Better tone: Phosphor Bronze or Bronze Strings?

[Heretic]

I'm going to change the strings of my acoustic guitar and I have two choices: Phosphor Bronze or Bronze. The Bronze ones seem to be less expensive while the Phosphor ones are 50% or so. How do they differ?

Thanks!

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Better tone: Phosphor Bronze or Bronze Strings?

I prefer phospher bronze Daddario or DR. Brighter, livlier tone. Lew

 

[gottliver]

Re: Better tone: Phosphor Bronze or Bronze Strings?

They are very different. Here's what I found. I play a Martin 00-15 (my #1).

Phosphor bronze (pb) (like the standard d'addario's) Have a chimming almost tinny tone to 'em when new. Once they die out I find that they sound quite woody and mellow. Its a huge contrast from the new string sound.

The bronze (like the standard dean markley) have a less chimmey tone and start off warmer sounding though still bright when new. As they wear in, they don't get as dark as the pb's. They have a more ring to 'em and are less woody sounding one worn in.

I've been using d'addarion phosphor bronze custom lights for years now but for my nex string change I'm gonna put on some bronze for a different flavour.

Hope this helps.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Better tone: Phosphor Bronze or Bronze Strings?

Bronze feel like they've got too much tension and I absolutely hate bronze high B and E. For me, it's gotta be Phosphor Bronze with steel B&E, which is what most packs of Phosphor Bronze are. I usually get D'Addario 12's in a 3 pack. I'm too cheap for Polyweb and all that stuff. I just change them, the minute the low E starts to thud.

 

[Gunner]

Re: Better tone: Phosphor Bronze or Bronze Strings?

On my Takamine EN-40CL (Cedar top and Mahogany back,sides and neck) I use Phosphor Bronze Martin SPs....on a Spruce/Rosewood guitar I'd go with Vintage Bronze...but that's just me