Ernie Ball could also be greatest identified for its electrical strings—particularly the Slinky collection, an trade stalwart for many years—however the firm additionally has a powerful lineup of acoustic choices. The newest is the Earthwood Bell Bronze set ($12.99), developed in collaboration with singer-songwriter John Mayer, a participant as fluent on acoustic as he’s on electrical.

Made with a proprietary alloy unique to Ernie Ball, these strings supply a definite tonal character. I examined two units: medium (.013–.056) on a 2000 Taylor 814-BCE and medium mild (.012–.054) on a Cort Fashionable Black [see review in the March/April 2025 issue]. Gentle (.011–.052) and further mild (.010–.050) units are additionally obtainable. These strings promise a recent tonal possibility for acoustic gamers, mixing Ernie Ball’s innovation with Mayer’s discerning contact.

Strings That Sing

The Earthwood Bell Bronze units are available in Ingredient Protect Plus waterproof packaging with corrosion-resistant envelopes, and so they have been pristine proper out of the pack. One factor that stood out instantly was how rapidly the strings stabilized as soon as introduced as much as tune. The Taylor had a well-worn set of medium-light strings from a earlier take a look at, nevertheless it’s actually higher suited to the medium-gauge Earthwoods. Even with the gauge change, the guitar held tune immediately.

I want the texture of uncoated strings, so I felt at house on these Ernie Balls immediately. The medium set had a snug stress on the Taylor’s 25.5-inch scale size—pliable sufficient for bends and expressive strategies however sturdy sufficient to help heavy strumming.

Huge, Daring, and Bell-Like

The strings are aptly named: the tone is chimey, daring, and balanced, with loads of punch within the decrease finish. The packaging’s tone profile suggests a slight bass increase over the mids and treble, and I discovered that to be correct—highly effective however not boomy. Strumming on the Taylor produced full, room-filling chords, and fingerstyle notes have been articulate and resonant.

I particularly favored the response once I snapped the decrease strings. The Taylor tends to be shiny for a rosewood guitar, and the Bell Bronze strings leaned into that stability, the place a extra conventional phosphor bronze or coated set may mellow it out an excessive amount of.

As a result of I used to be changing outdated strings, the tonal shift on the Taylor was apparent—however having performed that guitar for many years, I’d say the Bell Bronze strings pushed it proper into its candy spot, making it an important match for rock or nation band settings.

The Cort was sporting comparatively recent strings, so I restrung progressively for a side-by-side comparability. The Bell Bronze set sounded similar to the inventory strings however might have been a contact louder. As with the Taylor, tuning stability was quick. The lighter gauge nonetheless had loads of low-end presence and delivered a punchy bass response. With the 25.5-inch scale, the stress felt nice for each lead and rhythm taking part in; I’d most likely stick to the medium mild set for flatpicking and lead work in a pop context.

With steady tuning, a robust and balanced sound, and a number of well-liked gauges, Ernie Ball’s Earthwood Bell Bronze strings supply a recent tackle acoustic tone. They’re positively price a spin to see how they fit your guitar. ernieball.com

This text initially appeared within the July/August 2025 challenge of Acoustic Guitar journal.