Who uses a 12 on 3rd string?

Bowie Martin · From: Wilson, NC USA 27896

Seems like someone suggested using a 12 on the third string. Many/any of you guys do it?
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Roger Crawford · From: Griffin, GA USA

I’ve used a 12 for a long time. Not due to breaking an 11 (my Mullen hasn’t broken a string since I’ve owned it), but rather the tonal balance is better to my ear with the 12. The gauge difference required an adjustment with the nylon tuners, but nothing had to be moved on a bell crank or moving a rod in the changer hole. Try it for yourself and see if you like it.

Craig A Davidson · From: Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin USA

With the epidemic of 11's breaking I switched to 12's. I got the idea from the push-pull Jagwire set that used 12's on the third string.
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Dale Rottacker · From: Walla Walla Washington, USA

For lots of years now ... wish I'd done it sooner cause it was a fortuitous change
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Richard Sinkler · From: aka: Rusty Strings -- Missoula, Montana

For probably the last 10 years. Never broken one.
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Ricky Davis · From: Bertram, Texas USA

I do; for over 20 years at least.

.013p
.015p
.012p
.014p
.018p
.022w
.026w
.030w
.034w
.038w
Ricky
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Frank Freniere · From: The First Coast

Carl Williams · From: Oklahoma

Pat Chong · From: New Mexico, USA

+1

NYXL sells a set with .012 as the third string. This is the set Paul Franklyn uses, as he prefers heavier strings.

I like it too, because a .011 string is too weak in volume. My guitar hasn't broken any 12's........Pat

Jerry Overstreet · From: Louisville Ky

Yep, been using a 12 since the 80s on all my guitars except a couple of Sierra 25 keyless. I like a 12 on them, but it's a real hassle to get them up to pitch on a keyless. I even got a longer screw and worked on the lever for more travel on the string, but it was still a chore. So I generally just conceded to use 11s on them. I also had Lamar and Williams keyless guitars...different design keyheads so not as fussy....but if they gave me trouble, I would just use 11s.

I like the more compatible sound of the 12 with the other strings but I don't go berserk if I run out of them and have to use an 11.

Larry Allen · From: Kapaa, Kauai,Hawaii

I switched to.012s on my old Sho-Buds and Excels to balance the volume in the 80’s. Also feels the same as the others.. Whoa!

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Michael Sawyer · From: North Carolina, USA

Me too

Donny Hinson · From: Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.

I went to a .012 about 20-25 years ago. Not because of a breakage problem, but just to get a better, fuller sound. I started to notice, especially on my studio work, that the 3rd was weaker, thin sounding. And while I could correct the problem with technique on slower stuff, i wasn't skilled enough to pull that off on faster songs.

chuck lemasters · From: Jacksonburg, WV

Roger Rettig · From: Naples, FL

First, I stepped up to an '0115" then, finally, to an .012". Same as others here - not because of breakage but for a fatter tone.

I made the change maybe fifteen years ago.

The lesson I learned with the E9th 3rd, I carried over to my Telecasters; now, I retain fairly light wound strings but have stepped up the gauges on strings 1,2 and 3. Altogether, a much better response from my guitars.
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Roger Rettig - Emmons D10s, Quilter TT-12, B-bender Teles and old Martins.
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Larry Ball · From: Airdrie, Alberta, Canada

Ditto on NYXL
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Jerry Overstreet · From: Louisville Ky

Larry Allen · From: Kapaa, Kauai,Hawaii

Aloha Jerry. All Excels (4) are keyless 1 short and 3 long scales..I had a Sho-bud I got from a Cajun who converted it to Keyless..Palenscar sold it for me years ago.. no issues , only the Live steel strings broke. Several .012s. The ‘unnamed’ seller was a real ass—-. Told me I didn’t know how to change them!!! Went to NYXL then.. none break! Easy to get the gauges I use for Ext E9 S10s.. Very Happy

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Jon Jaffe · From: Austin, Texas

Since 1979.

Darvin Willhoite · From: Roxton, Tx. USA

I use a .012 on my Push/Pulls, .011 on everything else.
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Paddy Long · From: Christchurch, New Zealand

Pretty much always have Laughing

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