Detail 01
80/20 bronze
Bright and zingy right out of the pack, with more top-end sparkle than phosphor bronze. It also dulls faster as it oxidizes.
Product detailSKU #1273887998491
Ernie Ball2010 Earthwood 80/20 Bronze 12-String Light Acoustic Guitar Strings
1/2
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
Light-gauge 80/20 bronze string set for 12-string acoustic guitars. Twelve strings, bright voicing, tension kept down for the neck's sake.
Strong match
Who this is for
- 12-string acoustics played for jangle and shimmer
- Recording, where 80/20 brightness cuts through a mix
- Players wanting less fight from a 12-string's tension
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Six-string guitars — you'd have six strings left over
- Players who want warm, mellow tone; phosphor bronze suits that better
- Anyone chasing long string life between changes
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
12-string set
Twelve strings in octave and unison pairs. The thin octave strings are the ones that snap, so keep a spare set around.
Detail 03
Light gauge
A 12-string already pulls enormous total tension. Light keeps that in check and makes barre chords playable.
Detail 04
Acoustic strings
Bronze is non-magnetic. These work with piezo pickups but won't drive a magnetic soundhole pickup properly.
Detail 05
$10.99 a set
About the same as a six-string set for twice the strings, which is unusual for 12-string packs.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Only fits a 12-string acoustic. Nothing here works on a six-string
- 02Many 12-string players tune down a half step to reduce neck strain
- 03Restringing twelve strings takes roughly twice as long — allow the time
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01What's the difference between 80/20 and phosphor bronze?
80/20 is brighter and more cutting when fresh but fades sooner. Phosphor bronze is warmer and holds its tone longer.
02Can I use these on a six-string guitar?
No. A 12-string set is arranged in pairs with thin octave strings that have no place on a six-string.
03Why light gauge for a 12-string?
Twelve strings stack up to far more pull on the top and neck than six. Light gauge keeps that tension and the playing effort manageable.
04Do I have to change all twelve at once?
No, and doing them a pair at a time keeps tension on the neck steadier. Changing all twelve at once is faster if you're also cleaning the fretboard.
