Detail 01
Medium gauge (.013-.056)
High tension. Drives the top harder for more volume and low end, but noticeably stiffer under the fingers.
Product detailSKU #1292606662002
D'AddarioEJ17 Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Strings - Medium (13-56)
1/9
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
A single set of medium-gauge phosphor bronze acoustic strings, 13-56. For flatpickers and strummers who want volume and low end.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Hard strumming and bluegrass flatpicking
- Dreadnoughts and larger bodies that can drive heavy strings
- Players who want more bass and projection than lights give
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Parlor, small-body, or vintage guitars not braced for medium tension
- Fingerstyle players who want light touch response
- Beginners with unconditioned fingertips
What matters in use
The specifications, translated
Catalog numbers tell only part of the story. These are the details most likely to change how this product feels, sounds, or fits into a setup.
Detail 02
Phosphor bronze
Warmer and darker than 80/20 bronze, with more midrange. Also resists corrosion longer than plain bronze.
Detail 03
Wound third string
Standard on acoustic sets. Fuller than a plain G, but third-string bends take real hand strength at this gauge.
Detail 04
Ball end, six-string set
Fits any standard steel-string acoustic with a pinned or pinless bridge. Not for classical or nylon-string guitars.
Detail 05
Single set
One restring. Buy in quantity if you change strings often; single sets cost more per restring.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Moving to mediums from lights raises neck tension and usually needs a truss rod adjustment
- 02Confirm your guitar is rated for medium tension before installing
- 03Steel strings only. Never put these on a nylon-string classical guitar
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Are mediums too heavy for my acoustic?
Most dreadnoughts handle them. Small-body, parlor, and older or lightly braced guitars often shouldn't take medium tension. Check with the builder if unsure.
02Phosphor bronze or 80/20?
Phosphor bronze is warmer with more midrange and holds its tone longer. 80/20 is brighter and more scooped when fresh but fades faster.
03Will these work on a 12-string?
No. This is a six-string set. A 12-string needs a dedicated set with octave strings.
04Do I need a setup after switching to 13s?
Likely. Higher tension pulls more neck relief and can raise the action. Check relief and intonation, and adjust the truss rod if needed.
Reference
Full specifications
The complete catalog record, organized around the decisions musicians make when comparing gear.
1 detailsBody & build
- Color
- (13-56)
