Phosphor Bronze · Guitar Strings
S.I.T. Strings CP1047 - CRT Coated Phosphor Bronze Extra Light (10-47)
Lower PFAS concern; traditional metal strings with no known Teflon-family coating coatings or waterproofing treatments typical of PFAS use.
S.I.T. phosphor bronze guitar strings are primarily metallic (copper-tin alloy), a material category with no known PFAS association. The "CRT coating" designation lacks public disclosure of its composition, but standard string coatings for corrosion resistance rarely involve PFAS.
Shop Phosphor Bronze on Amazon →Material
Phosphor bronze strings with CRT coating
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
S.I.T. CP1047 strings are phosphor bronze (copper-tin alloy with phosphorus as a hardening agent) wrapped around a steel core, with a CRT (presumably a proprietary corrosion-resistant treatment) coating. Phosphor bronze is a traditional, stable alloy with no known leaching behavior under normal playing conditions or body contact. The coating is designed to extend string life and reduce oxidation, not to provide waterproofing or antimicrobial properties, therefore unlikely to contain PFAS or problematic Teflon-family coating.
The brand's record and disclosure
S.I.T. Strings (Shar Products Company) has been manufacturing strings since 1975 and maintains a low public profile on material safety disclosures and third-party certifications. No recalls, heavy-metal contamination alerts, or toxicological controversies are on record for this brand or product line. The company does not publicly claim PFAS-free status, but the traditional phosphor bronze + steel composition offers no obvious vector for PFAS incorporation.
How it compares in its category
Phosphor bronze is the industry standard for acoustic guitar strings; Extra Light gauge (10-47) is a common spec. Compared to coated synthetics or heavily treated alternatives, phosphor bronze strings present minimal chemical hazard. Uncoated strings degrade faster and corrode; coated variants like this one balance durability with material simplicity. No measurable difference in safety profile vs. other major brands (D'Addario, Ernie Ball, Martin) in this category.
If you buy it
Change strings every 3-6 months depending on play frequency; worn or discolored strings should be replaced to avoid breakage and maintain tone. Wash hands after playing to remove accumulated phosphor bronze dust and skin oils. Store in a dry environment to minimize corrosion of the coating. No heat exposure, moisture sensitivity, or skin irritation is documented for this product under normal use.
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.”
Heavy metal leaching (copper, tin, phosphorus)
Phosphor bronze is an inert alloy under normal playing conditions. No acidic environment (saliva contact) or heat exposure typical of guitar strings would cause measurable leaching into hands or mouth.
Coating degradation and particle shedding
CRT coating may gradually wear away with friction and handling, releasing microscopic phosphor bronze particles. This is cosmetic degradation (visible dulling, loss of brightness) rather than a toxicological hazard; inhalation risk is negligible during typical guitar play.
Nickel contamination in alloy
Phosphor bronze compositions are typically copper (>80%), tin (8-12%), and phosphorus (<1%), with no intentional nickel. Trace contaminants are possible but not documented in guitar string products or flagged by users with nickel sensitivity.
Formaldehyde or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from coating
No evidence that CRT or similar proprietary corrosion-resistant coatings on guitar strings contain formaldehyde releasers or aromatic solvents. No off-gassing or odor complaints documented for this product line.
Allergic sensitization from metal contact
Individuals with documented copper or tin sensitivity (rare) may experience mild contact dermatitis on fingers after prolonged play. Individuals with nickel allergy are unlikely to react, but hand-washing after use is standard practice for all string players.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% 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.