What Are 80/20 Bronze Strings?
Updated Nov 13, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Buying through the Amazon links on this page costs you nothing extra. Full disclosure
80/20 bronze strings are acoustic guitar strings wound with an alloy of 80 percent copper and 20 percent zinc. The 80/20 name is the alloy mix, not a gauge or a brand. They sit beside phosphor bronze as another common bronze alloy for acoustic strings, and the alloys differ in how long they hold their tone.
What the 80/20 mix means
The numbers name the alloy: 80 percent copper and 20 percent zinc in the wrap wire. The wrap wire winds around a steel core, and the alloy of that wrap decides the string's character. Phosphor bronze swaps the zinc for tin and a trace of phosphorus, so the alloys age in different ways. The core stays steel either way.
How 80/20 differs from phosphor bronze
80/20 bronze and phosphor bronze differ in how they age. 80/20 strings lose their new-string sound faster, and players who want that fresh sound change them more often. Phosphor bronze holds its sound longer, which suits players who want to keep strings on longer. Neither alloy is better in itself: the choice is how often you want to change strings.
Gauges and what the numbers mean
String sets list gauges such as 12-53 for light acoustic strings, 10-46 for regular electric strings and 9-42 for super light electric strings. The first number is the thinnest string and the last number is the thickest. Lighter gauges suit players who favor a lighter touch, while heavier gauges suit players who want more resistance under the fingers.
Coated strings and string life
Some acoustic strings have a thin coating that shields the wrap wire from sweat and corrosion. A coated string keeps its sound longer between changes, while an uncoated string starts out uncoated and ages faster. Wipe strings down with a soft dry cloth after playing, and wash your hands before you play to keep oils off the wrap wire.
What you need
D'Addario EJ16-3D Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings
A 3-pack of light 12-53 phosphor bronze acoustic strings, precision wound over a hexagonal high-carbon steel core.
- Sets in pack: 3
- Material: Phosphor Bronze
Elixir
A light 12-53 phosphor bronze set with NANOWEB coating, made to protect the string from sweat, corrosion, humidity and rust.
- Coated strings
- Material: Phosphor Bronze
- Gauge: Light
Ernie Ball Regular Slinky Nickel Wound Electric
A 10-46 gauge nickel wound electric set, the regular gauge in the Slinky line.
- Material: Nickel Wound
Ernie Ball Super Slinky Nickel Wound Electric
A 9-42 gauge nickel wound electric set, one of the original Slinky gauges.
- Material: Nickel Wound
These come from our ranked list Best Guitar Strings, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
Are 80/20 strings the same as phosphor bronze?
No. 80/20 bronze is copper and zinc, while phosphor bronze is copper with tin and phosphorus. The alloys age in different ways, so they suit different changing habits.
Do 80/20 strings work on any acoustic guitar?
Yes, on steel-string acoustic guitars. 80/20 strings are wound for steel-string acoustics, not for classical guitars, which take nylon strings.
How do I know when to change 80/20 strings?
Change them when they no longer hold tune, look discolored, or feel rough under the fingers. How often that happens depends on how much and where you play.
Ranked guitar strings lists
More how-to guides
Product details come from each Amazon listing and can change. Check the listing before you buy.