Detail 01
Silk and steel
Silk layer under the wrap wire cuts tension and brightness. Softer feel, warmer and quieter than plain bronze.
Product detailSKU #1273887998364
Ernie Ball2051 Earthwood 80/20 Bronze Silk and Steel 12-String Soft Acoustic Guitar Strings
1/2
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
Silk-and-steel 12-string acoustic set with lower tension than standard bronze. For players whose 12-string is uncomfortable to fret or older in build.
Strong match
Who this is for
- 12-string players fighting hand fatigue on standard bronze sets
- Fingerstyle 12-string work where softer attack suits the part
- Older or lightly built 12-strings where lower tension is safer
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Players chasing maximum 12-string jangle and volume
- Heavy strummers who want a set that pushes back
- Six-string guitars — this is a 12-string set only
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
80/20 bronze
Brighter and more cutting than phosphor bronze when new, but dulls faster as it oxidizes.
Detail 03
Soft tension
Less pull on the neck and easier fretting. Helps on a 12-string, where total string pull is already high.
Detail 04
12-string set
Six pairs — four octave pairs plus two unison. The thin octave strings are the ones that break first.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01One set only. No picks, winder, or extra octave strings included.
- 02Lower tension usually means less relief — expect a truss rod and action check.
- 03Tuning stability takes longer to settle across twelve strings than six.
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Will these fit my 12-string?
Yes, if it's a standard steel-string acoustic 12-string. The set covers all twelve positions with matched octave and unison pairs.
02Are silk and steel easier on the fingers?
Yes. The silk core layer lowers tension, so they fret with less pressure than a standard bronze set of similar gauge.
03Do these sound quieter?
Somewhat. Lower tension and the silk wrap reduce volume and top-end bite compared to standard 80/20 bronze. The trade is comfort and a warmer tone.
04How is 80/20 bronze different from phosphor bronze?
80/20 is brighter and more crisp out of the pack. Phosphor bronze holds its tone longer and sounds warmer.
