Pricing and availability

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Sweetwater
5.0 (2)
$11.98
Guitar Center
4.5 (25)
$7.99 $6.99 $1.00 · All time low
Reverb
5.0 (8)
$6.49 New
$5.89 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (46)
$7.99 $6.99 $1.00 · All time low

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Ernie Ball Earthwood 80/20 Bronze "Rock and Blues" Acoustic Strings". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Unleash the full potential of your acoustic guitar with the Ernie Ball Earthwood 80/20 Bronze "Rock and Blues" Acoustic Strings. These strings are designed to provide a superior touch, tone, and tenacity that musicians have come to trust and appreciate. They are crafted from 80% copper and 20% zinc wire, wrapped around a hex-shaped tin-plated steel core wire, offering a bright, resonant tone with pleasing overtones.

Ernie Ball has been the go-to choice for musicians worldwide since the 1960s. The company came to prominence when it started creating lighter gauge strings for guitarists who desired a more comfortable playability. These strings have since been featured on countless top-selling albums and are favored by esteemed musicians, including The Rolling Stones, Angus Young, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, Paul McCartney, Pete Townshed, Aerosmith, Metallica, and more.

The Earthwood 80/20 Bronze "Rock and Blues" Acoustic Strings are not just for rock and blues musicians. They are also an excellent choice for musicians of all genres who desire a crisp, vibrant, and balanced tone. These strings provide a unique edge and articulate punch, making them perfect for musicians looking to add a bit of grit to their sound.

Key Features:

  • Made from 80% copper, 20% zinc wire wrapped around a hex-shaped tin-plated steel core wire
  • Provides a bright, resonant tone with pleasing overtones
  • Trusted by top musicians worldwide
  • Ideal for guitarists of all genres looking for a crisp, vibrant tone
  • Gauges: .010, .013, .017, .030, .042, .052
  • Crafted in Southern California, USA featuring the finest and freshest materials
  • Natural feel and tone, with crisp, clear highs
  • Element shield packaging prolongs string life and keeps strings as fresh as the day they were made.

Product specs

Guitar Type Acoustic Guitar
Number of Strings 6
Coated No
Gauges .010, .013p, .017w, .030, .042, .052
Core Material Hexagonal Brass-plated Steel
Winding Material 80/20 Bronze
Winding Type Round Wound

FAQs

What makes Ernie Ball Earthwood 80/20 Bronze "Rock and Blues" strings unique?

These strings are crafted with 80% copper and 20% zinc, providing a bright, crisp tone with excellent projection. The inclusion of a plain G-string enhances their suitability for blues and rock styles, offering a distinct sound that complements these genres.

Are Ernie Ball Earthwood 80/20 Bronze "Rock and Blues" strings suitable for all acoustic guitars?

Yes, these strings are designed for standard acoustic guitars. Their specific gauge (.010-.052) makes them ideal for players seeking a balance of playability and tone, particularly in blues and rock music.

How do the gauges of Ernie Ball Earthwood 80/20 Bronze "Rock and Blues" strings affect playability?

The gauges (.010, .013p, .017w, .030, .042, .052) offer a lighter feel, making them easier to play for bending and soloing. This is particularly beneficial for blues and rock players who need flexibility and comfort.

Do Ernie Ball Earthwood 80/20 Bronze "Rock and Blues" strings have a coating?

No, these strings are uncoated, which contributes to their bright and lively tone. While they may not last as long as coated strings, they deliver a raw and resonant sound favored by many traditionalists.

What type of core material is used in Ernie Ball Earthwood 80/20 Bronze "Rock and Blues" strings?

These strings use a hexagonal brass-plated steel core, which enhances durability and tuning stability while contributing to their bright, clear sound.

EME FINGERS

EME FINGERS

test ernie ball earthwood rock n blues strings picks

Video thumbnail for test ernie ball earthwood rock n blues strings picks by EME FINGERS

test ernie ball earthwood rock n blues strings picks

EME FINGERS

EME FINGERS

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball Earthwood (Rock and Blues)10-52  acoustic string demo by Roman Noble

Ernie Ball Earthwood (Rock and Blues)10-52 acoustic string demo

Roman Noble

Roman Noble

Video thumbnail for Earthwood rock and blues acoustic guitar string test by Adventure

Earthwood rock and blues acoustic guitar string test

Adventure

Adventure

Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent for blues and classic rock with slides, bends, hammer-ons, and pull-offs

  • Electric guitar-like playability with easier bending on acoustic

  • Balanced mix of light high strings and heavier low strings for full tone

  • Comfortable for extended play, reducing hand fatigue

  • Long-lasting for lighter gauge strings

  • Bright, rock and roll sound appreciated by lead players

  • Flexible strings ideal for big bends

  • Suitable for beginners due to easier finger action

CONS

  • Takes time to stretch out and stay in tune

  • Not ideal for plain strumming of open chords

  • Some users found a high-pitched, tinny sound

  • May lack volume compared to heavier gauge strings

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ernie Ball Earthwood 80/20 Bronze "Rock and Blues" Acoustic Strings.

User experience

  • Some users experience frequent high E string breakage with Ernie Ball Earthwood 80/20 Bronze strings, despite their appealing tone and affordability.

    Source
  • Players with sensitivity issues find Ernie Ball strings rougher on the hands compared to coated alternatives like Elixir strings.

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  • Plain G-strings are noted for fragility, requiring more frequent changes compared to wound G-strings.

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Comparisons

  • Owners who switch from D'Addario to Ernie Ball Earthwood report a warmer tone but note that Earthwoods may not last as long.

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Use cases and applications

  • Earthwood strings perform well on guitars with shallow fiberglass bowls, offering a less metallic sound compared to other brands.

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  • Wound G-strings are preferred for fingerstyle playing, while plain G-strings suit slide playing better.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Using a non-wound G-string on acoustics can result in poor intonation as you move up the neck, suggesting limited saddle adjustment options.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Plain G-strings offer a brighter and more articulate tone, favored for slide playing due to smoother surface contact.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Users recommend replacing the G-string with the thickest plain string available for better bending performance.

    Source

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