Acoustic360 · Guitar Strings
D'Addario XT Acoustic Phosphor Bronze Guitar Strings
Lower PFAS concern, traditional metal strings with no known Teflon-family coating or water-repellent coatings.
D'Addario XT acoustic strings are primarily phosphor bronze and steel, materials not typically associated with PFAS. Guitar strings do not require water resistance, non-stick coatings, or stain-resistant treatments, the functional categories where PFAS are commonly added.
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Phosphor bronze wire, steel core
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Category baseline
other is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
D'Addario XT Acoustic strings use phosphor bronze wire wound around a steel core, a standard formulation for acoustic guitars. Phosphor bronze is an alloy of copper, tin, and small amounts of phosphorus; it is not a source of regulated toxic metals at the concentrations used in string manufacture. The steel core is inert under normal playing conditions. No volatile compounds or reactive coatings are involved in the string structure itself.
The brand's record and disclosure
D'Addario (owned by Berklee-affiliated Music Industries Corp.) is a long-established instrument string manufacturer with no documented recalls or safety warnings specific to acoustic strings in public records. The brand does not widely publicize material sourcing certifications or heavy-metal testing data for strings, which is typical for the instrument accessory industry. No major controversies regarding worker safety or environmental contamination have surfaced for this product line.
How it compares in its category
Phosphor bronze acoustic strings are the industry standard and considered one of the safest string formulations; alternatives such as 80/20 bronze (higher copper) or coated strings introduce more variables (coating degradation, potential residue ingestion). XT branding indicates a coating for corrosion resistance, but D'Addario does not disclose the coating chemistry publicly. Uncoated bronze strings carry slightly lower material complexity but similar overall safety profiles.
If you buy it
Strings are a low-contact consumable; wear gloves or wash hands after handling to avoid minor cuts and to remove any residual metal particles. Replace strings every 3-6 months depending on play frequency; old strings can corrode and lose tonal quality but do not accumulate toxins in the instrument. Store in a dry place to prevent accelerated corrosion. No special disposal precautions are required beyond standard household waste.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Coating chemistry (XT corrosion treatment)
D'Addario does not publicly disclose the formulation of the XT protective coating. No regulatory warnings or contamination reports exist for this product. The coating is inert under normal playing and storage conditions.
Metal leaching (copper/zinc/phosphorus from alloy)
Phosphor bronze is not a leachable hazard in string form; strings do not contact food, water, or skin long enough for meaningful metal transfer. No documented cases of toxic exposure from acoustic string materials exist.
Volatile organic compound (VOC) off-gassing
Metal strings produce no VOC emissions. Any minor odor from new strings is residual machining lubricant, which dissipates quickly and poses no health concern.
Microabrasion and particle inhalation
As strings age and fray, fine metal particles can become airborne during aggressive playing. Risk is negligible for typical use but may be relevant for high-volume session musicians in enclosed spaces; standard ventilation mitigates this.
Nickel or other allergen content in steel core
D'Addario does not publish trace-metal analysis for string cores. Nickel content in standard guitar string steel is typically low and non-triggering for dermal contact; no known allergic reactions to these strings have been reported.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 82% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Guitar Strings
Martin
Retro Acoustic Guitar Strings
Phosphor bronze, stainless steel, nylon wound
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
Acoustic360
Ernie Ball Everlast Acoustic Guitar Strings
Phosphor bronze/stainless steel wound on steel core
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
Steel alloy strings (nickel-plated or stainless steel core)
Lower PFAS concern, steel strings lack typical PFAS applications, but no brand disclosure exists.
✓Bare metal or glass, no coating at all
More guitar strings grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.