Detail 01
14-59 heavy gauge
Noticeably higher tension than a light set. More volume and sustain, harder to fret and bend.
Product detailSKU #1274034478119
D'AddarioEJ18 Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings - Heavy (14-59)
1/8
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
Heavy-gauge phosphor bronze acoustic set, 14-59. For flatpickers and open-tuned players who want volume and want the string to push back.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Aggressive flatpicking and bluegrass rhythm where light strings choke out
- Dropped or open tunings that go slack on lighter gauges
- Dreadnoughts and jumbos with the top to drive them
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Fingerstyle players — 14-59 fights soft attack
- Small-body parlors and vintage instruments not built for heavy tension
- Anyone with hand fatigue or new to acoustic; these are stiff
What matters in use
The specifications, translated
Catalog numbers tell only part of the story. These are the details most likely to change how this product feels, sounds, or fits into a setup.
Detail 02
Phosphor bronze
Warmer and darker than 80/20 bronze, with more midrange. Holds its tone longer before going dull.
Detail 03
Wound low strings, plain high strings
Standard acoustic construction. The plain steel high strings on a heavy set are thick and bright.
Detail 04
Heavy string tension
Pulls harder on the neck and top than the factory set on most guitars.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Moving up from lights usually needs a truss rod tweak and saddle check
- 02Confirm your guitar is rated for heavy gauge — some builders void warranty
- 03One set of six strings only; no tools, picks or winder
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Can I put these on any acoustic guitar?
Only on a steel-string acoustic built to handle heavy tension. Check with the maker for small-body, vintage, or lightly braced instruments. Never on a classical or nylon-string guitar.
02What's the difference between phosphor bronze and 80/20?
Phosphor bronze has phosphor added to the alloy. It sounds warmer and less brash than 80/20 bronze, and resists corrosion better, so it stays usable longer.
03Will my action get higher?
Likely yes. Heavier strings pull more, adding relief to the neck. Expect to adjust the truss rod, and possibly the saddle, after they settle.
04Are these good for drop tunings?
Yes. That's the main reason to run 14-59. Lower tunings slacken strings, and the heavy gauge keeps tension usable at pitch.
