80/20: 1:52 2:47 3:25 4:54 Phosphor Bronze: 2:19 3:05 4:08 5:20

It's subtle but the phosphor bronze has a tonal quality that sounds "better/fuller" to me.

I prefered the clarity of the 80/20s, but you're right about it sounding "stringier" and "less woody" than the phosphor bronze. To my ear the phosphor bronze strings almost gave your guitar a mahogany- like tone; woodier and drier. Great video. Good info and productions values.

so far the best reviewer on KZfaq, straight to the point and cover everything. Thank you so much, I hope we will see more video from you

My 2 cents: compare 2:58 with 3:18 and pay attention to the E-1st string. 80/20 is fully defined whereas phosphor bronze shakes like if it's trying to find the right tone. For tecnhincal stuff my advice is 80/20 but for ambiance the phosphor bronze. The "ideal" probably would be to pick the 3 highest frequency strings from the 80/20 and the 3 lowest frequency strings from the phosphor bronze.

Thanks for taking the time to make this, you did a great job and made a great comparison. I would simply suggest going up a gauge to at least 12's, which are factory spec'd for your guitar. The thin custom lights are hurting the tone of both sets, and there is a fair amount of fret rattle going on there.

The biggest difference is that when 80-20’s are broken in, they work on certain guitars better than PB’s namely Gibsons. Listen at 2:50 for the arpeggio…it ain’t even close…80-20’s are killer.

From experience, phosphor bronze strings will often have that woody sound as in this demo. But on other guitars they may just sound thin.

Wow! this is great! I was looking to compare these two elixer string types for my Taylor 816ce DLX. Your comprehensive explanation and demo are perfect. Very professional and great playing as well. Bravo!

i like the phosphor strings sounds, it feels more woody sound. btw thanks for making these comparison video🙏❤️ i will subscribe 👍

I have used both for years, and choose depending on the guitar in question.

80/20 for the win easily!!!! Sounds more natural.

Man I wish you have much more subscribers cause you made a great job here. It’s a good day to start. A specially when the Guitar center has been reopened for a curb pick up. Cheers

I usually just bounce between the two tbh. I mean, the phosphor strings are better for strumming and the 80/20's for picking, but both sound good on my Washburn, it's just that the 80/20's have a much lighter and "stringier" feel whereas the Phosphors have a deeper, richer tone to them.

Tried both. My guitar is a 2008 Martin D-28 Marquis (EIRW w/Adirondack Top). I prefer the unique bass whump a Martin has compared to other dreads. The Elixir Phosphor Bronze Nanoweb 13-56 are the best sounding strings I've ever put on my guitar... to me. Much prefer the full sounding tone of the Phosphor Bronze over the brighter 80/20 strings. Each to their own. And as to the D-28 Marquis... WOW, what a great tone it has. I nearly went with a D-28 Authentic, but I wanted the adjustable truss rod, wider string spacing at the saddle (2 5/16") and the Authentic was a good deal more expensive. The bridge on my guitar was coming loose. Had it taken off and re-glued with hide glue. It seems to have made the tone even better, but that could well be just wishful thinking. The neck on the Marquis is a bit chunky but I really love it now. Just a truly great guitar, but now discontinued by Martin. The only other dread I'd consider is a Mandolin Brothers Special-ordered Martin D-41 Custom Turbo (1/4" scalloped bracing). Very hard to find.

Your channel is underrated! Such a quality video here, keep it up!

There is absolutely no substitute for trying each of them both on the exact guitar in question.I have 2 Yamaha Fg830's...same colour...same specs...same year of manufacture and one sounds awesome with 80/20 the other like total garbage.I put Phosphor Bronze on the garbage one and it's my favourite guitar by far now.Assuming both would benefit from the Phosphor Bronze change I eventually changed the 80/20 on the other Fg to Phosphor B...lifeless and shit.The moral here is you must see what works best with each instrument regardless of what you THINK will work.Test it with cheap Martin strings of each flavour then buy the Elixir when you know.

I can see why people don't like the phosphor strings, but to me, they seem to include more tone in each strum. It has a kind of sophisticated depth to the sound. A little bit more raw than the 80/20s.

I have to use Elixers because uncoated strings will go dull within hours for me. I've tried both of these and the 80/20 nanoweb 11-52 sound best on my Seagull S6. The phosphorus sound ok but I prefer the slightly scooped sound of the 80/20s. Plus they seem to have slightly less tension.

I use the PB on almost everything. I will say that it brightens up your guitar. If you have a BRIGHT guitar, dont use these. It will make it too bright.

Phosphor: Strumming, rhythm, solo artist advantage 80/20: Percussive, fingerstyle, plucking advantage

Thanks for this video. I’ve just ordered a set of 80/20’s to try out on my guitar as I’ve always used 92/8’s. Definitely sounds like theirs more harmonic content with the PB, almost more like a 12 string compared to Bronze

80 20 for picking and slaping. bronze for strumming

I prefer the 80/20s. Those sound a little warmer. Great comparison. I've been using Elixirs for well over a decade now.

I use 80/20 the sounds soo loud and Bright but i prefer to phosphor

Liking the 80/20s ditto on upping the gauge!

Excellent comparison! I'm going for Phosphor Bronze. Balanced sound. The lows and mids are just enough, and the highs are not too loud and overpowering.

appreciate this review. really. wish there was more alike

I dunno. I had a taylor that I used phosphor on and loved it switched to 80/20 and hated it. Conversely because of that, I strung up my humming birds with 80/20 and hated it, and switched over to phosphor. Guitars matter on tone.

I really appreciate this demo! I think a more fair comparison would be a dreadnought than a concert/parlor guitar. The mids are definitely more prominent with less bottom end on your instrument. The concert/rosewood body is probably far less flattering to demonstrate 80/20 bronze. The boom of 80/20 is more apparent on a dreadnought body.

It would be great if you added a comparison of both strings after let’s say 50 hours of playing, how much they differ from the brand new ones, cheers

Buen video, excelente review, cool review. I usually use the phosphor bronze but I'm going to try the 80/20 next week. Thanks for the video. Cheers from Venezuela.

Nice playing. I have a faith venus. Which one of these strings would suit it ? Its a fairly bright guitar, so thinking phosphor but what do you think?

No matter your string preference, with this video YOU CAN DECIDE! The video is well thought out and is the best tool for deciding between these strings. Not only are the strings on the SAME guitar, but a great variety of performing styles! Thanks so much. My mind is made up!

What i found most interesting is in the comments below there is absolutely NO consensus. And it's not like "some people prefer one, and other people prefer the other..." Everyone is saying they prefer one or the other for the SAME reasons! In other words, no one can tell the difference. It's really amazing. For some, one is too bright. For others, the other one is too bright. It's pretty fascinating. Personally I really couldnt tell the difference until you started strumming. I'm a PB player pretty much 100% of the time. About to put my first set of 80/20s on a guitar because this one sounds much more dull and flat than I expected.... So we'll see.... Great video btw. Thanks for posting.

80/20s have a volume more equally balanced across all strings......the bronze ones make their 2 thicker strings louder and more bassy.....other than that they are both good.........for classical, flamenco bronze....for else 80/20s......then again, all guitars are not made equal.

I personally like the 80/20's, but keep in mind it has a lot to do with the guitar you're playing too. One size does not fit all.

Which was louder? Without the volume adjustment which was louder/quieter?

everyones always saying 80/20 are brighter, but for me it's the complete opposite. I like the 80/20 more because they are much more balanced and oh so sweet sounding to my ears. Phosphor bronze is just plinky plonk to me

They like phosphor for the bass sound, but it usually suits to the bassless guitars - made of mahogany or something. Bronse one is good for something rosewood like guitars. If you put phosphor on rosewood the middles will disappear.

I wish they only had one kind of string. I still don't even know if I prefer poly or nano web. I liked them both. Now I have to decide this?! I'm tired of making decisions and second guessing if I made the right choice.

Superb demo! Thank you.

Phosphor bronze.. I use that.. But in review.. My comment is... Phosphor B bright and clear While 80/20 mild and soft.. Thats why i choose the phosphor bronze..

I know what i would like on my guitars ........... your playing skills!!

Great video dude!

Phosphor Bronze. No squeaks, thanks Elixir.

Which 1 is better for fingerstyle and which 1 is for rhythms, and which will last longer ?

Phosphor Bronze sound thinner. Perhaps they Sound better on a Martin? I currently play a Taylor, & use the Elixir 80/20 ( 12"s ) on my 414ce-R - they sound great, but are getting too Expensive. Price keeps going-up. Great comparison. Very fair. Enjoyed it.

Personally liked the phosphors on everything except the fingersyle. Excellent playing!

....80/20 sounds accurate 👍

I like this showdown a lot. It is straight forward and informative. Is it me or the phosphor bronze strings hard to play? And are you using a hard or light strings? I am a beginner😶

The 80/20 sound more expensive and balanced to my ear, the phosphor bronze sound a little too bright but empty.

80/20 for sure!

Great Video...well done and thank you.

Phosphor bronze sounds more buzzy than 80/20. Coated 80/20 should help out with the downside of the short longevity right? ....also another comparison could be nickel strings like heavier gauge electric guitar strings...some people have actually had sucess with that to the point I might try a electric set of 12s or 13s. I like the feel of electric strings over accoustic.

Thanks for review!

The fret board on that guitar is stunning.

That fretboard is gorgeous

Hi, great video ! Do both set of strings have the same colour? So I can check if I’ve been given a fake pack of elixirs ? Thanks

Nice video! Thank you for sharing. 🙂 what type of the elixir strings would you recoomend for my APX 500II Acoustic Yamaha? Would it be Bronze 80/20? I cannot jump to conclusions yet.. your opinion would be pretty much appreciated 😊

Very helpful! Thanks a lot.

Which one do you prefer personally...??

This is just what I was looking for!

Right now I got a breedlove concerto guitar, and a taylor 414ce . The 80/20 sounds better on my taylor , and the phosphor better on my breedlove . It crazy how the tune of the different types wood makes a difference in the string materials. Can you make a video on cedar tops vs spruce tops ?

phosphor makes sound too tinny and hollow

Does this mean the harmonics will be brighter and more loud in 80/20 because when I have tried the phosphor, I cannot really hear the harmonics

May i know what are the differences between elixir custom light(11|52) and elixir light(11|53) type? Which one is the thinnest? Btw im the first one who comment 😬

Thanks for the video, so do you have a preference? And what kind of pick were you using?

My deal is I use PB on rosewood guitars and 80/20's on Mahogany...BTW Elixir are the longest lasting stings on the planet, great customer service and quality.

What is better string for dreadnought size guitar? a phospor or 80/20?

Why do you have so little subscribers? You play so well.

Phosphor bronze seemed louder, probably because is has a slightly higher string tension.

Just an amazing explanation.

I have a Fender CD 140 SCE. Which one will be better.

I love the riffs and been trying to play them... with mixed results as cant tell the fingerings .. would love a little video showing these cool things if possible?.... but if not...whats the fretting of the chord @2:06... im getting close with an Am barre chord at the 7th....im guessing its 0-7-9-8-0-9?

I have a problem with the nano Web, as my fingers slide off them.

Which one would be suitable for Cort SFX Open Pore? Please reply

Phosphor bronze last longer then bronze

For strumming the phosphere, fingerpicking 80/20 .

Hi, I can’t understand which strings are best for a bright guitar. Bronze or phosphor bronze? And also elixir or dadario xs for a bright guitar?

Hey Bro....i am confused.... i want a Crunchy sound in strumming ...it really close...do you help me out...which one i go for?

Usually a custom light nano 20/80 kinda guy but I've just recently come from a tanglewood to a new taylor 110e and I put on my exfir custom light 20/80 nano and honestly it just doesnt go well with this guitar. So I've gone for HD light, PB Nano which are coming in delivery. Worked out the most expensive also.

Hey J, what size pick did you use to strum the phosphor bronze? What gauge pick?

what about dean markley blue steel strings??

But about the volume adjustment... what strings sound more loud? If it happens. Or the volume adjustments it's just because of record differences?

Hi! Which ones are lighter to play?

May I know what guitar did you use?

After few days that I used 80/20 ,I feel like this strings even worse than daddario exp16 (more cheaper than this). Because I feel like the strings are always not in tone and it’s too bright n sharp to cause I don’t feel any body while I’m playing. But I think this strings will be great for strumming ! The strings handle well and smooth ! I haven’t try phosphor bronze yet but I think that one will be nicer than this especially for finger style player. I’m not a professional I’m just having my opinion after I tried and 80/20 strings are actually great too. Ps..In my way, I like the smooth of the strings but I don’t like the sound of the strings.

very helpful, Thank you..

For me 80/20 is Smoother and less volume!..the Bronze more volume and fat sound and for sure Cut more the mix!…in This video i prefer the 80/20!

I got Martin 000-16e, Please suggest me?

Because of the different metals used, for the same gauge, is there a difference is string tension?

Which do you feel will pair better with a Martin 000RS1 full sapele guitar? The 80/20’s or PB’s? Appreciate your response :)

what type & gauge would you recommend for a basic beginner's yamaha fd01s? ive just been using its default strings ("light" according to the seller but "medium" according the reviewers) for the year that i've been playing. i play fingerstyle with a few percussive elements most often. thanks :) super helpful video by the way!

Dunno if it's the editing or just YT, but even with my studio headphones there's virtually no bass. Regardless, my 000 is really picky and needs a brighter string, only 80/20's or String Joy's give the tone I want. The new D'adario XS strings (phosphor bronze) were horrible fresh, but after a day had a great sound, but died off couple of days. I'm not a fan of any particular brands, I just use what brings the guitar to life. Love the Martin Retro's on the 000 and the Dread, nice tone. I've used every brand, but they change depending on the guitar. The Dread is Rosewood & spruce while the 000 is all Mahogany. When I buy a new acoustic (rarely) I grab a set of of each brand of typically good strings and weed out the losers. Some guitars are picky, bracing & wood along with size makes a massive difference. String Joy's were a real surprise, very similar to 80/20 Elixir's I think they cost more than Elixir's, but they're certainly top tier. Well worth a try.

Thank you for great comparison. May I ask you, which one you like and why?

I got Tanglewood TFEA cedar top solid, which one should i pick?

I usually use 80/20. Today I bought the Phosphor Bronze... good choice?

I like 80/20 way better. I’ve tried to like the other one but it has funny overtones and unpleasant little harmonic stuff.

Which do you think is best for finger picking? I mostly play classical guitar, so I'm basically finger picking all the time.