Phosphor Bronze
Rich lows, articulate mids, and shimmering highs with beautifully balanced acoustic tone.
Shop Phosphor Bronze
Phosphor Bronze Round Core
A richer, more open acoustic voice with exceptional flexibility and expressive feel.
Shop Phosphor Bronze RC
Lost '60s Acoustic
Warm, woody tone with the authentic character and feel of vintage acoustic recordings.
Shop Lost '60s AcousticCompare Acoustic Sets
| Feature | Phosphor Bronze | PB Round Core | Lost '60s Acoustic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tone Profile | Rich & Balanced | Bigger & Fuller | Warm & Vintage |
| Playing Feel | Classic | Flexible | Smooth |
| Projection | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ |
| Dynamic Response | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ |
| Warmth | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Brightness | Balanced | Warm | Warm |
| Sustain | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ |
| Fingerstyle | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ |
| Strumming | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★ |
| Flatpicking | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★ |
| Bluegrass | Good | ★ Best Choice | Good |
| Singer-Songwriter | ★ Best Choice | Excellent | ★ Best Choice |
| Vintage Character | Good | Very Good | ★ Best Choice |
| Recording | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Best Choice for | All-around versatility | Maximum response and flexible feel | Vintage warmth |
New to American String?
Start with Phosphor Bronze 12-53. They deliver rich lows, articulate mids, sparkling highs, and outstanding balance make Phosphor Bronze the perfect choice for virtually every style of acoustic playing.
Shop Phosphor Bronze 12-53Why Serious Players Choose American String
American Materials
American-sourced wire for exceptional consistency, feel, and tone.
Made in the USA
Manufactured in America with complete quality control from raw wire to finished strings.
More than a Century
Five Generations of craftsmanship trusted by many of the world's finest piano makers.
Built to Last
Engineered to deliver longer-lasting performance for serious players.
What Players Are Saying
Great Strings
These are the best strings I’ve ever had on my guitars. Bought 4 sets for 2 of my old guitars and made them sound like new again. Hold a tune very well, even after using a capo. I’ll be using these from now on.
My 40-year-old Guild D45 has never sounded so sweet
My over 40 yr old Guild D45 has never sounded so sweet. The tone and harmonics are thing of beauty. Now they are on all my acoustics. Love them!
Great Finger-Style String!
I put a set of these on my Collings OO that I use primarily for finger style playing. Brilliant, clear and maintains great balance. I have some trouble articulating this part, but there’s a smoothness to the feel of these strings that make them a real pleasure to play and for me, it’s something about the texture of the string surface perhaps. Excellent strings!
Great Strings!
I use these strings across the board. 3 Acoustics and 4 Electrics. Easier on the fingers than non round cores. Play more like 10’s with the 12 output. 🙂
Still Have Questions?
What's the difference between Phosphor Bronze and PB Round Core?
Both use premium phosphor bronze wrap wire, but PB Round Core uses a traditional round core that produces a bigger, richer sound with a noticeably more flexible feel and enhanced sustain.
What makes Lost '60s Acoustic different?
Lost '60s Acoustic recreates the warm, balanced response and vintage feel that players loved during the classic recording era, making it ideal for traditional acoustic and archtop guitars.
Which strings are best for fingerstyle?
PB Round Core offers exceptional flexibility and dynamic response, while Lost '60s Acoustic provides warmth and note separation. Phosphor Bronze remains the best all-around choice.
Which strings are best for bluegrass?
PB Round Core delivers outstanding projection, responsiveness, and powerful low end, making it an excellent choice for bluegrass and aggressive flatpicking.
How often should I change my acoustic guitar strings?
Depending on how often you play, most players replace acoustic strings every one to three months. Regular players and performers may prefer changing them more frequently to maintain their brightest tone and best feel.
Are American String acoustic strings made in the USA?
Every American String acoustic guitar string is proudly manufactured in America using premium American materials and more than a century of string-making expertise.
Are phosphor bronze strings better than 80/20 bronze?
American String Phosphor Bronze strings provide a warmer, richer tone with excellent balance and longer-lasting musicality. Many players prefer phosphor bronze because it delivers outstanding versatility across fingerstyle, strumming, recording, and live performance.
Still not sure which strings are right for you?
Start with our most popular choice, Phosphor Bronze 12-53, or build a Mix & Match Pack and discover your favorite American String.
Shop Our Best SellersEvery Great Acoustic Deserves Great Strings.
Whether it is your everyday dreadnought, a cherished vintage acoustic, or the guitar you reach for when the room gets quiet, every note begins with the string.
Let your acoustic sing!
Build Your Own Mix & Match PacksBuild a Custom 3-Pack or save even more with a Variety 6-Pack and experience the entire American String lineup.
