String gauge for Taylor 12 string 562CE

tbirdman · #1 12-05-2022, 11:43 AM

I'm acquiring a 2019 Taylor 12 string 562CE. Looking to buy a set of fresh strings for when it arrives this week. For my OM28 and Timberline Harp guitars I use 11 gauge. Most likely I will standard tuning. Should I step it down to 10s or continue with 11s which I like on my OM28.

I'm considering gauges only. I've been the down the rabbit hole of string brands.

I did purchase a 12 string capo G7th Newport.

Another guitar adventure begins. Now also I need to thin the herd.

brad4d8 · #2 12-05-2022, 12:28 PM

I used 11s or 12s on my F212 (in standard pitch) for years, decades, really. Recently switched to 10s as I've gotten older. No noticeable differences in sound, to me, but a little easier on the guitar and my hands.

cliff_the_stiff · #3 12-05-2022, 12:35 PM

I have this same guitar, I love the guitar.
I have tried 10s and 11s, my next plan is a set of 11s but I will change the g octave 9 to a 10, and the ee strings to 12s

Glennwillow · #4 12-05-2022, 01:39 PM

I would recommend D'Addario EJ38 (10s) for your Taylor 562CE. If you prefer coated strings the XSAPB1047 PB set or the XTAPB1047-12 are very good.

And congratulations on that guitar! That is a very cool little 12-string.

- Glenn

jseth · #5 12-05-2022, 02:58 PM

I would suggest the Elixir Nanoweb 12 string set... 11's would be just fine. These are the strings that Taylor puts on their guitars.

Personally, I have come to prefer the phosphor bronze Nanoweb set (12-53), same gauge as my 6 string acoustic. The "standard" set of Elixir Nanoweb strings for a 12 string are the 80-20 variety.

They ARE pricey, but once they settle in, the tone will last for a LOOOONG time! I've had sets on my Mark Angus 12 string (#58, 1983) for nearly three years, and they still sounded good after all that time!

Taylor makes a very nice 12 string, and the GS shape is perfect for a 12 string, in my opinion...

Enjoy!!!

rbr49x · #6 12-05-2022, 03:16 PM

Per the Taylor site - it likely came from the factory with these:

Elixir Phosphor Bronze NANOWEB Light Gauge (.010 -.047)

https://www.taylorguitars.com/suppor...auge-reference

To confirm you can send a short email to [email protected]. My experience is that they are very quick to respond.

I'm sure you're gonna love that guitar!

Jimi2 · #7 12-05-2022, 03:31 PM

Congrats - I have a slightly older example of that guitar and it’s great! I tried Curt Mangan 11s on mine, but ended up going back to tens. I liked the extra playability, even though I do open tunings a lot. I think for standard tuning 10s will probably be fine for you; ymmv though!

tbirdman · #8 12-05-2022, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jseth

I would suggest the Elixir Nanoweb 12 string set... 11's would be just fine. These are the strings that Taylor puts on their guitars.

Personally, I have come to prefer the phosphor bronze Nanoweb set (12-53), same gauge as my 6 string acoustic. The "standard" set of Elixir Nanoweb strings for a 12 string are the 80-20 variety.

They ARE pricey, but once they settle in, the tone will last for a LOOOONG time! I've had sets on my Mark Angus 12 string (#58, 1983) for nearly three years, and they still sounded good after all that time!

Taylor makes a very nice 12 string, and the GS shape is perfect for a 12 string, in my opinion...

Enjoy!!!

I use ac111 TI for my 6 string. I've also used Newton Heritage which are a little less. The TI strings for a 12 string range from $35 for 11s to $48 for 10s. I may go the cheaper route.[emoji3]

egordon99 · #9 12-05-2022, 04:19 PM

I have the 356 12-string and use 10s. Can you even stick 12s on a 12-string? My hand hurts thinking about it (even though I play with 12s or 13s on my six stringers)

tbirdman · #10 12-05-2022, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rbr49x

Per the Taylor site - it likely came from the factory with these:

Elixir Phosphor Bronze NANOWEB Light Gauge (.010 -.047)

https://www.taylorguitars.com/suppor...auge-reference

To confirm you can send a short email to [email protected]. My experience is that they are very quick to respond.

I'm sure you're gonna love that guitar!

Taylor has confirmed the 526CE came Elixir Phosphor Bronze NANOWEB Light Gauge (.010 -.047) strings.

edward993 · #11 12-05-2022, 11:30 PM

Elixir 12-string set in PB for me (so yes, these are 10s). For a long time now …love these for the tone and their longevity.

Edward

HogsNRoses · #12 12-06-2022, 07:43 AM

I use Pyramid 339, which are 11-50. What you don’t see in the gauge number is that the octaves are lighter than usual, making the overall tension the same. The playability is better for me because the A string (18 gauge in a 10-47 set and 15 gauge in Pyramid 339) is the hard one to Barre.

Another alternative heavier set is the GHS 11-48. They go light on the octaves also.

The Pyramid 339 are under $10 a set from Germany. Try Banzai music or Thomann.

donlyn · #13 12-06-2022, 09:09 AM

String gauge for Taylor 12 string 562CE

I use the Elixir PB Light 12 string set on my Taylor 12 string guitars. The gauge is {.010 -.047}, and I tune them down a semi-tone to 'D#'. The 458e-R Grand Orchestra sounds amazing with these. And the 355 Jumbo is tuned to DADGAD intervals from there, {c#C#, g#G#, etcetera, to C#C#}. Mmmm.

And as jseth and edward993 pointed out, they do last a long, long time. As do the Elixirs with which I string my six string guitars, mostly with the Elixir PB HD Light gauge {.013 - .053}. Yes, the unwound treble strings are Medium gauge and the 'G' string is a bit of a hybrid. In fact, the gauge as a whole is a hybrid gauge. Just like the feel and tone from the added {.001} to the trebles with these.

I also fingerpick all my instruments using my nails as picks. I suspect it may cause less stress to the strings than using picks. Don't really know, nor do I really care. Just know what I like.

Be well and play well,

Don
.

gmel555 · #14 12-06-2022, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tbirdman

.....2019 Taylor 12 string 562CE... For my OM28 and Timberline Harp guitars I use 11 gauge. Most likely I will standard tuning....

I have a 752ce (same dimensions as the 562). I've been happy using 10-47 (or similar) for several years. I think 10-47's (ie, thinner than typical 6 strings) are a popular gauge for two reasons: 1) lowering the tension (from 12-strings) on both the neck joint and top; 2) providing a comfortable tension for fretting doubled strings. If you've been using 11's on your 6-string I'd think you'll prefer 10's vs 11's. WTS I just ordered a Santa Cruz Parabolic 12-string set. While shopping their holiday sale I noticed these for the first time last week. I'm a big fan of SC Parabolics. They're more expensive than typical strings but -for me- they last a very long time and I REALLY like the tone and feel of their 6-string sets. (Haven't rec'd my 12-string set yet, so no direct impressions, but I'm very hopeful.)

tbirdman · #15 12-06-2022, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmel555

I have a 752ce (same dimensions as the 562). I've been happy using 10-47 (or similar) for several years. I think 10-47's (ie, thinner than typical 6 strings) are a popular gauge for two reasons: 1) lowering the tension (from 12-strings) on both the neck joint and top; 2) providing a comfortable tension for fretting doubled strings. If you've been using 11's on your 6-string I'd think you'll prefer 10's vs 11's. WTS I just ordered a Santa Cruz Parabolic 12-string set. While shopping their holiday sale I noticed these for the first time last week. I'm a big fan of SC Parabolics. They're more expensive than typical strings but -for me- they last a very long time and I REALLY like the tone and feel of their 6-string sets. (Haven't rec'd my 12-string set yet, so no direct impressions, but I'm very hopeful.)

I bought a set of Elixir PB Light 12 string set .10s. I recently tried SC Parabolics .11s on my 6 string. I thought they were ok, but not worth the cost especially since I change my strings every month. I'm not sure I will be doing that on my 12 string.