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Reverb
5.0 (9)
$8.99 20 available New
Thomann
4.6 (240)
$15.50 $15.40 $0.10 · All time low

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "John Pearse #600L (.012-.053) Phosphor Bronze Strings". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 19, 2026.

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Description

In the world of guitar strings, the John Pearse #600L Phosphor Bronze Strings stand out as a harmonious blend of craftsmanship and tone. Perfect for guitarists seeking a rich, warm sound, these strings are meticulously crafted to bring out the best in your acoustic guitar. Phosphor bronze composition ensures longevity and enhances your instrument's natural resonance, making it an ideal choice for both studio recordings and live performances. Whether you're strumming gentle folk melodies or delivering powerful rock ballads, these strings offer superior clarity and dynamic range.

Trusted by musicians around the globe, the #600L set offers a balanced tension that feels comfortable under your fingers without sacrificing sound quality. The gauges, ranging from .012 to .053, provide a versatile setup that caters to various playing styles, from fingerpicking to aggressive strumming. Designed to withstand the rigors of frequent play, these strings hold their tuning remarkably well, even after hours of intense use. With John Pearse strings, your music is guaranteed to resonate with warmth and precision.

Key Features:

  • Phosphor bronze alloy for enhanced durability and tone
  • Gauge sizes: .012, .016, .024, .032, .042, .053
  • Suitable for a wide range of playing styles
  • Excellent tuning stability and longevity
  • Ideal for both studio and live performance settings

Product specs

Available since June 2006
Strength of the strings 0,012" – 0,053"
Material Phosphor Bronze

FAQs

What tone can I expect from John Pearse #600L Phosphor Bronze Strings?

John Pearse #600L Phosphor Bronze Strings offer a warm, rich tone with a balanced midrange, making them ideal for a variety of acoustic playing styles.

Are John Pearse #600L strings suitable for fingerstyle playing?

Yes, the John Pearse #600L strings are well-suited for fingerstyle playing due to their balanced tone and responsiveness.

How durable are John Pearse #600L Phosphor Bronze Strings compared to other strings?

These strings are known for their longevity and consistent tone, often outlasting 80/20 bronze strings due to their phosphor bronze composition.

What is the gauge of John Pearse #600L Phosphor Bronze Strings?

The John Pearse #600L strings have a gauge of .012 to .053, offering a medium-light tension that balances playability and tone.

Are John Pearse #600L strings good for strumming?

Yes, these strings provide a full, rich sound that complements strumming, making them a versatile choice for various acoustic genres.

Reviews

PROS

  • Offers a unique bright and strident tone

  • Enhances the natural tone of Martin guitars

  • Retains tone and clarity even with regular play

  • Holds tuning well compared to other brands

  • Provides a lively and balanced sound

CONS

  • Can feel stiff and uncomfortable under fingers

  • Short lifespan; perceived to go "dead" quickly

  • May produce a metallic, hollow sound on some guitars

  • Can cause finger soreness over extended gigs

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about John Pearse #600L (.012-.053) Phosphor Bronze Strings.

Setup and maintenance

  • John Pearse #600L phosphor bronze strings have a tension of 163 lbs, comparable to Martin Monel Strings at 163.33 lbs, offering similar feel and playability.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners highlight that John Pearse #600L phosphor bronze strings fit well on mahogany guitars like the 000-17, enhancing the tonal qualities specific to that wood type.

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  • Owners highlight that 11s on smaller-bodied guitars like the 000 provide adequate volume without needing heavy strumming, making them suitable for fingerpicking.

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  • Some users find Martin Lifespan 2.0 phosphor bronze strings long-lasting and well-suited to rosewood guitars, preferring them for their durability and sound consistency.

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Comparisons

  • John Pearse #600L strings are favored over D’Addario phoshors and Martin retros on the 000-17 for their fitting sound quality.

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  • Martin Flexible Core strings are noted for having a softer, less dynamic sound compared to standard strings, offering a classical guitar-like tone with a mix of steel-string characteristics.

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  • D’Addario Nickel Bronze strings are recommended for mahogany guitars for a tone that is easier on fingers compared to phosphor bronze and 80/20 bronze strings.

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  • Owners suggest that coated strings like Elixir Nanoweb phosphor bronze can ease finger sliding and extend string life, though they may slightly alter sound quality.

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Use cases and applications

  • On smaller-bodied guitars like the 000, 11s are preferred for ease of play and adequate volume without requiring heavy strumming.

    Source

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Pat Smear uses John Pearse #600L (.012-.053) Phosphor Bronze Strings

Pat Smear

Guitarist

Nirvana

...
Verified

Pat Smear used these strings on his acoustic guitars during his time with Nirvana

See how Neal Casal uses John Pearse #600L (.012-.053) Phosphor Bronze Strings

Neal Casal

Singer, Guitarist

Phil Lesh and Friends

...
Verified via Premierguitar

According to this 2016 interview with Premier Guitar Casal uses these strings for acoustics.

Genre Usage

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

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use John Pearse #600L (.012-.053) Phosphor Bronze Strings, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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