Comparison of D’Addario XS Phosphor Bronze vs D’Addario XS 80/20 Bronze 🤔
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- Опубліковано 4 сер 2022
- Please subscribe for more gear reviews. Today we are comparing the new D’Addario XS 80/20 bronze, with the XS phosphor bronze strings. Both sets are medium gauge, 13-56. The guitar being used for this demonstration is a Shawn Brock Signature model D-18, built by Jimmy Edmonds.
www.edmondsguitars.com
www.shawnbrock.com
#Daddario
#Acousticguitarstrings
#Luthierguitar
#Customguitars
Amazing playing, big like !Just the comparison I was looking for ! Thanks !
I sure appreciate the compliment, and you taking the time to watch. These are great strings, and I still use them both on all of my guitars.
@@ShawnBrockMusic Thank you for your kind comment. Take care !
Test 1:
3:18 D’Addario XS Phosphor Bronze
3:43 D’Addario XS 80/20 Bronze
Test 2:
4:08 D’Addario XS Phosphor Bronze
4:34 D’Addario XS 80/20 Bronze
👍
First off, thank you for doing this! Second, you are always fair with your comments and your picking is very consistent showing there are subtle differences that attract different peoples preferences. My two cents, your guitar sounds great across the full range with any strings. Keep it up, I look forward to all your videos.
Man I sure appreciate that! I really really do! I try to not talk much trash lol.
Thanks for doing this.
Glad to do it! Thanks for watching!
Happy Friday Shawn.
Nice man! Thinking about spending a little more time with 80-20 in the future just to give them a good try. It will take a while haha. Have a bulk pack of Martin PB to get through first. Really like the Martin Pb strings these days, and my wife found a really good price for a 25 set pack for Christmas last year. Never spent much time with 80-20 though, and maybe on a mahogany guitar it would be interesting to play for a while. Used to play Elixir before 2020, but not gigging as much for a while during the pandemic made me think about how much I was spending on strings. For this reason I have been getting used to regular non treated strings again, even though I am back to gigging more now. I am lucky and am able to get some good time out of them. Love your playing and demos as always dude!
I went back-and-forth from these to the PB and back to these; in the end, I like them both lol.
Thanks for another amazing video! I dig the shit out your attitude also my brother. You can clearly see your passion for music. Very great taste of music and style!
LOL well I sure appreciate it man! Yeah, I love doing these, and if some people don’t get anything out of them, the hell with it; at least we tried right?
Thank you
Well Shawn, on that Edmonds Brock Signature guitar in your hands, it's hard for me to differentiate "significantly" between those two strings. I'd say there is so little difference that I probably wouldn't pay the upcharge for PB's. Now, given a break-in and time, that tone may change. Always good listening to your videos. You're the man bubba.
You’re to kind Sir; I sure appreciate it!
Coming back to the video, I think I like the 80/20's more this time... What strong are you using now? 😎 Might not have enough body in some guitars, though...
I like the warmth of the PB's but prefer the clarity of the 80/20s
Those 80/20s sure grew on me.
I want to like the 80/20's the highs, and high mids, sound great. But overall, especially for fast tunes and diggin' in lows and low mids...I have to go with clarity and dynamic range - the PB's. But I love the overtone increase of the darker warmer strings for ballads etc...
BTW: After 50 plus years of daily acoustic playing I also dislike string changes. The occasional pokes hurt. Knowing I didn't do my whole fretboard and fret dress (which takes me an hour) can make me disappointed. Love your channel!
I am the same way man. It seems like with Elixir, I had some favoritism toward the 80/20, but with D’Addario, I can’t live with these. I thought they might need to break in, or the guitar might need to adjust, but I actually recorded the video on Thursday, and they sound today as they did when I put them on. That is a positive thing for those who like them the best of course, but I’d hoped the E and A would have become a little more lively, and that simply has not been the case.
I’ve always thought that Phosphor Bronze had added harmonics that 80/20 do not.
I’ve felt that if you want to hear your guitar as it really sounds, use 80/20’s. If you want an enhanced sound with thick harmonics and overtones, use PB.
I use 80/20’s. BUT, I’m gaining a liking to PB lately.
I would agree with you on that assessment 100%.
Great video, thanks! If I change from medium gauge to lights, will I loose anything or much?
Man on a lot of Guitars you will lose some of the body of the sound, if you play very hard at all. I have tried to switch and never have been successful. I have found it is much more satisfying for me to have a low action and run medium.
80/20s get my vote. Better clarity and great depth. The PBs sound big and full but kinda muddy to me. That's an exceptional sounding guitar which I'm pretty sure sounds good with any string.
Hi James, for many years I strongly preferred 80/20, and had High expectations of these when they came out. The first said I tried, I didn’t think much of, but the second set really did it for me; now to be honest, I like these better than the PBs. Sadly now, I have about 20 sets of the phosphor bronze to work through before I return lol. Nevertheless, I think in the long run, the 80/20 has a cleaner overtone about it. Somehow it is just a little more direct I guess, and a little brighter as you said. In my limited experience with a couple of sets, they are not quite as loud, but I really do like them, and this is such a spectacular guitar, that I have more volume than I would ever need anyhow.
My main is a B&H phoenix D-18. Looks and sounds like a twin brother to your spectacular guitar. 80/20s make it sound sooo good. BTW thanks so much for all the videos! Both entertaining and informative.
@@jameshayhurst8428 man oh man! You can’t go wrong with B&H in my opinion; I have had a few of them through here, and they make a very wonderful guitar. I even had the pleasure of owning one for a short time. I would say you have a good taste my friend!
No harm having an opinion. Just depends how fair and well-founded it is. If you have experiences to share, being as good as you are, they are very informative.
Some folks can be obnoxious because they are prejudiced for or against. Other people are fair and can carry on both sides of a debate seeing benefits and personal and really inform folks.
This is my first video of yours and you are fair and trustworthy! Thanks.
Hi Tom, wow man, I sure appreciate that in the upmost! Yeah, I realize that even if something isn’t for me, that doesn’t mean that it isn’t good, it just means that it isn’t for me. There are so many people now who think that if they don’t like it, no one should like it lol.
@@ShawnBrockMusic That is truth my brother.
Hello Shawn , did you end up prefering the 80 20 over the PB in the long run , i am likeing the PB on my 62 D18 , but wanting to try the 80 20 , thanks :)
I can’t say that I ended up preferring them, but I have had a set on my Young rosewood for several months they change the formula a little after the first run, for the better.
Thanks for the video comparison, Shawn. What's your opinion of the D'Addario nickel bronze strings?
Man I like them, but I killed them pretty quick. That’s not the fault of D’Addario, but my fault, or natures fault I guess lol.
These sound really close. I haven't used XS's yet, but I hear XS's sound 80/20 where XT's are like a brighter phosphor bronze, and I have to agree.
My Ovation came with phosphor bronze.
what is your action like? and what pick are u using? is your action like 2.5 mm on the low e 12 fret?? thanks so much
For some reason I can’t get my conversion calculator to work out my action in metric accurately. It is about 65,000s of an inch on the treble E, and 85,000 of an inch on the base E.
I've always used Phosphor, but now the 80/20s sound better to me. Used Elixirs on just about everything.
That’s me… always jumping from pb to 80/20 year to year lol
I have a 70s levin which just sounds incredible with 80/20s just really brings out the guitar more they dont last as long as the PBs but defintely has a sound difference
I have actually come to like the 80/20 A little better than the PB. After the initial release, they seem to have gotten the formula dialed in very nicely.
@ShawnBrockMusic yeah I don't think I'll be able to go back to the PBs either. Guitar just sounds so much better with the 80/20s
They should last for a while with the coating
After my local music store raised the price on Elexir I checed out the Addario XT and XS. I liked both of them but after trying out Martin SP and Monell Retrto I went for the later one. I dont care if the string's are coated or not. In the end it's your ear's and guitar's that should make the string selection. I've just found a web shop that sell Elexir for half the price im used to so im exited to try out them again. I have to say that the competition between the top brands are close so I can live with all of them.
I’m with you on all of that! As long as the longevity is there, that is my main concern.
Did you find much difference in volume? I've just put some retros on a Guild and it's lost all it's power :(
@@alfsmith4936I have four guitars, and the Martin Retro Monels sound great on the Martin 000-15SM and Enya Nova Go travel guitar, but I am removing them as I type (looking up some other string videos) because on my Alvarez MF60CEOM and Breedlove Discovery S Concertina (cedar top), they are just kind of bland/lifeless, and yes, not much power to them. I've never been an 80/20 fan, like I've never had them on my guitar because my only experience is with corroded versions on guitars in stores, but I was considering trying this coated version so they would last longer. I can suggest the D'Addario Nickel Bronze strings for great crunch/crispness, clarity, oomph, warmth and brightness in one package!
@@JoMaMazThanks for the reply. I got a set of XS and they're worth the extra cost. I put the monels on a cheap parlour guitar and they sound great. Isn't it strange how they could sound so bad one one guitar and good on another?
@@alfsmith4936 Glad to hear it's worked out well for you! 🙂👍 May I ask, did you get the 80/20 or Phosphor Bronze XS strings? Have you had Elixir (PB or 80/20) Nanowebs before? I was wondering the comparison.
Yes! It is definitely interesting to have strings you love on one guitar, yet, it would make me want to get rid of another guitar if that is the only sound I could get out of it! 😂
For me the edge goes to the phosphor bronze, but I don’t think you can go wrong with either set. The
Phosphor bronze just sound superb on your guitar.
Me too! The bass E and A, were just a little bit dark for a new set to me. Also, I felt like they didn’t have quite as much power, not that I needed it, but it’s nice to have even if you don’t use it lol. Guess we have the same taste. 😀
@@ShawnBrockMusic I've kinda always stuck with PB strings. Every now and them I try a set of 80/20s, but always seem to go back. I personally don't like most any strings as soon as I put them on. I think a couple hours, maybe a little playing they come in. Thanks for taking the time to do this. EE
@@luvbgrass glad to do it man, and to satisfy my own curiosity lol. I have had these on for three days now, and expected them to change at least somewhat, but I will say, they have absolutely maintained the same sound that they had when I put them on. A good thing if a person likes them I guess, but I don’t. 😂
@@ShawnBrockMusic 😄
Why not give daddario ej 22 a try?
There’s no doubt the PB’s ring with more bottom and lower mids on your guitar., almost, but not quite mushy with more sustain.
If you like lush, that’s your string.
The 80-20’s have more string definition and I believe they would be a great string on my J45 as are most all 80-20’s I have tried on it.
After they sorted out a few kinks in the manufacturing process, I came to prefer the 80-20. I had mostly used 80-20 over the last 20 plus years. In the end I’m not sure if it makes any kind of difference, as I think somehow a person will adapt their hands to alter the tone in an attempt to get what we want to hear, but for some reason I prefer 80-20.
Yesterday I put Medium XS Phosphor Bronze on my HD-28V and the tone and feel are the best I've had.This is the very first coated strings I've tried except for Martin Lifespans (those are "treated" so maybe not coated?). Anyway, the XS Phosphor Bronze Mediums are much easier on the fingers than the Medium & Light Martins and also even the Light D'Addario EJ16s. Now that I've tried and like coated strings maybe I will get out of Mom's basement eventually.
Lol, I’m glad you liked them Chris. As for getting out of the basement, I might have removed myself physically, but I am afraid I still maintain the old basement mental mentality lol. 😂 it’s all good as long as it’s fun though.
PB mediums on my 3 year old Alvarez blue grass EBG60 (mahogany)and 80/20 on my 48 Year old K. Yairi (rosewood). It’s all about bracing too I’ve learned. Certain brace types like certain strings. My 700$ Alvarez booms like a cannon with the forward shifted scalloped X, and the standard X on the yairi is more mid and high defined and super clear just no and I mean no bass no matter what string.
You are absolutely correct! It all depends on what the guitar likes, however, most people refuse to accept that. 🤠
I prefer 80/20’s. I think the PB strings “color” the tone and add more complex harmonics. I like the uncolored tone of 80/20’s.
Yeah, phosphor bronze can add some harmonics that perhaps stand out too much at times.
The 80/20 get my vote.
Nothing wrong with that at all!
I tried the new 80/20 XS medium .013-.056 on my 51 D18 and so far I am disappointed...The P.B. XS to my ear on this D18 sound more robust with more clarity, resonance, volume, bass, mids and balance. The 80/20, om my D18 actually sound muddy to me with poor string to string articulation. The bass E sounds very muddy with little sustain or resonance.
I’m right there with you Bill. I like the Elixir 80/20 a little better than Elixir PB, and hoped the D’Addario 80/20 would have suited me, but I’ll stick with XS PB. The top strings of the 80/20 just sound kind of dead to me, plus the entire set doesn’t seem to have the body or power that the phosphor bronze does. I recorded the video on Thursday, so I have given them three days, and my mind hasn’t changed.
On your guitar, definitely prefer the PB over the 80/20. On the other hand, coated strings are always going to sound different than uncoated, and the difference could be a lot more comparing uncoated sets of D’Addario PB vs 80/20.
My favorite PBs are Pyramid Mediums. I haven't yet played a set of strings that can compare to the Pyramid PBs for being ready to play right after stringing. Almost no break-in required. If I had a gig or recording session the next day, I'd go with the Pyramids every time.
Very valid points my friend, these in fact do sound very different in the versions that aren’t coded. In fact, it’s funny, the 80 20 end up sounding a little darker than the PB, when talking about D’Addario. However, exactly the opposite is true of Elixir lol.
@@ShawnBrockMusic Yep! You never know. And a string that might sound terrible on one guitar could sound great on another.
I still haven't found a coated string I really dig. As long as my fingers can handle the uncoated ones, I'll keep playing them.
@@berkeleybernie I certainly don’t blame you there, if for no other reason then it is a lot cheaper lol.
Guitar sounds good I’d just like to hear you honest opinion on each strings. You’re not gonna put either company out of business by just shooting us straight in this comparison video.
Well, being that both of these are made by the same company, there is no “ either company” to put out a business. 😂 the reason I didn’t give my opinion in the video, as was stated, was that was the first time I had put those on, and I wanted to wait sometime to establish a firm opinion. That firm opinion is, 80/20 on Rosewood, and phosphor bronze on mahogany. Of course like anything, it is subject to change depending on each guitar. I feel like the phosphor bronze has a bigger and fuller sound, while the 80/20 has better clarity.
*Thank you for your wonderful review mister Shawn. But you should talk a bit more trash sir ! It's pretty exciting when you do ! Cheers and God bless you .*
Lol thank you for watching my friend! Talking trash is pretty fun. 😅
@@ShawnBrockMusic Lol you are very welcome !!! Amazing reviews and videos ! Cheers ! ( I hope you don't mind that I was joking a bit )
@@major-Mihailo-Madzarevic oh of course I don’t mind my friend! I actually will be talking some trash on a video coming up, about a $20 pick I purchased. I got it to do a review, but the edges are so rough that you can’t even play with it lol.
@@ShawnBrockMusic Hahah nice ! Can't wait for that video !
Same here Shawn. Very disappointing as I also expected them to surpass the P.B. XS in sound parameters. I gave them a couple days and they came off. I wonder if D'Addario did any beta testing with the 80/20 XS. (I did not hear of anyone testing them prior to their release). It's hard to believe they did as I would bet they would have received considerable negative feedback most likely postponing the release of them.
I’ve used elixir 80/20 medium nano’s on my hd28v for a couple years and I feel like they’re leveling off a bit. I tried the XS 8020s and did not like them. I put a set of elixir 8020s back on my 28V. I’ve been playing them for about 2 months. not great, but OK. I’m going to try the D’Addario PB and see how I like them. Thanks for the information. I absolutely love the videos Shawn !
Brother I sure appreciate you watching; those Elixir 80/20 back in the day, are still the best strings I have ever used. I have been hoping the quality would get back to what it was.
80/20's can scoop some mids and make a mahogany guitar sound EQ'd to be more like a rosewood guitar..... Which can be really good to give a singer more space in the mix
That is absolutely correct in my opinion. I can’t say they are exactly brighter, as some people would think that is a negative connotation, but they seem to cut through a little better without being overly bright.
@@ShawnBrockMusicI'm really curious if you ended up liking these strings more... I think they're growing on me
@@ramspencer5492 ya know, the PB does have more power at first out of the pack, but it’s almost like the 80/20 is equal in power to the phosphor bronze, but you have to wait 12 hours or a day after you put them on, for the power to ramp up. yeah I know, that seems like a crazy statement, but I think it’s a little more than imagination, as the 80/20 has slightly fewer pounds of tension per set than the phosphor bronze. so I think the guitar actually has to adjust to the changing tension on the top. Honestly after this long, I can say I like the tone of the 80/20 the best, by a slight amount. I kept them on my Young D-28 for about six months, and switched back to the phosphor bronze, just to make sure I was firmly rooted in my opinion.
@@ShawnBrockMusic cool. I'm going to grab some medium XS 80/20's and put them on one of my dreads... 😎🎸 PB's are starting to feel slightly mid-low bloated right now.
@@ramspencer5492 i’m just telling you though man, for the first few hours, don’t be surprised if you hate them. I don’t know what it is, but you may want to get a butcher knife and kill me, but I promise you if you experiment for a few days, they are liable to grow on you. 😂
@ShawnBrockMusic you inspired me to do a quick comparison on my Brazilian Bourgeois. I will say this guitar is an absolute beast with the Bourgeois aged top/braces, large sound hole, and banjo killer bracing. So far i like the 80/20s a bit better…they are slightly quieter which i would expect as they are almost 10lbs lighter in tension. Anyhow…..one more example for everyone to enjoy and complain about coated strings :)
ua-cam.com/video/Ehg2iaH6Zfo/v-deo.htmlsi=TbbOtSpZrwzJHtU0
Brother I sure appreciate you sending that to me, because it is very valuable for me to hear the results that someone else gets. That is an awesome video, and I hope everyone here will check it out. Fabulous sounding guitar by the way! Thanks so much for taking the time to do this, and I agree with you about the 80/20 on your bourgeois.
The 80/20s are not quite as bright, imho. I prefer the 80/20’s. Thanks Shawn.
Thanks for watching my brother! I think those would suit a lot of peoples playing.
when you say Gom, I think 'Gomer'
As lovable as he always was, Gomer definitely was a gomb. Nothing beats the episode of citizens arrest, or Gomer Pyle USMC episode aqua marines. 😂
or the legendary andy grifith!!!@@ShawnBrockMusic
I think I like the phosphor a little better
I’m right there with you; I thought these might liven up a little more, but they have held steady.