Phosphor bronze vs. copper mandolin strings: which is best?

If you are well-past the beginner stage of playing the mandolin you may be starting to think about the affect the type of strings you play with have on your music. This may lead you down the rabbit hole of tirelessly comparing two of the most popular options for mandolin strings: phosphor bronze or coppper wound. 

While reading other opinions and experiences on this topic its important to remember the ultimate choice should be what feels and sounds right to you; so make sure to try out each type of string first.

To begin with, the phosphor bronze 80/20 strings produce a crisp, bright, and projecting tone that many mandolin enthusiasts love. They are often heard in early bluegrass, as well as 50s and 60s acoustic music.

Copper mandolin strings have a fuller and darker sounding tone than 80/20 strings and add a bit of warmth. The added copper wind gives a bit more tonal softness compared to other string types and the pick attack is generally less pronounced than in brighter strings.

Ultimately, for a brighter and crisper sound one should lean towards bronze, where as copper producer a darker tonal sound that is far more full and rich.

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