85/15 Guitar Strings

Subject: 85/15 Guitar Strings
From:
Date: 23 Jan 00 - 06:06 AM

I decided some time ago that I perfer 80/20 Bronze strings to Phospher Bronze for my guitar. I was in a small town recently and there was a little music shop up an alley with a strange assortment of strings. One of them is a line of strings (I think D'Adarrio) that claim to be 85/15 Bronze. They have the stars and stripes on the package. Does anyone know what the advantages of more copper and less tin (or is it the reverse?). Has anyone tried this mixture?

I would be interested in comments and experiences.

BTW the guy in the store said he got them at an auction and he is selling them at a good price, so I am tempted to try them anyway.

Murray

Subject: RE: 85/15 Guitar Strings
From: Midchuck
Date: 23 Jan 00 - 05:41 PM

There are two brands of 85/15 string that I know of. The D'Addario "American Bronze," which is what you saw, and the GHS Vintage Bronze.

These strings are useful if you have a guitar that has a sound that is too "bright" or "brassy" for your taste when played with PBs or 80/20s, and you want a "darker" or "smokier" sound.

Sorry I can't be more clear about the distinction. Who was it said that "Writing about music is like dancing about architecture?"

Peter.

Subject: RE: 85/15 Guitar Strings
From:
Date: 23 Jan 00 - 11:36 PM

Thanks Midchuck. I was also curious about their reputation for longevity compared with, say D'Addario Phospher Bronze.

I don't know who made the crack about dancing about Architecture; but I like it!

Murray

Subject: RE: 85/15 Guitar Strings
From: Easy Rider
Date: 24 Jan 00 - 12:48 PM

What's the big deal? If the price is "a good price", buy a set or two and try them. Even if you don't like them, they'll be worn out in a month, and you can change back to your regular strings.

I also like the mellower sound of 80/20 over phosphor bronze. I use Webstrings, the cheapest in the world, and they work just fine.