StringTuned
StringTuned
Current language: English
Back
acoustic strings · Phosphor Bronze
For

MartinD-28

D'Addario

EJ17 Medium Phosphor Bronze

13–56Phosphor BronzeMedium GaugeHeavyBluegrass
4.7· Based on 267 reviews · 6 languages
from $7.99
Brightness6Warmth7Sustain8Durability4Playability3Value9

Character radar

Six-axis profile · scored 1-10 across the catalog

  • Brightness6/10
  • Warmth7/10
  • Sustain8/10
  • Durability4/10
  • Playability3/10
  • Value9/10

Compare with similar

Same type — tap to see side-by-side

String A
D'Addario EJ17 Medium Phosphor Bronze· 13–56
String B

Quick picks

Based on 267 reviews · 6 languages

Tone character

EJ17 Medium is the big brother of EJ16 — 13-gauge top and 56 low-E deliver dramatically more body, projection, and low-mid weight than light-gauge alternatives. Tonally identical balanced PB voice, just bigger and fuller. Bluegrass flatpickers and Martin dreadnought players have used this gauge as the reference for over 40 years.

Best for

Bluegrass flatpicking and traditional country rhythm guitar where heavy gauge matches aggressive picking. Martin D-28 and D-18 players who want maximum dreadnought projection. Not recommended for small-body guitars or beginner hands — 13-56 is demanding.

Durability

Uncoated PB with typical 2-4 week peak tone. Heavy gauge construction resists breakage well — break rate at 13-56 is essentially zero under normal playing. D'Addario pack consistency.

Climate notes

Standard uncoated PB humidity vulnerability — tropical-climate players see usual 2-3 week change cycle. Heavy gauge doesn't provide climate advantage despite thicker material.

Rate this string

Be the first to rate this string.

Sign in to rate

Pros

  • The reference medium-gauge acoustic set — 40+ years of pro usage
  • Maximum body and projection for dreadnought guitars
  • Bluegrass flatpicking standard
  • Budget pricing for a heavy-gauge PB set
  • D'Addario manufacturing consistency

Cons

  • 13-gauge tension demands strong hands and proper guitar setup
  • Not appropriate for small-body acoustics or vintage bracing
  • Uncoated — standard humidity limits

Best for these guitars

Picked by community consensus

Price history

Across retailers · last 6 months

Buy from

Updated daily · Affiliate links support StringTune

    Source reviews

    Synthesized from 28 videos & threads across 8 languages

    28
    reviews
    629.8K
    views
    355
    likes
    4
    languages
    Top voter comments
    • 80/20 bronze sounds more brighter and crisp,phosphor bronze sounds warm and comfortable

      36
    • 80/20 bronze sounds more brighter and crisp,phosphor bronze sounds warm and comfortable

      36
    • 80/20 bronze sounds more brighter and crisp,phosphor bronze sounds warm and comfortable

      36

    Comments

    Be the first to share your experience with these strings.

    © 2026 StringTune. Reviews aggregated from global guitar communities.

    StringTune is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program. As an affiliate, we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.