Detail 01
Medium gauge
More tension than light. Stronger attack and fuller low end, but harder to fret and bend across twelve strings.
Product detailSKU #1273887998573
Ernie Ball2236 Nickel 12-String Medium Electric Guitar Strings
1/2
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
Medium-gauge nickel electric strings for a 12-string. For players who strum hard and want more tension, volume, and low-end than a light set gives.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Hard strumming rhythm parts on an electric 12
- Players who find light sets feel loose or rattle
- Drop or lowered tunings that slacken a light set
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Players with hand strain or who bend a lot
- Acoustic 12-strings, which need bronze, not nickel
- Anyone wanting the easiest possible fretting hand
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
Nickel wound
Built for magnetic pickups. Unplugged on an acoustic body they sound thin and underpowered.
Detail 03
12-string set
Twelve strings in six pairs with octave partners on the lower courses. Sold as a full set.
Detail 04
Medium tension times twelve
Total neck pull is substantially higher than a light 12-string set. Older or lightly built necks may not want it.
Detail 05
$17.99
A few dollars over the light set — the difference is gauge, not construction.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Moving up from light gauge usually needs truss rod and intonation adjustment
- 02Nut slots may need widening if the guitar came strung lighter
- 03No winder or cutters included; a winder saves real time here
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01What is the difference between this and the 2233 set?
Gauge only. The 2236 is medium, the 2233 is light. Same nickel construction and same twelve-string layout.
02Will medium gauge hurt my 12-string neck?
Twelve medium strings put noticeably more pull on the neck than a light set. Have the relief checked after the change, especially on an older instrument.
03Can I use these on a six-string electric?
No. The set is built as six pairs for a 12-string and the octave strings have no place on a six.
04Do these fit an acoustic 12-string?
They will physically fit, but nickel does not drive an acoustic top well. Use bronze strings for acoustic.
