Acoustic String Comparison: 80/20 vs. Phosphor Bronze
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- Опубліковано 14 жов 2019
- D'Addario Acoustic Guitar Strings - www.zzounds.com/a--3971116/pr...
Today I wanted to help you (and myself) settle an age old argument - do you prefer the sound of 80/20 or phosphor bronze acoustic strings? In today's video, we're going to be playing some back to back samples on the two D'Addario strings sets. We'll be using the same mics, pick, right hand position, and guitar in order to isolate as many variables as possible so that the only difference you're hearing is coming from the strings. Honestly, this video is for myself as much as it is for the person watching it.
To say a bit about the different sets - 80/20 strings have been around since the early 1900's and in fact were one of the first alloys used in making steel guitar strings. They're known for having a loud, very bright tone to them. They're made to cut through the mix and provide more volume than other sets. The phosphor bronze design is made with the intention of getting a warmer, more full tone. For that reason, they might be better for recording purposes or for playing out live with other amplification. This video will help you make the decision for which string set you prefer.
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Stay tuned for more videos with this instrument:
$140 vs. $3,000 Acoustic Guitar // Martin HD-28 & Epiphone DR-100:
• $140 vs. $3,000 Acoust...
Acoustic String Comparison: 80/20 vs. Phosphor Bronze:
• Acoustic String Compar...
Does String Gauge Affect Tone? 10's vs. 13's Comparison:
• Does String Gauge Affe...
#acoustic #string #demo
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Does String Gauge on Acoustic Make a Difference? 10's vs. 13's:
ua-cam.com/video/2YpNv6Ma-KE/v-deo.html
I would keep the same string gauge as the original on the guitar
Not only will different gauges make a difference (different amount/thickness of material) but also the differing tension will result in higher/lower action on your guitar, unless you diligently adjust action when you change gauges. Also manufacturers tend to build to a certain gauge in mind, and in fact if you have a lightly braced/built guitar say in the 00 or OM size, it may only be spec'd for lights, and putting mediums on it may be against the manufacturer's recommendation.
Usually todays acoustic guitars use 12s by factory (but look up this for your guitar it can still vary). You can always go for a lighter gauge but I would not reccomend to put heavier strings on it than the factory reccomendations. Doing so can cause the nut to crack or some strings wont even fit the nut anymore properly... But to answer you question yes - heavier strings allow faster picking with a heavy pick... when you re into bluegrass (or surfrock)- tremolopicking. But you get more tension, therefore bends will be harder on heavy strings and vv. Lighter stings allow you to play longer or barre a lot easier and learn with less pain... I used to play heavy strings for a long time but during the last years my hands got weaker and I got more to play... so I switched from heavy to lighter string gauges (I´ve played everything between 16s and 8s.... during the years... but nowdays 10-12s work the best for me, depending on the guitar. )
yup. previously had fender light 80/20. just rigged my guitar with Martin Mediums (12-52) phosphor bronze. Way too much tension on the top, restricting harmonics (which create a fuller sound). ended up with a lot of fizz from the string, not converting to true tone. also almost unplayable from fret 7 up.... would need to adjust truss rod. basically, overstrung. I know this sound and result from years playing violin professionally.... will be different for each guitar though. have to listen and feel the difference.
I have a OM 21 Martin 1993model and i have never tried 13’s. 12 yes. Do you think it can handle it? Although the factory recommended use of medium or lighter strings.
It's been my experience after over 30+ years of suffering from what I call Obsessive-Compulsive Hyper-Critical Guitar String-Blaming Disorder (OCHCGSBD) that it indeed comes down to Phosphor/Bronze and 80/20. In general, Phosphor/Bronze strings can be considered the "Great Equalizers". On a "modest" guitar (less than $1,000) the Phosphor/Bronze can work wonders at helping the instrument sound pleasing. They have a generic sound that can cover over a cheaper guitar's imperfections. Also, it is very true that they last longer than 80/20s. It's when you get up into the high-end of the acoustic guitar world that the 80/20's begin to make more sense. The 80/20s, short-lived though they are, are the strings that make a Martin, a Gibson, an old Westerly Guild F50r, sound completely unlike each other; and completely like themselves. In short, if you want to hear what your guitar really sounds like, use 80/20s.
made my day
Really? I thought the opposite... On my experience, i would say that, since cheaper guitars (On the very cheap end) tend to use low quality tonewoods, they tend to sound duller, and i would actually think that the 80/20's would do marvels with those since you need to balance out the lack of brightness of the instrument... On the opposite, a higher quality tonewood instrument, would sound more present on the top end and would require a warmer string or simply, since it's a higher quality guitar, could simply use any type of string... but your opinion really interested me... With a very cheap guitar do you recommend a phosphor string? (On a 50 buck random plywood top guitar) Greetings from Mexico sir.
@@javierdiazsantanaI have a very warm guitar with solid mahogany back and sides and it ONLY sounds good with 80/20's, ... These strings brought it to life.. before it sounded like in water...now its clear
@@lukasbernsen3824 Hell yeah! I got an 80/20 set to put on a new acoustic that i paid 37 dollars for... Hope the bridge won't pop.
I have exactly same experience, Phosphor Bronze strings can diminish guitars characteristic, meanwhile 80/20 usually compliment natural sound of the guitar
I trust this guy because of the Supro in the background
And the Martin
What an honor to have Lord Napoleon in my comment section
Alex Price sweet!
Supro oooooohhh yeaaaaa
Vote for Pedro!!!
And Comfortably Numb
Thanks always for these detailed comparisons!
Thanks for watching!
best 80/20 vs phosphor comparison video on youtube. Thanks man - we really appreciate your time and effort!!
Glad it was helpful!
Your take on comfortably numb is brilliant mate 👍🏻. Love to see a full video of that.
Thank you! I have a full band version from a few years ago. Completely instrumental though and I'm playing mostly the same guitar parts except for where the vibraphone is covering the melody.
ua-cam.com/video/jw2l1JmsQd0/v-deo.html
Thanks for the great song selection and playing. I've been using phosphor bronze forever. I like the sound of the 80 / 20s in your demo and will be trying them out on my D-35. Thanks!
Thank you for going through the hard work of changing strings just for this video. I hate wasting strings, so I appreciate taking time and effort just to do this video!
Great job. Thank you for a great comparison and the work you put in. I wish I could give more thumbs up.
Thanks for the video! Great playing too. You played every song I wanted to hear!
Sir, you have such brilliant playing. Loved the way you did the comparison and loved the way you played your guitar.
Thank you! Appreciate it
Awesome video man! Thanks for taking the time to do this. The other few videos I watched described the differences before I found this one. Much appreciated!
Glad it was helpful! Thanks Daniel
Well I've always used Pb's but no more after this- the 80/20's just sing, the Pb's sound stilted and not nearly as full. Thank you for taking the time to do this!
Alex! Your content in this video is just awesome. Extremely precise. Apart from the comparison, your skill was more dominant. Thanks for sharing. You got a subscriber. 🍻
Excellent version of yesterday!
Pretty straight forward mate - Like the genuineness on a whole!
This is a much better comparison video than any other video I've seen, you're microphone actually sounds good! Good playing too.
Thank you! I appreciate that
Excellent job man, simple, basic, and totally lets one understand the difference.
Excelent comparsion! Congrats!
Great comparison video! Thanks for that.
Excellent demo ! Thank you!
Your video was so very helpful! 🙂 Thank you & God bless you! We will check out your other videos next time. 🕊️
Great.Thanks for the time it took to make this review ...
EXCELLENT review. Thank you very much.
Beautiful rendition of a day in the life.
Thanks for the demo, it was very helpful.
Phosphor bronze for me.
In my experience 80/20 is better for the singer/songwriter genre. They produce a bright and crisp sound, great for strumming chords. Phosphor Bronze is better for the instrumental genre. They produce a warm and dark tone, great for finger style playing.
@Milwaukee Matzen to me they sound a little too thin for finger style. I enjoy the dark, full tone of phosphor bronze for that.
Even I agree that 80/20 are better in terms of fingerstyle
And good for strumming singing as well
I find it opposite really! I think that generally PB strings make a shitty Guitar sound better but have a ceiling while the 80/20 is going to make a shitty guitar show why it is $300 and will equally show why your $8000 is such. If you want to know how good your Luthier is put 80/20's on it.
@@thenakedbootleggers it’s personal preference. That’s just how my ears hear it. I think 80/20s are more versatile overall though.
This was good mate! Thanks!
Thanks Alex. It's phosphorus for me. Loved the yesterday fingerpickin at the end. Keep it up
Thanks Kelvin. Glad you enjoyed
Hope you grow your channel soon, really nice and detailed content.
Thank you! I appreciate that. It has been a slow but rewarding process.
They both sound very good, naturally the 80/20 is way brighter and the phosphor warmer and fuller. I have an 80/20 set now and i think the next i will put on will be a phosphor. And of course is all in the taste of each person, if you play purely acoustic, no amplification, and you need to cut through, use 80/20. If you don't need that much cut and you need a warmer sound, get the phosphor. Also the instrument's voice is key in deciding which strings you will use. For dark instruments the 80/20's can do miracles, and for brighter guitars, you can pretty much balance it out with the phosphor strings. Great vid man, thank you.
For me the 80/20 were miles ahead.The Phosphor Bronze have a vague airy midrange that I suppose some might love...for me it just feels like something is missing everytime I hear them.Fantastic playing on a fantastic guitar.Nice one.
Thanks for your thoughts!
Excellent comparison. Thank you! I play 11-52 on my HD-28 Phosphore Bronze
Nice comparison! thanks, man!
Very accurate and to the point comparison 👍.
Great video, super useful 80/20 sounds clearer to me and what I like. Thank you
Strong video man good stuff
This was a public service you did here thanks man going with the 80/20
Glad it was helpful!
Wow huge difference, not that noticeable until strumming.
Great well made video, thanks so much for making. Helped me a lot with making a choice. Cheers
Cheers brother. Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for your time and effort in putting together this comparison video I have decided to go 80/20 after your wonderful and in-depth presentation
Glad it was helpful!
I like phosphor bronze more... The sound is deeper, middle sound range is better and it's not too loud at high tone.
Yeah but with singing? 80/20s have a little mid scoop that supports backcamp of vocalist. Sometimes adding mid scoop to mid scoop on a rosewood guitar can be a little bit much though... Depending on the guitar. 80/20s also need less EQ to sit in a mix.
Nice job with this video. Thank you.
Generally speaking I prefer phosphor bronze, but once in a while I’ll throw 80/20 on my hummingbird just to get a brighter sound. Then I always go back to the PBs. I just like the warmer sound they give better. Nice video by the way!
Great comparison! I typically prefer PBs but my ears liked the 80/20s best in your test. Interesting!
Thanks for this. New to guitar, and super clear. good demo.
Glad it was helpful!
Nicely done😊
Good comparison ... appreciate the effort to make it "apples to apples". And it's always great to hear someone half my age playing some Pink Floyd! I use phosphor/bronze on my smaller bodied guitar to "thicken" the sound, but prefer 80/20 on dreads so they're not so boomy.
Thanks Richard! Glad it was helpful
I ordered heavy phosphorous strings. My guitar sound like the string are medium 80/20. I think the guitar itself resonates lighter tones so it higher pitchy which isn't bad for my voice is can go high something about the sound undertones here represent sound I like and prefer. Which undertones at least in my thoughts i like the controlled tone without the high undertones. I can't so much explain it. With the right terminology but this just gave me reassure in my decision and why I went in that direction. Not by no means am I guitar player. I just play for the joy of making music.
great comparison - thanks!
Perfect, your video took away my doubts and I finnaly chose the ideal chords for me. Phospor made mid-tones clearer. Big TY from Brazil.
Great to hear that! Glad it was helpful
Excellent comparison. Very useful! Obviously down to personal preference. 80/20 for me but I can see why others go for the PB.
Great vid!
nice job, very helpful!!
Thanks so much buddy you helped me and for sure many others to choose the right one.
Really glad it was helpful!
Very interesting and surprising - the Pb strings certainly sounded far less dynamic and slightly dull compared to copper. EXCELLENT demo with so many demos that were continuous without breaks for narration. Definite bell ringing time if this is the standard of your uploads.
Thank you Alan! I appreciate it
Your awesome bro, thanks for the help, Rockstar 👑🍻
I go with 80/20 but I play Martin D15 guitars which are mahogany and rather dark. I think brighter strings work better on darker guitars. Informative video. Also, great playing!
Thanks for your thoughts Dan!
This actually makes perfect sense. I almost always use PB. They tend to really mimic the actual tone woods better. BUT I just got a DREAM guitar, this 1972 Hofner 496 Jumbo - so rare id never even seen one before except online in old catalogs, and frankly it’s VERY dark sounding. So for the first time I’m going to try 80/20s just to try to brighten it up a bit... We’ll see how it goes...
Well, I just put some 80/20's on my guitar and really didn't care for the sound at all. After listening to this incredibly well done comparison it's clear as can be that I'll never buy 80/20's again. The 80/20's IMO were louder and brighter but lack the wonderful harmonics of the PB's. It's like the difference between glass and crystal. The PB's had beautiful string to string balance and work well as a set while with the 80/20's each string seems to be trying to out do each other. Thanks for making my string buying decisions a mute point! Also, that is some beautiful playing sir.
Thank you Pete! I appreciate it, and I’m glad that the video was helpful
It really depends on the guitar
thank you, super helpful! was wondering what to choose. think the 80/20 will give my mini martin that extra bit to stand out.
You play very beautifully sir. I recently went from nickel bronze to 80/20 on my solid wood Alvarez and was sold until after 3 sessions and now they’re dead sounding. They sounded phenomenal out the package though. Thanks for the video brother!
Thanks for sharing your experience! Yes I have definitely noticed that 80/20’s seem to tarnish much quicker than Phosphor Bronze
Great variable isolation!
Glad you enjoyed!
I have been using 80/20 bronze for ages. I need to try the others on my 814ce Taylor to soften the tone. Excellent video and demo.
Thanks Larry! Glad it was helpful
Very helpful, thanks!
extremely helpful!
Great video - - thank you. I had no idea before I checked out your video. I'm sold on 92/8.
Glad it was helpful!
Those 80/20 lights will make a dreadnaught come to life with mid brightness without losing bass . Can get a very good blues / rock sound out of them too .
Thanks bro. Its extremly usefull.
Suuuper useful thank you !!!
Good demo, thanks. On this guitar the 80/20's sound more pleasing at first but actually the phosphors have this mix ready eq:d sound that brings out both the sparkle and bark of the guitar.
I've been using 80/20, but after your comparison I'll try PB, they're round and well balanced. Great job!!
Thanks for commenting Alex! Let me know how they work for you
Very interesting! In this demo, I find 20/80's wound strings sounding louder and more articulate. I'll try those the next time I buy acoustic strings!
Great video. Thanks
Accurate comparison, thank you!!!
Thanks for the great video. 13's - pretty beefy strings to a lot of players, but I like the choice. I wonder how the comparison holds up as you go to lighter strings. Both sounded good on my mediocre computer speakers. I might give the edge to the 80-20 for strumming and to the phosphor/bronze for the finger picking (beautifully done btw), but purely personal preference, could feel differently on a different day.
This is the best demonstration I've seen for hearing the differences. I am trying to learn fingerstyle playing without any picks and right now it sounds too mellow and muffled to me. I'm used to the pick sound. I think 80/20s might help brighten it up. Plus everything I want to play is older anyway.
Great help - thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks it was really helpful!
80/20 sounds brighter and I like it. Phosphor bronze sounds slightly muddy compared to it.
Btw this is an amazing comparison and I really like that the comparison was done without any other variables. I also like that you put short phases of them one by one. This helped me notice the differences.
Yes thanks Alex I forgot to thank you for the excellent work here. Very much appreciated!
Great Video!
Glad it was helpful Mikayla!
Thanks Alex, yeah personally I think I like the 80/20s but who knows what the future holds 👍
I prefer the 80/20 bronze strings. I would like to hear John Pearce strings on that guitar. Nice playing by the way!
Excellent playing. Differences best heard in the later playing, Day in the Life, Yesterday, not so in the strumming. Not enough to make me change from 80/20's. I play Elixir Light 12-53, they're a bit expensive but nice sound and seem to last longer. Thanks for making this video.
Hey John - thanks for sharing your experience!
I like the honesty, well done fella ! No bullshit just a straight forward informative vid, the layout to it is really good, making it easy to compare, I found both have positives in certain area's over each other, I guess its what suits the style of music one plays, or song, in a perfect world we'd have two guitars, PB & 80/20 😊, probably the 80\20s for what I play most of, difficult tho' .... cheers, great job done !
big job!!! Great!
Came here for the strings, stayed for the playin'
Me too
80/20 all the way! Great vid man, thank you! 😊
Great demo! I like them both. I think while the PBs are bigger and fuller sounding, some time just sound way better on 89/20s. They're a little less stringy on the high end.
I use both. I have my '76 Guild strung with 80/20s (currently caught between light Martin M140s and D'addario mediums) and my '87 Taylor with medium D'addario PBs. That way I can get that vibey early 70s acoustic tone, especially in open tunings a la Stephen Stills or Neil Young and a much bigger acoustic tone that works for everything else.
Thank you for sharing your experience!
I think the 80/20's suited this martin more initially but after playing for a while your ears might get annoyed with the sparkle. I prefer the PB's on my 000. Like horses for courses, most guitars have a string material, gage and brand that suits them :)
Agreed! I like to try and find the perfect set for each of my guitars.
Totally agree. Like with open tunings. It might take me a day or two of really intense emotional meddling to figure out what tuning a guitar wants to be in when I get a new one (used, but new to me). But when it finally lands, you can definitely hear and feel it. THATS the tuning that guitar wants to be in. Same with strings I think.
Yeah i like PB on my 000-28 and 80/20 on my golden Era hog backed alpine Spruce dread.
Thanks, very helpful.
Nice video bro! Really helpful till this day! I prefer phosphor
Thanks a lot for such a detailed and reliable comparison!! Which set would you prefer more?
Thanks for watching. I personally prefer the Phosphor Bronze set :)
Hey great job!! It was very helpfull!! Gretings from argentina
Glad to hear that! Thanks for writing Mariano 🙏🏼
to me the 80/20s sound a lot clearer and less "muddy", but all up to personal preference I guess
also certain strings definitely work better for certain types of playing/songs
Definitely. I think for people strumming hard, the 80/20 might be a better fit. I personally like the Phosphor Bronze because I pick pretty lightly and I feel like I get more body out of them.
Thanks for the test. 80/20 all the way. Very nice playing, guitar sounds great. Makes me happy to see a young man putting proper.13 medium gauge on that Martin. I see young people putting .11s on martin dreads. Now cut the stings at the tuning pegs and we will be all set.
Superb playing. Surprised how close they were but the PH/BR won the day with to my ear a rounder, even balance. My fav guys all use these as do I with my D 18 and electrics. Just today a 3 pack of the XS coated 80/20 showed up. I look forward trying them out for the 1st time. Thanks
I think it really depends mostly on what kind of style and tone you are trying to go for me personally as a finger picker I use phosphor bronze strings all the time because I feel like they sound more balanced and warm sounding whereas the 80/20 string sound more punchier which is kind of nice if you are a flat picker I feel like the highs are also more crisp and clear on the 80/20 but for me I don't want my eyes to be outstanding so I stick with the phosphor bronze strings
I agree 100%. Thanks for your thoughts Dakota
Nice comparison!!
I love "a Day in The Life"!!!!!
Greetings from Brazil!
I’ve never put 80/20 on my L00 now I’m quite curious. Tomorrow I’ll swap my strings! Thank you so much man!
Finally my query has been answered 🙌 Greetings from India
Glad I could help!
Looking at the comments, it just goes to show that both of these sets of strings sounded fantastic and I I think the only thing that divides them Is personal preference in the end.
Could not agree more. The guitar itself also plays a huge role. On one instrument, the 80/20 set might sound awful - on another, it’s perfect.
Thank you for creating the best 80/20 vs. Phosphor comparison video I have seen. I have always been partial to 80/20. I think after this video, my feelings have not changed. Phosphors sound tinny/chimey to my ear, whereas 80/20s have a richer deeper sound that I love.