Head to head

D'Addario Pro-Arte Nylon Classical vs D'Addario XS Phosphor Bronze Coated Acoustic

The short answer is that only one of them is coated, which is what decides how long it lasts, and the alloys differ (Silver-plated copper wrap on the bass strings against Phosphor bronze). Below, every specification we hold for both is lined up, with the 12 rows that actually differ marked out.

D'Addario

Pro-Arte Nylon Classical

Normal tension, tie-end

The reference nylon set, and the one most classical guitars are voiced around

7.2/104.6 (28,780)

See it on Amazon Read the full analysis

D'Addario

XS Phosphor Bronze Coated Acoustic

Light .012-.053

A coated string that does not feel or sound like a coated string

7.8/104.7 (3,294)

See it on Amazon Read the full analysis

As an Amazon Associate we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through our links, at no additional cost to you. We do not publish prices, because Amazon prices change constantly and a stale figure helps nobody. Follow the link for the current price and availability.

Score profile

The editorial axes for strings, overlaid. Where one shape sits outside the other, that is where it gains ground.

D'Addario Pro-Arte Nylon Classical7.2
D'Addario XS Phosphor Bronze Coated Acoustic7.8

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

D'Addario Pro-Arte Nylon Classical compared with D'Addario XS Phosphor Bronze Coated Acoustic
	Pro-Arte Nylon Classical	XS Phosphor Bronze Coated Acoustic
Brand	D'Addario	D'Addario
Model	Pro-Arte Nylon Classical	XS Phosphor Bronze Coated Acoustic
Type	Strings	Strings
Fretline score	7.2 / 10	7.8 / 10
Value for money	9 / 10	7 / 10
Amazon rating	4.6 / 5 (28,780)	4.7 / 5 (3,294)
Price	Under $15	$15 - $30
Gauges	—	.012, .016, .024, .032, .042, .053
Alloy	Silver-plated copper wrap on the bass strings	Phosphor bronze
Winding	Wound basses, clear monofilament nylon trebles	Roundwound
Core	Multifilament nylon	Hexagonal high-carbon steel
Coating	Uncoated	Ultra-thin film on the wound strings, with treated plain strings
Tension	Normal	—
Strings in the set	6	6
Scale length it fits	Tie-end, for a classical bridge without pins or ball ends	—
Sets included	1	1
Brightness	6 / 10	8 / 10
Sustain	7 / 10	7 / 10
Durability	7 / 10	9 / 10
Feel	8 / 10	8 / 10
Tuning stability	6 / 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.