12 string guitar strings

[Kupuna50]

Sold my Taylor 654 12 string guitar. Had a good feel to it but just way too many overtones.
Purchased a Martin D-12-28. Preferred a 12 string dread. Excellent choice!

What string brand do you recommend! And why?
Thanks!!

[Fire&Rain]

I am partial to Elixir Nanowebs on my Alvarez. Tuned down a full step. Good tone, easy to play, nice sustain.

[Silly Moustache]

I use D'addario Ej37s tuned down a tone on my D12-20.

[birkenweg42]

Originally Posted by Silly Moustache

I use D'addario Ej37s tuned down a tone on my D12-20.

That's what I have been using on my Guild F212XL. I do tune down three half steps. I'm going for growl, not chime.
I had tried Elixirs Heavy on previous 12 strings and liked the less frequent string changes.

[44Runner]

Originally Posted by Fire&Rain

I am partial to Elixir Nanowebs on my Alvarez. Tuned down a full step. Good tone, easy to play, nice sustain.

Same...

Coated strings are double awesome on a 12 string because changing strings on a 12 is such a pain.

[jomaynor]

Originally Posted by 44Runner

Same...

Coated strings are double awesome on a 12 string because changing strings on a 12 is such a pain.

Yes, I agree - and even more of a pita on a pinless bridge, like the ones that Breedlove uses, since you have to bend up the string end "just so" in order to load the string over the saddle, which can be fiddly.

I'm not a fan of coated strings, per se, but I use the Elixir nanowebs on my 12 string.
The gauge depends on how low you tune the guitar - for D standard and lower, mediums; for standard tuning, lights.

[AZLiberty]

Originally Posted by 44Runner

Same...

Coated strings are double awesome on a 12 string because changing strings on a 12 is such a pain.

And here I was thinking that they were a waste since there are so many plain strings.

[brianmay]

I also have a D12-28 bought 4 years ago or so.

I use Elixir Extra Light Nanowebs or sometimes Polywebs tuned to pitch.

They sound great and last and last. Not had one iota of problems.

Bottom line is, of course, it's only your opinion that matters.

[L20A]

I switched to Martin Lifespan, coated strings.
All of the strings are coated.
They have a crisper and more natural sound than I was getting from Elixir strings.
They lase at least as long as the Elixir strings do, perhaps even longer.

[Bingoccc]

I too switched to Martin Lifespans because of the string changing frustration. The only problem is that I found I really miss the sound of light strings (as opposed to extra light). Martin Lifespans don't come in lights for a 12. Martin Marquis do but they are not coated.

[The Growler]

Originally Posted by Fire&Rain

I am partial to Elixir Nanowebs on my Alvarez. Tuned down a full step. Good tone, easy to play, nice sustain.

Same here. Lights. Standard tuning. Or drop D.

[jgmaute]

I've got a '67 Guild f-312. I use DR Rare Phosphor Bronze Lights. They sound bright but not jangly (if that makes any sense!) and give my 12 the best sound I can remember it having. (of course the older it gets the better it sounds, nothing like a 47-year-old BRW Guild to sound sweet!)

[Kip Carter]

I use Elixir Nanoweb Lights and concert pitch. Action is great on my Yamaha and these are a breeze to play.. sound wonderful..

[franchelB]

I cannot recommend Elixir Nanowebs enough times...

[scottishrogue]

I play Martin "Silk & Steel" Lights on both of my 12-string guitars. They sound so good, it makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up and tingle! Low action without any buzz!

Glen