Head to head
D'Addario EJ27N Student Nylon Classical vs Ernie Ball Earthwood Phosphor Bronze Acoustic
The short answer is that the alloys differ (Silver-plated copper wrap on the bass strings against Phosphor bronze), and they sit in different price brackets ($15 - $30 against Under $15). Below, every specification we hold for both is lined up, with the 14 rows that actually differ marked out.
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
Earthwood Phosphor Bronze Acoustic
Medium Light .012-.054
A light set with a heavier bottom end, for a guitar that needs driving
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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 EJ27N Student Nylon Classical6.8
- Ernie Ball Earthwood 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
| EJ27N Student Nylon Classical | Earthwood Phosphor Bronze Acoustic | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | D'Addario | Ernie Ball |
| Model | EJ27N Student Nylon Classical | Earthwood Phosphor Bronze Acoustic |
| Type | Strings | Strings |
| Fretline score | 6.8 / 10 | 7.3 / 10 |
| Value for money | 9 / 10 | 9 / 10 |
| Amazon rating | 4.5 / 5 (22,877) | 4.7 / 5 (14,275) |
| Price | $15 - $30 | Under $15 |
| Gauges | — | .012, .016, .024, .032, .044, .054 |
| Alloy | Silver-plated copper wrap on the bass strings | Phosphor bronze |
| Winding | Wound basses, clear nylon trebles | Roundwound |
| Core | Multifilament nylon | Hexagonal high-carbon steel |
| Coating | Uncoated | Uncoated |
| Tension | Normal | — |
| Strings in the set | 6 | 6 |
| Scale length it fits | Tie-end, full-size classical | — |
| Sets included | 3 | 1 |
| Brightness | 6 / 10 | 7 / 10 |
| Sustain | 6 / 10 | 7 / 10 |
| Durability | 7 / 10 | 6 / 10 |
| Feel | 7 / 10 | 7 / 10 |
| Tuning stability | 6 / 10 | 8 / 10 |
| Suits | Beginner, Intermediate | 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
Ernie Ball Earthwood Phosphor Bronze AcousticHighest editorial brightness score of the 2 compared.
Best sustain
Ernie Ball Earthwood Phosphor Bronze AcousticHighest editorial sustain score of the 2 compared.
Best durability
D'Addario EJ27N Student Nylon ClassicalHighest editorial durability score of the 2 compared.
Best tuning stability
Ernie Ball Earthwood Phosphor Bronze AcousticHighest editorial tuning stability score of the 2 compared.
Best for beginners
Ernie Ball Earthwood 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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