Acoustic Guitar
The Unspoken Mystery Behind Acoustic Guitar Strings
Fundamentally, acoustic guitar strings have been around longer than any other type of guitar string. They have evolved into one of the most critical components of the acoustic scene. Technology has taken the tone capabilities of the acoustic guitar string to new levels. There are many choices, sometimes leaving musicians confused at times. We are going to discuss one aspect of acoustic guitar strings in this writing…Metal.
It’s about metal…
What makes an acoustic guitar string different than electric guitar strings? Metal. Electric guitar strings utilize ferromagnetic metals, namely steel, to allow the pickup to sense it. Electric guitar pickups are based on variable reluctance technology. They rely on a magnetic field to be interrupted by a metal target (aka. Guitar string). The interruption is in the form of a vibration from the string. Acoustic guitar strings do not need ferromagnetic metals. Amplification is often not a focus of the acoustic guitar. Strings with clarity, brilliance and volume are preferred. The technology used to amplify an acoustic guitar does not rely upon strings having ferromagnetic properties. Transducing an acoustic guitar is more about picking up a signal via piezo effects, or sound pressure being picked up by a microphone. This opens up the door to a wider variety of string selections.
There are many different flavors that acoustic guitar strings come in these days. A series of alloys exist at the most basic level. Interestingly, I find players of all ages and experience who do not know the differences in string metals. Some have a rough idea, while some have no idea. Copper, zinc and tin are metals seldom discussed by guitarist. As soon as a number like 92/8 or 80/20 is mentioned in reference to alloy sets, bewilderment can start. If you are thinking, “Yeah, what the hell do those numbers mean to my tone?” You are about to find out. So, without further delay, here is a guided tour!
The Acoustic String Metal Guide
Bronze – Of all the strings manufactured, bronze has got to be the brightest and most articulate string available. There are no strings that are “pure” bronze, per say, but a mix of several different alloys including tin-phosphor, zinc and copper. The core is usually made of steel. Bronze strings can make virtually any acoustic guitar come alive with highly penetrating tone, versus their steel string counterparts. Bronze metal is known for its shimmer and brassy sound, but a deep rich low end can also be attained. Since string coatings have become popular, many of the previously highly corrosive bronze sets have become popular again. Uncoated bronze sets can lose their brilliance after a few hours of playing, as they can be highly corrosive. Many players used to use them for recording sessions for their short lived brassy sound. String coatings in general, have pumped new life into acoustic bronze sets. The brassy sound can last for many weeks, or months, without decaying.
80/20 Bronze – Here is one of those numbers we mentioned earlier. What does 80/20 mean? It is the ratio of copper to zinc in the wrap wire. The wrap wire is 80% copper while the other 20% is zinc. Since copper is highly corrosive, the zinc component helps slows down the aging process and adds additional hardness. However, since the advent of string coatings, the corrosion issue has all but disappeared as a primary concern. Although, poorly coated 80/20 strings, or strings with worn away coating will corrode. Tone wise, the 80/20 mix is excellent for creating a string that yields fantastic tonal range. The 80/20 strings are known for their brilliance and crisp highs. Uncoated versions of this string can lose brilliance after a few hours of playing sessions. In fact, this string has gotten a bad rap over the years for being “dead” sounding due to its high corrosion rate. Super old sets exposed to high humidity can turn light green from the copper content. Again, coating technologies have completely changed this factor.
85/15 Bronze – This string has a tonal spectrum in between an 80/20 bronze and a phosphor bronze string. It retains much of the brilliance found in an 80/20 bronze but captures the warmth and fullness of phosphor bronze strings. The 85/15 was the initial development of the more popular 80/20. However, 85/15 still remains a popular choice for finger style playing. It helps add volume to finger style articulation and give clarity similar to a plectrum.
Phosphor Bronze – The phosphor bronze strings were developed to have a longer lasting life cycle. In other words, the phosphorus content helped preserve the brilliant tone longer than the 80/20 and 80/15 bronze strings. Phosphor bronze strings are the darkest sounding of the bronze string family. They have about 75-80% the brilliance of a fresh set of 80/20 bronze. Phosphor adds a warm pleasing tone that give a tonal softness not found in other strings. They tend to have a little less “pick noise” as a plectrum sweeps across the strings. In fact, some sets have been known to yield a soft “brushing” type of pick noise.
92/8 Phosphor Bronze – The 92/8 is a ratio represents a blend of 92% copper and 8% tin phosphide in the wrap wire. The 8% actually breakdown to a 7% tin and 1% phosphor composition. The tin phosphide helps preserve the tonal range over time. Again, since the advent of coatings, the role of phosphor in coated string is purely tone versus longevity.
Gold Plated – In an effort to prevent corrosion, some strings utilize a micro layer of gold plating on the wrap wire. The gold plating gives a less brighter sound than the non-plated 80/20 bronze string sets and non-plated phosphor bronze sets. The gold is often plated on 80/20 bronze wrap wire and phosphor bronze sets. The gold plating is a good alternative for players who feel the poly-resin coating on strings impact string performance.
Titanium – Acoustic string sets based on titanium compositions and cores have been cited for their corrosion resistance abilities. The non-ferromagnetic properties of titanium strings inherently put them in the acoustic class of strings. The tonal range of titanium is somewhere between steel and bronze sets with a very unique sounding clarity and richness. Titanium is a bit of an exotic metal and can be over thirty times the cost of stainless steel.
Stainless Steel – Stainless steel strings bring their own tonal uniqueness to the acoustic world. Their high tension requirements make them less friendly to acoustic designs, but still give exceptional performance. Steel give a much softer sound with less volume than their bronze counterparts. They make a good choice for the hard strumming, open style chord players. Players on a budget will appreciate their availability in low price points. In addition, their stainless properties give them good corrosion resistance.
Silk Steel – Don’t own a classical guitar? No problem. For players seeking the soft sound of classical guitar strings, silk steel strings deliver the classical tonal range. This string is constructed of a center wrap of silk with a steel winding. The combination of silk and steel bring a classical tone to finger-style players wanting to keep their traditional dreadnaught or concert auditorium acoustic guitar. Unlike classical strings, the silk steel strings come with a ball end to anchor in a bridge made for metal strings.
We have covered a lot of ground here. As you can see, there are a bunch of options for alloys in the acoustic string world. Hopefully, this overview has provided enough insight to let you know the differences between the various alloys.
About the Author
Professor StringTM is a leading expert in the musical string business. He leads a development group that specializes in guitar and bass string research for musicians. You can visit their site at http://www.professorstring.com
The Most Evolved – Spanish Guitar – SpanishGuitarLessons.com
|
|
DENNY ZAGER’S PERSONAL ACOUSTIC IN THE YEAR 2525 GUITAR $252,500.00 |
|
|
Breedlove Exodus $75,000.00 |
|
|
39 Acoustic Gretsch Catseye syncromatic guitar gibson s $39,500.00 |
|
|
Fleta 1980 $36,000.00 |
|
|
1993 Santa Cruz Tony Rice – The “Tone Poems’ Guitar ***NEW PRICE*** $32,500.00 |
|
|
ULTRA RARE PROTOTYPE 1993 MARTIN LTD EDITION D-45 DLX w/ BRAZILIAN ROSEWOOD(500) $30,000.00 |
|
|
ULTRA RARE MARTIN CUSTOM SHOP GUITAR, BRAZILIAN ROSEWOOD $26,250.00 |
|
|
VINTAGE 1898 MARTIN 0-42 IVORY & ABALONE TRIM $25,000.00 |
|
|
New Martin Custom Shop M 0000 Brazilian Rosewood Acoustic Guitar! Rare, Stunning $25,000.00 |
|
|
1930′s Weissgerber “Torres” acoustic guitar $25,000.00 |
|
|
Paul Reed Smith COLLECTION Tonare Grand Acoustic Guitar, Rare Pernambuco Neck $19,999.00 |
|
|
Martin Guitar D-40 Brazilian Limited Edition #1 of 50 $19,750.00 |
|
|
1993 Martin D-45 D45 Deluxe Acoustic Guitar $18,999.00 |
|
|
Tippin Bravado Acoustic Guitar Mint Brazilian Rosewood $17,500.00 |
|
|
James Olson SJ Amazon Rosewood German Spruce Top w Brazilian Wedge $16,995.00 |
|
|
1978 ZEMAITIS CUSTOM ACOUSTIC GUITAR $15,803.00 |
|
|
Martin Dreadnought D-28 D-28GE Golden Era Brazilian Rosewood Adirondack Spruce $14,990.00 |
|
|
1998 Gibson CL-50 Custom Brazilian-Tree of Life $14,933.84 |
|
|
1 of a kind hand built Petillo guitar, Brazilian rosewood and German spruce $14,999.00 |
|
|
Guitar Trace Adkins,Dierks Bentley,Charlie Daniels,Big & Rich,Cowboy Troy & More $15,000.00 |
|
|
Prs Private Stock BRAZILIAN BACK AND SIDES Angelus Acoustic Electric Guitar $14,990.00 |
|
|
Vintage 1929 Martin 00-40 OO-40 Acoustic Guitar $15,000.00 |
|
|
McPherson 4.5XPH Redwood Top Brazilian Rosewood Acoustic Electric Guitar $15,000.00 |
|
|
WHOA! 1966 Martin D-28 UNBELIEVABLE CONDITION!! **BRAZILIAN** Holy Grail Guitar! $14,995.00 |
|
|
****** RARE 1949 MARTIN D-28 ACOUSTIC GUITAR ****** (361) $13,999.99 |
|
|
Kevin Ryan “Cathedral” Acoustic Guitar Ryan Guitar $13,999.99 |
|
|
Manuel Velazquez, 1966 $13,500.00 |
|
|
1944 Martin 000-21 $13,700.00 |
|
|
1940 Martin D-18 D18 acoustic guitar vintage flattop $12,999.00 |
|
|
Gibson J-200 Sunburst 1953 J200 Vintage Jumbo Acoustic Guitar $12,795.00 |
|
|
Gibson 1963 Johnny Smith Double Electric Pickup Acoustic Archtop Vintage Guitar $12,000.00 |
|
|
PRICE DROP! MARTIN D-45K D45 KOA GUITAR ONLY 9 MADE IN 2007! $11,950.00 |
|
|
Santa Cruz 1934 D Brazilian Adirondack Acoustic Guitar Vintage Wood $11,499.00 |
|
|
1955 Martin D-28 Acoustic Guitar. True Vintage Collector’s Dream! No Cracks. $11,495.00 |
|
|
Martin Used 1958 D-28 $11,500.00 |
|
|
MARTIN D-42 AMAZON ROSEWOOD “LIMITED EDITION” Special Island Scroll Appointments $10,750.00 |
|
|
RARE 1918 GIBSON HARP GUITAR IN EXCELLENT ALL ORIGINAL CONDITION!! $10,500.00 |
|
|
Maingard Boutique Acoustic Guitar $10,500.00 |
|
|
Gibson L-5 Sunburst Archtop 1951 Vintage Acoustic Jazz Guitar $10,500.00 |
|
|
Gilet Brazilian Rosewood Acoustic Guitar *HAND BUILT* $9,852.07 |
|
|
José Ramirez 1a Concert Classical 8 String Guitar 1976 $9,999.00 |
|
|
Doerr Boutique Acoustic Guitar $9,999.00 |
|
|
1969 Concert-Contreras $9,999.00 |
|
|
2005 EPIPHONE ’64 PAUL MCCARTNEY TEXAN LEFTY RARE!! $9,995.00 |
|
|
2000 MARTIN DAVE MATTHEWS LEFTY LEFT HANDED #197 / 234 MINT !!!! $9,995.00 |
|
|
BRAND NEW PELLERIN CUSTOM-MADE HARP GUITAR W/ROADCASE $9,995.00 |
|
|
Vintage Robert Ruck Classical Guitar Brazilian Rosewood $9,876.00 |
|
|
BOB DYLAN autographed Martin Acoustic J40 Guitar Classic Jumbo signed LOA JSA $9,895.00 |
|
|
New Paul Reed Smith PRS Private Stock Angelus Acoustic Guitar! 10K Gold, Stunner $9,699.00 |
|
|
2007 MARTIN 000-42 MEC ERIC CLAPTON MODEL – 95 of 250 $9,481.80 |
|
|
1880 MARTIN 0-28 BRAZILIAN ACOUSTIC GUITAR – AMAZING AND RARE $9,481.80 |
|
|
Robert Ruck custom made 2000 #745 lightweight flamenco ONE OF A KIND! RARE! $9,499.99 |
|
|
2000 Santa Cruz Custom D-45 European Spruce and Brazilian Rosewood $9,499.95 |
|
|
ARLO GUTHRIE 000028 MARTIN GUITAR 30TH $9,500.00 |
|
|
Tony Zemaitis Acoustic – RAREST early 1960s version Authenticated! D28 size $9,377.00 |
|
|
New Huss and Dalton DS 12 Brazilian Rosewood Guitar $9,000.00 |
|
|
Blueberry “Special Order” Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Singular Masterpiece $8,800.00 |
|
|
Blueberry “Special Order” Grand Concert Acoustic Guitar Singular Masterpiece $8,800.00 |
|
|
Blueberry “Special Order” Grand Concert Acoustic Guitar Singular Masterpiece $8,800.00 |
|
|
James Olson SJ Guitar Rosewood/Cedar one of the Finest! $8,500.00 |
|
|
Fingerpicking Guitar (Strings Series Guitar) $3.24 Strings Series Music Books pride themselves on providing clear, concise and professional music tuition books. Our aim is to teach you what you need to know; no quick fixes and everything is presented with clear explanations, diagrams and audio.Strings Series Fingerpicking Guitar is aimed at the guitarist new to the technique of fingerpicking or an individual wishing to consolidate their knowledge … |
|
|
Acoustic Guitar Songs for Dummies $10.97 This songbook will have even beginning guitarists playing 34 of the best acoustic rock songs ever with the help of performance notes and guitar tab arrangements. Songs include: About a Girl * Angie * Blackbird * Crazy Little Thing Called Love * Drive * Dust in the Wind * Free Fallin’ * Iris * Landslide * Layla * Leaving on a Jet Plane * Maggie May * Tears in Heaven * 3 AM * You’ve Got a Friend * a… |
|
|
The Hal Leonard Acoustic Guitar Method: A Complete Guide with Step-by-Step Lessons and 45 Great Acoustic Songs $9.99 The Hal Leonard Acoustic Guitar Method uses real songs to teach you all the basics of acoustic guitar in the style of the Beatles, Eric Clapton, John Mellencamp, the Indigo Girls, Robert Johnson, James Taylor and many others. Lessons include: strumming; fingerpicking; using a capo; open tunings; folk, country & bluegrass styles; acoustic blues; acoustic rock; and more. Songs include: Angie * Barel… |
|
|
… |
|
|
Guitar World: How to Play Acoustic Rock Guitar $7.59 In our How to Play Acoustic Rock Guitar DVD, Guitar World’s own esteemed associate editor Andy Aledort teaches you the acoustic rock secrets of Led Zeppelin, Neil Young, Dave Matthews, the Beatles, John Mayer and any others! You’ll learn basic strumming p… |
|
|
Acoustic Guitar Highlights 4 $8.77 All products are BRAND NEW and factory sealed. Fast shipping and 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed…. |
|
|
… |
|
|
Bob Marley-Acoustic Guitar-Sepia, Music Mini Poster Print, 16 by 20-Inch $0.22 Bob Marley – Acoustic Guitar – Sepia, Music Mini Poster Print, 16 by 20… |
|
|
Kona Satin Left-Handed Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar $98.99 Play your favorite songs left-handed on this dreadnought acoustic guitar from Kona. This musical instrument features a satin finish and D’Addario strings. |
|
|
Kona Pink Burst Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar $98.99 Play your favorite songs on this dreadnought acoustic guitar from Kona. This musical instrument features a high-gloss Pink Burst finish and D’Addario strings. |
|
|
Willie Nelson Autographed Acoustic Guitar $299.99 Take home one of music’s greatest legends with a ‘Willie Nelson’ autographed guitarAcoustic guitar is the perfect gift for any Willie Nelson fanMusical instrument has been examined and certified authentic by PSA/DNA |
|
|
James Taylor Autographed Acoustic Guitar $264.99 Acoustic guitar is the perfect gift for any James Taylor fanMusical instrument has been examined and certified authentic by PSA/DNAGuitar has undergone a full thorough examination and was deemed hand-signed and authentic |
|
|
Jay Turser Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Kit $115.49 Surprise your favorite musician with this Acoustic Guitar Kit from Jay Turser. This music kit includes a full-size dreadnought-style acoustic guitar, a gig bag case, strap, picks, instructional DVD, and more. |
|
|
Dreadnaught 41-inch Acoustic Guitar $69.99 Dreadnought acoustic guitar ideal for beginning to intermediate musicianInstrument has rosewood fretboard and bridge and stainless diecast tuning pegsGuitar set includes full set of extra strings, gig bag, carrying strap and guitar pick |
|
|
Miley Cyrus Autographed Acoustic Guitar $367.99 Acoustic guitar is the perfect gift for any Miley Cyrus fanMusical instrument has been examined and certified authentic by PSA/DNAGuitar has undergone a full thorough examination and was deemed hand-signed and authentic |
|
|
Peavey Acoustic Guitar $109.99 Peavey Acoustic Guitar |
|
|
Kona Thin Body Acoustic/ Electric Spruce-top Guitar $127.61 Play both electric and acoustic songs with this thin-body guitar from Kona. This musical instrument features gold die-cast tuners and D’Addario strings. |
|
|
Acoustic Cutaway Guitar $42.49 Acoustic cutaway guitar is an ideal gift for the beginning musician in your lifeGuitar measures 38 inches in lengthMusical instrument features steel strings and pick |
|
|
Main Street Double Cut-away Tobacco Sunburst Electric Guitar $93.99 Play all your favorite jams on this lustrous high-gloss electric guitar. This musical instrument features an alder wood body and double cut-away style. |
|
|
Electric Acoustic Cutaway Guitar $61.99 Electric acoustic cutaway guitar is a great gift for the musician in your lifeGuitar boasts a cutaway design and an EQMusical instrument is a great beginner guitar |
|
|
Acoustic 38-inch Guitar Kit $35.75 Make music with a classic acoustic instrumentGuitar comes complete with bag and extra stringsFeatures pickguard to keep guitar protected |
|
|
Sterling Silver Acoustic Guitar Charm $27.99 This fun charm features a detailed acoustic guitar design rendered in sterling silver. The silver charm offers a highly polished finish and includes a matching jump ring to attach to your favorite jewelry. |
|
|
Kids’ 25-inch Toy Acoustic Guitar Kit $35.49 Kids’ guitar is perfect for learning to play the guitarGuitar kit comes with a 25-inch acoustic guitar, bag, strap, pic and extra stringGuitar available in black, green, red, white and pink color options |
|
|
Luna Oracle Eclipse Acoustic/ Electric Guitar $0 Break the boundaries with an acoustic/electric guitar. The guitar boasts a crescent rosewood inlay and dreadnought body. |
|
|
Electric/ Acoustic Cutaway Guitar $66.99 Turn it up with an electric/acoustic cutaway guitar Musical instrument is available in sunburst, cherry sunburst and black color options38-inch guitar is a perfect gift for the musician in your life |
|
|
Starcaster By Fender Acoustic Dreadnought Guitar (Refurbished) $123.99 Fender Starcaster is a great gift for the musician in your lifeMusical instrument boasts a full-size dreadnought body-style Guitar offers full and vibrant tone |
|
|
Steven Tyler Autographed Electric Guitar $322.99 Take home with you one of the legends of music today with a “Stephen Tyler” autographed guitarElectric guitar is the perfect gift for any Aerosmith fanMusical instrument has been examined and certified authentic by PSA/DNA |
|
|
Pro-Style Acoustic/ Electric Dreadnaught Guitar Package $159.99 This beautiful guitar is ready for the recording studio or the most professional of live concert gigs. You will be amazed at this guitar’s ability to provide bright rich tones. |
|
|
Hello Kitty Pink Microphone Stand with Microphone and Acoustic Guitar Set $89.99 The Hello Kitty microphone stand with microphone and pink acoustic guitar set is designed to get kids up and rocking. The guitar in this educational toy features a steel-reinforced neck, and an all-wood construction. |
|
|
Pet Pals Acoustic Guitar Cat House $77.99 Give your cat its area to lounge and play on with this Pet Pals cat house. Multiple access points and fun dangling accessories will keep your kitty entertained for hours. |
|
|
Suar Wood ‘Acoustic Melody’ Sculpture (Indonesia) $61.99 Celebrating music and dance, Nyoman Sudiana creates a sculpture depicting a voluptuous musician playing the acoustic guitar. The sculpture is carved by hand from Balinese suar wood and reveals a marked Cubist influence. |
|
|
My Guitar Software $23.49 An easy and fun way for kids ages 6 and up to learn how to play acoustic guitar! Research has proven that children who play an instrument do better in school, build self-esteem, and make friends more easily. |
|
|
eMedia Guitar Songs $24.49 Guitar Songs teaches the guitar and bass parts for 21 hit songs. Isolate separate tracks from the CD-quality sound recordings: guitar-only, band and vocals with no guitar, bass-only, no-bass, and rhythm-only. |
|
|
Essential Acoustic Guitar (DVD) $12.84 From stringing to strumming, instructor Kevin Garry, Ph.D., demonstrates how to play the acoustic guitar in 45 simple lessons. |
|
|
Acoustic Guitar Chords (Mixed media product) $9.89 In any music style, there are essentials – scales, licks, chords, etc. Acoustic Guitar Chords teaches you the must-know chords that will get you strumming quickly. You won`t get bogged down with tons of details. Rather, you`ll be armed with many chord … |
|
|
Mastering Acoustic Guitar (PACKAGE) $16.18 This, the third book of a power-packed series, begins with exercises for developing speed and agility. Techniques such as “machine gun strums,” right-hand muting, slapping, tapping, slap harmonics and tremolo are introduced. You`ll go further into Ce… |
|
|
Beginning Acoustic Guitar $9.85 Being unplugged doesn`t mean you`re without power. Develop the agility and strength that will give your performances power by making them appear effortless. All music in each 96-page book is shown in TAB and standard notation and recorded on the accomp… |
|
|
Acoustic Guitar Anthology (DVD) $22.14 Witness a wide range of sophisticated acoustic guitar techniques performed by such great musicians as Steve Baughman, Beppe Gamb |
|
|
Complete Acoustic Guitar Method – Beginning Acoustic Guitar – Book Included (DVD) $22.77 Learn to make your acoustic guitar sing in this instructional musical release. |
|
|
Teach Yourself to Play Guitar – Acoustic Guitar Songbook $10.9 Learn how to play guitar using eight great acoustic songs and a CD featuring demo and play-along tracks. Songs: About a Girl * Babe, I`m Gonna Leave You * Best of My Love * Every Rose Has Its Thorn * Night Moves * Norwegian Wood * Signs * 3 AM. |
|
|
Getting Started on Acoustic Guitar (DVD) $15.79 Renowned guitar instructor Keith Wyatt provides comprehensive lessons for those just beginning to learn the acoustic guitar. Mor |
|
|
The Beatles for Acoustic Guitar $15.63 25 of The Beatles` best songs transcribed for acoustic guitar with tablature. Includes: Across the Universe * And I Love Her * Blackbird * Girl * Help! * Here Comes the Sun * Hey Jude * I Should Have Known Better * If I Fell * Michelle * Norwegian Wood… |
|
|
Blue Book of Acoustic Guitars (Paperback) $19.57 13 is your lucky number! The 13th Edition Blue Book of Acoustic Guitars is now expanded to 832 pages including a new 16-page color Photo Grading System. It also has guitar reference information and values on over 900 guitar manufacturers/distributors i… |