistant properties and precision winding, these strings will provide reliable, high-quality performance for your acoustic guitar.
6. Stringjoy Nb1254 Naturals Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings, (Light Gauge – 12-54)
Looking for a reliable set of acoustic guitar strings that will stay in tune, deliver a smooth performance, and provide consistent tone? Look no further than Stringjoy!
Stringjoy is committed to quality control, with every string inspected by three different people to guarantee optimal resonance, intonation, and tuning stability. But that's not all – these strings are also mathematically optimized to balance tension, providing a smooth and even performance across the entire fretboard.
Say goodbye to inconsistent tone – Stringjoy strings deliver a warm, full sound that hits the sweet spot quickly and stays there. Whether you're a beginner or a professional, you'll appreciate the superior quality and performance of these strings.
And if you ever have any issues or concerns, Stringjoy's industry-leading customer service is there to help. They're so confident in the quality of their product that they offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Buy with confidence, knowing that if anything goes wrong, Stringjoy has your back.
Upgrade your acoustic guitar with Stringjoy strings and experience the difference in quality, performance, and customer service.
7. Warm And Vintage Jazz Light Guitar Strings.
The XL Pure Nickel electric guitar strings from D'Addario are a must-have for any musician looking to achieve a vintage sound. These strings are designed to offer the same rich, clean sound heard in early blues, rock & roll, and country music of the 1950s.
The secret to their rich sound is the use of pure nickel wrap wire, which is known to revive the vintage tone of early guitar music. Additionally, the strings are made with D'Addario's proprietary Hex-Core, ensuring perfect intonation, consistent feel, and reliable durability.
As an added bonus, each Pure Nickel set comes with a recyclable VCI bag that includes a code to register for Players Circle points. These points can be redeemed for exclusive rewards and merchandise.
D'Addario takes pride in manufacturing their electric guitar strings in the USA. Each set is drawn to exacting specifications at their New York production facility, ensuring the highest quality and consistency.
8. Flex-Core Bronze 12-String Set
The Silk & Phosphor Acoustic Guitar Strings are a must-have for guitar enthusiasts who are looking for a comfortable and high-quality playing experience. These strings are designed to provide a smooth feel, reduce finger fatigue, and offer the perfect balance between comfort and tone.
One of the unique features of these strings is their extra light 12-string set, with gauges of .010/.010, .014/.014, .025/.010, .032/.012, .042/.018, and .054/.027. These gauges are carefully chosen to ensure that the strings are easy to play, making them perfect for fingerstyle and note bending techniques.
Despite their lightweight design, these guitar strings offer a comfortable playing experience without sacrificing tone. You can expect a rich and warm sound that complements your playing style and enhances your overall performance.
Designed to last, these strings are made with high-quality materials and are built to withstand the rigors of frequent playing. With a tension of 282.6, these strings provide the perfect balance between playability and durability.
9. Rickenbacker 95404 12 String Electric Guitar Strings
Introducing the Genuine Rickenbacker Strings, a must-have for all guitar enthusiasts and musicians. These strings have been specifically designed to be used on the new 12 string Rickenbackers since 2010. With their superior quality and excellent sound, these strings are sure to take your guitar playing experience to the next level.
The Genuine Rickenbacker Strings come in a set of six with the following parameters: 10p-13p-20w-26w-36w-46w / 10p-13p-10p-13p-20w-26w. These strings are made from high-quality materials that ensure durability and longevity, and they produce a rich, warm tone that is perfect for any genre of music.
These strings are easy to install and maintain, and they offer excellent playability and responsiveness. The 10p-13p-20w-26w-36w-46w gauge is ideal for players who prefer a thicker, more robust sound, while the 10p-13p-10p-13p-20w-26w gauge is perfect for those who prefer a lighter, more delicate tone.
Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned professional, the Genuine Rickenbacker Strings are a great investment for any guitar player. They are manufactured to the highest standards of quality and performance, ensuring that you get the best possible sound from your instrument.
10. 3 Sets Of Elixir 11052 Light Acoustic Strings (12-53) (Nanoweb)
Introducing a set of guitar strings that will bring your music to life – the 12-16-24-32-42-53 80/20 Bronze Strings. These strings are designed to elevate the sound quality of your guitar with their bright tone, making it sound more melodious and captivating.
The 80/20 Bronze material used in these strings is of the highest quality, making them highly durable and long-lasting. This feature is particularly useful for guitar players who need to frequently change strings due to wear and tear. With these strings, you can be sure that they will last for a longer period, saving you money in the long run.
The set includes six strings with gauges of 12-16-24-32-42-53, providing the perfect balance of tension and playability. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned professional, these strings will deliver the ideal tension and response for your guitar. You'll enjoy playing with them, and your audience will love listening to your music.
The 80/20 Bronze material used in these strings is renowned for providing a bright and vibrant tone that is perfect for a wide range of music genres. From folk to country and everything in between, these strings will produce the perfect sound for your music.
Best 12 String Guitar Strings FAQs
Are coated or uncoated strings better for 12 string guitars?
When it comes to choosing strings for your 12-string guitar, there are different opinions on whether coated or uncoated strings are better. Coated strings have a thin layer of material, usually polymer, applied to the outer wire to protect them from wear and tear from playing. These strings tend to last longer and retain their brightness for a more extended period. On the other hand, uncoated strings have a more natural feel and sound, but they tend to wear out faster.
It ultimately depends on personal preference and playing style. If you're someone who plays frequently and wants to avoid the hassle of changing strings often, coated strings would be a good option. They will also benefit players with acidic sweat, as the coating can protect the strings from corrosion. However, if you prefer a more natural sound and feel, uncoated strings may be the better choice. Additionally, if you're a player who doesn't play as often, the difference in lifespan may not be as noticeable, and uncoated strings could be a more cost-effective option.
Are there any strings specifically designed for 12 string electric guitars?
Yes, there are strings that are specifically designed for 12 string electric guitars. These strings are typically made with a thinner gauge than strings designed for acoustic 12 string guitars, as electric guitars typically require less tension to produce their sound. Additionally, electric 12 string guitar strings may have a different winding or coating to help reduce unwanted noise or feedback. Some popular brands that offer strings for 12 string electric guitars include D'Addario, Ernie Ball, and Elixir. It's important to note that not all strings will work on all guitars, so it's important to check the manufacturer's recommendations or consult with a guitar technician if you're unsure which strings to use on your specific guitar.
Can I use electric guitar strings on my 12 string acoustic guitar?
Technically, you can use electric guitar strings on your 12 string acoustic guitar, but it is not recommended. The main difference between electric and acoustic guitar strings is that acoustic strings are typically thicker and have higher tension because they need to resonate with the larger body of an acoustic guitar. On the other hand, electric guitar strings are thinner and have lower tension because they rely on amplification to produce sound.
Using electric guitar strings on your 12 string acoustic guitar can result in a weaker and thinner sound because the strings will not provide enough tension to properly vibrate the larger body. Additionally, the thinner strings can cause damage to the neck and bridge of the guitar, as they are not designed to withstand the extra tension.
It is always best to use strings specifically designed for your instrument to ensure the best sound quality and avoid potential damage. Therefore, it is highly recommended to use acoustic guitar strings on your 12 string acoustic guitar.
How often should I change the strings on my 12 string guitar?
The frequency of changing strings on a 12-string guitar can vary depending on factors such as the type of strings used, how often the guitar is played, and the player's personal preference. However, as a general guideline, it is recommended to change the strings every 3-4 months if you play your 12-string guitar regularly. If you are a professional musician or perform frequently, you may need to change your strings more often to ensure optimal sound quality and performance.
It is also important to note that strings can wear out or break over time, so it is important to keep an eye on their condition and replace them as needed. Additionally, if you notice any changes in tone or intonation, it may be a sign that it is time to change your strings.
Ultimately, the decision to change your strings should be based on your individual needs and the condition of your guitar. Regular maintenance and string changes can help to improve the sound and playability of your 12-string guitar, so it is worth investing the time and effort to keep it in top condition.
What are the best 12 string guitar strings for a bright, crisp tone?
When it comes to choosing the best 12 string guitar strings for a bright, crisp tone, there are a few options that stand out. One popular choice is the D'Addario EXP38 Coated Phosphor Bronze 12-String set, which is known for its clear, bright sound and long-lasting coating. Another great option is the Elixir Nanoweb Light Phosphor Bronze 12-String set, which features a patented coating that helps to enhance the brightness and clarity of your tone while also extending the life of your strings. Other possibilities to consider include the Martin MSP7600 SP Lifespan 12-String set, which uses a special coating to protect against corrosion and deliver a consistent, bright sound, and the Ernie Ball 2556 Everlast Phosphor Bronze 12-String set, which offers a bright, punchy tone and excellent durability. Ultimately, the best 12 string guitar strings for a bright, crisp tone will depend on your personal preferences and playing style, so it's worth experimenting with a few different options until you find the perfect fit.
What are the best 12 string guitar strings for fingerstyle playing?
When it comes to finding the best 12 string guitar strings for fingerstyle playing, there are a few factors to consider. First and foremost, you'll want to look for strings that are easy to fret and have a clear, bright tone. Some of the top options for fingerstyle players include D'Addario EXP38 Coated Phosphor Bronze strings, Martin MSP7600 strings, and Elixir 16152 Phosphor Bronze Nanoweb strings. These strings are all known for their superior sound quality and durability, making them ideal for players who want to achieve a rich, full-bodied tone while maintaining precision and control. Additionally, many fingerstyle players prefer lighter gauge strings, as they allow for greater flexibility and a more nuanced sound. Ultimately, the best 12 string guitar strings for fingerstyle playing will depend on your personal preferences and playing style, so it's worth experimenting with a few different options to find the one that works best for you.
What are the most affordable 12 string guitar string options?
There are many brands and types of 12-string guitar strings available in the market, and their prices vary depending on the quality, material, and brand. However, there are affordable options available for those who are on a budget.
One of the most affordable 12 string guitar string options is the D'Addario EJ38H phosphor bronze set, which is known for its durability and clear projection. Another option is the Ernie Ball Earthwood 12-String Bronze, which offers a warm tone and long-lasting playability.
The Martin M1600 Marquis Silk and Steel strings are another affordable option. They are known for their soft feel and mellow, warm tone. Additionally, the Fender 150XL strings are popular among guitarists for their affordability and bright sound.
Overall, there are many affordable 12-string guitar string options available, each with their unique characteristics and sound qualities. It is important to choose a set of strings that suits your playing style and preferences, while also fitting your budget.
What gauge of strings should I use for my 12 string guitar?
When it comes to choosing the right gauge of strings for your 12 string guitar, there are a few factors you should consider. Firstly, it’s important to understand that the gauge of strings refers to the thickness of the strings. A thicker gauge will result in a richer, fuller sound, but can also be harder to play.
For a 12 string guitar, a common gauge is .010-.047. This gauge strikes a balance between a full sound and ease of playability. However, some players may prefer a slightly thicker or thinner gauge depending on their playing style and personal preference.
If you’re unsure which gauge to choose, it’s worth experimenting with different gauges to find the one that feels and sounds best for you. Keep in mind that changing the gauge of strings can also affect the guitar’s intonation, so it’s a good idea to have the guitar professionally set up after changing the strings. Overall, the best gauge of strings for your 12 string guitar will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
What is the difference between phosphor bronze and 80/20 bronze strings for 12 string guitars?
Phosphor bronze and 80/20 bronze are two popular types of strings used on 12 string guitars. The main difference between the two is the material used in their construction. Phosphor bronze strings are made with a combination of copper and phosphor, while 80/20 bronze strings are made with a combination of copper and zinc.
In terms of sound, phosphor bronze strings are known for their warm and rich tone, with a well-balanced sound across the frequency spectrum. On the other hand, 80/20 bronze strings have a brighter and more cutting sound, with a strong emphasis on the mid and high frequencies.
When it comes to choosing between the two, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the sound you are looking to achieve. If you want a warmer and more balanced tone, phosphor bronze strings may be the way to go. If you prefer a brighter and more cutting sound, 80/20 bronze strings may be a better fit for you. It's also worth noting that different brands and gauges of strings can also affect the sound, so it's always a good idea to experiment and find what works best for you and your 12 string guitar.
Which brand offers the most durable 12 string guitar strings?
When it comes to choosing the most durable 12 string guitar strings, there are several brands that stand out. However, one brand that is known for offering some of the most durable strings is Elixir. Elixir strings are constructed with a unique coating that helps to protect against corrosion and rust, which can significantly extend the life of the strings. Additionally, the winding process used by Elixir ensures that the strings stay in tune longer and can withstand frequent playing without breaking or losing their tone.
Another brand that is worth considering is D'Addario. Their EXP series of strings features a special coating that protects against corrosion and rust, while also delivering a bright tone and excellent playability. These strings are designed to last longer than traditional strings and can provide a more consistent tone over time.
Ultimately, the choice of the most durable 12 string guitar strings will depend on your personal preferences and playing style. However, Elixir and D'Addario are two brands that are known for offering some of the most durable strings on the market.
