What is the gauge of the Fender 880CL strings?

The Fender 880CL is a Custom Light set. The specific gauges are .011, .015, .023, .032, .042, and .052.

What material is used in these strings?

These strings are made from 80/20 bronze. This alloy is composed of 80% copper and 20% zinc, known for its bright tonal properties.

What is Fender Dura-Tone?

Dura-Tone is a special micro-treatment or coating applied to the string. It is designed to protect the metal from grime, dirt, and corrosion to extend the string's life.

How does the Dura-Tone coating affect the feel?

The coating provides a smooth and responsive feel under the fingers. This can make the strings more comfortable to play compared to the slightly rougher texture of uncoated bronze.

Are these strings suitable for beginners?

Yes, they are highly suitable for beginners. The .011 gauge is lighter than standard acoustic strings, making it easier for developing fingers to press down on the fretboard.

What kind of tone can I expect from the 880CL set?

These strings offer a bright and clear tone. The 80/20 bronze composition is specifically chosen for its ability to provide high-end crispness and clarity.

How long do these strings last compared to regular strings?

Because of the Dura-Tone coating, these strings are designed to last significantly longer than uncoated strings. They resist the oxidation that usually causes strings to sound dull over time.

Can these strings be used on an electric guitar?

These are designed specifically for acoustic guitars. While they can physically fit an electric guitar, their magnetic properties and tension are not optimised for electric pickups.

What is the typical price for a set of Fender 880CL strings?

The typical price range for these strings is approximately GBP 8. This makes them an affordable option within the category of coated acoustic strings.

Do these strings help with finger noise?

The smooth Dura-Tone coating can help reduce some of the 'squeak' or friction noise associated with moving fingers across the strings. However, it does not eliminate it entirely.

What playing styles suit the 880CL?

These strings are versatile and suitable for all kinds of acoustic playing styles. They perform well for both fingerpicking and strumming due to their bright character and responsive feel.

Is the 880CL set resistant to humidity?

Yes, the Dura-Tone coating provides a protective barrier. This makes the strings more resistant to the corrosive effects of humidity and sweat than standard non-coated strings.

Gear article

Fender 880CL 80/20 Dura-Tone Coated Acoustic Strings

The Fender 880CL is a set of 80/20 bronze acoustic guitar strings featuring a custom light gauge of .011–.052. They are distinguished by Fender's proprietary Dura-Tone coating, which is designed to extend the lifespan of the strings by resisting corrosion and grime.

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Background and Design

Fender, a primary name in guitar manufacturing, developed the 880CL 80/20 Dura-Tone series to address the common issue of string degradation. Traditional acoustic strings are susceptible to environmental factors such as humidity and finger oils, which lead to oxidation and loss of tonal clarity. By applying a specialised coating, Fender aims to provide a product that maintains its factory-fresh properties for a longer duration than uncoated alternatives.

Technical Specifications

The 880CL set utilises an 80/20 bronze alloy, consisting of 80% copper and 20% zinc. This alloy is a standard choice for acoustic players seeking a specific frequency response. The 'CL' designation refers to the Custom Light gauge, which provides a middle ground between traditional light and extra light sets. The specific string thicknesses in this set are .011, .015, .023, .032, .042, and .052.

Dura-Tone Coating Technology

The defining feature of these strings is the Dura-Tone formulation. This microscopic coating acts as a barrier against grime, corrosion, and dirt—the primary causes of 'dead' strings. Beyond durability, the coating modifies the tactile experience of the string, offering a smooth and responsive feel that reduces friction for the player's fingertips while maintaining the vibrational integrity of the metal core.

Tonal Character and Playability

Acoustically, the 880CL strings are designed to deliver a bright and clear tone. The 80/20 bronze naturally emphasises high-end sparkle, while the Dura-Tone coating ensures this brightness does not fade as quickly as it would on an uncoated set. The Custom Light gauge (11-52) offers a lighter tension than standard 12-53 sets, making them easier to fret and bend, which is advantageous for players who find heavier gauges physically taxing.

Comparison to Market Alternatives

In the broader market of musical strings, the Fender 880CL competes with other coated and specialised sets. While manufacturers like D'Addario offer the Helicore or Zyex series for bowed instruments, and Ernie Ball provides M-Steel or Slinky options for electric guitars, the 880CL is strictly focused on the acoustic discipline. Compared to uncoated bronze strings, the 880CL offers a longer lifespan at a slightly higher price point, typically retailing around GBP 8.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the gauge of the Fender 880CL strings?: The Fender 880CL is a Custom Light set. The specific gauges are .011, .015, .023, .032, .042, and .052.
What material is used in these strings?: These strings are made from 80/20 bronze. This alloy is composed of 80% copper and 20% zinc, known for its bright tonal properties.
What is Fender Dura-Tone?: Dura-Tone is a special micro-treatment or coating applied to the string. It is designed to protect the metal from grime, dirt, and corrosion to extend the string's life.
How does the Dura-Tone coating affect the feel?: The coating provides a smooth and responsive feel under the fingers. This can make the strings more comfortable to play compared to the slightly rougher texture of uncoated bronze.
Are these strings suitable for beginners?: Yes, they are highly suitable for beginners. The .011 gauge is lighter than standard acoustic strings, making it easier for developing fingers to press down on the fretboard.
What kind of tone can I expect from the 880CL set?: These strings offer a bright and clear tone. The 80/20 bronze composition is specifically chosen for its ability to provide high-end crispness and clarity.
How long do these strings last compared to regular strings?: Because of the Dura-Tone coating, these strings are designed to last significantly longer than uncoated strings. They resist the oxidation that usually causes strings to sound dull over time.
Can these strings be used on an electric guitar?: These are designed specifically for acoustic guitars. While they can physically fit an electric guitar, their magnetic properties and tension are not optimised for electric pickups.
What is the typical price for a set of Fender 880CL strings?: The typical price range for these strings is approximately GBP 8. This makes them an affordable option within the category of coated acoustic strings.
Do these strings help with finger noise?: The smooth Dura-Tone coating can help reduce some of the 'squeak' or friction noise associated with moving fingers across the strings. However, it does not eliminate it entirely.
What playing styles suit the 880CL?: These strings are versatile and suitable for all kinds of acoustic playing styles. They perform well for both fingerpicking and strumming due to their bright character and responsive feel.
Is the 880CL set resistant to humidity?: Yes, the Dura-Tone coating provides a protective barrier. This makes the strings more resistant to the corrosive effects of humidity and sweat than standard non-coated strings.