Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
3.0 (5)
$7.99
Guitar Center
4.5 (13)
$7.99
Reverb
5.0 (1)
$6.49 New
$6.99 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (13)
$7.99
Thomann
4.5 (98)
$7.40

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Ernie Ball Earthwood 80/20 Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings (13-56)". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Ernie Ball Earthwood 80/20 Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings (13-56) have been crafted meticulously from an 80% copper and 20% zinc wire wrap around a hex-shaped tin-plated high carbon steel core. This offers a perfect blend of warmth and brightness, producing a balanced tone with rich lows and clear highs. The 80/20 bronze alloy gives a distinct touch to your acoustic guitar's tonality, making it suitable for a variety of musical styles.

A notable feature of these strings is the hex core that ensures stability while maximizing sustain. The tin plating prevents corrosion, and the added mass from the hex core enhances volume and note definition. This combination results in strings that offer gorgeous overtones and a crisp, ringing sound.

These Ernie Ball strings are precision manufactured, using state-of-the-art machinery and processes. The string gauges and alloys are carefully calibrated to maintain a consistent feel and tone. With a reputation for longevity, these strings provide weeks of playing time before requiring a change, ensuring you get the most out of your investment.

These strings come in medium gauges ranging from .013 to .056, offering a versatile choice for most standard acoustics. Whether you prefer brighter tones or lower tunings, Ernie Ball has a string set to suit your acoustic style and playing needs.

Key Features:

  • 80/20 bronze alloy for the perfect acoustic blend
  • Hex-shaped tin-plated high carbon steel core for stability and enhanced sustain
  • Precision manufactured for optimum performance, consistency, and longevity
  • Versatile medium gauges from .013 to .056 suitable for most standard acoustics
  • Crafted in Southern California, USA with the finest and freshest materials.

Product specs

Guitar Type Acoustic Guitar
Number of Strings 6
Coated No
Gauges .013, .017p, .026w, .034, .046, .056
Core Material Hexagonal Brass-plated Steel
Winding Material 80/20 Bronze
Winding Type Round Wound

FAQs

What are the tonal characteristics of Ernie Ball Earthwood 80/20 Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings?

These strings offer a bright and resonant sound, ideal for enhancing the clarity and brightness of your acoustic guitar. Their 80% copper and 20% zinc composition provides a crisp tone with pleasing overtones.

Are Ernie Ball Earthwood 80/20 Bronze Strings suitable for fingerpicking?

Yes, these strings are well-suited for fingerpicking styles due to their bright and articulate sound, which helps highlight individual notes and fingerstyle techniques.

How does the gauge of Ernie Ball Earthwood 80/20 Bronze Strings affect playability?

With a medium gauge of 13-56, these strings can be more challenging to play, especially for beginners, but they offer fuller sound and sustain, making them ideal for experienced players seeking a robust tone.

Do Ernie Ball Earthwood 80/20 Bronze Strings have a coating?

No, these strings are not coated, which means they may offer a more natural feel and sound but may also wear out faster compared to coated strings.

What is the core material of Ernie Ball Earthwood 80/20 Bronze Strings?

These strings feature a hexagonal brass-plated steel core, providing durability and stable intonation while enhancing the overall brightness of the strings.

GaragebandandBeyond

GaragebandandBeyond

Light Strings VS. Medium Strings DO THEY SOUND DIFFERENT?

Video thumbnail for Light Strings VS. Medium Strings DO THEY SOUND DIFFERENT? by GaragebandandBeyond

Light Strings VS. Medium Strings DO THEY SOUND DIFFERENT?

GaragebandandBeyond

GaragebandandBeyond

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball Acoustic Strings - The Ultimate String Test! by Guitar World

Ernie Ball Acoustic Strings - The Ultimate String Test!

Guitar World

Guitar World

Video thumbnail for 7 Packs of Strings, 1 Acoustic - Ernie Ball String Comparison by Peach Guitars

7 Packs of Strings, 1 Acoustic - Ernie Ball String Comparison

Peach Guitars

Peach Guitars

Reviews

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 Acoustic Guitar Strings (13-56).

User experience

  • Some players report the Ernie Ball Earthwood strings go dead quickly and don't retain sound quality, lasting only a week or two before needing replacement.

    Source
  • Several users mention frequent high E string breakage with Earthwoods, suggesting potential durability issues with the thinner strings in the set.

    Source
  • The Earthwood strings are noted for their warm tone and affordability, making them a popular choice despite the occasional complaints about longevity.

    Source
  • A player reported that Earthwood strings, when alternated with D'Addario strings, provide a fantastic tone but require frequent changing due to their quicker degradation.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Earthwood strings are often compared to D'Addario EJ16s, with some users preferring the latter for their longevity and consistent performance.

    Source
  • Users transitioning from D'Addario to Earthwood strings often note a difference in brightness and tonal warmth, with Earthwoods generally perceived as warmer.

    Source
  • Users highlight that Ernie Ball Earthwood strings are often compared to the D'Addario XS 80/20s, noting that the latter has slightly lower tension, which some players prefer for easier playability.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Earthwood strings are favored by players with cedar top guitars, like Seagull models, where phosphor bronze strings might sound too mellow, while 80/20s offer a brighter, more dynamic sound.

    Source
  • Earthwood strings, when used on less responsive guitars, might benefit from thicker gauges like 12s to boost sound quality and build finger strength, particularly for more dynamic playing.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Users recommend cleaning and oiling the fretboard during string changes with Earthwood strings, as this regular maintenance can enhance the guitar's overall performance and longevity.

    Source
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4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 15 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
ryangunwitchblack

Long-lasting, even tone

These strings seem to last pretty long which is great because I never have time to change guitar strings. Ernie Ball Earthwoods start out with a nice, even tone (not too bright/good heavy bottom), retain that tone and they hold up well to my violent right hand. I was told by an art teacher that I draw like I'm holding a hatchet and I kinda play guitar that way too sometimes. They're usually priced affordably.

tnastiuk

Great Acoustic strings.

My second runner-up favorite's to Elixir's.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Rory Gallagher uses Ernie Ball Earthwood 80/20 Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings (13-56)

Rory Gallagher

Guitarist, Singer

Taste

...
Verified via Roryon

This article comes from the June 1978 issue of the Dutch publication Music Maker.

Rory Gallagher: “When I play “Cradle of Rock”, for instance, I don't know if you are familiar with that one, or “Jacknife Beat” I use the Stratocaster with the regular tuning and Fender Rock’n Roll light gauge strings. Playing something like “Bullfrog Blues” I use the Telecaster on which the strings will have the following thicknesses: 013, 015, 020 etc. In any case, thicker strings which produce a richer sound. If I could, I would like to use even thicker strings, but sometimes I tune the guitar in A or E and I use a capo for playing higher tunings. On the acoustical guitar, I take the tuning down to D or G. In that case, I use medium bronze earthwood strings. I always use rough wound strings, and also for playing slide. I know that Lowell George of Little Feat combines ground bass strings with other high strings”.

See how James Bay uses Ernie Ball Earthwood 80/20 Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings (13-56)

James Bay

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video interview, James Bay talks about what strings he uses on his acoustic guitars. Starting at 4:49:

"I've gone up to 13s recently, because I dropped down, I was on 12s, cause I’d go down a whole tone. I’ve been using some Ernie Ball strings recently, they’ve got a range called Earthwood strings, which I was enjoying…"

The fact that he refers to the Ernie Ball Earthwood line and 13 gauge means he's using the Ernie Ball 2002 Earthwood 80/20 Bronze Medium Acoustic Guitar Strings.

See how Paul Stanley uses Ernie Ball Earthwood 80/20 Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings (13-56)

Paul Stanley

Singer, Guitarist

Kiss

...
Verified via Ernie Ball

According to Official Ernie Ball page Paul Stanley uses Earthwood Medium 80/20 Bronze Acoustic Strings 13-56

See how Alex G uses Ernie Ball Earthwood 80/20 Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings (13-56)

Alex G

Singer, Guitarist

The Skin Cells

...
Verified via Ernie Ball

In an Ernie Ball interview, it is revealed that Alex G uses Ernie Ball Earthwood 80/20 Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings (13-56) on his acoustic guitar.

See how Frank Turner uses Ernie Ball Earthwood 80/20 Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings (13-56)

Frank Turner

Singer, Guitarist

Million Dead

...
Verified via Premierguitar

According to Premier Guitar, Turner uses those strings on his Gibson Hummingbird acoustics.

See how Elvis Nick uses Ernie Ball Earthwood 80/20 Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings (13-56)

Elvis Nick

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Twitter

Elvis Nick uses Ernie Ball Earthwood 80/20 Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings (13-56) on his acoustic guitars, as mentioned in his tweet.

Genre Usage

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Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Ernie Ball Earthwood 80/20 Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings (13-56), it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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