These guitar strings are S.I.T. Strings CRT Coated Phosphor Bronze, specifically the Pro Light gauge set model CP1152 (often labeled as 11-52 or .011–.052).
The brand is S.I.T. Strings (Standing in the Shadows, but commonly just called SIT), a U.S.-based manufacturer known for producing affordable, reliable strings since the 1970s/80s. They emphasize consistent quality and innovations like their CRT (Corrosion Resistant Technology) coating.
Key Features of These Strings
- Material: Phosphor bronze wrap wire over a hex-shaped core. Phosphor bronze is a popular acoustic string alloy that delivers a warm, balanced, rich tone with good midrange presence, clarity, and a bit of sweetness—less bright/sparkly than 80/20 bronze, but more “vintage” and rounded.
- Coating: CRT is a thin, protective treatment applied to the wrap wire (similar in concept to Elixir’s NANOWEB or other coated lines, but SIT’s version is often described as lighter/subtler). It helps resist corrosion from sweat, humidity, and oils, extending playing life significantly (often 2–5× longer than uncoated strings) while aiming to preserve a more natural, organic feel and tone compared to heavier coatings.
- Gauge: .011 – .015 – .022 – .032 – .042 – .052. This is a “Pro Light” or custom light set—slightly heavier than standard “light” (.012–.053) but lighter than true mediums. It’s a hybrid-ish gauge that many players like for added tension and volume without feeling too stiff.
SIT CRT coated phosphor bronze strings generally get positive feedback for value: they sound warm and full-bodied, stay in tune well, hold up to regular playing, and don’t deaden the tone as much as some thicker-coated competitors. They’re a solid mid-tier option—not as premium as Elixir or D’Addario XS, but reliable and cost-effective.
How They’ll Play on a Taylor Big Baby (15/16 Dreadnought)
The Taylor Big Baby (BBT) is a compact travel-friendly dreadnought with a full 25.5-inch scale length (same as most full-size acoustics) but a smaller body (about 15/16 the size of a standard Taylor dreadnought—lower bout around 15 inches wide, overall body more portable).
- Gauge suitability: An 11-52 set is an excellent match. Taylor often ships acoustics (including some Baby/Big Baby models) with lights around .012–.053, but many players go to 11s or even 10s for easier playability on smaller-bodied guitars. The 11-52 here provides:
- Slightly higher tension than super lights, which helps drive the smaller body for better projection, volume, and bass response (the Big Baby can sound surprisingly big and boomy for its size, but it benefits from strings that push it a bit).
- Still comfortable playability—lower action and shorter body make bending and fretting easier than on a full dread with heavier gauges.
- Tone expectations: On the Big Baby’s solid Sitka spruce top and layered sapele back/sides, these phosphor bronze strings should enhance warmth and balance. You’ll get good midrange punch for strumming/chording, decent clarity for fingerstyle, and less “tinny” highs than uncoated or 80/20 strings. The CRT coating will keep them sounding fresh longer, which is handy for a travel guitar that might see variable conditions/humidity.
- Potential feel: The coating gives a subtly slicker/smoother feel (less “grabby” than uncoated), which many find more comfortable for extended play. Break-in might be quick, and they should resist corrosion well if you’re playing sweaty gigs or in humid environments.
Overall, this is a great choice for the Big Baby—warm, long-lasting, and well-balanced without overwhelming the smaller body. If you prefer brighter/more articulate tone, you might eventually try uncoated phosphor or 80/20, but these should deliver solid performance right out of the box. Enjoy!