Phosphor Bronze vs. Nickel Guitar Strings

Different materials perform differently on acoustic and electric guitars.

Specific types of guitar strings (nylon, bronze and nickel) are made for specific types of guitars (classical, acoustic and electric). While both bronze and nickel strings are made of metal, they are not equally suited for use on different types of guitars.

Material

Bronze is made from a combination of 80 percent copper and 20 percent tin or 20 percent zinc. Phosphorous, when added to bronze guitar strings, helps them retain their sound original longer. Nickel is a naturally occurring element. Some nickel guitar strings are actually nickel plated (over steel).

Phosphor Bronze Sound Quality

Phosphor bronze strings are considered by musicians who use them to produce a higher or brighter sound, with louder resonances.

Nickel Sound Quality

Nickel-plated strings provide a brighter tone and greater sustain than pure nickel, which provides a warmer tone.

Phosphor Bronze Technical Attributes

Phosphor bronze strings, due to their thickness, provide a louder sound, important to acoustic guitar players who frequently play without amplifiers.

Nickel String Technical Attributes

Nickel strings are thinner and easier to bend than phosphor bronze strings, which is important to those who play lead guitar (use more individual notes than chords). Nickel is magnetic, which is necessary to produce electric guitar tones.

Expense

Because of the materials used for each, phosphor bronze strings cost more than nickel. Phosphor bronze strings last longer, however.

References

• PlayRecord: Guitar Strings Guide: All About the Different Types of Guitar String