Thomastik-Infeld · Guitar Strings
Thomastik AC113 Plectrum Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings
Lower concern, acoustic guitar strings lack typical PFAS application pathways; no red flags identified.
Thomastik AC113 strings are bronze-wound steel acoustic strings with no known coating or surface treatment requiring PFAS. Acoustic guitar strings, unlike nonstick cookware, water-resistant apparel, or grease-resistant packaging, have no established PFAS use. No public disclosure or claims about PFAS exist for this product line.
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Bronze-wound steel strings (phosphor bronze, 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
These strings use a phosphor bronze wrap (copper-tin alloy with phosphorus) over a steel core, a standard construction for acoustic guitars. Phosphor bronze is chosen for acoustic tone quality and corrosion resistance; it does not leach into food or skin contact and poses no ingestion pathway. The steel core and bronze wrapping are inert metals under normal playing conditions and do not off-gas or degrade into chemical hazards during use.
The brand's record and disclosure
Thomastik-Infeld is an Austrian string manufacturer with decades of market presence and no documented safety recalls or chemical disclosure controversies specific to acoustic strings. The company does not publish detailed material safety data sheets for consumer string products, which is typical for the guitar string industry. No independent testing organizations have flagged concerns with this model or Thomastik's acoustic string line.
How it compares in its category
Phosphor bronze acoustic strings like AC113 are industry standard and represent the safest material option in the category. Cheaper alternatives may use steel-only or nickel-plated constructions with less corrosion stability; premium competitors use similar phosphor bronze. This product sits in the mainstream middle of the market with no material differentiation in terms of chemical safety versus comparable brands.
If you buy it
Wash your hands after playing to remove dirt and oxidation residue, but no special handling is needed. Store strings in a cool, dry place to prevent premature corrosion; humidity accelerates bronze oxidation but does not produce toxic byproducts. Replace strings every 3-6 months depending on playing frequency and tone preference, not for safety reasons. Avoid storing in direct sunlight or near heat sources above 50°C, though acoustic strings have no specific thermal hazard threshold.
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.”
Metal corrosion and tarnish
Bronze naturally oxidizes over time, creating visible discoloration but no toxic compounds. This is cosmetic and functional (affects tone) rather than a health hazard.
Nickel exposure (if present in alloy)
Phosphor bronze formulations for Thomastik strings do not typically include nickel; however, no manufacturer specification sheet is publicly available to confirm exact alloy composition. Skin contact with standard bronze-wound strings poses negligible nickel risk compared to direct contact with pure nickel plating.
Lead or cadmium in metal wraps
No evidence of lead or cadmium use in phosphor bronze acoustic strings from Thomastik or competitors. These metals are not part of standard bronze formulations and would not improve string performance.
Coating degradation or flaking
Acoustic guitar strings are unwrapped at the ends and wrapped bronze throughout; there are no polymer coatings or enamels applied that could degrade or flake into food or wounds.
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.