CRT Coated keeps the same phosphor bronze wrap over a high carbon steel hex core, with the same warm highs and full low end. What it adds is longer string life. That's especially useful on an acoustic, which often sits out on a stand between sessions.
It's worth it if you play often, sweat a lot, live somewhere humid, or would rather change strings less often. Some players find uncoated phosphor bronze feels fractionally more open, which is why we make both.
CRT Coated Phosphor Bronze gauges:
- .010–.047 (CP1047 Extra Light)
- .011–.052 (CP1152 Pro Light)
- .012–.053 (CP1253 Light), the balanced starting point
- .012–.056 (CP1256 Bluegrass), a light top over a heavier bottom, built for flatpicking
- .013–.056 (CP1356 Medium)
- .010–.047 (CP121047 Light), for 12-string guitars
The CRT gauges aren't identical to our uncoated Phosphor Bronze sets. For example, CP1253 ends at .053, while P1254 ends at .054. Check the gauges if you're matching a set you already use.