Phosphor Bronze vs. 80/20 Bronze Acoustic Guitar String Comparison 

That's the wrong style of playing when comparing strings. Rock ballads always works best.

Comparison shortcuts:- 2:52 80/20 BRONZE 3:07 PHOSPHOR BRONZE 3:20 80/20 BRONZE 3:49 PHOSPHOR BRONZE 4:16 80/20 BRONZE 4:38 PHOSPHOR BRONZE

Very cool demo. Clear difference in the tones for sure. Comes down to what mood you're trying to convey and at what venue. For me, 80/20 would suit my taste in acoustic guitar music.

Been using your 80/20s for a bit and I loved them! Got myself a set of the Phosphor Bronze ones and gonna try them out pretty soon :)

Very helpful demo. Great base to compare with other info. Thank you.

Incredible video... Andy is bang-on! I have a DM-15 all Hog and what a difference the 80/20 made.

This is super helpful. The differences in sound are very clear.

Thank you. I found this the most informative string analysis video so far, even if it's to admit the subject is highly complex and variable. I think the most useful thing to know is accepting each string type (incl make and and gauge) has its own characteristics, so what works well on some guitars, works less well on others. The rest is personal tonal preference, application and ultimately, multiple purchases and string changes to discover for oneself. Right now I'm finding out what's best for all mahogany slope dreads and jumbo guitars with large pick guards! Work that one out!

This was extreeeeemly helpful. Many thanks.

Thanks so much for making this comparison video. From the written description, I was thinking that 80/20 was what I had on my guitar (Elixirs) and what I wanted. When I heard the two guitar tones I realised that I have Phosphor Bronze on it and that's what I want to go with again. You helped me switch my buying.

This was really informative. Thanks!

This was extremely helpful!

Everything you said about 80/20 made me want to try it, since I record fingerpicking guitar and vocal simultaneously and it's always an issue. Can't wait to see what happens.

To my ear there is a lot more overtones and sometimes harshness that comes off phosphor Bronze strings. I’ve always gravitated to 80/20 because I like a bright sound.

I was surprised by how clear the difference was!

Thanks for this, genuinely appreciate the video. I've been trying to create music out of 3 to 4 acoustic guitar layers, but I haven't been able to get it sounding 'non-amateur' yet. I've been using phosphor bronze, which I can now see hasn't been helping. The 'scoop' qualities of 80/20 sounds like it will help. Thanks again 👍

Been playing a J45 with phosphor bronze 12's for the past 17 years. Recently got an SJ200 and the guy in the shop said it was fitted with 12's and gave me a spare set. As you would expect the two guitars sound very different, but each has certain songs that sound better. Just come to change the strings on the SJ200 and noticed that the packet was a different colour from what I'm used two. Wow!! I just discovered that there are two different types of bronze strings. The difference in sound of the two guitars is pretty much the way you just described the two different strings. That's got me wondering how much of the difference is due to the guitars and how much due to the strings.

That PhB sounds brighter to me, I just changed my acoustic strings with 80/20, now I think I want to go with the PhB on the next change. Great video, very informative.

For me, part of the joy of playing acoustic was finding the string that best complimented the guitar. Getting to know the instrument and it's character. All of my acoustics use different strings for that reason. It's what makes that guitar sound the best.

Thank you so much!

Thanks for that explanation! I remember strings being labeled Brass back in the '80s. I joined the PhB bandwagaon early on, and played primarily solo singing gigs. But I switched back to 80/20 about 6 years ago, playing in an acoustic band. I changed mostly in an effort to sound different from the other guitar player, but it turns out I like them better. I kill strings quickly no matter what they're made of. String change frequency is not improved by metallurgy for me, but tone certainly is.

Guitar strings are bronze, not brass. Bronze is copper and tin, brass is copper and zinc. Phosphor bronze is 82% Cu, 7% Sn, 1% phosphor. 80/20 is 80% Cu, 20% Sn. These alloys are also used in cymbals. Given two cymbals of the same weight, lathing, etc, 80/20 (known as "B20" to drummers) such as Zildjian A's, sound warm, complex, and open. 82/8 (or "B8" i.e. Paiste 2002's) are clear, bright, focused, and louder.

It's not just mid-range or not. Phosphor bronze have more overtones. They ring out more. People think of 80/20 as brighter because there's more definition between each string. More fudemental tone, vs lush overtones. Plus they just start out brighter. But they dull faster

What string and like plectrum combination do you recommend to get the least amount of noise from fingers sliding on the strings and to get the least noise from the pick ? Like pick noise that other noise you hear besides the notes

I've been playing folk style/Americana since 1959. I have gone through many brands of strings, trying to find a set that sounded as good as the first day. My hands sweat terribly! I can kill a set of strings just by putting them on! 19 years ago, I started using Elixir strings and found out that coating protected the strings from my sweat, and a set could last up to 3 months! For me, a coated string is the solution. The guitar-a 1970 Martin D-41 with a K&K Mini installed. Liked your comparison. I could hear a slight difference in the Phosphor Bronze. I have tried them, but prefer the punchy sound of the 80/20s. However, as a vocalist, I'd prefer the Phosphor Bronze, which I will switch over on the next change! Good video comparison! PS I might even try mixing Phosphor Bronze and 80/20. 80/20 on the E and A Phosphor on the rest. What do ou think?

It's very hard to tell, but 80/20 is nice. Phosphor Bronze sounds a bit more eerie but it's nice too.

I’ve tried pretty much every kind of string on my Martin D18GE The Phosphor bronze is darker, dull and less loud sounding. The 80/20 on my D18 are the perfect choice. They make my mahogany dread louder, it bring out the overtones, resonance and bass response in a way PB couldn’t.

I love the phosphor bronze sound, you should do the exact same test but this time phosphor bronze hex core vs phosphor bronze round core @Stringjoy

Good comparison

Phosphorus bronze is hype. Muddy sound. 80/20 all the way!

80/20 for strumming, Phosphor Bronze if you play a lot of lead lines. Dave Matthews uses phosphor bronze because he plays a lot if intricate licks and the phosphor bronze strings allow those lines to pop out a little more.

What about a future one for those of us who don't like new strings? This is how they start. But how different do they sound after being played daily for three weeks?

I got aluminum bronze last time and I th they sound great

80/20 my favorite

Yeah wow you can definitely hear the difference. I guess it mainly falls depending on the music choice and sound that matches accordingly.

80/20=brighter. PhosBronze=deeper, mellower

Why not use the close miked audio in the demo? That's obviously the stereo camera feed in the room.

what riff is that at 3:20?

More presence from the 80/20. I’m going to try some.

So where do monels slot into the comparison??

Anyone got the chords on that 1st demo riff starts off with G major

80/20 for clarity/depth

i always hear a more scooped sound frmn PB and more mids from 80/20 i guess we all hear and interpret things differently

I like my guitar tone to be fairly bright, so you may think I'd prefer 80/20's, but they tend to just end up sounding cheap to my ears, whereas I've found PB's to have better balance. I also like my strings to last longer, so another reason I prefer PB's. My spares, however, are 80/20's, as I buy cheap sets in bulk for emergency use, and that set's only available as 80/20. It's also light, whereas my main strings are medium, but they don't come in medium, and they're for emergency use (by which I mean if I break a string mid-show) only. I just want something that'll get me through a gig without spending good-string-level money.

to play fingerstyle and rock which one would tou reccomend?

Never thought of the difference being that pronounced. If the crisp high notes are like a point on a stinger , that phosphor bronze takes a little sand paper to the scorpions tale.

awwww!! The scratch sound is like nails on a chalkboard I don't know why so many guitarist drag their fingers along the strings it is a god awful horrible sound lol

Andy’s haircut.

Y'all start making Monel strings and I might try you but I want a string company that fills all my string needs. My all mahogany guitar loves Monel. I can't imagine a different thing on it.

I love 80/20 much better. Too bad it took me a long time to figure that out.. all those years playing PB strings that didn’t quite hit the spot for me. I recommend you try 85/15 by Daddario, they have all the benefits of 80/20 but they have a little phosphor in them, so they last longer. AND they are the cheapest strings you can find.

Has anyone tried a mixed set? Phosphor Bronze on 3 & 4 for the midrange; and 80 - 20 for 5 & 6 for bass response. I may try this myself, absolutely need a strong, well defined midrange (very "picky" finger picker, play lots of complex counterpoint stuff) -But I like a lot of the brass sound too.

Also fingerpicking vs flatpicking , heavy picks thin picks , guitar brand model ..... How about noisyness? Fingers moving across the strings ?

Pb on my guitar is just too loud and boomy. Gonna try 80/20

Do you like hearing the guitar sing or your strings sing?

Coated strings will not squeak as loud as non coated strings. Plus they will last longer and sound better. D’addario acoustic guitar string XS coating 13-56 medium gauge strings. Item ID: XSAPB1356-3Pk

Thanks for adding the comments on brass vs bronze! When Phosphor-Bronze first came out, I didn't care much for them; but, now I like their sound. Really depends on the guitar and music. I play 80/20s, PBs, and Monel and like them all on the guitars they are on.

Elixir Strings puts their Nanoweb coating on all their strings so their 80/20 strings won't rust from fingers like regulat uncoated 80/20

Sounds like you're hitting the strings harder in PBs as shown in your video. Or maybe the mic volume sounds louder? I tried both and it seems 80/20s suit my preference better.

Gracias, el tipo de la izquierda estaba contando algo verdaderamente interesante pero el tipo de la derecha se interpuso y no le dejó terminar

I must say I’ve never heard of my strings being called bronze, I’ve always called them brass wound. Which is weird because I’ve looked at the Ernie Ball Earthwoods I use and they say 80/20 bronze. Weird.

What gauge strings did you use for this. I just bought a OOO Martin for my first acoustic. Im not sure if i like the light strings but i don’t know if heavier strings are suited to this body type. Whatever you used, the 80/20 was much brighter and more chimey.

It wasn't mentioned but I wonder how old (hours/days) the 80/20s were versus the PBs. The latter seemed brighter all the way up the spectrum. Not that the 80/20s were dull, but I always notice a change in any strings within 10-12 hours of playing.

make a round core 80/20 set

It seems phosphor bronze has a smiley curve which accentuates treble and bass and scooping mids , whereas 80/20 is evenly balanced with lush mids and treble. My guess would be a guitar with mahogany back will benefit from phosphor bronze whereas a rosewood one will want 80/20

One thing they don't address here: 80/20 strings do not last very long. That was the reason they made Phosphor Bronze strings back in '74, to have an alloy that doesn't corrode so quickly. If you're buying coated strings, the difference won't really show itself as much as bare strings, but bare 80/20s have a very short life if you play a lot. I prefer the sound of 80/20s on my Martins and the one Taylor I own, but I use coated PBs because they last quite a bit longer. D'Addario XS strings are expensive but well worth the money for how long they last. Elixirs as well, take your pick.

I feel like you named the wrong set “Brights” - others say different things but I always hear more high-end sizzle from PB. Sometimes that’s good, sometimes it’s not. (I also hear rosewood as brighter/glassy and mahogany as warmer/woody - some say the opposite but that’s what I hear.)

Can definitely tell you guys are electric players. :p Your ears don’t lie tho! Thanks for confirming what I always heard. I’ve always been so confused why people think 80/20 is brighter. I hate how new strings sound! Too bright, and phos. bronze was way worse and took longer to calm down. Hope to try the Foxwoods!

I think it depends on the genre your playing. I like having more bass and for my guitar phb brings it out more, 80/20 are too bright. 👌

80/20, easy. I'd try out some 80/20 and Silk strings in a heartbeat ;)

So here is a question. If you don't play your acoustic guitar at all. How many weeks or months will 80/20 strings sound new vs how many weeks Phosphor Bronze sound new??I am assuming just sitting they will naturally oxidize...

In this video the artist is playing more forcefully on the phosphor strings and changing the comparison. Most of these string comparison videos try to have the artist play the same tune with the same expression and it's impossible. Now if a robotic arm were to be used giving exactly the same expression and force on each string, and everything else the same, even down to clamping the guitar back in place with same force and position, you might get a more precise difference. But, even with the artist playing slightly different you can still hear the tone difference pretty good.

Gibson J35 Earthwood bronze lights, National brass f/picks, Pickboy thumbpick. Happy! Last time I tried phosphors - I don't understand these strings. No drama, no dynamic.

Hello, do you ship strings to Brazil? I want to be able to buy it one day.

Guitars tend to come stock with phosphor bronze strings as they stay untarnished longer on the shelf, helps to sell the guitar. Imaging 80/20 stock strings on the shelf, not that aesthetically pleasing to sell...

80/20 for me. Ofcourse I prefer PB on my guild. Different guitars react differently. P/B will tame an overly bright guitar. 80/20 will bring chime to a 2x4

Monel is back... Not still around... There's some good new ones too.... Martin's lifespan 2.0's new treatment preserves strong life on 80-20's.... So it's no longer an issue. If course different strings work better for us on different guitars....

Which did you prefer?

I played this video about 6 times just now I differently can tell the difference between 80/20 & Phosphor Bronze Too my ear 80/20 seem it's doesn't stand out its just there. 80/20 has a nice tone to them but it just there. I think Phosphor Bronze is brighter then 80/20 Phosphor Bronze saying Hello I'm here Warm with Bright tone all at the same time :) 100% my favorite is Stringjoy Phosphor Bronze Strings all the way. Maybe one day I'll check out your 80/20 for now Phosphor Bronze Strings is my choice and I'm sticking to it ! I buy your Bulk Phosphor Bronze Strings for my Nyberg 10 String Cittern Jeremy Sheppard turn me on too Stringjoy Strings

80/20 sound more clear I hate belly sounding chirping over tone mud

Nice explanation! Great guitar player, but he obviously hit harder the bronze strings, thus, making the comparison invalid.

Surprised that I preferred the 80/20. Disappointed that you did no fingerstyle for the demo.

Not much of a guitarist but does phosphor bronzes last longer than 80/20

I only use a pick about 20% of the time. Not sure which would benefit finger picking, ignoring guitar inherent tone.

Imo, nothing sounds better than Martin nickel monel Retro strings. Absolutely no contest.

80/20 has more resonance and definition than the PB strings to my ears.

Phosphor bronze has more range and allows you to play soft or strong. Bronze alloy is bright even when playing softly. For most of what I play I'll go for Phosphor Bronze and enjoy the better longevity.

Brand spanking new strings are always bright. It's too harsh and tinny. I personally wait a day of playing to for the strings to break into their natural tone.

It's like crispy (80/20) vs punchy (Bronze). I personally prefer the sustain of the bronze.

PB strings sound dull, worn out but also consistent throughout. 80/20s sound bright and ring out louder, but they die out the more you play.

Phosphor Bronze hands down.

80/20s always sound thinner and muddied to me. PBs are more rich, fuller, and articulate. This confirmed it for me, yet again. I like and play PBs. It's similar to the differences between a mahogany back/sides guitar and a rosewood back/sides guitar. Mahogany is muddier. Rosewood is richer and more articulate.

After watching this video many, many, many, many times I've come to the conclusion that you need a pick guard.

In a blind test most wouldn't know the difference between the two. 😏

for finger picking bronze...

I watched to confirm what I already knew. Phosphor is more mellow and 80 20 is twangier.

80/15 has both

Phosphorus nasal, and dull. 80/20 crisp and articulate.

Good gawd, maybe next time get a better set up so you’ll have less fret buzz. Horrible tone, action is way too low. Yea maybe you can move around quicker but you sacrificed tone for that. Sorry, I’m a tone freak. Guys a good player though.