12.5 Light/Medium Strings

Ricjo · February 2021

Hi,

I'm trying different sets of strings for my dreadnought and have settled on a gauge of 12.5 (Light/Medium), which I hadn't ever used before and really enjoy. However, I've only found one brand (Martin Authentic acoustic MA545) that carries them - and by them I mean genuine 12.5 gauge, rather than a pack that mixes 12 and 13 gauge strings (as in the set of different gauges of strings that come with a pack of each of those).

Does anyone know of any other genuine 12.5 Light/Medium strings for acoustics I may be able to try? As mentioned above, I'm not interested in trying a set of string that has 12-gauge type on the 6th, 5th & 4th strings and 13-gauge type on the 3rd, 2nd & 1st strings. I'm looking for an average of size between 12 and 13. Thanks.

Winny_Pooh · February 2021

My favourite acoustic string makers have a custom option:

https://newtonestrings.com/shop/custom-string-configurator/

Ricjo · February 2021

Wow - that's proper fully custom! I wasn't aware there was such an option. That's pretty cool - thanks for sharing. I will certainly give them a shot.

Update: gave newton strings a try, but unfortunately they don't allow for configuration of half sizes

Tannin · February 2021

I'm in the same boat as you, Ricjo. 12s are a fraction underdone for me, 13s a fraction too much. The Martin 12.5 set is the only one I've ever heard of. (I haven't tried them because I mostly use brass rather than phosphor bronze. Depends on which guitar though.) For all of Newtone's many options, a 12.5 isn't on their menu. And so far as I know, Martin don't sell the 12.5 string on its own, only as part of a set.

I have found that theoretically identical weight string sets vary quite a bit. Some play a bit lighter than their specs (e.g., D'Addario EJ16), some a bit heavier (Sfarzo Light Phosphor Blend - but watch out for these as for some crazy reason they have a 15

. Experiment with lots of different brands. Some you will like better than others.

I see that you are not interested in light bottom, heavy top sets, but what about the reverse? Many makers have bluegrass sets, typically something like 12-16-24 35-45-56. These really do feel like a nice balance between standard 12s and standard 13s. Even though your 1st and 2nd strings are really still 12 and 16, they feel a tiny bit heavier because the extra tension from the heavier bottom strings raises the action ever so slightly.

DavidR · March 2021

I know I'm not answering your question as such, but have you tried Martin MM12 Retro? These are Monel strings. Just like guitar strings were before PB cam along in the 1970's. So significantly different composition which might give you what you want. Or might not. They have a different sound and last a lot longer than PB. Monel is a non-tarnishing steel used extensively in shipbuilding because it tarnishes less than other steels in salt water. I change mine (on dread) every 3-4 months and I play nearly every day. Less 'brassy'/'bright'. More steely and balanced across pitch IMHO. I like them a lot.

Worth a try at some point? They're nice to play - for me fingerstyle with picks mostly.

In respect of your actual question, can't help I'm afraid, apart from making up your own sets of course. Have you tried tuning up or down half a tone across all strings? Might not help in the way that you want and will certainly alter the intonation of your dread as there will be a different match with the resonant note of your soundbox. Also won't help if you're playing with others!

Hope that's helpful. Probably won't be! Hope you find what you're looking for.

Ricjo · March 2021

Thanks for your input, @DavidR - much appreciated!

I actually play Martin Monels on one of my other guitars. Really like them on mahogany guitars, but not so much on rosewood, which is the guitar I am using the 12.5s on.

I have discovered these alternatives:

https://www.curtmangan.com/12-5-55-80-20-bronze/

https://www.prestomusic.com/instruments-accessories/products/8839832--ew-2005-80-20-bronze-custom-medium-12-5-56

I also discovered Martin actually produced 12.5 80/20s (I failed to mention I was after 80/20s), but they have been discontinued

https://www.stringbrokers.com/martin-sp-8020-bronze-lightmedium-msp3150-acoustic-guitar-strings-0125-0550-2142-p.asp

I'll probably test some of the above, but feel it'll be an ongoing hassle to procure such strings going forward. I really don't want to be tuning up or down half a step, if I can avoid it! But thanks for the tip.

Tannin · March 2021

Be aware that nearly all non-wound strings are the same plain steel. They are never brass or bronze.

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12.5 Light/Medium Strings

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