80/20 Bronze vs. Phosphor Bronze Strings
Phosphor Bronze vs. 80/20 Bronze Acoustic Strings
Some guitarists love to engage in friendly debates over the best acoustic guitar strings. One long-simmering discussion has been over comparing phosphor bronze and 80/20 bronze strings. While there are many types of acoustic guitar strings, these are the most common among modern musicians. They affect a guitar’s sound in different ways, though, and if you want the sound to be just right, you’ll need the right material.
What is phosphor bronze? What is 80/20? Read on for answers and decide for yourself which is best for you and your guitar.
Choosing Your Acoustic Guitar Strings
One of the biggest factors in the sound of acoustic guitar strings is the wrap wire. This wire is wrapped around a steel core wire to provide deeper and more sustained mid-range and bass tones for your acoustic guitar.
When we talk about 80/20 bronze and phosphor bronze strings, we’re referring to the wrap wire material. Although the tone will vary slightly in each guitar, here are the general characteristics of different wrap wire materials:
- 80/20 bronze acoustic guitar strings offer a bright tone with great initial projection. Some players prefer this 80% copper and 20% zinc string because of its brilliant "true brass" tone out of the box. They can also be used to balance out a guitar that has a warmer, darker tone by design. Over time, 80/20 strings “mellow out,” so you will need to change them frequently to maintain that brightness.
- Phosphor bronze acoustic guitar strings offer a rich, warm tone. Some players prefer this 92% copper and 8% zinc composition because of the consistent and slightly warmer tone it provides out of the box compared to 80/20 bronze. It also has better balance, bringing out more of the midrange frequencies. Finally, the phosphor makes the strings more durable.
Both 80/20 and phosphor bronze strings can be used in almost every genre from vintage rock, country and bluegrass to modern indie and folk. It comes down to personal preference and what sounds the best within the mix.
All Types of Guitar Strings
Maybe you like one type of string better than another. Perhaps you want to experiment with both. At Strings and Beyond, we've got you covered. You can shop a full lineup of D'Addario phosphor bronze strings and D'Addario 80/20 bronze strings here as well as Elixir 80/20 bronze strings and Elixir phosphor bronze strings. Don't see what you need? Check out our full selection of Acoustic Guitar Strings and Current Specials to see options ranging from Martin The Originals 80/20 bronze acoustic strings to Ernie Ball Earthwood phosphor bronze strings.
Phosphor Bronze vs. 80/20 Bronze Acoustic Strings
Some guitarists love to engage in friendly debates over the best acoustic guitar strings. One long-simmering discussion has been over comparing phosphor bronze and 80/20 bronze strings. While there are many types of acoustic guitar strings, these are the most common among modern musicians. They affect a guitar’s sound in different ways, though, and if you want the sound to be just right, you’ll need the right material.
What is phosphor bronze? What is 80/20? Read on for answers and decide for yourself which is best for you and your guitar.
Choosing Your Acoustic Guitar Strings
One of the biggest factors in the sound of acoustic guitar strings is the wrap wire. This wire is wrapped around a steel core wire to provide deeper and more sustained mid-range and bass tones for your acoustic guitar.
When we talk about 80/20 bronze and phosphor bronze strings, we’re referring to the wrap wire material. Although the tone will vary slightly in each guitar, here are the general characteristics of different wrap wire materials:
- 80/20 bronze acoustic guitar strings offer a bright tone with great initial projection. Some players prefer this 80% copper and 20% zinc string because of its brilliant "true brass" tone out of the box. They can also be used to balance out a guitar that has a warmer, darker tone by design. Over time, 80/20 strings “mellow out,” so you will need to change them frequently to maintain that brightness.
- Phosphor bronze acoustic guitar strings offer a rich, warm tone. Some players prefer this 92% copper and 8% zinc composition because of the consistent and slightly warmer tone it provides out of the box compared to 80/20 bronze. It also has better balance, bringing out more of the midrange frequencies. Finally, the phosphor makes the strings more durable.
Both 80/20 and phosphor bronze strings can be used in almost every genre from vintage rock, country and bluegrass to modern indie and folk. It comes down to personal preference and what sounds the best within the mix.
All Types of Guitar Strings
Maybe you like one type of string better than another. Perhaps you want to experiment with both. At Strings and Beyond, we've got you covered. You can shop a full lineup of D'Addario phosphor bronze strings and D'Addario 80/20 bronze strings here as well as Elixir 80/20 bronze strings and Elixir phosphor bronze strings. Don't see what you need? Check out our full selection of Acoustic Guitar Strings and Current Specials to see options ranging from Martin The Originals 80/20 bronze acoustic strings to Ernie Ball Earthwood phosphor bronze strings.