Phosphor Bronze Vs 80 / 20 Strings

The main differences lie in the tonal characteristics and longevity of the strings. Let’s break it down!

80/20 Strings

These strings are made of 80% copper and 20% zinc. They produce a bright, vibrant sound when first installed, but this tone tends to mellow relatively quickly—faster than phosphor bronze strings.

Guitarists who prefer a lively, crisp tone often choose 80/20 strings. However, to maintain that brightness, the strings will need to be changed more frequently.

80/20 strings are especially well-suited for strumming, flatpicking, and situations where a punchy tone is desired.

Phosphor Bronze Strings

Phosphor bronze strings are composed of 92% copper, 8% tin, and small amounts of phosphorus. This combination produces a warmer, more balanced tone and is more resistant to corrosion, thanks to the added phosphorus! As a result, they tend to last longer than 80/20 strings.

These strings are a great choice for fingerstyle players or those who sing while playing, as the warmer tone often blends better with vocals.

Which Should You Choose?

While phosphor bronze strings generally have greater longevity, how often you need to change your strings depends on factors like how frequently you play, your playing style, and how well you maintain your guitar.

Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong choice—it all comes down to your personal preference and the sound you’re going for.

At Enumclaw Music we offer different brands that have both phosphor bronze and 80/20 strings. For even longer longevity, our store carries coated strings for maximum lifespan. These strings are coated for protection and stay in tune longer. Although these strings are a little more expensive, guitarists can count on them for their desired tone as well as keeping their guitar in tune longer.