Martin MEC12 Clapton's Choice Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings - .012-.054 Light

.012-.016-.025-.032-.042-.054 - Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Strings - Light

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Item ID: MEC12

Martin MEC12 Clapton's Choice Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings - .012-.054 Light

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Martin MEC12 Clapton's Choice Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings - .012-.054 Light

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Q: What makes Martin MEC12 strings "Clapton's Choice"?

These strings are the result of a collaboration with legendary guitarist Eric Clapton, designed to meet his specific tonal and playability preferences. They aim to deliver the classic acoustic sound and feel that Clapton himself relies on for his performances and recordings, offering a balanced tone and comfortable playing experience for various styles.

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Q: What kind of sound can I expect from Martin Clapton's Choice Phosphor Bronze strings?

Martin Clapton's Choice Phosphor Bronze strings are known for their warm, rich, and balanced tone with excellent clarity and sustain. The phosphor bronze winding material provides a bright initial attack that mellows into a full, resonant sound, making them versatile for strumming, fingerpicking, and lead playing across different musical genres.

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Q: Are Martin MEC12 Clapton's Choice strings coated for longer life?

No, the Martin MEC12 Clapton's Choice strings are not coated. They are designed to provide the natural feel and direct tonal response of uncoated phosphor bronze. While not coated for extended life, many players prefer the authentic sound and tactile experience of uncoated strings, and Sweetwater offers a wide selection of both coated and uncoated options.

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Q: What are the gauges of the Martin MEC12 Clapton's Choice Light acoustic guitar strings?

The Martin MEC12 Clapton's Choice Light set features gauges of .012, .016, .025, .032, .042, and .054. This "Light" gauge set offers a comfortable balance between playability and projection, making them a popular choice for many acoustic guitarists seeking a versatile feel and full sound.

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Q: Who are these Martin MEC12 strings best suited for?

These strings are ideal for acoustic guitarists seeking a classic, balanced tone and comfortable playability. Whether you're a professional musician, an aspiring player, or simply appreciate the sound Eric Clapton achieves, the MEC12 Light gauges are versatile enough for various playing styles, from intricate fingerpicking to powerful strumming.

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The Strings of Choice from a Legend!

Blues legend Eric Clapton needs no introduction, but the strings he uses to get the tone he is known for aren't as well known. Now Martin is putting them front and center with the Clapton's Choice Acoustic Guitar Strings Phosphor Bronze. These tone-rich strings are made with traditional core wire and tin-plated steel for a clear, warm tone and long life. Guitarists here at Sweetwater love these strings.

Clapton's Choice Acoustic Guitar Strings Phosphor Bronze Features:

Acoustic strings used by a legendary guitarist
Made with traditional core wire and tin-plated steel for a clear, warm tone

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Tech Specs

Guitar Type: Acoustic Guitar
Number of Strings: 6
Coated: No
Gauges: .012, .016, .025, .032, .042, .054
Core Material: Steel
Winding Material: Phosphor Bronze
Winding Type: Round
Manufacturer Part Number: 41Y19MEC12

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Reviews

3.7

Customer Photos & Videos

I've got an Martin 13e and I'm a huge Eric Clapton fan. If their good enough for Clapton well then I'm sold. I put them on and on my Martin they sound a bit tinnie and weak so I'm going to the 13's. I believe I should have gone there to begin with. I get all my guitar needs from Sweetwater why I keep coming back. Sweetwater is my go to guys.

These are now my favorite phosphor bronze set from Martin and maybe from any vendor. Very warm and quiet, no squeaks, easy for slides, etc. A good balance across the strings, whether used on a larger guitar or a small parlor guitar, with rosewood or mahogany as the base wood.

There are some negative reviews that say the opposite. I often find with string reviews, that there's a lot of ignorance involved, and that people often don't understand their instruments very well or how to mate the right strings or do the proper setup work for different gauges, so I felt compelled to contribute a positive review.

As another reviewer correctly notes, these are just a mild pip on the regular phosphor bronze sets from Martin, with a slightly different balance between the lows and highs. That balance may work better on some guitars more than others. If I'm not happy with the strings on my guitar, I analyze what is wrong and adjust to a different set accordingly. Martin doesn't make any bad strings, but each guitar has different needs for gauges, balance, etc.

I bought these for my guild slope shoulder.I wasn't looking for a drastic change, but a subtle one and I got it...a bit more clarity, a bit more bass and I'm happy with that. I'll try them again.

Short version: These sound great on both my J45 and Blues King Gibsons. Highly recommend.

Similar to my JP 600L lights but #6 is a .054 rather than the JP .053 I didn't have any JPs for my Blues King so used the Clapton Lights and it sounds really nice. The strings are just a tiny bright initially (like the JPs) but settle in nicely with very distinct and clear notes across the range. Very nice balance of woody bass, nice clear mid range and bright but not too bright highs. Nothing gets lost. I am pleasantly surprised and just ordered more to have on hand.

I actually like them better than the old Martin SP's on my D-40, and just as well anyway on my D-20.
I have used many different kinds of PB strings over the years. I hate the sound of coated or "treated" strings.
I like these uncoated Clapton's Choice strings as well as any.