Your assessment is spot on Robert. Neither option sounds bad at all, but the 80/20 are optimized for your vocal examples. One other thing to note, at least for me (when you are singing), the 80/20 strings seem to have more sparkle in the melody. One would think that the human voice would be more harmonious with phosphor bronze, but is it? With the 80/20s, harmonies between what you sing and what the guitar sings stand out in juxtaposition more efficiently for sure. It sounds more interesting to my ear, more complex.
Thanks for listening so carefully and sharing your thoughts. I was surprised at how good both types of metals sound in these comparisons. While singing and playing in the room, the differences seemed more obvious, and I could literally feel it in my voice. I tend to "belt" when playing PBs, so my performance feels more forced and less relaxed and "natural" to me. Some of it may be that the Phosphor strings were about 3 dB louder overall, as measured with my dB meter. I think most of that extra volume comes from the midrange. I agree that the interplay with 80/20s sounds a little more complex and detailed - because I can hear the articulation of the guitar notes and the vocal pitches just a little more clearly. Cheers!
Establishing the expectations was excellent. Knowing what to listen for was very helpful. I use both on my J45, but going forward, I will pay closer attention to the lows, mids, and highs of each set.
I’m glad you hear👂 it, too. It’s really obvious when singing but sometimes less apparent when listening. I just recorded a song in memory of a friend and I love how the 80/20s work with my voice with a capo all the way up at the 8th fret: ua-cam.com/video/pypRshcYhCE/v-deo.htmlsi=2E9_iUIVcaYN0Ccn
First off, nice demonstration and playing. The recording does clearly show the difference of the string type and is a great example of the differences for your setup and guitar. I've got an assortment of acoustic guitars and the type of strings that work best certainly depend on the application and the guitar itself. Some strings just work better with certain guitars. My Breedlove cedar guitar for example has a dark complex sound and can be easily overwhelmed when playing with PB strings, especially when strumming. It sounds decent with nickel bronze, and stellar with 80/20. I have a PRS Angelus A50E that absolutely prefers PB's and sounds gutted and thin with nickel bronze, and somewhat thin and airy with 80/20. I sing with that guitar often and the PB's still work well. Recordings often don't capture the differences as well but it's audible in the room and makes a difference to the player, I'm not sure how often the audience actually notices though. I do agree with your overall concept, PB's do fill in the midrange and depending on the guitar and setting could certainly compete too much with your voice and try to take front and center. I honestly think PB's are the most popular because most guitars use spruce tops and have very crisp distinction between strings/frequencies and on attacks from the spruce sound board, and can handle a broader sound that's louder and has more midrange. The last thing I'll say, my all mahogany breedlove guitar actually loves PB's too, despite the tonewood leaning midrange heavy as well (you'd think 80/20 would work better to complement the midrange heavy tonal characteristics). It definitely goes to show that there's more to tone and sound of an acoustic guitar than just the soundboard and tonewood!
Thanks for the detailed feedback, Dion. It's great to hear from someone with your kind of experience, who's taken the time to try different string metals on each guitar. I always say there's no right or wrong when it comes to these choices, just preference. And you're right - there's MUCH more to tone than the soundboard and tonewood. I've posted numerous videos about the audible change that happens with "small" changes like: playing with different pick gauges; changing from plastic to bone or ebony bridge pins; or adding a MItchel's PlateMate under the bridge. You might enjoy these videos... Pick gauge: ua-cam.com/video/iTWVbB36Cmw/v-deo.html Bridge Pins and PlateMate: ua-cam.com/video/H9pmT4uv2oA/v-deo.htmlsi=_Vn-A3ObDNFqvQxk
Amazing. It's exactly as you said. I tend to listen more to the instruments than the vocals, however when you sing with the 80/20 it sounds like the guitar is backing you up, as opposed to the guitar taking the spotlight.
That's a good way to put it, Joe - the 80/20 strings have a more "supporting" feel to them. I'm glad you hear the difference. Some people don't seem to hear it.
@@RobertCassard you know, I was focused on the strings and forgot to compliment your vocals, too. You do Buffett really well - in your own voice and style but with the right amount of tribute. Your singing and playing is very clean and refreshing.
@@JoeEngineersThings Thank you! Your compliment means a lot. It's always a little tricky to strike the right balance between an artist whose style I admire and my own.
I just put 80/20s on my new Sapele guitar to balance the natural midrange of the guitar. The strings did exactly that, and if I were a singer I’d be thrilled. But as just a guitar player I’m missing the synergy that happens when I respond to the liveliness of the PBs.
I get it, Joe. Give it a little time. Playing 80/20s is generally less “hyped” and a little quieter. You can always switch back if you still miss all the “stuff in the middle.”
Interesting approach to deciding between the two. I've typically played phosphor bronze for general purpose, especially when I'm not going to be able to change strings as frequently. But if I'm recording, 80/20 every time. The biggest reason for that is my finger "chemistry" dulls 80/20 pretty quickly, but I like the initial fundamental sparkle, and overtones from the 5th & 6th strings. Sorry I can't make it down to Alameda tomorrow. I hope there's a good crowd and you have fun!
Thanks Jon. 80/20s used to dull on me, too. I switched to coated strings for that reason and never looked back. The new D'Addario XS coated strings are quite amazing. That's what I'm playing in this video and I don't think anyone would accuse that tone of being muted compared to an uncoated string. Here's a link if you ever want to try a set and go back to 80/20s for general purpose: amzn.to/3Apq0Q9 (Yes, they're $20, but they last at least 3X longer than uncoated strings for me.)
Robert, I can definitely hear a difference. It sounds like you are competing with the guitar when singing with the Phosphor Bronze and not with the 80/20s. I've recently switched my guitars to 80/20s and find them much easier to sing with. Thanks for a great video!
I'm glad you hear the difference, too, and I hope you enjoy the 80/20s. It's interesting, because there's always a significant difference between the sound the player hears vs. what the listener hears.
Thanks, Morten. Whether you play Phosphor or 80/20, D'Addario's new XS coated strings (which I'm playing in the video) are fantastic. They sound brilliant and last 3-4 X longer than uncoated strings. Link to 80/20: amzn.to/3Apq0Q9 Link to Phosphor Bronze: amzn.to/46U4Fun Cheers!
I’d be lying if I said that I noticed a big difference. Maybe I’ll throw on my headphones and listen again. Really just wanted to say thanks for playing a couple of Jimmy’s tunes. He was the reason that I picked up the guitar almost 5 years ago at 58. I love to sing his songs. On topic: Coincidentally I switched out my PB’s for 80/20’s on my solid Sapele Martin dreadnought yesterday. I use very light 11’s as the guitar has plenty of depth/boom all by itself. Thanks!
Hi Dave. It's ALWAYS a pleasure to play Jimmy tunes! Since you and I both got inspired by him, check out my deep dive on Jimmy and his music: ua-cam.com/video/yWDijqPaIoQ/v-deo.html I'm seriously disappointed that UA-cam has essentially IGNORED this video. Under 700 views in over 4 months. Does the algorithm have something against having fun?! Anyway, please pass it onto other parrotheads if you're so inclined!
It’s not easy unless you know what to listen for. One thing that doesn’t get discussed a lot is that the high e and b strings are the same in both sets, it’s only the winding on the wound strings that is different. So you have to "tune out" the highest pitch strings which can be challenging, especially because they receive the most energy on an upward strum.
Great video! How fresh are the strings here? I appreciate that this would be a lot more effort and difficult (which is why no one does it on youtube) but I would be super interested to hear a comparison of phosphor vs 80/20 strings when they're more "played in". My experience is that 80/20 strings really "mellow out" after a couple of weeks, but I suspect that what you said about the midrange differences still applies. Everyone on youtube who does string comparisons is usually comparing very fresh strings for obvious reasons, but I feel like most of us aren't changing our strings twice a month 🙃. Maybe twice a year right? Which with 80/20 bronze makes it a rare week or two in our lives that they have that fresh string twang and sizzle! That's okay with me though, a tone I really like personally is martin 80/20s that have chilled out a bit (but then I'm weird, I love silk & steels with a flatpick too 😄)
All great points, Muzikman. In this case, both sets were fully coated (whole string, not winding-coated). The Phosphor strings had about 3 hours of play time on them but still sounded as bright as another guitar I had just string with brand new PBs. After switching to the 80/20s, I played them for a couple hours before recording the comparison takes. (I was recording a bunch of songs for my deep dive on Jimmy Buffett: ua-cam.com/video/yWDijqPaIoQ/v-deo.html) With fully coated strings (either Elixir or D'Addario XS), I find they sound and record "like new" for 8-10 hours, so both were well within that window. FYI - I'm planning to do a "longitudinal" comparison video of coated vs. uncoated strings - comparing how they deaden over longer numbers of playing hours.
A very interesting comparison, and I agree with your assessment. I assume these are new strings. Now the question is how do they contrast when they're more played in? Probably the contrast still carries, but the 80/20's may be more "mellow".
Thanks, Brian. Glad you agree. YES, in this video, the strings are new. But since they're both D'Addario XS (coated) strings, they tend to sound very much like this for quite a long time. Since I always play coated strings, the differences between PB and 80/20 tend to stay surprisingly consistent.
You are right I also like the strings 80/20 and it has a better audio mix together with your voice when you sing along with the song sir. I am an amateur musician who just started taking guitar lessons.
Thanks for listening, @vandelaar040. I'm happy you're taking lessons and I hope you progress quickly. Depending on where you are in your "guitar journey," this lesson may be helpful to you: ua-cam.com/video/GL3ZAN7CdT0/v-deo.html Cheers!
This is a timely video for me. I own a slope shouldered mahogany Gibson J-35 and have recently gone back to 80/20s to brighten up the guitar and to provide room for my vocals after using Martin Monels for several years. I found myself really enjoying hearing the fundamentals and the woody tone of the mahogany with the monels and I am curious if you have ever used them on your J-50.
Glad the timing was good, Brian. I'm so happy with the 80/20s that I haven't tried Monels on any of my guitars. I have quite a few guitars, and I always use coated strings to make sure every guitar is ready to go whenever I need it, instead of unexpectedly needing a string change due to string corrosion. How do the Monels last for you?
@@RobertCassard Honestly I changed them every six months and I probably play 25 hours a week. FWIW Monels don't corrode. They felt and sounded just fine. They could probably stay on for a year. They lack the high end jangle of bronze and are very stable sound wise. 80/20s were about once a week and phosphor bronze averaged every couple weeks to maybe a month. As for coated strings I tried them when I was much younger and wasn't a fan.
I tried Monel .13s on my 1963 D-28 and liked them so much I put .12s on my HD-28. When I bought my Gibson Advanced Jumbo I insisted the store put on Monel .13s and they suit it perfectly; took it for a week at Winfield and it was amazing! Lots of woody tones, and a top end chime that rings out even over banjos..
The 80/20s definatly sound better with your voice. Its amazing how strings make a difference. I swear I've tried 80/20s, but it was such a long time ago. Unfortunately my guitar got messed up in a flood in the basement last year. When we get all the damage apraised, I'll look forward to either getting it repaired or a new guitar. Then, I'd like to try those strings out. One of my favorite things to do is accompany myself on acoustic.
Thank you Robert for this comparison between the phosphore bronze and 80/20 bronze strings. I'm not a singer and, l can't give an intesting comparison in this case. I mainly play in fingerstyle and open tuning. I have never used 80/20 strings. However, at the first second, l hear that 80/20 are mainly superior. A beautiful shine and a crystal clear sound without excess.. No doubt, on my thirty years old Martin M36, the next strings will be 80/20 XS d'Addario 👌 !
@@RobertCassard Pas de problème Robert. When my usual XS phosphor bronze are too old, l will put d'Addario XS bronze 80/20. I give you my opinion in live condition
I like the Bronze .My Martin guitar came with the Martin guitar strings attached but I didn't like them at all .Now we I have the Bronze and I'm happy happy happy.😊
Me too, Edward. As this video shows, the differences can be pretty subtle, but each guitar seems best matched to a certain kind of strings. Once you find the right ones, it always seems like the guitar says Thank You!
Depending on the specific guitar, the differences can be pretty subtle. But if you're a singer, you'll probably be happy with how the guitar sparkles and yet stays "out of the way" of your vocals. Come back and share your experience.
@@RobertCassard I've got D'addario XS Phosphor Bronze 12's on my Takamine right now, and it sounds great - but I went out at lunch and picked up some Elixir 80/20 Nanoweb 10's to try. Besides the change in composition/materials, the difference in string size will make it more obvious. I'm okay with that. I like having the option to play quietly if I choose - or not - and I find that the 12's made it more difficult to get as clear a tone when picking more lightly. I'm curious to see how much of a difference it will make when finger picking - I'm sure that will also be more noticeable than it would have been had I stayed with 12's.
@@BitsOfEternity I've mostly been playing Elixir strings for many years now. I recently tried D'Addario XS strings and I like 'em but don't love 'em. They sound a little more like uncoated strings right after stringing, but I'm finding they're not as well protected as Elixirs are, especially the high B and E strings. I can actually SEE some tarnishing after a couple hours of playtime. I pretty much have 12s on all my acoustics, so I'll be curious to know how different the 10s sound to you.
@@RobertCassard So, try to not laugh too hard - but ... I bought my Takamine a year ago, and right away replaced the strings. I had thought I had put D'addario, but I was mis-remembering. The D'addario XS that I installed were those that I had put on my Les Paul ... Prior to that, I had been using Hybrid Slinky Cobalt (9-46) and they sounded great, but I wanted to try the XS, as I had seen good reviews. So on my Les Paul, I had put on the D'addario XS Nickel Plated Steel, 10-52 and I've enjoyed them. I installed a string butler at the same time, and stretched the strings, and it does stay in tune better than it had prior to the butler's installation. In any case, back to the Takamine, when I bought it, I had heard good things about Elixirs, and I had actually bought (and installed) a set of 80/20 Bronze Nanoweb, 12-53, and that's what I've been playing since last September. I don't gig - I only have these two guitars, and I haven't played as much as I'd like, but I do get a minimum of a few hours of playing time each week, sometimes that might be 10 hours in a week - and these Elixir on my Takamine have held up nicely, though I bought those 10-47 today (also 80/20 Bronze) because I can see the wear on the strings - but these still sound great. I picked up the 10's instead of 12's because I will find it easier to play - for the same reason I bought 9-46 for my electric - I literally have thin skin, and arthritis, and don't get enough time to practice to be able to play 12's as comfortably as I'd like. I do hope the 10's sound just as good.
In a Rick Beato video, Rhett actually found he preferred the 10s because they were easier to play, compared to 12s and 13s. His hammer ons weren't as good on the heavier gauges. To me, I think that 10s will offer me more dynamic range, because on 12s and 13s, you have to put more energy into the note to get it to sound it's best. With the 10s, I can get more sound with less input - I know what I'm trying to say, hope that comes across. All of this being said, your video is great because I hadn't considered where the sound fit in the mix with vocals, and the 80/20 are perfect. Cheers!
I think this is great and you are right...but... what about how the tone of a guitar affects you emotionally etc. I know I like my guitars to be mid-rangy and pop out a fair bit, and this affects how I sing in response to it. I know this is getting off in to the weeds a bit but there's nothing worse than picking up a guitar that sounds flat or even just a little bit lifeless. Also recording acoustic guitar and vox at the same time has always been a challenge, so well done for these examples :)
How the guitar affects you emotionally is KEY. 🔑 And that’s an entirely personal and subjective experience. One reason the recent “fad” of rubber bridge guitars has taken off among indie folk artists is how it affects them emotionally.
Quick question on my HD28 I always use 12’s but just curious about trying 13’s. Have you experimented with 13’s? I’m always just trying different things. I could Put yarn on this guitar and it would sound unreal 😂 but please Let me know if you think 13s would be worth trying. Thanks!!
@@R.L.Humpert Hi there! It depends on the guitar and player preferences. I personally use 11 - 52 because I like to bend strings for soloing! Have a great day :)
@@R.L.Humpert Hi RL. YES! I've tried 80/20 .13s on my HD-40 (a modified HD-28). My experience: It added 3 db of overall volume while strumming, with greater emphasis on the bass. It sounded impressive, but was ultimately too loud for me to sing along with comfortably. Even with fairly low action, the feel was stiffer and therefore a little less fun to play for long periods. When I switched back to 12s, it sounded "just right" to me and definitely played more easily. The only reason I'd ever go back to 13s is if playing in an acoustic/unplugged setting with louder instruments like banjo and mandolin.
Great video Robert; I can tell the difference, but it's not that significant. Tone is highly subjective anyway; the guys at Brook Guitars made me a Sinker Redwood/ Indian Rosewood jumbo and they were a tad reluctant as it would be very warm and not that bright. They were partly correct, but I love a warm woody tone, and it's still got articulate highs. I prefer phosphor bronze, but if I needed to change my strings for a gig and all I had was 80/20s, no problem. Thanks for posting this - keep it up, my friend!
Thanks, Mark. The metal differences sound quite subtle when I hear them played back like this. They seem more obvious when I'm in the room singing and playing. That said, they really both sound great, so personal preference is just that. There's certainly no right and wrong!
That makes perfect sense, Alessandra. Phosphor Bronze can compensate for a thin-sounding guitar. Many Taylors and Takamines seem built for Phosphor strings. Most Gibsons and Martins seem built for 80/20s - at least for me!
Si! It's the area where Stradivari violin wood was grown. In particular, the HD-40MK's top comes from the Val di Fiemme, in the middle of the Dolomites. I talk the guitar's specs in my deep-dive video about CF Martin signature models. I'd love to hear your Dowina! ua-cam.com/video/YXiaM-pGbyE/v-deo.html
@@RobertCassard I knew Dolomite spruce was violin wood used by Stradivari but I wasn't sure if it was also called Italian Alpine Spruce. I have a Dowina Amber Road. There are a few demonstrated on UA-cam. Nice thing is the top was tuned by the owner himself, Stan Marinov. His initials can be seen on the bracing. They tune all the Master Series models. I was lucky to have mine tuned by the owner. Dowina stock nut width is 45mm. You can special order 43mm. 45mm is wider than most American made but it is good for finger picking. You just have to get used to it. I've only owned the guitar 2 years. It came with Elixir 80/20 but I switched to phosphor bronze to get more mids. I sing back up and don't worry much about singing over the guitar through a PA system. I like the phosphor bronze better on my guitar. I also have a Takamine EAN10C cedar top. I use the 80/20 Nanoweb on it for more brightness. The Takamine has a 1 11/16" nut width.
I play mostly acoustic instrumentals, and can't do without the overtones of phosphor bronze strings but that said 80/20 is much better to stay out of the way of vocals.
@@RobertCassard I compared it with fingerpick VS Bronze coated and normal bronze. I only use these since i play more with fingerpicking .. They are also good for strum, but with fingerpick those are light and the bass is not to hard .. normal i use Bronze .. And if i dont use the guitar very much then coated .. I have 12 guitars 🙂 And on strats i use the Diadario wound G string set, you should compare that in how steady the g string is on the strat 🙂 ( i mean the tone of that string)
@@TheCSteve Like you, I have a lot of guitars, and because each of them needs to be ready no matter how long they've been unplayed, I always use coated strings. Also like you, I prefer wound G strings on electric.
I have played 80 20 for years my high E is tiny and needs to go. So PB hard strumming 13 E to solve problem. I play hard and electric, no tinny and need awesome low E.
I generally love the sound of Guilds, Glen - and they're naturally some of the beefiest acoustics around. Do you sing when you play, or are you mostly an instrumentalist?
Has anyone tried 13’s on their HD28 or just any dread I’m really curious since I have always used 12’s. Such an amazing guitar. My HD28 is better than anything I have ever played even boutique guitars are Not better although they are very good too.
Hi RL. YES! I've tried 80/20 .13s on my HD-40 (a modified HD-28). My experience: it added 3 db of overall volume while strumming, with greater emphasis on the bass. It sounded impressive, but was ultimately too loud for me to sing along with comfortably. Even with fairly low action, the feel was stiffer and therefore a little less fun to play for long periods. When I switched back to 12s, it just sounded "just right" to me and definitely played more easily. The only reason I'd ever go back to 13s is if playing in an acoustic setting with louder instruments like banjo and mandolin.
Yeah my dumbass was turning the wrong string while tuning and was like “why the hell wont this change pitch?” So naturally I just kept turning it higher and higher and snapped a totally different string.
@@Moonlightdance58 the worst is when it happens at a gig! So many distractions...it's easy not to realize you're turning the wrong peg, and often you're not even hearing the string get tuned - you;re just watching the tuner not move. Snap!!
I use propsher bronze HD light nanoweb and i sing perfectly in tune with the tone of them. Never used 80 20 i felt they where quiet in this. Video. Ill stick to propsher.
@@RobertCassard There is more of a ring with prospher so i can understand why it may interfere with some voices. I get what you mean by having to sing against it likr a comeptition to forcr voice against it. My advice is tune half a step down for most songs, use capo with half step down if required, and maybe even a step down for some few songs. The brightness is still there but it is toned down by tuning.
I think you're right that string choice can make an even bigger difference on a cheaper guitar than on a premium guitar. Some brands are even built for specific strings. Fun fact: making a guitar sound "expensive" isn't always my goal. When recording and layering guitars, I have some instruments that I deliberately want to sound thin, dark or lo-fi. The epitome of this is the tone I get from a rubber bridge (or the equivalent). I did a 3-part series on that topic, starting with this one: ua-cam.com/video/5vWIpwlXGpA/v-deo.html Cheers!
Phosphor bronze sound really nice, but living in southeast Texas, the humidity seems to turn them dark really fast. The tarnish on them kills the tone. 80/20 last much longer.
Humid environments are always a challenge, Ben. Have you tried coated strings, which slow down the tarnishing MUCH more? I've played Elixirs for years, but recently, I've been using D'Addario XS strings (which have a VERY thin but durable coating) and I'm super impressed: amzn.to/4fCH8Ba
Thanks RW - the differences are more obvious for me while I'm in the room singing along with the guitar. I'm surprised how much more similar they are upon playback. But I guess that's a good thing!
I agree if you sing and play 80/20 is the best choice ,it just balanced out better. In my own opinion.. Nothing against the bronze they sound good, too. But I think as a solo player and singer ( singer debateabl) 😊 80_ is the better choice But you have to into count the guitar your playing too. They all respond different.
Right Mike. Every guitar is unique and some guitars will sound better with PBs (even accompanying vocals). But on my vinbtage guitars, I always seem to come back to 80/20s and how they "stay out of my way" vocally.
@@jamesmacdon9351 I really like Yamaha acoustics. I have a prized FG-151 from the mid-70s. I’ve featured it in multiple videos on my channel. Here’s an oldie but goodie: Poor Man's Martin - YAMAHA FG NIPPON GAKKI - Guitar Discoveries #3 ua-cam.com/video/Zptr9Vi2q0M/v-deo.html
I literally can't tell a damned but of difference. I liked the tone you had on Come Monday best, but honestly you just sounded like you playing a different song not different strings.
All right then, Remley. The differences are subtle, but it's more obvious to me in the room than after being recorded. But if you don't hear any difference, then string metal choice will probably be less important to you.
It's definitely different... but both sounded good. The 80/20 was softer in the midrange notes. I would chalk it up to "personal preference." If your singing is easier to accomplish to your own satisfaction, then use 80/20. The audience may like a louder guitar. Personally, I would have to hear more songs played with both string types and no singing at all. But an audience may not even care really? Most of the audience may not hear any difference at all, that's why they're not musicians. A musician hearing ability actually defines the "artistic quality level", doesn't it? Non-musicians may not even hear it or care. But the musician might. 🎼🎵🎶
You make some excellent points, Janos! The 80/20 vs. phosphor bronze decision can be a tough one, but it always comes down to the preference of the player.
"I have to sing harder with the phosphor bronze strings..." Really? Really...Do you perform live without a mic as well? Yet another post poo pooing PB strings, because they choke out vocals. Give me a break...Get Elixir PB strings.
Hi again, Joel. I'd love to know who else says PB's "choke out" vocals. (I've never heard anyone else say this, and even I don't state it that vehemently.) If you don't hear a clear difference in the way my vocals and guitar sound in this video, or if you prefer the sound of PBs with my vocals, that's fine. That's why I did the tone test. Most guitarists are surprised to hear how subtle the difference between 80/20 and PB actually is. But there IS a difference, and it's more noticeable on some guitars than others. My large-bodied Gibsons and Martins are loud guitars. That's probably why the natural EQ curve makes a difference to me. Do I perform live without a mic? Rarely, but I do a lot of playing and recording without any amplification. (Many of the people who watch my channel aren't live performers at all.) When playing and singing unplugged, I can't compensate for the bolder mids of PB by using EQ. That's the simple reason why I prefer 80/20s. But as I've said here and elsewhere, it's just MY preference. Each person has to figure out what works best for them and their guitar(s) and voice. Wishing you the tone of your dreams!
Your assessment is spot on Robert. Neither option sounds bad at all, but the 80/20 are optimized for your vocal examples. One other thing to note, at least for me (when you are singing), the 80/20 strings seem to have more sparkle in the melody. One would think that the human voice would be more harmonious with phosphor bronze, but is it? With the 80/20s, harmonies between what you sing and what the guitar sings stand out in juxtaposition more efficiently for sure. It sounds more interesting to my ear, more complex.
Thanks for listening so carefully and sharing your thoughts.
I was surprised at how good both types of metals sound in these comparisons. While singing and playing in the room, the differences seemed more obvious, and I could literally feel it in my voice. I tend to "belt" when playing PBs, so my performance feels more forced and less relaxed and "natural" to me.
Some of it may be that the Phosphor strings were about 3 dB louder overall, as measured with my dB meter. I think most of that extra volume comes from the midrange. I agree that the interplay with 80/20s sounds a little more complex and detailed - because I can hear the articulation of the guitar notes and the vocal pitches just a little more clearly. Cheers!
Establishing the expectations was excellent. Knowing what to listen for was very helpful. I use both on my J45, but going forward, I will pay closer attention to the lows, mids, and highs of each set.
That's great to hear, Tom. I'm glad you found the demo useful, and I'm interested to know where you end up with strings on your J-45!
You are totally right! The 80/20's went much better "mixed" with your voice. Much, much better - the guitar stood in it's place perfectly!
I’m glad you hear👂 it, too. It’s really obvious when singing but sometimes less apparent when listening. I just recorded a song in memory of a friend and I love how the 80/20s work with my voice with a capo all the way up at the 8th fret:
ua-cam.com/video/pypRshcYhCE/v-deo.htmlsi=2E9_iUIVcaYN0Ccn
First off, nice demonstration and playing. The recording does clearly show the difference of the string type and is a great example of the differences for your setup and guitar.
I've got an assortment of acoustic guitars and the type of strings that work best certainly depend on the application and the guitar itself. Some strings just work better with certain guitars.
My Breedlove cedar guitar for example has a dark complex sound and can be easily overwhelmed when playing with PB strings, especially when strumming. It sounds decent with nickel bronze, and stellar with 80/20.
I have a PRS Angelus A50E that absolutely prefers PB's and sounds gutted and thin with nickel bronze, and somewhat thin and airy with 80/20. I sing with that guitar often and the PB's still work well.
Recordings often don't capture the differences as well but it's audible in the room and makes a difference to the player, I'm not sure how often the audience actually notices though.
I do agree with your overall concept, PB's do fill in the midrange and depending on the guitar and setting could certainly compete too much with your voice and try to take front and center. I honestly think PB's are the most popular because most guitars use spruce tops and have very crisp distinction between strings/frequencies and on attacks from the spruce sound board, and can handle a broader sound that's louder and has more midrange.
The last thing I'll say, my all mahogany breedlove guitar actually loves PB's too, despite the tonewood leaning midrange heavy as well (you'd think 80/20 would work better to complement the midrange heavy tonal characteristics). It definitely goes to show that there's more to tone and sound of an acoustic guitar than just the soundboard and tonewood!
Thanks for the detailed feedback, Dion. It's great to hear from someone with your kind of experience, who's taken the time to try different string metals on each guitar. I always say there's no right or wrong when it comes to these choices, just preference. And you're right - there's MUCH more to tone than the soundboard and tonewood. I've posted numerous videos about the audible change that happens with "small" changes like: playing with different pick gauges; changing from plastic to bone or ebony bridge pins; or adding a MItchel's PlateMate under the bridge.
You might enjoy these videos...
Pick gauge: ua-cam.com/video/iTWVbB36Cmw/v-deo.html
Bridge Pins and PlateMate: ua-cam.com/video/H9pmT4uv2oA/v-deo.htmlsi=_Vn-A3ObDNFqvQxk
I could definetly hear the voice more clearly with the 80/20 bronze. Thanks! I sing myself so this was very helpfull for my next string change
Glad you can hear the difference. I'd never heard anyone else talk about this, but it became obvious to me after a few hundred string changes! LOL
Right on - thanks for telling me about this video. Great examples. I heard the difference.
Glad this was helpful, Reginald!
An excellent description and demo. Much nicer with 80/20 during vocal takes.
Really glad it was helpful. I've talked about the differences before, but it helps to actually HEAR them!
Wow! I actually heard the difference! For me . . . I liked the Phosphor Bronze. Just sounded a bit more mellow to me.
Glad you could hear it. As I like to say, there's no right or wrong with matters of sound, only personal preferences!
Amazing. It's exactly as you said. I tend to listen more to the instruments than the vocals, however when you sing with the 80/20 it sounds like the guitar is backing you up, as opposed to the guitar taking the spotlight.
That's a good way to put it, Joe - the 80/20 strings have a more "supporting" feel to them. I'm glad you hear the difference. Some people don't seem to hear it.
@@RobertCassard you know, I was focused on the strings and forgot to compliment your vocals, too. You do Buffett really well - in your own voice and style but with the right amount of tribute. Your singing and playing is very clean and refreshing.
@@JoeEngineersThings Thank you! Your compliment means a lot. It's always a little tricky to strike the right balance between an artist whose style I admire and my own.
I just put 80/20s on my new Sapele guitar to balance the natural midrange of the guitar. The strings did exactly that, and if I were a singer I’d be thrilled. But as just a guitar player I’m missing the synergy that happens when I respond to the liveliness of the PBs.
I get it, Joe. Give it a little time. Playing 80/20s is generally less “hyped” and a little quieter. You can always switch back if you still miss all the “stuff in the middle.”
Interesting approach to deciding between the two. I've typically played phosphor bronze for general purpose, especially when I'm not going to be able to change strings as frequently. But if I'm recording, 80/20 every time. The biggest reason for that is my finger "chemistry" dulls 80/20 pretty quickly, but I like the initial fundamental sparkle, and overtones from the 5th & 6th strings.
Sorry I can't make it down to Alameda tomorrow. I hope there's a good crowd and you have fun!
Thanks Jon. 80/20s used to dull on me, too. I switched to coated strings for that reason and never looked back. The new D'Addario XS coated strings are quite amazing. That's what I'm playing in this video and I don't think anyone would accuse that tone of being muted compared to an uncoated string. Here's a link if you ever want to try a set and go back to 80/20s for general purpose: amzn.to/3Apq0Q9 (Yes, they're $20, but they last at least 3X longer than uncoated strings for me.)
@@RobertCassard Thanks Robert, D'Addario is my string of choice so I'll give this XS version a shot.
@@JonNewquist I think you'll be impressed...and change strings a lot less often.
Robert, I can definitely hear a difference. It sounds like you are competing with the guitar when singing with the Phosphor Bronze and not with the 80/20s. I've recently switched my guitars to 80/20s and find them much easier to sing with. Thanks for a great video!
I'm glad you hear the difference, too, and I hope you enjoy the 80/20s. It's interesting, because there's always a significant difference between the sound the player hears vs. what the listener hears.
Thank you, that was interesting. I've never liked 80/20 when I've tried them, but they are a way better match to your voice, as you say.
Thanks, Morten. Whether you play Phosphor or 80/20, D'Addario's new XS coated strings (which I'm playing in the video) are fantastic. They sound brilliant and last 3-4 X longer than uncoated strings.
Link to 80/20: amzn.to/3Apq0Q9
Link to Phosphor Bronze: amzn.to/46U4Fun
Cheers!
I’d be lying if I said that I noticed a big difference. Maybe I’ll throw on my headphones and listen again.
Really just wanted to say thanks for playing a couple of Jimmy’s tunes. He was the reason that I picked up the guitar almost 5 years ago at 58. I love to sing his songs.
On topic: Coincidentally I switched out my PB’s for 80/20’s on my solid Sapele Martin dreadnought yesterday. I use very light 11’s as the guitar has plenty of depth/boom all by itself.
Thanks!
Hi Dave. It's ALWAYS a pleasure to play Jimmy tunes! Since you and I both got inspired by him, check out my deep dive on Jimmy and his music:
ua-cam.com/video/yWDijqPaIoQ/v-deo.html
I'm seriously disappointed that UA-cam has essentially IGNORED this video. Under 700 views in over 4 months. Does the algorithm have something against having fun?! Anyway, please pass it onto other parrotheads if you're so inclined!
It’s not easy unless you know what to listen for. One thing that doesn’t get discussed a lot is that the high e and b strings are the same in both sets, it’s only the winding on the wound strings that is different. So you have to "tune out" the highest pitch strings which can be challenging, especially because they receive the most energy on an upward strum.
@@JoeEngineersThings good info!
Great video! How fresh are the strings here? I appreciate that this would be a lot more effort and difficult (which is why no one does it on youtube) but I would be super interested to hear a comparison of phosphor vs 80/20 strings when they're more "played in". My experience is that 80/20 strings really "mellow out" after a couple of weeks, but I suspect that what you said about the midrange differences still applies.
Everyone on youtube who does string comparisons is usually comparing very fresh strings for obvious reasons, but I feel like most of us aren't changing our strings twice a month 🙃. Maybe twice a year right? Which with 80/20 bronze makes it a rare week or two in our lives that they have that fresh string twang and sizzle! That's okay with me though, a tone I really like personally is martin 80/20s that have chilled out a bit (but then I'm weird, I love silk & steels with a flatpick too 😄)
All great points, Muzikman. In this case, both sets were fully coated (whole string, not winding-coated). The Phosphor strings had about 3 hours of play time on them but still sounded as bright as another guitar I had just string with brand new PBs.
After switching to the 80/20s, I played them for a couple hours before recording the comparison takes. (I was recording a bunch of songs for my deep dive on Jimmy Buffett: ua-cam.com/video/yWDijqPaIoQ/v-deo.html)
With fully coated strings (either Elixir or D'Addario XS), I find they sound and record "like new" for 8-10 hours, so both were well within that window. FYI - I'm planning to do a "longitudinal" comparison video of coated vs. uncoated strings - comparing how they deaden over longer numbers of playing hours.
A very interesting comparison, and I agree with your assessment. I assume these are new strings. Now the question is how do they contrast when they're more played in? Probably the contrast still carries, but the 80/20's may be more "mellow".
Thanks, Brian. Glad you agree. YES, in this video, the strings are new. But since they're both D'Addario XS (coated) strings, they tend to sound very much like this for quite a long time. Since I always play coated strings, the differences between PB and 80/20 tend to stay surprisingly consistent.
You are right I also like the strings 80/20 and it has a better audio mix together with your voice when you sing along with the song sir. I am an amateur musician who just started taking guitar lessons.
Thanks for listening, @vandelaar040. I'm happy you're taking lessons and I hope you progress quickly. Depending on where you are in your "guitar journey," this lesson may be helpful to you:
ua-cam.com/video/GL3ZAN7CdT0/v-deo.html
Cheers!
This is a timely video for me. I own a slope shouldered mahogany Gibson J-35 and have recently gone back to 80/20s to brighten up the guitar and to provide room for my vocals after using Martin Monels for several years. I found myself really enjoying hearing the fundamentals and the woody tone of the mahogany with the monels and I am curious if you have ever used them on your J-50.
Glad the timing was good, Brian. I'm so happy with the 80/20s that I haven't tried Monels on any of my guitars. I have quite a few guitars, and I always use coated strings to make sure every guitar is ready to go whenever I need it, instead of unexpectedly needing a string change due to string corrosion. How do the Monels last for you?
@@RobertCassard Honestly I changed them every six months and I probably play 25 hours a week. FWIW Monels don't corrode. They felt and sounded just fine. They could probably stay on for a year. They lack the high end jangle of bronze and are very stable sound wise. 80/20s were about once a week and phosphor bronze averaged every couple weeks to maybe a month. As for coated strings I tried them when I was much younger and wasn't a fan.
@@briang768 thanks for the details. Sounds like the Monels are unique and long-lasting.
I tried Monel .13s on my 1963 D-28 and liked them so much I put .12s on my HD-28. When I bought my Gibson Advanced Jumbo I insisted the store put on Monel .13s and they suit it perfectly; took it for a week at Winfield and it was amazing! Lots of woody tones, and a top end chime that rings out even over banjos..
@@robertwilson6144 I finally bought a set of Monels and will give them a go the next time I need a change.
The 80/20s definatly sound better with your voice. Its amazing how strings make a difference. I swear I've tried 80/20s, but it was such a long time ago.
Unfortunately my guitar got messed up in a flood in the basement last year. When we get all the damage apraised, I'll look forward to either getting it repaired or a new guitar. Then, I'd like to try those strings out.
One of my favorite things to do is accompany myself on acoustic.
I hope you’re able to repair the guitar (or replace it) soon so you can get back to playing and singing!
Thank you Robert for this comparison between the phosphore bronze and 80/20 bronze strings. I'm not a singer and, l can't give an intesting comparison in this case. I mainly play in fingerstyle and open tuning. I have never used 80/20 strings. However, at the first second, l hear that 80/20 are mainly superior. A beautiful shine and a crystal clear sound without excess.. No doubt, on my thirty years old Martin M36, the next strings will be 80/20 XS d'Addario 👌 !
Merci, Gilles! I hope you love the XS strings when you try them. Come back and tell me how they play and sound.
@@RobertCassard Pas de problème Robert. When my usual XS phosphor bronze are too old, l will put d'Addario XS bronze 80/20. I give you my opinion in live condition
@@gillesserrigny6324 Merci!
I like the Bronze .My Martin guitar came with the Martin guitar strings attached but I didn't like them at all .Now we I have the Bronze and I'm happy happy happy.😊
Thanks, James. Which bronze did you choose? 80/20 or Phosphor?
I love 80/20. There’s a crisp and clean sound at the Hugh end. Great bass end too.
Couldn't agree more!
Hi Robert! I am a 80/20 guy myself! But I am always willing to try different strings on different guitars though!
Me too, Edward. As this video shows, the differences can be pretty subtle, but each guitar seems best matched to a certain kind of strings. Once you find the right ones, it always seems like the guitar says Thank You!
I am going to have to try the 80/20, now that the difference has become obvious to my ear - thank you for this!
Depending on the specific guitar, the differences can be pretty subtle. But if you're a singer, you'll probably be happy with how the guitar sparkles and yet stays "out of the way" of your vocals. Come back and share your experience.
@@RobertCassard I've got D'addario XS Phosphor Bronze 12's on my Takamine right now, and it sounds great - but I went out at lunch and picked up some Elixir 80/20 Nanoweb 10's to try. Besides the change in composition/materials, the difference in string size will make it more obvious. I'm okay with that. I like having the option to play quietly if I choose - or not - and I find that the 12's made it more difficult to get as clear a tone when picking more lightly. I'm curious to see how much of a difference it will make when finger picking - I'm sure that will also be more noticeable than it would have been had I stayed with 12's.
@@BitsOfEternity I've mostly been playing Elixir strings for many years now. I recently tried D'Addario XS strings and I like 'em but don't love 'em. They sound a little more like uncoated strings right after stringing, but I'm finding they're not as well protected as Elixirs are, especially the high B and E strings. I can actually SEE some tarnishing after a couple hours of playtime. I pretty much have 12s on all my acoustics, so I'll be curious to know how different the 10s sound to you.
@@RobertCassard So, try to not laugh too hard - but ... I bought my Takamine a year ago, and right away replaced the strings. I had thought I had put D'addario, but I was mis-remembering. The D'addario XS that I installed were those that I had put on my Les Paul ... Prior to that, I had been using Hybrid Slinky Cobalt (9-46) and they sounded great, but I wanted to try the XS, as I had seen good reviews. So on my Les Paul, I had put on the D'addario XS Nickel Plated Steel, 10-52 and I've enjoyed them. I installed a string butler at the same time, and stretched the strings, and it does stay in tune better than it had prior to the butler's installation. In any case, back to the Takamine, when I bought it, I had heard good things about Elixirs, and I had actually bought (and installed) a set of 80/20 Bronze Nanoweb, 12-53, and that's what I've been playing since last September. I don't gig - I only have these two guitars, and I haven't played as much as I'd like, but I do get a minimum of a few hours of playing time each week, sometimes that might be 10 hours in a week - and these Elixir on my Takamine have held up nicely, though I bought those 10-47 today (also 80/20 Bronze) because I can see the wear on the strings - but these still sound great. I picked up the 10's instead of 12's because I will find it easier to play - for the same reason I bought 9-46 for my electric - I literally have thin skin, and arthritis, and don't get enough time to practice to be able to play 12's as comfortably as I'd like. I do hope the 10's sound just as good.
In a Rick Beato video, Rhett actually found he preferred the 10s because they were easier to play, compared to 12s and 13s. His hammer ons weren't as good on the heavier gauges. To me, I think that 10s will offer me more dynamic range, because on 12s and 13s, you have to put more energy into the note to get it to sound it's best. With the 10s, I can get more sound with less input - I know what I'm trying to say, hope that comes across. All of this being said, your video is great because I hadn't considered where the sound fit in the mix with vocals, and the 80/20 are perfect. Cheers!
I think this is great and you are right...but... what about how the tone of a guitar affects you emotionally etc. I know I like my guitars to be mid-rangy and pop out a fair bit, and this affects how I sing in response to it. I know this is getting off in to the weeds a bit but there's nothing worse than picking up a guitar that sounds flat or even just a little bit lifeless. Also recording acoustic guitar and vox at the same time has always been a challenge, so well done for these examples :)
How the guitar affects you emotionally is KEY. 🔑 And that’s an entirely personal and subjective experience. One reason the recent “fad” of rubber bridge guitars has taken off among indie folk artists is how it affects them emotionally.
I prefer the 80/20! I usually use the D' Addario EJ16 or 26. Have a great day!
Thanks, Edgar. The 80/20 set I played in the video are D’Addario XS Coated Lights.
Quick question on my HD28 I always use 12’s but just curious about trying 13’s. Have you experimented with 13’s? I’m always just trying different things. I could
Put yarn on this guitar and it would sound unreal 😂 but please
Let me know if you think 13s would be worth trying. Thanks!!
@@R.L.Humpert Hi there! It depends on the guitar and player preferences. I personally use 11 - 52 because I like to bend strings for soloing! Have a great day :)
@ thanks bro!
@@R.L.Humpert Hi RL. YES! I've tried 80/20 .13s on my HD-40 (a modified HD-28). My experience: It added 3 db of overall volume while strumming, with greater emphasis on the bass. It sounded impressive, but was ultimately too loud for me to sing along with comfortably. Even with fairly low action, the feel was stiffer and therefore a little less fun to play for long periods. When I switched back to 12s, it sounded "just right" to me and definitely played more easily. The only reason I'd ever go back to 13s is if playing in an acoustic/unplugged setting with louder instruments like banjo and mandolin.
Great video! Bravo 👏🏽
Thank you Toninho! 😃
Great video Robert; I can tell the difference, but it's not that significant. Tone is highly subjective anyway; the guys at Brook Guitars made me a Sinker Redwood/ Indian Rosewood jumbo and they were a tad reluctant as it would be very warm and not that bright. They were partly correct, but I love a warm woody tone, and it's still got articulate highs. I prefer phosphor bronze, but if I needed to change my strings for a gig and all I had was 80/20s, no problem.
Thanks for posting this - keep it up, my friend!
Thanks, Mark. The metal differences sound quite subtle when I hear them played back like this. They seem more obvious when I'm in the room singing and playing. That said, they really both sound great, so personal preference is just that. There's certainly no right and wrong!
Ciao Robert, for me 80/20 are the best. I use phosphore bronze only with an old Santa Fe Takamine to give it more body
That makes perfect sense, Alessandra. Phosphor Bronze can compensate for a thin-sounding guitar. Many Taylors and Takamines seem built for Phosphor strings. Most Gibsons and Martins seem built for 80/20s - at least for me!
Italian Alpine spruce? Is that also called Dolomite spruce. I have a Dowina with that top.
Si! It's the area where Stradivari violin wood was grown. In particular, the HD-40MK's top comes from the Val di Fiemme, in the middle of the Dolomites. I talk the guitar's specs in my deep-dive video about CF Martin signature models. I'd love to hear your Dowina! ua-cam.com/video/YXiaM-pGbyE/v-deo.html
@@RobertCassard I knew Dolomite spruce was violin wood used by Stradivari but I wasn't sure if it was also called Italian Alpine Spruce.
I have a Dowina Amber Road. There are a few demonstrated on UA-cam. Nice thing is the top was tuned by the owner himself, Stan Marinov. His initials can be seen on the bracing. They tune all the Master Series models. I was lucky to have mine tuned by the owner. Dowina stock nut width is 45mm. You can special order 43mm. 45mm is wider than most American made but it is good for finger picking. You just have to get used to it.
I've only owned the guitar 2 years. It came with Elixir 80/20 but I switched to phosphor bronze to get more mids. I sing back up and don't worry much about singing over the guitar through a PA system. I like the phosphor bronze better on my guitar. I also have a Takamine EAN10C cedar top. I use the 80/20 Nanoweb on it for more brightness. The Takamine has a 1 11/16" nut width.
I loved 80/20 while you picked and sang
That’s my preferred combination, too.
I liked your performance. That was my favorite JB song.
Thank you, Al. I recently did a whole tribute video about Jimmy. I hope you enjoy it:
ua-cam.com/video/yWDijqPaIoQ/v-deo.html
it's not subtle at all man, that was a great example / side by side, thanks!
Glad you heard the difference. It's important to get strings that work for the sound YOU want - no one else!
I play mostly acoustic instrumentals, and can't do without the overtones of phosphor bronze strings but that said 80/20 is much better to stay out of the way of vocals.
I get it! To each their own: style and string choices. 🎼
Try Monel Strings Vs these ..
I'm intrigued by Monel. Have you done any side-by-side comparisons?
@@RobertCassard I compared it with fingerpick VS Bronze coated and normal bronze. I only use these since i play more with fingerpicking .. They are also good for strum, but with fingerpick those are light and the bass is not to hard .. normal i use Bronze .. And if i dont use the guitar very much then coated .. I have 12 guitars 🙂 And on strats i use the Diadario wound G string set, you should compare that in how steady the g string is on the strat 🙂 ( i mean the tone of that string)
@@TheCSteve Like you, I have a lot of guitars, and because each of them needs to be ready no matter how long they've been unplayed, I always use coated strings. Also like you, I prefer wound G strings on electric.
I have played 80 20 for years my high E is tiny and needs to go. So PB hard strumming 13 E to solve problem. I play hard and electric, no tinny and need awesome low E.
Thanks, Robert. I hope those string gauge changes give you the sound you want!
Nice guitar but 1 11/16th is just too narrow for me still… I understand why Martin went to 1 ¾ and it was not just for me.
I have fat fingertips and somehow this neck width isn’t a problem for me, Jasper. But I know 1/16” can be a deal-breaker!
I'm a 12 string guild guy, and I use both but prefer phosphor bronze. Think it sounds a little beefier...
I generally love the sound of Guilds, Glen - and they're naturally some of the beefiest acoustics around. Do you sing when you play, or are you mostly an instrumentalist?
Has anyone tried 13’s on their HD28 or just any dread I’m really curious since I have always used 12’s. Such an amazing guitar. My HD28 is better than anything I have ever played even boutique guitars are
Not better although they are very good too.
Hi RL. YES! I've tried 80/20 .13s on my HD-40 (a modified HD-28). My experience: it added 3 db of overall volume while strumming, with greater emphasis on the bass. It sounded impressive, but was ultimately too loud for me to sing along with comfortably. Even with fairly low action, the feel was stiffer and therefore a little less fun to play for long periods. When I switched back to 12s, it just sounded "just right" to me and definitely played more easily. The only reason I'd ever go back to 13s is if playing in an acoustic setting with louder instruments like banjo and mandolin.
Yeah my dumbass was turning the wrong string while tuning and was like “why the hell wont this change pitch?” So naturally I just kept turning it higher and higher and snapped a totally different string.
LOL anyone who’s played for awhile and changed strings has done that at least once!
We have all done that!!!
@@Moonlightdance58 the worst is when it happens at a gig! So many distractions...it's easy not to realize you're turning the wrong peg, and often you're not even hearing the string get tuned - you;re just watching the tuner not move. Snap!!
I use propsher bronze HD light nanoweb and i sing perfectly in tune with the tone of them.
Never used 80 20 i felt they where quiet in this. Video. Ill stick to propsher.
Right on. 👍 I’m glad you’ve found the right match for your voice.
@@RobertCassard There is more of a ring with prospher so i can understand why it may interfere with some voices. I get what you mean by having to sing against it likr a comeptition to forcr voice against it.
My advice is tune half a step down for most songs, use capo with half step down if required, and maybe even a step down for some few songs. The brightness is still there but it is toned down by tuning.
@@gobbledeegouup6578 Tuning down and capo-ing as needed is an interesting idea!
I have been using Martin 80/20 for over a decade. I think they help less expensive guitars (e.g., < $500) sound decent.
I think you're right that string choice can make an even bigger difference on a cheaper guitar than on a premium guitar. Some brands are even built for specific strings.
Fun fact: making a guitar sound "expensive" isn't always my goal. When recording and layering guitars, I have some instruments that I deliberately want to sound thin, dark or lo-fi. The epitome of this is the tone I get from a rubber bridge (or the equivalent). I did a 3-part series on that topic, starting with this one: ua-cam.com/video/5vWIpwlXGpA/v-deo.html
Cheers!
Phosphor bronze sound really nice, but living in southeast Texas, the humidity seems to turn them dark really fast. The tarnish on them kills the tone. 80/20 last much longer.
Humid environments are always a challenge, Ben. Have you tried coated strings, which slow down the tarnishing MUCH more? I've played Elixirs for years, but recently, I've been using D'Addario XS strings (which have a VERY thin but durable coating) and I'm super impressed: amzn.to/4fCH8Ba
My mate, Ringo, he can't sing at all, so I bought him PBs for Christmas. Cheers. Paul.
A Beatles joke, I presume…
Definitely like the 80/20s better!😊
Thanks RW - the differences are more obvious for me while I'm in the room singing along with the guitar. I'm surprised how much more similar they are upon playback. But I guess that's a good thing!
I agree if you sing and play 80/20 is the best choice ,it just balanced out better. In my own opinion..
Nothing against the bronze they sound good, too.
But I think as a solo player and singer ( singer debateabl) 😊
80_ is the better choice
But you have to into count the guitar your playing too.
They all respond different.
Right Mike. Every guitar is unique and some guitars will sound better with PBs (even accompanying vocals). But on my vinbtage guitars, I always seem to come back to 80/20s and how they "stay out of my way" vocally.
100% agree. I use 8/20s.
Right on, James. What guitar(s) do you play?
@@RobertCassard Primarily a Yamaha FG5, then a Yamaha LL16 and finally a Martin DX1AE. However I have several other acoustics as well.
@@jamesmacdon9351 I really like Yamaha acoustics. I have a prized FG-151 from the mid-70s. I’ve featured it in multiple videos on my channel. Here’s an oldie but goodie: Poor Man's Martin - YAMAHA FG NIPPON GAKKI - Guitar Discoveries #3
ua-cam.com/video/Zptr9Vi2q0M/v-deo.html
80/20 are more articulate imo. Ty for the ab. Nice stuff.
I agree 100% and thanks for watching.
I literally can't tell a damned but of difference. I liked the tone you had on Come Monday best, but honestly you just sounded like you playing a different song not different strings.
All right then, Remley. The differences are subtle, but it's more obvious to me in the room than after being recorded. But if you don't hear any difference, then string metal choice will probably be less important to you.
I do wonder the nickel in this comparison
Not sure what you're saying in this comment. Can you clarify?
To my ear I liked the bronze strings better overall.
Hey Jim. They're both bronze. So when you say "bronze," do you mean the Phosphor Bronze (not the 80/20 Bronze)?
@ I liked the Phosphor Bronze the best. I’m probably a little biased because I play Ernie Ball Earthwood medium lights PB on my J-45.
@@jimross9429 all good. PBs definitely sound great. I think they tend to be the most flattering and impressive for solo guitar.
It's definitely different... but both sounded good. The 80/20 was softer in the midrange notes. I would chalk it up to "personal preference." If your singing is easier to accomplish to your own satisfaction, then use 80/20. The audience may like a louder guitar. Personally, I would have to hear more songs played with both string types and no singing at all. But an audience may not even care really? Most of the audience may not hear any difference at all, that's why they're not musicians. A musician hearing ability actually defines the "artistic quality level", doesn't it? Non-musicians may not even hear it or care. But the musician might. 🎼🎵🎶
You make some excellent points, Janos! The 80/20 vs. phosphor bronze decision can be a tough one, but it always comes down to the preference of the player.
For me phosphor bronze is best
Thanks for watching and "casting your vote," Anam!
80/20 are more roots with a more natural presence
That's a good description of tonal differences that aren't easy to put into words!
"I have to sing harder with the phosphor bronze strings..." Really? Really...Do you perform live without a mic as well? Yet another post poo pooing PB strings, because they choke out vocals. Give me a break...Get Elixir PB strings.
Hi again, Joel. I'd love to know who else says PB's "choke out" vocals. (I've never heard anyone else say this, and even I don't state it that vehemently.)
If you don't hear a clear difference in the way my vocals and guitar sound in this video, or if you prefer the sound of PBs with my vocals, that's fine. That's why I did the tone test.
Most guitarists are surprised to hear how subtle the difference between 80/20 and PB actually is. But there IS a difference, and it's more noticeable on some guitars than others. My large-bodied Gibsons and Martins are loud guitars. That's probably why the natural EQ curve makes a difference to me.
Do I perform live without a mic? Rarely, but I do a lot of playing and recording without any amplification. (Many of the people who watch my channel aren't live performers at all.) When playing and singing unplugged, I can't compensate for the bolder mids of PB by using EQ. That's the simple reason why I prefer 80/20s. But as I've said here and elsewhere, it's just MY preference.
Each person has to figure out what works best for them and their guitar(s) and voice. Wishing you the tone of your dreams!