Best 12 String Guitar Strings (2026): 5 Picks Compared
Updated Oct 24, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Ranked from listed specifications · How we rank
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The Elixir phosphor bronze set leads this search as Best Overall, with NANOWEB coating and Light gauge 10-47 for a 12-string set. Players who want phosphor bronze get that material plus a coated set in Light gauge.
The picks at a glance
Which one should you buy?
- Players who want phosphor bronze strings with NANOWEB coating: Elixir See pick 1
- Players who want 80/20 bronze strings with NANOWEB coating: Elixir See pick 2
- Players who want Medium gauge 11-52 strings: Ernie Ball Earthwood 12-String Medium 80/20 Bronze See pick 3
- Players who want Light gauge 9-46 strings: Ernie Ball Earthwood 12-String Light Phosphor Bronze See pick 4
- Players who want 80/20 bronze strings in Light gauge: Martin Authentic Acoustic Guitar Strings See pick 5
Want the full range? Best Guitar Strings ranks the top guitar strings for every buyer, or browse all 46 guides.
The 5 picks, ranked
1Best Overall
It holds Best Overall with phosphor bronze, NANOWEB coating, and Light gauge 10-47.
Who it suits
- Players who want phosphor bronze strings with NANOWEB coating
- Players who want Light gauge 10-47 strings
Skip it if
- You want a Medium gauge set
- You want 80/20 bronze strings
The set holds 12 strings with phosphor bronze wrap wire. It is coated with NANOWEB Technology, in Light gauge 10-47. It is made for acoustic guitar, with a single pack.
2Runner-Up
It holds Runner-Up with 80/20 bronze, NANOWEB coating, and Light gauge 10-47.
Who it suits
- Players who want 80/20 bronze strings with NANOWEB coating
- Players who want a 12-string set in Light gauge
Skip it if
- You want a Medium gauge set
- You want phosphor bronze strings
The set holds 12 strings with 80/20 bronze wrap wire. It is coated with NANOWEB Technology, in Light gauge 10-47. It is made for acoustic guitar, with a single pack.
3Also Great
Ernie Ball Earthwood 12-String Medium 80/20 Bronze
- Coated strings not stated in the listing
- Material: 80/20 Bronze
- Gauge: Medium
It holds Also Great with 80/20 bronze, Medium gauge 11-52, and Element Shield packaging.
Who it suits
- Players who want Medium gauge 11-52 strings
- Players who want 80/20 bronze strings with Element Shield packaging
Skip it if
- You want a Light gauge set
- You want phosphor bronze strings
The set holds 12 strings in Medium gauge 11-52. It is made with 80/20 bronze on a steel core, with Element Shield packaging. It is made for acoustic guitar.
4Also Great
Ernie Ball Earthwood 12-String Light Phosphor Bronze
- Coated strings not stated in the listing
- Material: Phosphor Bronze
- Gauge: Light
It holds Also Great with phosphor bronze, Light gauge 9-46, and Element Shield packaging.
Who it suits
- Players who want Light gauge 9-46 strings
- Players who want phosphor bronze strings with Element Shield packaging
Skip it if
- You want a Medium gauge set
- You want 80/20 bronze strings
The set holds 12 strings in Light gauge 9-46. It is made with phosphor bronze on a steel core, with Element Shield packaging. It is made for acoustic guitar.
5Also Great
Martin Authentic Acoustic Guitar Strings
- Coated strings not stated in the listing
- Material: 80/20 Bronze
It holds Also Great with 80/20 bronze, Light gauge, and 12 strings.
Who it suits
- Players who want 80/20 bronze strings in Light gauge
- Players who want 12 strings with a tin-plated core
Skip it if
- You want a Medium gauge set
- You want phosphor bronze strings
The set holds 12 strings in Light gauge with 80/20 bronze. It has a tin-plated core wire and a bronze wrap wire. It is made for acoustic guitar.
Side by side
| Product | Coated strings | Sets in pack | Material | Gauge | Weight | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elixir | Yes | Not stated | Phosphor Bronze | Light | Not stated | Not stated |
| Elixir | Yes | Not stated | 80/20 Bronze | Light | Not stated | Not stated |
| Ernie Ball Earthwood 12-String Medium 80/20 Bronze | Not stated | Not stated | 80/20 Bronze | Medium | Not stated | Not stated |
| Ernie Ball Earthwood 12-String Light Phosphor Bronze | Not stated | Not stated | Phosphor Bronze | Light | Not stated | Not stated |
| Martin Authentic Acoustic Guitar Strings | Not stated | Not stated | 80/20 Bronze | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
How we ranked these guitar strings
Every pick has at least 100 customer ratings on Amazon and a listing with real specifications. The order mixes two things: how each model compares on the specs below (higher share of the best value in this group scores more), and how widely it is bought. The spec score runs from 9.0 to 9.8 and only compares these picks with each other. A spec the listing does not state is left out and the other specs are re-weighted; a listing with fewer than 2 stated specs is scored at half. We do not test gear in person. Full method.
- Coated strings weight 2
- Sets in pack weight 1
Buying advice: 12 string guitar strings
Count strings and check gauge
String count and gauge decide the set you buy. The Elixir phosphor bronze set has 12 strings in Light gauge 10-47. The Ernie Ball Medium set has 12 strings in Medium gauge 11-52. The Ernie Ball Light set has 12 strings in Light gauge 9-46. Compare string counts and gauges before looking at material, since those counts decide the set you need.
Check material and coating first
Material and coating change the set you pick. The Elixir sets are coated with NANOWEB Technology. The Ernie Ball sets use Element Shield packaging. The Martin set uses 80/20 bronze with a tin-plated core wire. Check material and coating against the set you already use, then check gauge before buying.
Match gauge, material, and setup
Gauge, material, and string count decide where a set fits in a setup. The Elixir phosphor bronze set is Light gauge 10-47 with NANOWEB coating. The Martin set is Light gauge with 80/20 bronze and 12 strings. The Ernie Ball Medium set is Medium gauge 11-52 with 80/20 bronze. Choose gauge, material, and string count that fit the setup you already use, then check coating before buying.
Frequently asked questions
How many strings are in the Best Overall set?
The Elixir phosphor bronze set holds 12 strings. It is Light gauge 10-47 with NANOWEB coating and phosphor bronze.
What is the difference between Light and Medium gauge?
The Elixir sets are Light gauge 10-47. The Ernie Ball Light set is Light gauge 9-46. The Ernie Ball Medium set is Medium gauge 11-52. Check the gauge against the set you already use.
Which sets use NANOWEB coating?
The Elixir phosphor bronze set and the Elixir 80/20 bronze set are coated with NANOWEB Technology. Both sets are Light gauge 10-47 with 12 strings.
Do any of these sets hold 12 strings?
The Elixir phosphor bronze set holds 12 strings. The Ernie Ball Medium set holds 12 strings. The Martin set holds 12 strings.
Gear that goes with it
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Specifications and availability come from each Amazon listing on Oct 24, 2026 and can change. Check the listing before you buy.