12 String - Gauge and Brand

[danijoe]

I am about to restring my late 80's Larrivee 12 String. It hasn't had new strings for about 2 years and I'm wondering what people would recommend for gauge and brand. Are Elixers (or other coated types) ok sound wise? I have used Elixers and D'Addario coated on my 6 strings and like them.

I value all your opinions so all you 12 string players - let me know!

Joe

By the way, does anyone know what model this is - there are no visible letters out or inside the guitar, only the serial # on the neck block.

pics are located here - http://larrivee12string.blogspot.com/

[ronmac]

Looks like a L-42 Deluxe. This was the model designation used in the 1984 catalogue for a 12 string with identical inlays to your guitar.

[Cybenator]

I just installed a set of DR strings Extra life coated strings on my LV-03 12, tuned 1/2 step down.

Custom 12-strings Phos/Br

11/11
14/14
24/10
30/14
40/24
50/30


These strings really brought the guitar to life...

[LawDogStrgsAttach]

Wow...just wow.

I usually keep strings longer on 12ers, which means more time for elixirs to get "fuzzy" as the coatings gets worn out.  I'm still not sold that these sound as good as PB's.  I'd get Martin SP phos. bronze in 11's.  Just me.

[whiskeyjack]

I use Ernie Ball Earthwood 80/20's (11-52) on my OM-03R twelve. They're not coated but they keep very well.  I"ve also used Elixir nanoweb lights which are ok but are pretty bright.

It depends too on what type of music you're playing.  Fingerstyle and light-strumming folk likes custom lights and lights while some of the more raucous Kotke stuff might require mediums or better.  If you want a deeper growl and more sustain and projection, go with mediums.

[ronmac]

Larrivee advise lights only for the 12 strings!

[Randy_R]

Elixir lights are good..  and they last a long time   :TON>

[mrrinse]

i'm about to take some delivery of some cleartone 12 strings sets. though expensive, probably worth a try and should last for ages. they are coated, but it's far more difficult (impossible) to tell compared, e.g. to Elixir or D'add EXPs.
Dan

[whiskeyjack]

Larrivee advise lights only for the 12 strings

OOOOPS!   I stand corrected.  It's probably not a good idea to use mediums on Larrivee twelve strings.  I figured the L series could handle them.  The OM twelve I have cannot.

[Ratishna]

I don't know of any 12-string made for meds, except maybe the Taylor LKSM.  And its meant to be tuned much lower than concert pitch.

E. Shoaf

[oneeyedjack]

I don't know of any 12-string made for meds, except maybe the Taylor LKSM.  And its meant to be tuned much lower than concert pitch.

E. Shoaf

You can use mediums on any 12 string, you're just ill advised to tune it higher than 1 step flat. The LKSM, commonly strung with Elixir *heavies*, is braced to take advantage of a 1 1/2 to 2 step drop.

[Denis]

I used to have a Seagull M12 Gloss 12 string and I had strung it up a few times with mediums and tuned it a whole step down.  It had great tone but I opted to return to light gauge after a couple of sets.  It just felt better with the lights and had more of that 12 jangle I loved.  I gotta look into another 12 string one day.