Guitar Strings and Sound.

Subject: Guitar Strings and Sound.
From: saulgoldie
Date: 19 Dec 21 - 10:50 AM

I have a nice 1975 Martin D12-20 12 String. The sound is a bit bright, maybe even a little tinny. Could any particular strings make a difference? I don't know what strings are on it, at the moment.

Thanks for the help.

Saul

Subject: RE: Guitar Strings and Sound.
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 19 Dec 21 - 11:26 AM

I assume you can’t have had it long if you don’t know what’s on it. It’s much the same as with six string guitars; bronze strings are less “tinny” than grey looking ones and heavier strings give a more solid sound than lights. You might like to try some of the coated strings which tend not to be as bright as their un-coated equivalents.

The other thing to bear in mind is that twelve strings aren’t usually tuned up to the same pitch as six string guitars. Tuning a tone, or even two, below concert pich will give a deeper sound.

Subject: RE: Guitar Strings and Sound.
From: GUEST,gillymor
Date: 19 Dec 21 - 11:40 AM

GHS
has a chart describing the characteristics of their acoustic guitar strings. I've used silk and steel to mellow out a bright guitar, but it's not everyone's cup of tea.

Subject: RE: Guitar Strings and Sound.
From: matt milton
Date: 19 Dec 21 - 04:27 PM

I don't know what constitutes a medium or high guage for a 12-string, but you'll probably find that going for that could make a difference.

On my 6 strings I usually use Daddario Phosphor Bronze - they do 12 string sets too.

Subject: RE: Guitar Strings and Sound.
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 19 Dec 21 - 05:27 PM

I suspect it’s much the same for 12s as it is for 6s - E = 13 is medium - but go too heavy and you’ll bend or rip the neck off!

The 70s wasn’t a great decade for Martin guitars and adjustable truss rods didn’t come in until c.1980.

Subject: RE: Guitar Strings and Sound.
From: GUEST,Mark
Date: 20 Dec 21 - 09:22 AM

GHS and D'Addario have guides on their websites discussing which string compositions have brighter or more mellow tones. I'd suggest looking at them, and trying what they suggest. I'm generally a D'Addario user but haven't played 12-string in more than 30 years, so can't really comment in any detail.

I wouldn't be inclined to try anything heavier than 12s on 12-string, and would consider down-tuning to D.