If you’re looking for the perfect set of medium gauge acoustic guitar strings, there are several factors to consider before making a purchase. The gauge, material, and brand all play a significant role in the sound and feel of your guitar. Medium gauge strings are ideal for players who want a balance between the thin, bright sound of light gauge strings and the thick, full-bodied sound of heavy gauge strings.
When choosing the best medium gauge acoustic guitar strings, it’s essential to consider the type of music you play and your playing style. If you strum hard and play aggressively, you may want to look for strings that can handle the extra tension and pressure. The material of the strings can also have an impact on the sound. Bronze strings are known for their bright and clear tone, while phosphor bronze strings have a warmer, more balanced sound.
To make an informed decision, ask yourself some questions: What type of music do you play? Do you prefer a bright or warm tone? How much do you want to spend? By answering these questions, you can determine which medium gauge acoustic guitar strings are best for you. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, finding the right set of strings can make all the difference in the world. Shop around, ask for recommendations, and don’t be afraid to try new brands and materials until you find the perfect set of strings.
10 Best Medium Gauge Acoustic Guitar Strings
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1
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Ideal for acoustic guitarists seeking longer lasting strings with natural tone and feel on a 6-string instrument.
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2
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Ideal for acoustic guitar players who want longer-lasting strings with a smooth feel and exceptional tone.
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3
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This product is ideal for acoustic guitar players looking for steel strings with a brilliant sound quality and phosphor bronze coating.
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4
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Ideal for acoustic guitar players who want a medium-light gauge and warm sound with long-lasting, bright tone.
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5
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The product is ideal for musicians looking for extra light phosphor bronze acoustic guitar strings in a pack of three.
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6
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Ideal for acoustic guitar players wanting long-lasting, bright and balanced tone with minimal finger squeak and fret wear.
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7
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Ideal for acoustic guitar players seeking a warm, bright sound with medium gauge strings and 80/20 bronze composition.
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8
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These strings are ideal for acoustic guitar players who want a medium gauge with a warm, bright tone.
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9
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This product is ideal for medium-gauge acoustic strings that are treated with 80/20 bronze for an authentic sound.
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10
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Ideal for individuals looking for superior and cost-effective lawn mowing solutions.
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1. Xt Coated Acoustic Guitar Strings – Longevity & Tone

The XT Phosphor Bronze acoustic guitar strings from D’Addario are an excellent choice for musicians looking for corrosion-resistant, long-lasting strings that produce a warm, balanced tone. These strings feature an advanced corrosion resistance coating that extends their lifespan while preserving the natural tone and feel of uncoated strings.
The Phosphor Bronze wrap wire used in these strings provides tried-and-true D’Addario acoustic tone, with beautiful balance and warmth suitable for all musical genres. This makes them a versatile option for musicians who play a variety of styles.
One of the standout features of these strings is their ability to stay in tune. They have a NY Steel core and Fusion Twist technology, which provides greater break strength and unmatched tuning stability. In fact, they stay in tune 131% better than other acoustic strings, which is a huge advantage for musicians who don’t want to be constantly retuning their guitars.
In addition to their excellent performance, XT acoustic guitar strings also come with a bonus. Each set of strings comes in a recyclable, resealable VCI bag with a code that can be registered to earn Players Circle points. This is a great way for musicians to earn rewards for their purchases.
Finally, it’s worth noting that these strings are made in the USA. They are drawn to exacting specifications at D’Addario’s New York production facility, ensuring that they meet the highest quality standards. Overall, the XT Phosphor Bronze acoustic guitar strings are a top choice for any musician looking for long-lasting, great-sounding strings.
2. D'addario Xs Phosphor Bronze Guitar Strings.

The XS Phosphor Bronze strings from D’Addario offer guitar players a high-quality, long-lasting option for their acoustic guitars. These strings are designed to resist corrosion, ensuring a longer lifespan than other acoustic strings available on the market. Thanks to the ultra-thin XS film coating, these strings will not fray or peel, nor will they cause any tonal dampening.
Musicians can expect a warm, balanced tone from the XS Phosphor Bronze strings, as they are made with tried-and-true D’Addario acoustic tone technology. The Phosphor Bronze wrap wire provides a beautiful balance and warmth suited for all genres of music.
One of the most notable features of the XS Phosphor Bronze strings is their ability to stay in tune. With a NY Steel core and Fusion Twist technology, these strings offer greater break strength and unmatched tuning stability. In fact, they stay in tune up to 131% better than standard acoustic strings.
When purchasing XS Phosphor Bronze string sets, guitar players can also earn reward points. Each set comes with a code on the recyclable, resealable VCI bag, which can be registered to earn Players Circle points.
As a bonus, guitar players can feel good about supporting American-made products, as the XS coated acoustic strings are produced in the USA. They are drawn to exacting specifications at D’Addario’s New York production facility, ensuring consistent quality with each set.
3. Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings By Havendi®

Havendi is a German start-up that has been making waves in the music industry since 2020. With over 10,000 satisfied customers worldwide, they have established themselves as a reliable source of high-quality guitar strings. Their success is thanks to their loyal community, who have helped them develop exceptional products and support talented musicians.
Havendi takes pride in their master craftsmanship and stringent quality standards. Their guitar strings are made to deliver outstanding performance, producing crisp and harmonious sounds that resonate with the audience. These strings are durable, rust-proof, and tuning stable thanks to their finishing. This ensures that they retain their tonal balance even after prolonged use.
The smoothFORCE strings are designed to make playing guitars a breeze. With little effort, you can create beautiful melodies and powerful chords. This feature makes them ideal for beginners and experienced players alike. Even those with sensitive fingertips can enjoy playing guitar with Havendi's smoothFORCE strings. You can be sure that you will have more playing fun and faster success with these strings.
Havendi's guitar strings come highly recommended by professional guitar players and music teachers. They know what it takes to make a great-sounding guitar, and they trust Havendi to deliver top-quality strings. With Havendi strings, you can be sure to play right into the hearts of your listeners.
Havendi stands behind their products and offers a replacement or refund if you are not 100% satisfied with their guitar strings. This is their Musician's Word of Honor, a testament to their commitment to providing only the best products and services to their customers.
4. Ernie Ball Earthwood Medium Light Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings, 12-54 Gauge (P02146)

Introducing the latest addition to the world of music accessories – the warm and rich tone guitar strings with excellent projection and clarity. These guitar strings are a must-have for any guitar enthusiast who is looking for an exceptional playing experience.
The medium-light gauge of these strings is the most popular gauge amongst guitar players. It consists of plain steel strings (.012, .016) and phosphor bronze wound strings (.024, .032, .044, .054). These strings are designed to provide a balanced and even tone, making them perfect for a wide range of musical styles.
The phosphor bronze winding on a hex-shaped, high-carbon steel core wire ensures that these strings have a long-lasting and durable build. This feature guarantees that the strings are less prone to breakage and can withstand frequent use.
To add to the durability, these guitar strings come with Element Shield Packaging that prolongs string life and keeps strings as fresh as the day they were made. This feature ensures that the strings are protected from environmental factors such as humidity and temperature changes.
These guitar strings are made in California, USA, using the freshest and finest materials. This is a testament to the brand's commitment to quality and providing its customers with the best possible product.
5. Muscell Handmade Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings-3 Packs – 6 Strings – Extra Light Jk712

This product is perfect for guitar enthusiasts looking for a value-packed set of high-quality acoustic guitar strings. It includes three individually wrapped sets of strings that are designed to provide a long-lasting, clean, soft, and bright tone.
Crafted with expertise, these coated strings are made of a hexagonal steel core with phosphor bronze winding. This special, durable alloy of copper, tin, and phosphor wind over a hex core delivers enhanced clarity and articulation while reducing unwanted overtones.
The MUSCELL Phosphor Bronze acoustic guitar strings are made to last and provide more projection, thanks to the use of high-quality materials. The string gauges included in this set are .010, .014, .023, .030, .038, and .048.
One of the notable features of this product is that the strings are handmade. This ensures that they sound natural and authentic, rather than produced by machines.
6. Elixir Strings Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings W Nanoweb Coating, Medium (.013-.056)

The acoustic guitar strings in question are expertly crafted using high-quality phosphor bronze wrap wire to ensure durability and consistency in sound production. These strings have been designed to deliver a dynamic balance of rich, full-bodied tone and sparkling high-end clarity, making them ideal for a vast range of musical styles and genres.
One of the standout features of these strings is the ultra-thin NANOWEB Coating that provides a traditionally textured, uncoated feel. The patented coating technology used in the manufacturing process offers superior protection against common corrosion, which extends the tone life of the strings longer than any other brand's coated or uncoated strings, as demonstrated by the results of an Elixir Strings player survey.
The medium gauge of the strings is .013 .017 .026 .035 .045 .056, making them suitable for players who require a versatile and reliable set of strings for their acoustic guitar. These strings have been tested and trusted by musicians worldwide, owing to their exceptional tonal quality, long-lasting durability, and overall performance.
7. Ernie Ball Earthwood Medium 80/20 Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings 3-Pack, 13-56 Gauge (P03002)

This product comes with three sets of individually wrapped strings that are designed to provide a bright and balanced tone with exceptional projection and clarity. These strings have a medium gauge which allows for a bigger sound and a slightly higher string tension.
The wound strings are made up of a high-carbon steel core wire that is wrapped with 80% copper and 20% zinc wire which helps to produce a clear and well-defined sound. The gauges of the strings are 13, 17, 26, 34, 46, and 56 which are suitable for a wide range of playing styles and preferences.
These strings are perfect for guitarists who want to achieve a rich and dynamic sound with every strum. They are designed to be durable and long-lasting, ensuring that they will provide consistent performance for a prolonged period of time.
8. D'addario Ej17-10p Phosphor Bronze Medium Acoustic Strings (10-Pack)

The EJ17 acoustic guitar strings are the perfect choice for musicians looking for high-quality and durable strings. These strings feature a genuine phosphor bronze alloy that retains flexibility and produces a brilliant tone, even after hours of hard play.
Crafted with precision, the EJ17 strings feature a computer-controlled wrapping around a hex core that ensures consistency and extends the overall lifespan of the strings. This means that musicians can rely on these strings for long periods of time without needing to replace them frequently.
D'Addario, the manufacturer of these strings, is a trusted name in the music industry and is known worldwide for producing high-quality musical instrument strings. As the largest manufacturer of strings in the world, musicians can trust that they are getting a product that has been crafted with care and attention to detail.
It's no surprise that many top guitarists refuse to play with any other brand than D'Addario. These strings offer consistent quality and sound, making them the perfect choice for musicians of all levels. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced musician, the EJ17 acoustic guitar strings will provide you with the quality and sound you need to take your music to the next level.
9. Martin Authentic Acoustic Ma150t Strings

Introducing the latest innovation from Martin, the 80/20 Bronze Medium strings that are specially engineered using a patented technology that's exclusive to this brand. These strings have a gauge of 13-17-26-35-45-56, making them an ideal choice for acoustic guitar players who prefer a medium-sized set for their instrument.
What sets these strings apart from the rest is their next-generation treatment that provides excellent longevity, superior reliability, and authentic tone. You'll love how they feel and play, thanks to the innovative technology that Martin has employed in their production. With these strings, you can enjoy playing your guitar for longer without worrying about them losing their quality over time.
Martin's 80/20 Bronze Medium strings are a great choice for guitarists of all skill levels, from beginners to professionals. They're designed to deliver a superior sound quality that will impress even the most discerning ears. Whether you're playing acoustic rock, country, blues, or any other style, these strings will help you achieve the right tone for your music.
10. Aa-Superior Performance – Buy 2 Get 1 Bonus- Ma535

The Authentic Acoustic SP guitar strings are a top-of-the-line product designed with the performer in mind. These strings are engineered to withstand even the most rigorous practice and performance schedules, ensuring that guitarists can rely on them for consistent, high-quality sound.
One of the standout features of these strings is their excellent tuning stability. Musicians can rest assured that their guitar will stay in tune during long practice sessions and performances, allowing them to focus on their music without worrying about constantly tuning their instrument.
In addition to their tuning stability, these strings are also highly resistant to corrosion. They are crafted with a highest tensile-strength core wire and tin-plated on all six strings, providing added protection against corrosion. This means that guitarists can use these strings for extended periods of time without worrying about rust or other types of damage.
The Authentic Acoustic SP guitar strings also offer great playability. They provide a consistent true tone that guitarists can count on, song after song. This makes them an ideal choice for musicians who want to achieve a consistent sound across all of their performances.
These strings come in a medium gauge, with the following specifications: .013 .017 .026 .035 .045 .056. Overall, the Authentic Acoustic SP guitar strings are a reliable and high-quality choice for any guitarist who wants to achieve a consistent, true tone and excellent playability.
Best Medium Gauge Acoustic Guitar Strings FAQs
What are the best medium gauge acoustic guitar strings for a balanced tone?
When it comes to finding the best medium gauge acoustic guitar strings for a balanced tone, there are several options available in the market. One popular choice is the D'Addario EXP16 Coated Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings, which are known for their warm and balanced tone. These strings are coated with a corrosion-resistant material that helps to prolong their lifespan. Another great option is the Elixir Strings 80/20 Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings, which are also coated for longevity and offer a bright and clear tone. Alternatively, the Martin MSP4200 SP Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings are another excellent choice for a balanced tone, featuring a high-quality phosphor bronze construction that delivers a warm and rich sound. Ultimately, the best medium gauge acoustic guitar strings for a balanced tone will depend on personal preference, playing style, and the guitar itself, so it's always a good idea to try out a few different options to find the perfect fit.
What are the best medium gauge acoustic guitar strings for a bright tone?
If you're looking for a bright tone on your acoustic guitar, medium gauge strings are a great option. There are several brands that make high-quality medium gauge strings, each with its own unique sound.
One option is the D'Addario EJ16-3D Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings, which are known for their bright tone and long-lasting durability. Another great choice is the Martin MSP4200 Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings, which also produce a bright and clear tone.
If you prefer a coated string, you may want to try the Elixir Strings 80/20 Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings. These strings are coated to resist dirt and oil, and they produce a bright and punchy tone.
Ultimately, the best strings for you will depend on your personal preference and the sound you're trying to achieve. It's always a good idea to experiment with different brands and gauges until you find the perfect fit for your playing style and sound.
What are the best medium gauge acoustic guitar strings for a long lifespan?
When it comes to finding the best medium gauge acoustic guitar strings for a long lifespan, there are a few options worth considering. Some of the top choices include D'Addario EXP16, Elixir Nanoweb Phosphor Bronze, and Martin SP Lifespan.
D'Addario EXP16 strings are known for their durability and longevity due to their coated design that protects against corrosion and dirt buildup. They also offer a bright, balanced tone that works well for a variety of playing styles.
Elixir Nanoweb Phosphor Bronze strings are another popular option for their extended lifespan. They feature a patented coating that resists rust and debris while maintaining a natural feel and tone. These strings are also designed to reduce finger squeak, making them a great choice for recording or live performances.
Martin SP Lifespan strings are made with a high-quality core wire and a special treatment that helps prevent rust and corrosion. They offer a bright, clear tone that is well-suited for a range of genres and playing styles.
Ultimately, the best medium gauge acoustic guitar strings for a long lifespan will depend on your personal preferences and playing style. It's worth trying a few different options to find the strings that work best for you.
What are the best medium gauge acoustic guitar strings for a low action setup?
When it comes to choosing the best medium gauge acoustic guitar strings for a low action setup, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it's important to select strings that have a balanced tension across all six strings. This helps to ensure that the guitar's neck is not pulled out of shape, which can lead to buzzing or other unwanted noises.
Some popular options for medium gauge acoustic guitar strings that are suitable for a low action setup include D'Addario's EJ17 Phosphor Bronze strings, Martin's SP Medium Phosphor Bronze strings, and Ernie Ball's Earthwood Medium Light Phosphor Bronze strings. Each of these strings is designed to provide a balanced and consistent tone, with a smooth feel that is ideal for players who prefer a low action setup.
Ultimately, the best choice of strings will depend on your personal preferences and the specific characteristics of your guitar. It's always a good idea to experiment with different brands and gauges of strings until you find the perfect match for your playing style and instrument.
What are the best medium gauge acoustic guitar strings for a warm tone?
When it comes to acoustic guitar strings, the gauge plays a crucial role in determining the tone of the instrument. If you are looking for a warm tone, medium gauge strings are a good choice. Some of the best medium gauge acoustic guitar strings for a warm tone include:
1. D'Addario EJ17 Phosphor Bronze: These strings are known for their warm, balanced tone and long-lasting durability.
2. Martin MSP4200 Phosphor Bronze: These strings offer a warm and bright tone, with excellent sustain and projection.
3. Elixir Nanoweb Phosphor Bronze: These strings are coated to increase their lifespan, while still offering a warm, bright tone.
4. Ernie Ball Earthwood Phosphor Bronze: These strings are known for their warm, rich tone and excellent balance between bass and treble.
Ultimately, the best medium gauge acoustic guitar strings for a warm tone will depend on your personal preferences and the specific characteristics of your guitar. It may be worth trying out a few different options to find the perfect match.
What are the best medium gauge acoustic guitar strings for beginners?
For beginners, I would recommend trying out medium gauge acoustic guitar strings from reputable brands such as D'Addario, Martin or Elixir. These brands offer quality strings with a balanced tone and durability, which is important for new players to get a feel for the instrument without worrying about frequent string changes.
D'Addario's Phosphor Bronze Medium gauge strings are a great option for beginners as they offer a warm, bright tone that is well balanced across all frequencies. Martin's SP Medium gauge strings are also an excellent choice as they have a crisp, bright tone that is perfect for strumming and fingerpicking.
Elixir's Nanoweb Medium gauge strings are known for their long-lasting tone, which is due to their coating that protects against sweat and dirt. These strings are great for beginner guitar players who may not change their strings as frequently as more experienced players.
Ultimately, the best medium gauge acoustic guitar strings for beginners will depend on personal preference. I would recommend trying out a few different brands and gauges to find the right fit for your playing style and tone preferences.
What are the best medium gauge acoustic guitar strings for fingerpicking?
When it comes to fingerpicking on an acoustic guitar, the choice of strings can make a significant impact on the overall sound and feel of the instrument. Medium gauge strings are a great choice for fingerpicking as they strike a balance between enough tension for projection and a light enough gauge for ease of playability.
Some of the best medium gauge acoustic guitar strings for fingerpicking include D'Addario EXP16 Coated Phosphor Bronze, Elixir Nanoweb Phosphor Bronze, Martin Retro Monel, and John Pearse 600L Phosphor Bronze. Each of these strings offers a warm and balanced tone, which is perfect for fingerpicking styles.
Ultimately, the choice of strings will come down to personal preference, playing style, and the guitar itself. It's always a good idea to experiment with different brands and gauges to find the perfect match for your playing needs and preferences.
What are the best medium gauge acoustic guitar strings for playing in alternate tunings?
When it comes to playing in alternate tunings on an acoustic guitar, choosing the right strings can make a big difference in terms of sound quality and playability. Medium gauge strings are a popular choice for many guitarists, as they strike a good balance between tone and ease of play.
One excellent option for medium gauge strings that are well-suited to alternate tunings is the D'Addario EJ17 Phosphor Bronze set. These strings are designed to provide a warm and balanced tone, with excellent clarity and projection. They also have a high level of tuning stability, which is especially important when using alternate tunings.
Another great choice is the Martin MSP4200 Phosphor Bronze set. These strings are known for their bright and clear tone, making them a great option for fingerpicking and other techniques commonly used in alternate tunings. They also have a comfortable feel and good durability, making them a solid choice for gigging musicians.
Ultimately, the best choice of strings for playing in alternate tunings will depend on your personal preferences and playing style. It's always a good idea to experiment with different brands and gauges until you find the ones that work best for you.
What are the best medium gauge acoustic guitar strings for playing in drop tunings?
When it comes to playing in drop tunings on an acoustic guitar, it's important to choose the right gauge of strings that can provide enough tension to hold the tuning without being too stiff to play. In general, medium gauge strings are a good choice for drop tunings as they offer a balance between flexibility and tension. Some of the best medium gauge acoustic guitar strings for playing in drop tunings include the D'Addario EJ17 Phosphor Bronze strings, the Martin MSP4200 Phosphor Bronze strings, and the Ernie Ball Earthwood Medium Light strings. These strings offer a warm, balanced tone and are durable enough to withstand frequent tuning changes. Ultimately, the best strings for drop tunings will depend on your personal preferences and playing style, so it may take some experimentation to find the perfect set for you.
What are the best medium gauge acoustic guitar strings for strumming?
When it comes to choosing the best medium gauge acoustic guitar strings for strumming, there are several factors to consider. Some of these factors include the type of music you play, your playing style, and the tonal characteristics you are looking for.
Based on these factors, some of the best medium gauge acoustic guitar strings for strumming are:
1. D'Addario EJ16 Phosphor Bronze: These strings are known for their bright and balanced tone, making them ideal for strumming. They are also durable, long-lasting, and affordable.
2. Martin MSP4200 Phosphor Bronze: These strings are known for their warm and rich tone, making them great for strumming. They are also easy to play and have excellent projection.
3. Elixir Nanoweb Phosphor Bronze: These strings feature a unique coating that protects them from dirt and sweat, making them last longer than other strings. They also have a bright and clear tone that works well for strumming.
Ultimately, the best medium gauge acoustic guitar strings for strumming will depend on your personal preferences and playing style. It's always a good idea to try out a few different brands and types of strings to find the ones that work best for you.