Monel vs. Phosphor Bronze Strings

Note: This is the second update to my article on Monel strings.

If you’ve read my article on Martin Retro Monel strings, you’ll know that I’ve been quite happy with the sound and feel of Monel. Naturally, I felt the need to swap back to the strings I usually use. Like many of you, my default strings are made of Phosphor Bronze (PB). After having the Monels on my Taylor for a few months, I wanted to see if I’ve indeed become a convert to Monel strings.

Recap: Difference Between Monel vs. Phosphor Bronze Strings

Quick refresher: The Martin Monel strings are made of Monel, an alloy of Nickel and Copper.  Monel is made of nickel (67%), and copper (32%), with the remaining being traces of iron, manganese, carbon, and silicon.

On the other hand, Bronze strings contain a higher percentage of copper. Bronze strings commonly come in two common formulas: 80/20, Bronze, and Phosphor Bronze (aka PB). Phosphor Bronze contains more copper, around 92%, vs. 80% for Bronze 80/20 strings.

Sounds

If you’ve read my review of Monel strings, you’ll know that I was impressed with the tone of Monel. In fact, I didn’t know what to expect when I strung them up. What I found was a clean, focused, tone that matched well with my Taylor, which has Sapele back and sides. As a tonewood, Sapele is very similar to Mahogany, producing a fundamental-focused, drier tone than Rosewood.

A word on overtones: Overtones are the secondary notes that are sounded in addition to the note that is played. These tones are higher than the original note. Some woods, such as Rosewood, are known for having pronounced overtones, which give Rosewood guitars the “tonal color” they are known for. Mahogany and Sapele are “drier”, in that they emphasize the fundamental note. Some woods, such as Ovangkol, split the difference, sitting somewhere in the middle.

The same goes with guitar strings: Monel strings are known to emphasize fewer overtones than Phosphor Bronze strings. The result of lower overtone emphasis—with tonewood and strings—means that the note you hear is more of the note you played.

Sapele & Monel

What I had heard, and what I found, was that the Monel sound matched very well with Sapele. With the Martin Monel strings, I had the sense that I heard more of the guitar, and less of the string itself. The clarity of Monel really brought out the woody character of the guitar. This is consistent with Monel’s reputation of emphasizing the fundamental pitch, with fewer overtones.

PB Returns

After enjoying the Monel strings so much, I honestly didn’t know what to expect when I strung up my John Pearse #600L Phosphor Bronze Wound (12-53 gauge) set. After all, I had been using PB strings for many years, and to be quite honest, I never really questioned the choice. I like these strings a lot for their balanced tone: Lows are rounded and warm, and the highs are present but not peaky.

Sounds of PB

My impressions of the PB strings were one of familiarity. Gone was the direct and noticeably clear sound of Monel. In its place was the familiar warmer, richer overtone profile of Phosphor Bronze. This was immediately noticeable on the wound strings, particularly the low E and A strings.

The Martin Monel strings made the Taylor sound more like a Martin. Monel strings were around well before Phosphor Bronze, and many of the classic acoustic guitar sounds we know well were recorded with that type of string.

And The Winner Is…

Of course, there is no winner in Monel vs. Phosphor Bronze strings—they are both great. You may be wondering which strings I’m going to be using, and to that I say… it depends. I see myself switching between them, because they each have their strengths.

Choose Monel strings if…

You favor a tone that is strong on the fundamental note, with fewer overtones. Monel will bring out the “wood” in a guitar. There is a clarity in Monel strings that results in a directness of tone that is very appealing. Monel provides a traditional vintage sound that will be recongnizable by fans of traditional styles of music such as bluegrass.

Choose Phosphor Bronze strings if… 

PB strings are the default string for much of the acoustic guitar world, and for good reason. Phosphor Bronze strings have both a brilliant and warm tone at the same time. PB strings have a comfortable warmth on the low end, and overall balanced clarity.

Conclusion

I had thought that maybe I wouldn’t care for the PB strings when I put them back on, but this was not the case. The familiar warmth of Phosphor Bronze was immediately appealing. I found myself luxuriating in the softer warmth in the bass that PB strings provide.

However, that isn’t to say that I didn’t miss the clear, focused midrange and low end of the Martin Monels.

If you haven’t tried a set of Monel strings I heartily recommend them. They will show you a new side of your guitar. Whether you prefer this will depend on your preferences, and on the individual guitar. I can definitely see some players feeling lost without the enveloping warmth of PB strings.

The good thing about strings is that, along with guitar picks, they are the most cost effective way to make a substantial change to your guitar tone. Happy Playing!