Head to head
D'Addario EJ11 80/20 Bronze Acoustic vs D'Addario EJ16 Phosphor Bronze Acoustic
The short answer is that the alloys differ (80/20 bronze against Phosphor bronze), and they sit in different price brackets (Under $15 against $15 - $30). Below, every specification we hold for both is lined up, with the 10 rows that actually differ marked out.
EJ11 80/20 Bronze Acoustic
Light, .012-.053
The bright, brash acoustic string the whole category was built on
EJ16 Phosphor Bronze Acoustic
Light .012-.053, three sets
The default acoustic string, and the one to buy if you are not sure
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Score profile
The editorial axes for strings, overlaid. Where one shape sits outside the other, that is where it gains ground.
- D'Addario EJ11 80/20 Bronze Acoustic7.2
- D'Addario EJ16 Phosphor Bronze Acoustic7.3
Scores are Fretline editorial ratings on a 1-10 scale. They are our own assessment and are not supplied or endorsed by Amazon or by any manufacturer.
Specification by specification
| EJ11 80/20 Bronze Acoustic | EJ16 Phosphor Bronze Acoustic | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | D'Addario | D'Addario |
| Model | EJ11 80/20 Bronze Acoustic | EJ16 Phosphor Bronze Acoustic |
| Type | Strings | Strings |
| Fretline score | 7.2 / 10 | 7.3 / 10 |
| Value for money | 9 / 10 | 9 / 10 |
| Amazon rating | 4.7 / 5 (17,357) | 4.7 / 5 (38,577) |
| Price | Under $15 | $15 - $30 |
| Gauges | .012, .016, .024, .032, .042, .053 | .012, .016, .024, .032, .042, .053 |
| Alloy | 80/20 bronze | Phosphor bronze |
| Winding | Roundwound | Roundwound |
| Core | Hexagonal high-carbon steel | Hexagonal high-carbon steel |
| Coating | Uncoated | Uncoated |
| Strings in the set | 6 | 6 |
| Sets included | 1 | 3 |
| Brightness | 9 / 10 | 7 / 10 |
| Sustain | 6 / 10 | 7 / 10 |
| Durability | 5 / 10 | 6 / 10 |
| Feel | 7 / 10 | 7 / 10 |
| Tuning stability | 7 / 10 | 8 / 10 |
| Suits | Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Professional | Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Professional |
A marked row is one where the two differ. A highlighted cell is the stronger figure where one can be judged objectively — which, for most accessory attributes, it cannot be. Empty cells are specifications the manufacturer does not publish, never estimates.
Which one should you buy?
Computed from our editorial scores for these two only. It is not a general ranking.
Best brightness
D'Addario EJ11 80/20 Bronze AcousticHighest editorial brightness score of the 2 compared.
Best sustain
D'Addario EJ16 Phosphor Bronze AcousticHighest editorial sustain score of the 2 compared.
Best durability
D'Addario EJ16 Phosphor Bronze AcousticHighest editorial durability score of the 2 compared.
Best tuning stability
D'Addario EJ16 Phosphor Bronze AcousticHighest editorial tuning stability score of the 2 compared.
Best for beginners
D'Addario EJ16 Phosphor Bronze AcousticStrongest overall score among those we consider suitable for a first instrument.
Scores are Fretline editorial ratings on a 1-10 scale. They are our own assessment and are not supplied or endorsed by Amazon or by any manufacturer.
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