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acoustic strings · Phosphor Bronze
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MartinD-28

Fender

Dura-Tone 860CL Coated

12–52CoatedPhosphor BronzeLong-LifeFender
4.5· Based on 123 reviews · 3 languages
from $8.99
Brightness6Warmth6Sustain6Durability8Playability6Value7

Character radar

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

  • Brightness6/10
  • Warmth6/10
  • Sustain6/10
  • Durability8/10
  • Playability6/10
  • Value7/10

Compare with similar

Same type — tap to see side-by-side

String A
Fender Dura-Tone 860CL Coated· 12–52
String B

Quick picks

Based on 123 reviews · 3 languages

Tone character

Dura-Tone delivers Fender's budget entry into coated acoustic — tonally similar to basic PB with minor damping from the coating. Not as refined as Elixir Nanoweb or D'Addario XT but significantly cheaper. Phosphor bronze voice intact, with moderate coating presence audible mainly in direct A/B tests.

Best for

Budget-conscious acoustic players who want basic coated benefits (longer life, humidity resistance) without Elixir pricing. Fender acoustic owners who prefer brand consistency. Good entry point for players unsure about coated strings who don't want to commit Elixir money.

Durability

Coating extends life ~2-3x vs uncoated — 6-10 weeks of satisfying tone is typical. Shorter than Elixir Nanoweb but meaningful upgrade over uncoated PB. Coating durability is middle-tier.

Climate notes

Coating provides meaningful humidity protection — tropical-climate players see 2-3x the practical lifespan vs uncoated PB. A reasonable choice for Southeast Asian acoustic players on a budget.

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Pros

  • Half the price of Elixir or D'Addario XT coated acoustic
  • 2-3x life vs uncoated PB — solid value proposition
  • Good entry-level coated acoustic option
  • Widely available through Fender dealers

Cons

  • Coating wears faster than premium alternatives
  • Less refined tone than Elixir Nanoweb or XT
  • Uncoated PB character compromised more than premium alternatives

Best for these guitars

Picked by community consensus

Price history

Across retailers · last 6 months

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    Source reviews

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    Top voter comments
    • I love you more than my girlfriend John Mayer.

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    • The riff/run in “Still Feel Like Your Man” on acoustic is MIND-BLOWING 🤯

      183

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