What strings do you use on 12 string

[Wailin]

Hi all, my first post here! I recently became the proud owner of an 856ce and love it. But.....i am finding the tone a bit on the bright side with the light string gauge used (10's). Would i be better off putting 11's on it and tuning down a half step? What's your 12 string set up?

[Wailin]

Apologies, just realised I posted in the wrong section, I'll ask someone to move it!

[Strumming Fool]

Welcome Wailin'

If you like the playability of the lights, you may want to consider a different string material.  For example, phosphor bronze versus 80/20 . Changes like this could make a big difference, and you could retain your current set-up.  I would try that first.

Enjoy your stay!

[TaylorGirl]

Apologies, just realised I posted in the wrong section, I'll ask someone to move it!

No problem. I moved it for you.

[songman]

I tune my 856ce down 2 semitones, so D to D and I use Martin Marquis M1700 80/20 bronze 012 -054. I like this combination a lot.

[beachbum205]

I always use Elixir PB Lights on my 12 string. They sound fine to me, and Elixirs seem to last far longer than any other strings I have found. I hate changing strings on my 12 string, so the longer I can go, the better. Not your issue, but just my 2 cents.

[JeffK]

If you don't mind tuning down a bit, you might just try tuning down a half-step to see how it sounds.  To my ears, the slightly floppier strings tend to give a darker sound, and making a significant change in string gauge can throw the intonation off a bit.  My 456 has light Elixir 12s on it, but it's rarely in standard tuning so hard to compare.

[Edward]

Welcome Wailin ...good to have you on the board!

I love elixir PhosBronze nanos on my Taylors, and for years had "made" a set for my 12-er from two diff sets.  But now --finally-- elixir has seen the light (and perhaps got tired of me complaining ) and put out a PB set for 12s.  I agree with you that T's 12-ers can be a bit too jangly, and the PBs are a great fix for taming the trebles.  Mine is right where I like it now

But FWIW, on a previous Taylor 12, I had tuned down a full step to D and put on mediums: very nice, deep voice that made that guitar wonderfully balanced.  I'd personally try the PBs at standard tuning first and see if that gets you there. 

Edward

[timfitz63]

So far the only thing I've put on my Taylor 12-strings are the Elixir 80/20's.  I'm not certain, but one or two of my newer 12-strings may have come from the Taylor factory with the Elixir PB 12's, but I haven't reliably sourced those strings as they don't seem to be widely available yet...  But both versions of Elixir 12's sound good to me; I guess I just like 12 strings, regardless of which type is on the guitar...

[TaylorGirl]

I also use the Elixir PB Lights......standard tuning. Happy with them.

[Wailin]

Wow, glad I joined, some very helpful advice. Thanks folks. I'm not 100%, but I think the 856ce ships with Elixir PB's anyway, am I right?

[timfitz63]

Wow, glad I joined, some very helpful advice. Thanks folks. I'm not 100%, but I think the 856ce ships with Elixir PB's anyway, am I right?

I see in your signature that yours is a 2016 model; so yes, it's probably already got the PB 12's on it.

[Strumming Fool]

You may want to try 80/20s before you change anything else. I have heard others on the forum say that the PBs  are too bright so it's worth a try.  You only have to please your ear.