12 gauge strings

[Tab]

13-56s are no harder to play than a set of 12s although the wound 26 is no good for bending but, if this set is used for the vintage stuff which I use mine for, then you don't need to bend it. The first and second strings, however, are bendable ( if such a word exists!)

The wound 24 which come with my 12-52 DRs is very bendable and I have to use my little finger to bend the third as I do not have the use of my ring finger for playing due to an accident.

I believe HBM substituted the wound 24 for a plain 20 on his 12s for added bend (and maybe volume balance depending on pickups)

I find that apart from giving a robust vintage tone, the heavier strings coupled with five trem springs give a very stable feel to the guitar but the guitar has to be set up properly. I never have tuning problems with this set up and it is difficult to 'over trem' when playing - a common fault with lighter guages.

[the fiesta man]

13-56s are no harder to play than a set of 12s although the wound 26 is no good for bending but, if this set is used for the vintage stuff which I use mine for, then you don't need to bend it. The first and second strings, however, are bendable ( if such a word exists!)

The wound 24 which come with my 12-52 DRs is very bendable and I have to use my little finger to bend the third as I do not have the use of my ring finger for playing due to an accident.

I believe HBM substituted the wound 24 for a plain 20 on his 12s for added bend (and maybe volume balance depending on pickups)

I find that apart from giving a robust vintage tone, the heavier strings coupled with five trem springs give a very stable feel to the guitar but the guitar has to be set up properly. I never have tuning problems with this set up and it is difficult to 'over trem' when playing - a common fault with lighter guages.

hi mate yes i agree with what you say i have all five springs on my strat .
i wanted to use a wound 3rd wich i did but because my pole on the 3rd pick ups was low and not high i got told from a few members from charlie halls from that my strat is only ment for a plain 3rd i didnt realise this
so i have a set of new sstrings 12-52 12 16 20p 32w 42w 52w not put them on yet
i do think like you said tuning is a lot better using 5 springs i dont go out of tune anywere near as much as i did when i had 3 springs on. i had my strat set up trust rod and bridge just a shame i cant use a w 3rd but not to worry
cheers richie

[the fiesta man]

hi well ive just put these 12s on with the 20plain they sound excellent nice and twangy
mind they are brand new so they will need to were in a bit but yeah im happy now
cheers richie