D&#39;Addario EFT16 Flat Tops Phosphor Bronze

4.5 (10)

$17.99

4.6 (709)

$10.76

5.0 (5)

$14.99 25 available New

4.0 (29)

$17.99

4.5 (97)

$22.30 $21.90 $0.40 · All time low

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "D'Addario EFT16 Flat Tops Phosphor Bronze". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

^* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

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Introducing the D'Addario EFT16 Flat Tops Phosphor Bronze string set, meticulously crafted for acoustic guitar musicians who crave a balanced tone, comfort, and durability in every strum. These strings are optimized for flat top acoustic guitars, offering a warm, punchy tone and a smooth, comfortable playing experience that can adapt to any musical style.

The secret to their dynamic sound lies in the phosphor bronze wound strings, a material known for its warm, rich, and cutting tone. This is complemented by a plain steel third string, adding clarity and definition to the overall sound. These strings work in harmony to produce a versatile and dynamic tone that is music to the ears.

The light gauge of .012"–.053" offers a flexible feel that facilitates intricate techniques and bendability. This light tension alleviates fretting pressure, reducing hand fatigue for extended playing sessions. The strings are ground and polished to perfection, rendering them semi-flat for a silky-smooth feel. This design reduces unwanted string noise, making them ideal for recording.

Like all D'Addario products, these strings are precision-wound and engineered for unbeatable consistency, tuning stability, and intonation. Built to withstand the rigors of performance, these strings maintain their tone and playability even under demanding conditions.

Key Features:

Semi-flat surface, precision ground and polished for significantly reduced finger noise
Ideal for recording musicians and slide guitar players
Phosphor bronze design delivers a warm, dynamic sound on the wound strings
High carbon-steel core ensures durability and longevity
Light gauge (.012"–.053") optimized for comfortable playability
Environmentally friendly packaging
Trusted D'Addario quality and innovation.

Product specs

Guitar Type	Acoustic Guitar
Number of Strings	6
Coated	No
Gauges	.012, .016p, .024w, .032, .042, .053
Core Material	Hexagonal High-carbon Steel
Winding Material	Phosphor Bronze
Winding Type	Half-round

FAQs

What makes D'Addario EFT16 Flat Tops Phosphor Bronze strings unique?: The D'Addario EFT16 strings feature a precision ground and polished phosphor bronze wrap wire, creating a semi-flat surface that offers a smooth feel and balanced tone, ideal for reducing finger noise.
Are D'Addario EFT16 Flat Tops suitable for fingerstyle guitar playing?: Yes, the smooth feel and balanced tone of the D'Addario EFT16 Flat Tops make them well-suited for fingerstyle playing, providing clarity and warmth without excessive string noise.
What is the gauge range of the D'Addario EFT16 Flat Tops strings?: The D'Addario EFT16 Flat Tops strings have a light gauge range of .012 to .053, offering a comfortable playability while maintaining a rich tonal quality.
How do the D'Addario EFT16 Flat Tops strings affect the tone of an acoustic guitar?: These strings provide a warm, semi-bright tone with reduced finger noise, thanks to their phosphor bronze winding and semi-flat surface, enhancing the overall sound quality of an acoustic guitar.
Are D'Addario EFT16 Flat Tops strings coated?: No, the D'Addario EFT16 Flat Tops strings are not coated, which means they retain a natural feel while offering a smooth playing experience due to their precision ground surface.

Videos

Add video

Alamo Music Center

Are You Using The Wrong Strings? | Acoustic Guitar String Comparison

Alamo Music Center

Strings that Eliminate Finger Squeak - D’Addario Flat Tops

AcousticJam Dad

Phosphor Bronze String Comparison (Acoustic Jumbo Guitar)

LZFILM

D'Addario Flat Tops - Guitar Strings Test (Roundwound vs Flat Tops)

EV Music

Ibanez AC340-OPN with Daddario Flat Tops Phosphor Bronze Review

Barbara Lynn

Reviews

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PROS

Reduces string noise, ideal for recording and smooth play.
Offers a mellow, warm tone with good sustain.
Easier on fingers, great for extended playing sessions.
Suitable for various styles, from jazz to fingerstyle.
Maintains tuning stability well over time.
Unique blend of roundwound sound with reduced squeak.
Versatile for both solo and group settings.
Enhances tonal balance and clarity in acoustic guitars.
High-quality construction, minimal breakage or unraveling.
Well-suited for both 6 and 12 string setups with customization.

CONS

Slight reduction in brightness, may not suit everyone.
Priced higher than standard string sets.
Initial sound may be tinny or thin for some users.
Not a true flatwound feel, may surprise flatwound users.
Limited availability for specific guitar types, like 12 strings.

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about D'Addario EFT16 Flat Tops Phosphor Bronze.

User experience

0 0

Flat wound strings like D'Addario EFT16 are described as lasting up to 12 months without losing tone or getting scratchy.
Source
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Players emphasize that technique, like lifting the hand off the fretboard between chords, is crucial to minimizing string noise, regardless of string choice.
Source

Features and functionality

0 0

D'Addario EFT16 Flat Tops are noted for their mellow tone and comfort, particularly beneficial for fingerstyle playing.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

The flat wound design of D'Addario EFT16 offers a non-scratchy experience, enhancing playability for fingerstyle on acoustic guitars.
Source
0 0

Flat Tops are particularly recommended for players struggling with string noise, attributed to their round wound strings ground down for a smoother surface.
Source
0 0

Thomastik Infeld Plectrum Bronze strings, featuring a wound low E and flatwound trebles, are praised for their mellow sound on vintage acoustics like a 60's Yamaha.
Source

Comparisons

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D'Addario EFT16 Flat Tops are suggested over standard coated strings for reduced string noise, with less squeak than other options like Elixir Nanowebs.
Source
0 0

D'Addario EFT16 or EFT17 are recommended over electric guitar strings like D'Addario Chromes for acoustic use, offering a polished finish intended for acoustics.
Source

Setup and maintenance

0 0

Applying Fast Fret on D'Addario EFT16 strings can further reduce squeaking and enhance playability.
Source
0 0

Regularly smoothing fingertips by rubbing on denim or using a file can help reduce string squeak when paired with strings like the EFT16.
Source
0 0

Switching back to steel strings after using nylons for 3 months may require nut slot adjustments if the slots were previously filed for wider nylon strings.
Source

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Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

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Dave Matthews

Guitarist, Singer

Dave Matthews Band

Verified via Photo

D'Addario advertises that Dave Matthews uses their EFT16 Flat Tops Phosphor Bronze strings for their smooth feel and low finger noise, as shown in the image provided.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Folk, World, & Country

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