new strings on 12 string 856ce

[songman]

I've always enjoyed my 856ce 12-string (new model) but since I down tune one whole step (D to D) I always found the lowest pair of string a bit wimpy. Not that it mattered much for a 12 string and the songs I was playing on it. But it was time to change strings and I decided to give a somewhat heavier gauge a try. So I put on Martin M190,  80/20 bronze which have gauges 12-54 for the heavy strings and 12- 30 for the octave ones. The difference is phenomenal. It sounds like a new guitar. All the richness there was with the factory elixirs is still there but added is a low end I never had before. I did not think I could improve this guitar but I just have. Has anyone else experienced the same. I put on these Martins because they were given to me by the dealer when I bought the guitar. I am now wondering if there are even better heavier strings that I should give a try. D'Addario EJ37 and EJ39 maybe?

[Edward]

I had a lovely quilted 655 once (and it's still here represented by one of our forumites ), that I kept tuned to D with Elixir mediums.  Sounded faaaaar better than the lights at concert pitch. 

And recently, Elixir has started making their 12-set in phosphor bronze (which is very nice because I was creating my own 12-string set of elixirs in PB), and this adds another increment in balancing all those trebly octaves with bigger, rounder bass tones.  I very much recommend the elixir PB set, and for you in D try the mediums.

Edward

[Earl]

I tune my 12-er down to D about half of the time, and find the need for slightly heavier E and A strings to avoid floppiness.  Sounds like you are on the right track.  Elixirs are my favorite for twelve's, since I hate to change all those strings.

Another thing I do is switch the wound and octave G strings, so the wound one ends up closer to the ceiling.  Since I play finger style much of the time, the up stroke of my index finger always missed the octave G, and something was audibly missing.  I simply swapped them, but had to open up the nut slot slightly.  There is no downside when strumming.

[songman]

Thanks Edward and Earl, will certainly give things a try.

Cheers, Bob.

[martingitdave]

In 12-54 there are several options.

I found this company's site handy for knowing what options there are.  I also have a new Taylor 856ce and love it. Though, I tune to concert pitch with 10-47 Martin Lifespan and PB.

http://www.juststrings.com/twelvestringguitar.html

[songman]

Wow what a great site, thanks martingitdave!