Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
3.5 (9)
$8.49
Amazon
4.6 (2170)
$8.49
Reverb
5.0 (5)
$7.91 New
$6.89 Used
Thomann
4.5 (648)
$7.10

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Martin Guitars Phosphor Bronze MEC-12 Light". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Discover the sonic signature of a guitar legend with the Martin Guitars Phosphor Bronze MEC-12 Light strings. Endorsed by the iconic Eric Clapton, these strings are crafted to deliver a clear, warm tone that captures the essence of classic blues and beyond. Perfect for players seeking both longevity and expressive sound, these strings are made with a traditional core wire and tin-plated steel, ensuring durability and consistent performance.

The MEC-12 Light set offers a balanced feel with gauges ranging from .012 to .054, making them ideal for a variety of playing styles, from delicate fingerpicking to bold strumming. Whether you're playing in the studio or on stage, these strings promise to elevate your acoustic guitar's sound profile with rich, resonant tones that stand the test of time. Join a community of musicians who trust Martin for their string needs and let your guitar sing with the same depth and clarity that has defined Clapton's music for decades.

Key Features:

  • Eric Clapton signature series
  • Phosphor bronze light gauge
  • Gauges: .012, .016, .025w, .032w, .042w, .054w
  • Traditional core wire and tin-plated steel for enhanced durability
  • Delivers a clear, warm tone suitable for various playing styles

Product 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

FAQs

What are the key benefits of using Martin MEC-12 Phosphor Bronze strings for acoustic guitars?

Martin MEC-12 Phosphor Bronze strings are known for their warm, balanced tone and excellent sustain, making them ideal for a variety of playing styles. The phosphor bronze alloy provides a long-lasting and consistent sound, perfect for both studio recordings and live performances.

Are Martin MEC-12 Light strings suitable for fingerstyle playing?

Yes, Martin MEC-12 Light strings are well-suited for fingerstyle playing due to their light gauge, which offers a comfortable feel and responsive touch. The strings provide clarity and richness, enhancing the nuances of fingerstyle techniques.

How do Martin MEC-12 Light strings compare to 80/20 bronze strings?

Martin MEC-12 Light strings, made from phosphor bronze, offer a warmer and more balanced tone compared to the brighter sound of 80/20 bronze strings. They also tend to have a longer lifespan and maintain their tonal qualities over time.

What gauge are the Martin MEC-12 Light strings?

The Martin MEC-12 Light strings have the following gauges: .012, .016, .025, .032, .042, and .054. This light gauge set provides a balance of playability and tonal richness, suitable for a variety of acoustic guitar styles.

Are these strings coated or uncoated?

The Martin MEC-12 Light strings are uncoated, which allows them to deliver a natural feel and sound preferred by many traditionalists and purists who appreciate the raw, unaltered tone of phosphor bronze strings.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Martin Guitars Phosphor Bronze MEC-12 Light.

User experience

  • Martin Phosphor Bronze strings are noted for a consistent feel, with less bendiness compared to other brands, like D’Addario.

    Source
  • Martin strings are often favored for their price-to-performance ratio, offering solid performance without being exceptional but consistently getting the job done.

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  • Martin Retro Monel strings are praised for complementing the mahogany tone of the 00-15M, offering a mellow and balanced sound after a week of play.

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  • Players with acidic hands find Martin strings last less than 3 months, preferring coated strings like Elixirs for longevity.

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Comparisons

  • Some players find Martin Phosphor Bronze strings to offer a more consistent and reliable experience compared to D’Addario, particularly in terms of feel and longevity.

    Source
  • Elixir Phosphor Bronze strings maintain a 95% "new" sound for 1-2 months, in contrast to most strings that wear down in 1-2 weeks.

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  • D'Addario XS strings are favored over Martin for their texture and sound, despite a higher price point.

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Use cases and applications

  • Martin Phosphor Bronze strings are appreciated for rhythm playing and fingerpicking, especially on dreadnought guitars, offering a balanced sound without excessive brightness.

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  • Owners frequently use Martin Phosphor Bronze SP strings for their clear, bright tone and longevity, particularly suitable for rhythm playing on smaller body guitars.

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  • Martin MA540S Authentic Marquis strings are noted for their visually appealing brownish hue, which complements the dark mahogany of the 00-15M.

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  • Ernie Ball Earthwood Bell Bronze medium lights praised for fingerpicking and light strumming, especially in John Mayer influenced styles.

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Setup and maintenance

  • On smaller guitars like the 00-15M, using lights rather than mediums is recommended due to the guitar's bracing, which is designed for lower tension.

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  • Polishing tuning peg holes and widening string slots can prevent string snapping at the nut during retuning.

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  • Switching string gauges may require guitar setup adjustments to maintain neck tension and prevent buzzing.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Switching to Ernie Ball phosphor bronze "rock and blues" 10-52 strings revitalized tone for some users, offering better action and liveliness.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
skylinerr

Nice

If they are good enough for Eric Clapton they are good enough for me

Genres:

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Eric Clapton uses Martin Guitars Phosphor Bronze MEC-12 Light

Eric Clapton

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Martinguitar

"C.F. Martin and Company is proud to introduce the first sets in a new line of Artist Choice acoustic guitar strings, Clapton's Choice Phosphor Bronze. The Clapton's Choice Phosphor Bronze guitar strings have a distinctively clear, warm tone with a hint of brightness that can highlight the subtleties of any player's style. Live or in the studio, these strings deliver the kind of performance expected by Eric Clapton."

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Martin Guitars Phosphor Bronze MEC-12 Light, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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