Detail 01
80/20 bronze
80% copper, 20% zinc. Brighter and more crisp than phosphor bronze, but the brightness fades faster as it oxidizes.
Product detailSKU #1321473138280
Ernie Ball2556 Everlast 80/20 Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings - Medium Light (12-54)
1/2
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
80/20 bronze acoustic strings in medium light 12-54, with a coating for longer life. A standard-gauge set for steel-string acoustic guitars.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Standard tuning on a dreadnought or grand auditorium
- Strummers who want the top end to cut
- Players who sweat strings out fast and want them to last
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Classical or nylon-string guitars — wrong string type entirely
- Players wanting warm, mellow tone; phosphor bronze suits that better
- Small parlor guitars built for lighter gauges
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
Medium light 12-54
The most common acoustic gauge. Enough tension for volume, not so much that chords fight back.
Detail 03
Everlast coating treatment
Resists oils and sweat, so tone holds longer between changes. Slightly slicker under the fingers than uncoated.
Detail 04
Acoustic-specific bronze wrap
Bronze is non-magnetic, so these will not drive a magnetic pickup. Fine for piezo and mic systems.
Detail 05
Ball-end steel strings
Anchor with bridge pins on a standard flat-top acoustic. Wrong fit for tie-block classical bridges.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Coming from lights (11s), the added tension may need a truss rod tweak
- 02One set. Bridge pins, winder and cutters not included
- 03Wipe the strings down after playing — the coating helps but does not replace it
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01What does medium light mean in gauges?
The set runs .012 on the high E to .054 on the low E. It sits between light (11s) and medium (13s) in tension and volume.
0280/20 bronze or phosphor bronze?
80/20 is brighter and more scooped in the mids, good for strumming and cutting through. Phosphor bronze is warmer and holds its tone longer.
03Will these work on my electric guitar?
No. Bronze is non-magnetic, so magnetic pickups will barely hear them. Electric guitars need nickel or steel strings.
04How long does the coating last?
Longer than uncoated bronze, though how much depends on how acidic your hands are and how often you play. Sweat and oils are what kill bronze.
