Q. Can I use phosphor bronze strings on a gypsy jazz guitar?

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A. You will not hurt the guitar by using suitable guages (.10, .11) of bronze wound strings. However, the classic sound of these guitars is obtained with silver plated copper or steel strings.

Part of this is historical: silver plated copper or steel was the current string technology in the earlier years of Jazz guitar, and it is integral to Django’s sound.

Tradition aside, most players using Maccaferri style guitars prefer the sound and response of silver plated copper or steel.

Bronze, Brass or other bell-related metals can produce some tonal depth and sustain not offered by silver plated copper strings. However, these qualities do not necessarily play to the strengths of a Maccaferri style guitar.

Based on experience and anecdotal evidence, Bronze wound and Silver plated Copper wound strings also seem to have different attack/decay envelopes. Silver plated Copper seems to have a slighter quicker response, which is ideal for these guitars and also the approach to playing in Gypsy Jazz.

Bronze strings are ideal for Martin style guitars, for example, which are constructed to optimize the qualities of that string material, which include booming bass and sustain. The sweeter tone and quick attack desired in a Maccaferri style guitar is not as achievable with bronze wound strings. Silver plated copper sacrifices some sustain, but offers the response and attack normally desired in a Maccaferri style guitar.

One should never discount the potential versatility of the Maccaferri design. They have more ’sweet spots’ than they are given credit for. For example, they make excellent finger style instruments. But in any case, their tonal identity and responsiveness is generally considered to be best realized with lighter silver plated copper strings.

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