We send almost every instrument out with the light gauge (.012″ – .053″) Elixir Phosphor Bronze ‘Nano Web’ strings. We really like them but some folks don’t like the sound of coated strings, and there are many other good brands. Elixir also makes a thicker coated ‘Poly Web” string we don’t like it as much. I think D’Addario EJ16 Phosphor Bronze are a good alternative. Our instruments work great with light gauge strings.
Medium gauge strings (.013″ – .056″) are only suitable if your guitar has a Sitka, European, Italian, Adirondack spruce or Port Orford cedar top. You can determine the species of top on your guitar by sighting into the sound hole up towards the neck mount inside the guitar. The wood label will tell you what woods your guitar is built from. If you own a Baritone model, your guitar comes standard with medium gauge Elixir strings.