Who uses a 12 on 3rd string?

[Bowie Martin]

Seems like someone suggested using a 12 on the third string. Many/any of you guys do it?

[Roger Crawford]

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]

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.

[Dale Rottacker]

For lots of years now ... wish I'd done it sooner cause it was a fortuitous change

[Richard Sinkler]

For probably the last 10 years. Never broken one.

[Ricky Davis]

I do; for over 20 years at least.

.013p
.015p
.012p
.014p
.018p
.022w
.026w
.030w
.034w
.038w
Ricky

[Frank Freniere]

+1

[Carl Williams]

+1+

[Pat Chong]

+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]

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]

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..

[Michael Sawyer]

Me too

[Donny Hinson]

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]

+1

[Roger Rettig]

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.

[Larry Ball]

Ditto on NYXL

[Jerry Overstreet]

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..

So Larry, are you Excels keyed or keyless? Long or short scale? Any issues with a 12 ga. if they are keyless?

[Larry Allen]

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..

[Jon Jaffe]

Since 1979.

[Darvin Willhoite]

I use a .012 on my Push/Pulls, .011 on everything else.

[Paddy Long]

Pretty much always have

[W. C. Edgar]

I always have!
When you grab 3 & 5 it just feels better
WC

[Tommy Auldridge]

Always have.. And a .036 on the 9th. string. Thanks, Tommy.....