Guitar Strings, ranked by PFAS safety

101 products graded A to F, safest first. 85 earn a C or better and are worth buying.

Buyer’s guide

What to look for in guitar strings, and which brands grade best and worst

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Bad · Better · Best guitar strings

The quickest read: what to skip and the top-graded picks worth buying instead.

AvoidF
Elixir 80/20 Acoustic Guitar Strings

Elixir

Elixir 80/20 Acoustic Guitar Strings

40/100 safety

Elixir's coating formula is undisclosed, possible PFAS use in water/corrosion resistance, but no public evidence confirms it.

BetterB
Dean Markley Blackhawk Acoustic Guitar Strings

Dean Markley

Dean Markley Blackhawk Acoustic Guitar Strings

85/100 safety

Lower PFAS concern, steel and bronze guitar strings are commodity materials with no known treatment vectors for PFAS.

Best pickA
Martin Retro Acoustic Guitar Strings

Martin

Martin Retro Acoustic Guitar Strings

95/100 safety

Lower concern, acoustic guitar strings typically use established metals and nylon without water-repellent coating or nonstick coatings.

Worth buying graded C or better, safest first

Martin Retro Acoustic Guitar Strings

Martin

Retro Acoustic Guitar Strings

Phosphor bronze, stainless steel, nylon wound

A
A
PFASAll
A · Very low PFAS1 flag

Lower concern, acoustic guitar strings typically use established metals and nylon without water-repellent coating or nonstick coatings.

Bare metal or glass, no coating at all

Ernie Ball Everlast Acoustic Guitar Strings

Acoustic360

Ernie Ball Everlast Acoustic Guitar Strings

Phosphor bronze/stainless steel wound on steel core

A
A
PFASAll
A · Very low PFAS1 flag

Lower PFAS concern, acoustic guitar strings use standard metal materials with no known fluorochemical treatments.

Bare metal or glass, no coating at all

Dean Markley Electric Guitar Strings

Dean Markley

Electric Guitar Strings

Steel alloy strings (nickel-plated or stainless steel core)

A
B
PFASAll
A · Very low PFAS2 flags

Lower PFAS concern, steel strings lack typical PFAS applications, but no brand disclosure exists.

Bare metal or glass, no coating at all

Dean Markley 2562 Blue Steel Electric Guitar Strings Medium

Dean Markley

2562 Blue Steel Electric Guitar Strings Medium

Nickel-plated steel core; hexagonal wrap (likely nickel-plated steel or stainless)

A
B
PFASAll
A · Very low PFAS2 flags

Lower PFAS concern, metal strings without known Teflon-family coating coatings.

Bare metal or glass, no coating at all

Savarez Cristal Corum High Tension Strings

Savarez

Cristal Corum High Tension Strings

Nylon monofilament with stainless steel core

A
B
PFASAll
A · Very low PFAS2 flags

Lower concern, classical guitar strings with no known PFAS applications, but no explicit brand disclosure.

Bare metal or glass, no coating at all

Rotosound R12-60 Electric Guitar Strings

Rotosound

R12-60 Electric Guitar Strings

Nickel-wound steel strings; stainless steel construction

A
A
PFASAll
A · Very low PFAS1 flag

Lower PFAS concern; no treatment chemistry typical of problem products.

Bare metal or glass, no coating at all

RotoSound RS200 Top Tape Monel Flatwound Electric Guitar String

Rotosound

RS200 Top Tape Monel Flatwound Electric Guitar String

Monel alloy (nickel-copper) with stainless steel wrap

A
A
PFASAll
A · Very low PFAS1 flag

Lower PFAS concern, metal guitar strings are not a typical PFAS vector, but no brand disclosure.

Bare metal or glass, no coating at all

Thomastik-Infeld GB114 George Benson Flatwound Jazz Guitar Strings

Thomastik-Infeld

GB114 George Benson Flatwound Jazz Guitar Strings

Nickel-plated steel core with flatwound stainless steel wrap

A
A
PFASAll
A · Very low PFAS1 flag

Lower PFAS concern; traditional guitar string materials lack typical Teflon-family coating applications.

Bare metal or glass, no coating at all

Thomastik Power-BRights Electric Guitar Strings

Thomastik-Infeld

Thomastik Power-BRights Electric Guitar Strings

Stainless steel core wire with nickel-plated windings

A
B
PFASAll
A · Very low PFAS2 flags

Lower PFAS concern; standard electric guitar strings with no known Teflon-family coating coatings.

Bare metal or glass, no coating at all

D'Addario Electric Guitar Strings Nickel

D'Addario

Electric Guitar Strings Nickel

Nickel-plated steel core with nickel-brass wound exterior

B
C
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS2 flags

Lower PFAS concern; traditional guitar strings use established metallic coatings, not Teflon-family coating.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

D'Addario Acoustic Bronze Guitar Strings

D'Addario

Acoustic Bronze Guitar Strings

Phosphor bronze wound over steel hex core

B
C
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS2 flags

Lower PFAS concern; standard string material composition poses minimal exposure risk.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

D'Addario Acoustic Guitar Strings XS 80/20 Bronze Coated

D'Addario

Acoustic Guitar Strings XS 80/20 Bronze Coated

80/20 Bronze (copper-tin alloy) with phosphor-bronze coating

B
C
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS2 flags

Lower concern, acoustic guitar strings composed of well-established metals with no known PFAS application.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

Ernie Ball Everlast Acoustic Guitar Strings

Ernie Ball

Everlast Acoustic Guitar Strings

Steel wound on steel core, nylon/polymer windings

B
C
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS2 flags

Lower PFAS concern; standard acoustic strings with no known fluorochemical treatments.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

Ernie Ball Power Slinky Electric Guitar Strings

Ernie Ball

Power Slinky Electric Guitar Strings

nickel-plated steel wound core with bronze/phosphor bronze wrap

B
B
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS1 flag

Lower PFAS concern; standard metal guitar strings with no known fluorochemical coatings.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

Ernie Ball Super Slinky Electric Guitar Strings

Ernie Ball

Super Slinky Electric Guitar Strings

Steel core with nickel-plated wound strings

B
B
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS1 flag

Lower concern, traditional metal guitar strings with no known PFAS-risk profiles.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

Ernie Ball Beefy Slinky Electric Guitar Strings

Ernie Ball

Beefy Slinky Electric Guitar Strings

Nickel-plated steel wound around hexagonal steel core

B
C
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS2 flags

Lower PFAS concern; traditional guitar string materials not associated with fluorochemical treatments.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

Ernie Ball 3125 Extra Slinky Electric Guitar Strings

Ernie Ball

3125 Extra Slinky Electric Guitar Strings

Nickel-plated steel wire with nylon-coated wrap

B
C
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS3 flags

Lower-concern product, guitar strings lack typical PFAS end-uses and no public evidence of fluorinated coatings.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

Fender UltraCore 1250 Electric Guitar Strings

Fender

UltraCore 1250 Electric Guitar Strings

Nickel-plated steel core wound with nickel-plated brass

B
C
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS2 flags

Lower PFAS concern, traditional metal guitar strings with no known fluorochemical coatings.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

Fender Super Nickel-Plated Steel Electric Guitar Strings

Fender

Super Nickel-Plated Steel Electric Guitar Strings

Nickel-plated steel core with phosphor bronze wound wrap

B
D
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS3 flags

Lower PFAS concern, traditional guitar string materials have no typical PFAS application.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

Fender Super Bullets Electric Guitar Strings

Fender

Super Bullets Electric Guitar Strings

Nickel-plated steel core with bronze or steel windings

B
C
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS2 flags

Lower concern, guitar strings are metallic with no typical PFAS application pathways.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

Fender Classic Core Electric Guitar Strings

Fender

Classic Core Electric Guitar Strings

Nickel-plated steel core with bronze/phosphor bronze wound wrap

B
B
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS1 flag

Lower PFAS concern, guitar strings use standard metal construction without typical PFAS-risk treatments.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

Fender Electric XII Strings

Fender

Electric XII Strings

Wood body, metal hardware, steel/nickel strings, electronics

B
C
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS2 flags

Lower PFAS concern, traditional guitar materials rarely require PFAS coatings.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

Martin Authentic 80/20 Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings

Martin

Authentic 80/20 Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings

80/20 bronze (copper/tin alloy) wound on steel core

B
B
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS1 flag

Lower-concern product, bronze acoustic strings have no typical PFAS application or documented use.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

Martin MA130 Acoustic Guitar Strings

Martin

MA130 Acoustic Guitar Strings

Phosphor bronze wound over hexagonal steel core

B
C
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS2 flags

Lower PFAS concern, acoustic guitar strings are inherently simple metal/bronze products with no known Teflon-family coating use.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

Martin MSPLUS4100 SP+ Coated Phosphor Bronze Light Acoustic Guitar Strings

Martin

MSPLUS4100 SP+ Coated Phosphor Bronze Light Acoustic Guitar Strings

Phosphor bronze wire with SP+ coating (Martin proprietary)

B
B
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS1 flag

Lower concern; acoustic guitar strings with no known PFAS use, but Martin does not disclose coating details.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

Martin Acoustic 80/20 Bronze Guitar Strings

Martin

Acoustic 80/20 Bronze Guitar Strings

80/20 bronze wire (copper/zinc alloy)

B
B
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS1 flag

Lower-concern product; acoustic guitar strings have no typical PFAS application.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

Martin Authentic Acoustic LifeSpan 2.0 Phosphor Bronze Guitar Strings

Martin

Authentic Acoustic LifeSpan 2.0 Phosphor Bronze Guitar Strings

Phosphor bronze wire with wrap, hexagonal steel core

B
B
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS

Lower PFAS concern; acoustic guitar strings are not a typical PFAS exposure route.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

Martin MA150 Acoustic Guitar Strings

Martin

MA150 Acoustic Guitar Strings

Phosphor bronze wound steel, nylon core

B
B
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS1 flag

Lower PFAS concern; traditional acoustic guitar string materials lack typical fluorochemical use cases.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

Martin MTCN160 Titanium Core Acoustic Guitar Strings

Martin

MTCN160 Titanium Core Acoustic Guitar Strings

Steel core with titanium-coated wrap and bronze/phosphor bronze wound

B
B
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS1 flag

Lower concern; acoustic guitar strings have no functional need for PFAS coatings.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

D'Addario Acoustic Bronze Guitar Strings

Acoustic360

D'Addario Acoustic Bronze Guitar Strings

Phosphor bronze wire (hex-wound core, steel plated)

B
B
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS1 flag

Lower PFAS concern, metal guitar strings are unlikely vehicles for intentional PFAS use.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

D'Addario XT Acoustic Phosphor Bronze Guitar Strings

Acoustic360

D'Addario XT Acoustic Phosphor Bronze Guitar Strings

Phosphor bronze wire, steel core

B
B
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS1 flag

Lower PFAS concern, traditional metal strings with no known Teflon-family coating or water-repellent coatings.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

Cleartone Acoustic Guitar Strings

Acoustic360

Cleartone Acoustic Guitar Strings

Steel or nickel-silver wound strings, bronze or phosphor bronze wrap

B
C
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS2 flags

Lower PFAS concern, acoustic guitar strings are traditional metal products with no known Teflon-family coating coatings or water repellency treatments.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

DR Dragon Skin+ Acoustic Guitar Strings

Acoustic360

DR Dragon Skin+ Acoustic Guitar Strings

Steel wound strings with brass/bronze wrap

B
C
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS2 flags

Lower PFAS concern; guitar strings are not a typical PFAS application, but no brand transparency.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

D'Addario XS Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings

Acoustic360

D'Addario XS Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings

Phosphor bronze wire (copper-tin alloy with phosphorus), no known PFAS-containing coatings

B
B
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS1 flag

Lower concern, acoustic guitar strings made from traditional metal alloys have no typical PFAS application.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

Ernie Ball Everlast Acoustic Guitar Strings

Phosphor Bronze

Ernie Ball Everlast Acoustic Guitar Strings

Phosphor bronze wound on steel core

B
B
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS1 flag

Lower PFAS concern, traditional acoustic guitar strings with no known Teflon-family coating treatments.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

D'Addario Guitar Strings

Phosphor Bronze

D'Addario Guitar Strings

Phosphor bronze wire (copper-tin alloy base)

B
B
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS1 flag

Lower concern, traditional metal strings have no established PFAS risk.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

Gibson Coated Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings

Phosphor Bronze

Gibson Coated Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings

Phosphor bronze wire with unspecified coating

B
C
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS3 flags

Lower PFAS concern; acoustic strings are not a typical PFAS-risk category, but coating details remain opaque.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

Pyramid Cleopatra Coated Phosphor Bronze CLEO-XII Acoustic Strings Medium 12-54

Phosphor Bronze

Pyramid Cleopatra Coated Phosphor Bronze CLEO-XII Acoustic Strings Medium 12-54

Phosphor bronze strings (copper-tin-phosphorus alloy)

B
B
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS1 flag

Lower PFAS concern; traditional metal acoustic strings are unlikely to contain fluorinated compounds.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

D'Addario XS Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings

Phosphor Bronze

D'Addario XS Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings

Phosphor bronze wire (copper-tin alloy with phosphorus hardener)

B
C
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS2 flags

Lower-concern choice; metal guitar strings have minimal PFAS exposure pathways.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

DR Dragon Skin+ Acoustic Guitar Strings

Phosphor Bronze

DR Dragon Skin+ Acoustic Guitar Strings

Phosphor bronze wound steel strings

B
C
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS2 flags

Lower PFAS concern; acoustic strings are not a typical PFAS vector, but brand transparency is absent.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

S.I.T. Strings CP1047 - CRT Coated Phosphor Bronze Extra Light (10-47)

Phosphor Bronze

S.I.T. Strings CP1047 - CRT Coated Phosphor Bronze Extra Light (10-47)

Phosphor bronze strings with CRT coating

B
C
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS2 flags

Lower PFAS concern; traditional metal strings with no known Teflon-family coating coatings or waterproofing treatments typical of PFAS use.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

Dean Markley Blackhawk Acoustic Guitar Strings

Phosphor Bronze

Dean Markley Blackhawk Acoustic Guitar Strings

Phosphor bronze wound over steel core; no reported coatings or treatments

B
B
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS1 flag

Lower PFAS concern, acoustic guitar strings are bare metal wound with no water-repellent, nonstick, or stain-resistant treatments typical of PFAS risk.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

Dean Markley Blackhawk Acoustic Guitar Strings

Dean Markley

Blackhawk Acoustic Guitar Strings

Bronze-wound steel strings, phosphor bronze or nickel alloy wraps

B
B
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS1 flag

Lower PFAS concern, steel and bronze guitar strings are commodity materials with no known treatment vectors for PFAS.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

Dean Markley Signature Series Electric Guitar Strings

Dean Markley

Signature Series Electric Guitar Strings

Nickel-plated steel strings

B
C
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS3 flags

Lower PFAS concern; guitar strings are not a known PFAS application, but no brand transparency.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

Dean Markley NickelSteel Electric Guitar Strings

Dean Markley

NickelSteel Electric Guitar Strings

Nickel-plated steel wire

B
C
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS2 flags

Lower PFAS concern; standard metal guitar strings rarely treated with fluorochemicals.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

Dean Markley 2008 Vintage Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings

Dean Markley

2008 Vintage Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings

Phosphor bronze wound on steel core

B
B
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS1 flag

Lower PFAS concern, bronze/steel strings have no known fluorine-dependent coatings.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

Dunlop Heavy Core Electric Guitar Strings

Dunlop

Heavy Core Electric Guitar Strings

steel/nickel-plated wound core strings

B
C
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS2 flags

Lower PFAS concern; traditional guitar string materials carry minimal legacy risk.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

Dunlop Björn Gelotte Artist-Selected Custom Guitar Strings

Dunlop

Björn Gelotte Artist-Selected Custom Guitar Strings

Steel/nickel-plated steel strings; wound wire cores

B
B
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS1 flag

Lower PFAS concern; steel guitar strings lack typical PFAS-prone coatings.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

Dunlop DAP1254 Light Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings

Dunlop

DAP1254 Light Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings

Phosphor bronze wire wound on steel core

B
B
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS1 flag

Lower concern, acoustic guitar strings use traditional metal alloys with no known PFAS applications.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

Dunlop Nickel Plated Steel Electric Guitar Strings 6-Pack

Dunlop

Nickel Plated Steel Electric Guitar Strings 6-Pack

Nickel-plated steel strings

B
B
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS1 flag

Lower PFAS concern, traditional guitar strings with no known Teflon-family coating or water-repellent coatings.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

Dunlop Zakk Wylde Electric Guitar Strings

Dunlop

Zakk Wylde Electric Guitar Strings

Nickel-plated steel strings (typical Dunlop construction)

B
C
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS3 flags

Lower PFAS concern; no coating treatment typical of guitar strings.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

Dunlop Nickel Wound Electric Guitar Strings

Dunlop

Nickel Wound Electric Guitar Strings

Nickel-plated steel wound core strings

B
C
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS2 flags

Lower concern, metal guitar strings have no known PFAS function, but Dunlop provides no public PFAS statement.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

Dunlop DAB1048 Acoustic Guitar Strings

Dunlop

DAB1048 Acoustic Guitar Strings

Hexagonal-core steel/nickel-plated wound strings

B
C
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS2 flags

Lower PFAS concern; standard acoustic guitar strings with no known fluorochemical coatings.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

Savarez Cristal Corum Mixed Tension Classical Guitar Strings

Savarez

Cristal Corum Mixed Tension Classical Guitar Strings

Nylon-wound steel core with carbon treble strings

B
C
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS2 flags

Lower PFAS concern, classical guitar strings use standard materials without typical PFAS application triggers.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

Savarez Argentine Acoustic Jazz High Tension Ball End Guitar Strings

Savarez

Argentine Acoustic Jazz High Tension Ball End Guitar Strings

Nickel-silver wound nylon core, bronze ball end

B
B
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS1 flag

Lower PFAS concern; conventional guitar string materials lack drivers for PFAS use.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

Savarez Traditional High Tension Wound Treble

Savarez

Traditional High Tension Wound Treble

Nylon wound treble strings (classical guitar)

B
C
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS3 flags

Lower concern, traditional nylon guitar strings carry minimal PFAS risk.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

Savarez Corum Alliance Classical Guitar Strings

Savarez

Corum Alliance Classical Guitar Strings

Nylon-wrapped steel core with bronze wound strings

B
C
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS2 flags

Lower concern, classical guitar strings lack typical PFAS-use cases; no red flags detected.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

Savarez Tomatito Flamenco Guitar Strings

Savarez

Tomatito Flamenco Guitar Strings

Bronze-wound nylon core strings (classical flamenco guitar strings)

B
C
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS2 flags

Lower PFAS concern; no treatment triggers identified in this traditional string product.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

Savarez Alliance HT Classic 540R Guitar String Set

Savarez

Alliance HT Classic 540R Guitar String Set

Nylon/nylon-silver core (wound strings)

B
C
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS2 flags

Lower-concern product; guitar strings have no functional reason for PFAS coatings.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

Savarez 520B Traditional Low Tension Classical Guitar Strings

Savarez

520B Traditional Low Tension Classical Guitar Strings

Nylon trebles, bronze/brass wound basses on nylon core

B
C
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS2 flags

Lower PFAS concern, traditional string materials rarely use fluorinated coatings.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

La Bella 700L Silver-Plated Acoustic Guitar Strings

La Bella

700L Silver-Plated Acoustic Guitar Strings

Phosphor bronze wound, silver-plated steel core

B
C
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS2 flags

Lower PFAS concern; traditional guitar string materials rarely require fluorinated coatings.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

La Bella HRS-R Electric Guitar Strings

La Bella

HRS-R Electric Guitar Strings

Steel wound strings (nickel/steel core, nickel-plated wrap)

B
C
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS2 flags

Lower PFAS concern, traditional metal guitar strings have no typical coating routes requiring PFAS.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

La Bella Vapor Shield Acoustic Guitar Strings

La Bella

Vapor Shield Acoustic Guitar Strings

Nickel-plated steel wound strings with bronze/brass core

B
C
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS2 flags

Lower PFAS concern, traditional string materials, no water-repellent coating or coating treatments typical of PFAS use.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

La Bella Vapor Shield Electric Guitar Strings

La Bella

Vapor Shield Electric Guitar Strings

Steel core with nickel-silver wound wrap (standard guitar string composition)

B
C
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS2 flags

Lower-concern product; traditional metal string materials carry minimal PFAS risk.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

La Bella 2001 Flamenco Guitar Strings

La Bella

2001 Flamenco Guitar Strings

Steel/nylon wound strings, no applied water/grease-resistant coating

B
C
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS3 flags

Lower PFAS concern, traditional wound strings with no known water-repellent coating or specialty coatings.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

La Bella 700T Tenor Guitar Strings

La Bella

700T Tenor Guitar Strings

Nickel-plated steel wound strings

B
D
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS3 flags

Lower concern, traditional guitar strings with no known PFAS use or treatment.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

La Bella 40PT Golden Alloy Acoustic Guitar Strings

La Bella

40PT Golden Alloy Acoustic Guitar Strings

Phosphor bronze wound steel core (acoustic guitar strings)

B
C
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS2 flags

Lower PFAS concern; traditional metal string materials carry minimal risk.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

Rotosound Nexus Acoustic Guitar Strings

Rotosound

Nexus Acoustic Guitar Strings

Nickel-plated steel strings (wound core)

B
C
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS3 flags

Lower concern, traditional acoustic strings with no known PFAS use, but no brand transparency.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

RotoSound Roto Yellows Electric Guitar Strings

Rotosound

Roto Yellows Electric Guitar Strings

Nickel-plated hex-core steel wire strings

B
C
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS2 flags

Lower PFAS concern; metal strings lack typical treatment triggers.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

Rotosound Nexus Bass Guitar Strings

Rotosound

Nexus Bass Guitar Strings

Steel/nickel-silver wound strings, no special coating disclosed

B
C
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS2 flags

Lower-concern product; steel strings have minimal PFAS risk, but lack transparency is a minor flag.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

Rotosound NC Single Guitar String

Rotosound

NC Single Guitar String

Nickel-wound steel wire (NC = nickel-chromium)

B
D
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS3 flags

Lower PFAS concern; traditional metal wound string with no known water-repellent or coating treatments.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

RotoSound NXA12 Aco Str 12-54

Rotosound

NXA12 Aco Str 12-54

Nickel-wound steel strings (acoustic guitar)

B
B
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS1 flag

Lower concern, acoustic guitar strings pose minimal PFAS risk.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

Rotosound Jumbo King Acoustic Guitar Strings

Rotosound

Jumbo King Acoustic Guitar Strings

Nickel-plated steel wound strings (bronze/steel core)

B
D
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS3 flags

Lower PFAS concern; acoustic guitar strings are not a typical PFAS application.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

Thomastik AC113 Plectrum Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings

Thomastik-Infeld

Thomastik AC113 Plectrum Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings

Bronze-wound steel strings (phosphor bronze, steel core)

B
B
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS

Lower concern, acoustic guitar strings lack typical PFAS application pathways; no red flags identified.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

Thomastik-Infeld Plectrum Bronze Acoustic Guitar String

Thomastik-Infeld

Plectrum Bronze Acoustic Guitar String

Bronze-wound acoustic guitar strings (phosphor bronze wrap on steel core)

B
C
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS2 flags

Lower PFAS concern, bronze/steel strings are traditional materials with no known Teflon-family coating coatings.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

Thomastik classical guitar Strings

Thomastik-Infeld

Thomastik classical guitar Strings

Nylon-wound steel core (classical guitar strings)

B
C
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS3 flags

Lower PFAS concern; classical guitar strings are not a typical PFAS-risk product category.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

Thomastik-Infeld Bronze Flat Wound ac036

Thomastik-Infeld

Bronze Flat Wound ac036

Bronze-plated steel wound guitar strings

B
C
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS2 flags

Lower PFAS concern; traditional string construction unlikely to contain fluorochemicals.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

Thomastik-Infeld Thomastik Power Brights PB110

Thomastik-Infeld

Thomastik Power Brights PB110

Steel strings (nickel-steel core, nickel-wound)

B
B
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS1 flag

Lower PFAS concern, steel string instruments lack typical Teflon-family coating coatings.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

Thomastik-Infeld SL110 Blues Sliders Electric Guitar Strings

Thomastik-Infeld

SL110 Blues Sliders Electric Guitar Strings

Steel roundwound electric guitar strings

B
C
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS2 flags

Lower concern; traditional steel strings with no known PFAS applications in this category.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

Ernie Ball Everlast Acoustic Guitar Strings

Everly

Ernie Ball Everlast Acoustic Guitar Strings

Phosphor bronze core with nickel-plated steel wound strings

B
C
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS3 flags

Lower PFAS concern, traditional metal string materials don't typically contain PFAS, but no brand disclosure.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

Everly Sessions Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings

Everly

Sessions Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings

Phosphor bronze wound on steel core

B
C
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS2 flags

Lower concern, acoustic guitar strings are unlikely PFAS vectors; no evidence of problematic coatings.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

Ernie Ball EB2554 Everlast Bronze

Everly

Ernie Ball EB2554 Everlast Bronze

Phosphor bronze acoustic guitar strings

B
C
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS2 flags

Lower PFAS concern, traditional acoustic string material with no known treatment history.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

Everly Rockers Electric Guitar Strings

Everly

Rockers Electric Guitar Strings

Steel wire (nickel/steel alloy)

B
D
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS3 flags

Lower PFAS concern, standard steel guitar strings rarely use fluorinated coatings.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

Ernie Ball 2550 Everlast Coated Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings 10-50

Everly

Ernie Ball 2550 Everlast Coated Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings 10-50

Phosphor bronze with unspecified coating (likely resin or lacquer-based)

B
D
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS4 flags

Lower concern; acoustic guitar strings have minimal PFAS exposure risk and no known coating Teflon-family coating.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

D'Addario Acoustic Guitar Strings

Everly

D'Addario Acoustic Guitar Strings

Steel wound on steel core with wrap

B
B
PFASAll
B · Low PFAS1 flag

Lower concern. Traditional steel strings have no known PFAS risk profile.

Brand says nothing about PFAS

Graded and flagged D and F, we’d swap these

Elixir Phosphor Acoustic Guitar Strings

Elixir

Phosphor Acoustic Guitar Strings

Phosphor bronze wound steel strings with proprietary Elixir coating

F
F · High PFAS

Skip until brand discloses coating chemistry, Elixir's proprietary finish lacks transparency on PFAS risk.

Undisclosed proprietary coating

GHS Coated Boomers Electric Guitar Strings

GHS

Coated Boomers Electric Guitar Strings

Hexagonal wire core with unspecified coating

F
F · High PFAS

Skip until GHS discloses coating chemistry, guitar strings are a low-concern use case, but opacity warrants caution.

Undisclosed proprietary coating

GHS CBGBL Coated Boomers Electric Guitar Strings

GHS

CBGBL Coated Boomers Electric Guitar Strings

Steel/nickel-plated core; coating composition unspecified

F
F · High PFAS

Skip or contact GHS for coating transparency; PFAS risk unknown for this niche product.

Undisclosed proprietary coating

Ernie Ball Coated Electric Slinky Guitar Strings

Ernie Ball

Coated Electric Slinky Guitar Strings

Nickel-plated steel core with proprietary polymer coating

F
F · High PFAS

Skip unless Ernie Ball discloses coating composition; coated strings are a PFAS uncertainty.

Undisclosed proprietary coating

Ernie Ball Everlast Light Coated 80/20 Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings

Ernie Ball

Everlast Light Coated 80/20 Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings

80/20 bronze wound strings with proprietary light coating

F
F · High PFAS

Lower PFAS concern; standard bronze acoustic strings without known Teflon-family coating coatings, but coating composition not publicly disclosed.

Undisclosed proprietary coating

Ernie Ball 3123 Coated Super Slinky Electric Guitar Strings

Ernie Ball

3123 Coated Super Slinky Electric Guitar Strings

Nickel-plated steel core with proprietary polymer coating

F
F · High PFAS

Insufficient disclosure on coating chemistry, PFAS risk unclear but not confirmed for guitar strings.

Undisclosed proprietary coating

Fender 80/20 Dura-Tone Coated Acoustic Guitar Strings

Fender

80/20 Dura-Tone Coated Acoustic Guitar Strings

80/20 bronze wound strings with proprietary "Dura-Tone" coating

F
F · High PFAS

Skip until Fender discloses coating composition or provides third-party testing.

Undisclosed proprietary coating

Fender Dura-Tone Coated Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings

Fender

Dura-Tone Coated Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings

Phosphor bronze wire with proprietary Dura-Tone coating (unspecified polymer)

F
F · High PFAS

Skip until Fender discloses what 'Dura-Tone' coating actually is, no public safety data available.

Undisclosed proprietary coating

Elixir Nanoweb Acoustic Guitar Strings

Acoustic360

Elixir Nanoweb Acoustic Guitar Strings

Steel/nickel-silver wound strings with proprietary Nanoweb coating

F
F · High PFAS

Insufficient public data on coating composition, skip if PFAS avoidance is a priority.

Undisclosed proprietary coating

Elixir Nanoweb Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings

Acoustic360

Elixir Nanoweb Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings

Phosphor bronze strings with proprietary Nanoweb coating (unspecified polymer)

F
F · High PFAS

Lower-risk for PFAS; phosphor bronze core is inherently safe, but proprietary coating composition remains undisclosed.

Undisclosed proprietary coating

Dean Markley Blackhawk Coated Electric Guitar Strings

Dean Markley

Blackhawk Coated Electric Guitar Strings

Steel strings with proprietary coated finish (composition unspecified)

F
F · High PFAS

Skip until Dean Markley discloses the coating chemistry or provides third-party testing.

Undisclosed proprietary coating

DEAN MARKLEY Blackhawk Coated Electric Guitar Strings Medium 11-49

Dean Markley

Blackhawk Coated Electric Guitar Strings Medium 11-49

Steel strings with proprietary "Blackhawk" coating (composition unspecified)

F
F · High PFAS

Coating composition is proprietary and undisclosed; PFAS risk unclear but unconfirmed.

Undisclosed proprietary coating

Ernie Ball Everlast Light Coated 80/20 Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings

Everly

Ernie Ball Everlast Light Coated 80/20 Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings

80/20 bronze wound strings with proprietary "Everlast" coating

F
F · High PFAS

Skip until coating composition is disclosed, Everlast coating ingredients remain opaque.

Undisclosed proprietary coating

Ernie Ball Everlast Coated Acoustic Guitar Strings

Everly

Ernie Ball Everlast Coated Acoustic Guitar Strings

Proprietary coated steel/nickel-plated wound strings (coating unspecified)

F
F · High PFAS

Skip until coating disclosed, PFAS use in string coatings is undisclosed across the industry.

Undisclosed proprietary coating

Elixir Nanoweb Acoustic Guitar Strings

Elixir

Nanoweb Acoustic Guitar Strings

Polymer-coated steel strings with proprietary nanoweb coating

F
F · High PFAS

Skip until coating composition is disclosed, Elixir's proprietary nanoweb raises PFAS questions that remain unanswered.

Waterproof or stain-proof treatment

Elixir 80/20 Acoustic Guitar Strings

Elixir

80/20 Acoustic Guitar Strings

Steel wound with bronze or nickel-silver wrap; proprietary polymer coating

F
F · High PFAS

Elixir's coating formula is undisclosed, possible PFAS use in water/corrosion resistance, but no public evidence confirms it.

Waterproof or stain-proof treatment

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