Detail 01
Phosphor bronze wound strings
Warmer and less brash than 80/20 bronze, with a longer usable life before the top end dulls.
Product detailSKU #1274034477986
D'AddarioEJ39 PB Medium 12-String Acoustic Guitar String Set
Sale
1/7
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
Medium-gauge phosphor bronze set for 12-string acoustics. For players who want full volume and a strong 12-string chime rather than easy playability.
Strong match
Who this is for
- 12-string rhythm playing where volume and chime matter
- Guitars built for medium tension that sound thin with lights
- Players comfortable with a stiffer feel and heavier left hand
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Any 6-string guitar — the set has 12 strings
- Vintage or lightly braced 12-strings that need lower tension
- Players with hand fatigue or a light fingerstyle touch
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
Medium gauge on a 12-string
Twelve strings already pull hard. Medium adds more tension still, so volume goes up and the neck works harder.
Detail 03
Octave and unison pairs
Four courses pair a normal string with a thin octave string. The octaves are fragile and break most often.
Detail 04
Complete 12-string set
All twelve strings in one package, so you are not buying two 6-string sets and matching gauges.
Detail 05
Plain steel trebles
The unwound high strings and their octave partners are the thinnest in the set and go dead soonest.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Confirm your 12-string is rated for medium tension. Many are built for lights
- 02A truss rod and action check is likely after switching from lighter strings
- 03Many 12-string players tune down a step or two to reduce load
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Will medium gauge damage my 12-string?
Twelve strings at medium tension pull hard on the top and neck. Check the maker's recommended gauge. If the guitar shipped with lights, switching to mediums can raise action and stress the bridge.
02Can I use this set on a 6-string?
No. It contains twelve strings including four thin octave strings that have no place on a 6-string, and the six main gauges are chosen for 12-string tension.
03Phosphor bronze or 80/20 for a 12-string?
Phosphor bronze is warmer and holds its tone longer. 80/20 is brighter and more jangly out of the package. On a 12-string, the extra brightness of 80/20 can turn harsh.
04Why do the thin octave strings keep breaking?
They are the highest-tension, smallest-diameter strings in the set. Wind them carefully, avoid kinks at the tuner post, and check the bridge and nut slots for burrs.
