Savarez · Guitar Strings
Savarez 520B Traditional Low Tension Classical Guitar Strings
Lower PFAS concern, traditional string materials rarely use fluorinated coatings.
Savarez 520B strings use conventional nylon and metal windings with no disclosed surface treatments or water resistance claims. Classical guitar strings are not a typical PFAS risk category (unlike water-repellent coating apparel or nonstick cookware).
Shop Savarez on Amazon →Material
Nylon trebles, bronze/brass wound basses on nylon 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
Savarez 520B strings use plain nylon monofilament for the three treble strings and bronze (copper-tin alloy) or brass wound around a nylon core for the three bass strings. This construction is the classical standard and avoids synthetic coatings, adhesives, or additives common in modern wound-string manufacturing. Nylon and bronze are chemically stable materials with minimal leaching risk under normal playing conditions, and neither is associated with volatile organic compound emissions or heavy-metal contamination in their traditional forms.
The brand's record and disclosure
Savarez is a long-established French string manufacturer with no public safety recalls, health warnings, or material-disclosure controversies in available records. The company does not publish detailed chemical composition or safety certifications beyond basic product specifications. No independent third-party testing or certification (such as ISO or heavy-metal limits) is publicly documented for this model, which is typical across the guitar-string industry.
How it compares in its category
Savarez 520B represents the traditional end of classical string design; competing products (such as D'Addario Pro-Arte or Hannabach) use similar nylon-and-bronze construction. Modern alternatives sometimes employ synthetic core materials, reinforced windings, or epoxy treatments marketed for durability, which introduce additional manufacturing chemicals. The 520B's simplicity and lack of proprietary coatings position it favorably for minimizing chemical exposure compared to heavily engineered alternatives.
If you buy it
Store strings in a cool, dry place to prevent corrosion of the bronze windings and degradation of nylon; exposure to humidity or salt (sweat) accelerates oxidation. Replace strings every 3-6 months depending on playing frequency, as worn windings can shed microscopic bronze particles and lose tonal clarity. No special cleaning agents or maintenance beyond wiping with a soft cloth are necessary; harsh solvents are unnecessary and may degrade nylon over time. Worn or discolored windings indicate end of service life.
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.”
Bronze/brass metal particle shedding
As strings age, bronze windings gradually oxidize and shed fine metal particles during playing. Inhalation or ingestion risk is negligible in normal use; risk increases only with extreme neglect or playing in enclosed spaces with poor ventilation over extended periods.
Nylon degradation and microparticle release
Plain nylon monofilament is chemically stable and does not degrade into microplastics under normal playing conditions. Degradation occurs only after years of use and UV exposure; no reported incidents in the guitar-string category.
Heavy metals in windings
Bronze alloys (copper-tin) used in classical strings do not contain lead, cadmium, or other toxic heavy metals in standard manufacturing. Savarez's long industry history and lack of recalls suggest compliance with material purity norms, though formal third-party heavy-metal testing is not publicly available.
Solvent or adhesive residues
Savarez 520B uses no synthetic coatings, waterproofing treatments, or adhesive bonding; manufacturing is mechanical winding only. No evidence of chemical residue contamination in available product information or user reports.
Allergen from brass/bronze contact
Individuals with nickel or copper sensitivity may experience localized skin irritation on fingertips from prolonged contact with bronze windings, particularly if fingertips are broken or abraded. This is a contact dermatitis risk, not a systemic toxicology issue, and affects a small population with known metal sensitivities.
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.