La Bella Acoustic 12 String Guitar Silk & Steel Light, .010 - .051, 710-12L

Over the centuries, the problem of prolonging the life of metal strings has plagued both players and string makers. Today, some manufacturers have discovered a quick fix method to prevent oxidation from occuring. They coat the metal strings with a polymer or synthetic material. This process stifles the wound string's sound production and does not guarantee a longer life. Any surface treatment deadens the natural transmitting powers of the string and dampens the high overtones associated with a good wound acoustic guitar string.

In the Twenties and Thirties, the 12-string guitar was popular with Delta Blues players especially "Leadbelly". Today, both folk singers and Hawaiian "slack-key" guitarists prefer this double string instrument."