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12-53

Name: 12-53 Light, Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings
Brand: D'Addario
SKU: EJ16
Price: 9.99 USD
Availability: InStock

Light Acoustic Guitar Strings

$9.99

Tone

Bright Mellow

1

3

10

25

Code Value: 175 Points Code Value: Not Applicable

Frequently Bought With

Pro-Winder

Black String Winder, Cutter & Bridge Pin Puller

$12.99

Product Details

SKU: EJ16

D'Addario was the first to use Phosphor Bronze in acoustic guitar strings back in 1974. Today, Phosphor Bronze is played throughout the world and considered to be the standard in acoustic strings, thanks to its beautiful sonic balance and tonal warmth. Our pioneering Phosphor Bronze acoustic guitar strings are precision wound with phosphor bronze wrap wire over a high-carbon steel core, providing tonal versatility suitable for all acoustic styles and musical genres. 12-53 Light gauge strings are our most popular acoustic gauge, providing a nice balance of playability and tone.

Ideal For: All Genres

Made in the USA at our New York production facility.

Product Specs

Product Features

D’Addario Phosphor Bronze acoustic guitar strings are precision wound with phosphor bronze wrap wire, over a hexagonal high-carbon steel core.
Phosphor Bronze wrap wire provides tried-and-true D’Addario acoustic tone, with beautiful balance and warmth suitable for all musical genres.
Now the standard in acoustic guitar strings, Phosphor Bronze strings were originally pioneered by D’Addario in the 1970s.
D’Addario Phosphor Bronze acoustic guitar strings come with a code on the recyclable VCI bag, which you can register to earn Players Circle points.
Our Phosphor Bronze strings are made in the USA—drawn to exacting specifications at our New York production facility.

String Tension Chart

Item #	Note	Diameter	Tension
PL012	E4	0.012 in	23.4 lbs
PL016	B3	0.016 in	23.3 lbs
PB024	G3	0.024 in	30.1 lbs
PB032	D3	0.032 in	29.9 lbs
PB042	A2	0.042 in	28.9 lbs
PB053	E2	0.053 in	24.9 lbs

FAQs

Curious about what strings are best for you? Find your perfect set with String Finder

How do I restring my guitar?

Click here to learn how to restring a guitar.

How do I tune my guitar?

Click here to learn how to tune a guitar.

How can I extend the life of my strings?

There are many factors that can affect the lifespan of your strings. Here are some tips to help extend the life of your strings:

1. Wipe down your strings after each use.

2. Try D'Addario X-Series strings! Our two X Series options each use a distinct method to extend lifespan, while preserving the tone of uncoated strings.

3. Try these maintenance and care products to prolong string life and performance.

The Original String

Pioneered in 1974 and still revered today, Phosphor Bronze has become synonymous with warm, well-balanced acoustic tone. D'Addario Phosphor Bronze strings are precision wound with corrosion-resistant phosphor bronze onto a carefully drawn, hexagonally shaped, high carbon steel core. The result is long-lasting, bright sounding tone with excellent intonation.

Phosphor Bronze 12-53

"The EJ16 Phosphor Bronze were the stock strings on my resonator guitar. They bring out the warmth of my tone and sound so clear at the same time. So, I decided I'd just stick with them!"
–Chris Stapleton

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Phosphor Bronze 13-56

"I use Phosphor Bronze Med EJ17 strings on my acoustic guitar. Years ago a musician friend recommend them to me because I squeeze heavy when I'm playing and I've been using them ever since. I just love the quality and feel of the medium strings. I also like to leave my strings on for a long time and these strings last."
– Sierra Ferrell

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Phosphor Bronze 12-53

"D'Addario has been my string choice for over 30 years because they sound the best. D'Addario is always working to give guitar players a huge variety of choices in gauges and materials."
– Jackson Browne

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Phosphor Bronze 13-56

"Bluegrass is about standards and consistency. Phosphor Bronze strings help make this possible. D'Addario is the only brand of strings I'll use."
– Bryan Sutton

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Wound To Perfection 800,000 Times A Day.

String Winding Technology

String winding equipment is designed and built by D'Addario's engineering team, guaranteeing a production range of 500,000 to 800,000 strings per day. Digitally-controlled string winding machines ensure productivity, accuracy, and consistency.

Wound To Perfection 800,000 Times A Day.

String Winding Technology

String winding equipment is designed and built by D'Addario's engineering team, guaranteeing a production range of 500,000 to 800,000 strings per day. Digitally-controlled string winding machines ensure productivity, accuracy, and consistency.

Six Sides Of Stability.

Hex Core Construction

Precision drawn hexagonal core was pioneered by D'Addario. This innovation allows the wrap wire to grip the core for superior dimensional stability, enhanced durability, and precise intonation.

Six Sides Of Stability.

Hex Core Construction

Precision drawn hexagonal core was pioneered by D'Addario. This innovation allows the wrap wire to grip the core for superior dimensional stability, enhanced durability, and precise intonation.