Head to head
D'Addario EJ11 80/20 Bronze Acoustic vs D'Addario EJ27N Student Nylon Classical
The short answer is that the alloys differ (80/20 bronze against Silver-plated copper wrap on the bass strings), and they sit in different price brackets (Under $15 against $15 - $30). Below, every specification we hold for both is lined up, with the 12 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
EJ27N Student Nylon Classical
Normal tension, full size, three sets
The same idea as Pro-Arte, sorted less tightly and sold three at a time
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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 EJ27N Student Nylon Classical6.8
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 | EJ27N Student Nylon Classical | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | D'Addario | D'Addario |
| Model | EJ11 80/20 Bronze Acoustic | EJ27N Student Nylon Classical |
| Type | Strings | Strings |
| Fretline score | 7.2 / 10 | 6.8 / 10 |
| Value for money | 9 / 10 | 9 / 10 |
| Amazon rating | 4.7 / 5 (17,357) | 4.5 / 5 (22,877) |
| Price | Under $15 | $15 - $30 |
| Gauges | .012, .016, .024, .032, .042, .053 | — |
| Alloy | 80/20 bronze | Silver-plated copper wrap on the bass strings |
| Winding | Roundwound | Wound basses, clear nylon trebles |
| Core | Hexagonal high-carbon steel | Multifilament nylon |
| Coating | Uncoated | Uncoated |
| Tension | — | Normal |
| Strings in the set | 6 | 6 |
| Scale length it fits | — | Tie-end, full-size classical |
| Sets included | 1 | 3 |
| Brightness | 9 / 10 | 6 / 10 |
| Sustain | 6 / 10 | 6 / 10 |
| Durability | 5 / 10 | 7 / 10 |
| Feel | 7 / 10 | 7 / 10 |
| Tuning stability | 7 / 10 | 6 / 10 |
| Suits | Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Professional | Beginner, Intermediate |
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 durability
D'Addario EJ27N Student Nylon ClassicalHighest editorial durability score of the 2 compared.
Best tuning stability
D'Addario EJ11 80/20 Bronze AcousticHighest editorial tuning stability score of the 2 compared.
Best for beginners
D'Addario EJ11 80/20 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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