Coated vs. Uncoated Strings

[SpruceTop]

I like Elixir Nanowebs strings but any quality coated or uncoated string will do me.

[DukeX]

I like the feel of coated strings.

I like non-coated strings as well.

I don't worry too much about what other players like. They ain't me.

[Nama Ensou]

Originally Posted by joeld

I use Elixir nanoweb phosphor bronze strings.

For great tone and long life, those are the only ones that my acoustics see anymore.

[Silly Moustache]

It's great to have a choice.

Coated strings aren't for me - tried them, and found myself trying hard NOT to dislike them, but I do.

They just don't feel right for me, and as I don't have the acidity issue, I don't need them.

I get 2-3 months out of a set of PB uncoated strings, and the last time I tried Elixirs the g string corroded within a month (?)

At over twice the price of , say, D'addarios, there is no point for me, but I have two friends who can kill an uncoated set in an hour or so.

[Wade Hampton]

Originally Posted by Nama Ensou

I think Elixir may have made a mistake by allowing all three coatings (polyweb, nanoweb, optiweb) to be associated with each other. I don't know of anyone who likes the polyweb, but they basically poisoned the well of public opinion by allowing the totally different nanoweb and optiweb to be equated with the earliest version of the brands release.

I'll never buy another set of polywebs, but have been using nothing but nanowebs on electric, acoustic and bass for at least 15 years now.

Nama, I agree with you about disliking Polywebs, but they didn’t “poison the well” for me against Nanowebs. I agree that the Nanowebs are more acceptable and more musical-sounding, but I still don’t care for their sound very much. Even the thinner Nanoweb coating muffles some of upper partials. To me, Nanowebs sound like John Pearse strings after they’ve been on my guitar for two or three weeks.

I simply prefer getting the entire range of overtones that strings are capable of generating, and controlling how many of those overtones get heard with my right hand attack. So my lack of enthusiasm for Elixir Nanowebs or any other coated strings is based on their musical performance, not on my dislike of Polywebs.

Hope that makes sense.


Wade Hampton Miller

[Jaden]

I started out with Elixir nanoweb phosphor bronze light strings a few years ago when I took up the guitar again. At first I found them slippery then the coating would begin to fray not too long after installation. These days I don’t touch the stuff - has a plastic-like feel to me. Uncoated hex core 80/20 is now my favoured string, together with Martin Retros (also uncoated).

[catfish]

Originally Posted by Jaden

Uncoated hex core 80/20 is now my favoured string, together with Martin Retros (also uncoated).

I have the same preferences, but I would like to try Elixir Nano 80/20 as well, because I read many people like Elixirs just for the tone, and I never tried them. Just once I will try, to get the experience.

[ChrisE]

I play outdoor gigs by the ocean all summer, so I need the coated strings. Uncoated strings would go dead within a few minutes but Elixir (nanoweb PB) last several weeks in those conditions and several months under “normal” conditions. I’ve also been using Daddario EXP and Martin Lifespan and I like those also.

[uriah1]

Friend of mine has extreme sweating after every song
If he did not have those they would rust every night.

[Russell G]

Chris E,s post is quite legitimate and reason enough to use coated strings.
Same thing happens here at the Jersey Shore in NJ.
"Smell the salt air, watch the strings disintegrate!"

[Nama Ensou]

Originally Posted by Wade Hampton

Nama, I agree with you about disliking Polywebs, but they didn’t “poison the well” for me against Nanowebs.

Not for you, but for many the first set of Elixirs they played became equated with every set of Elixirs, and with the Polyweb having come first, the arguably worst of Elixir has definitely poisoned the perception of the whole lineup.

Additionally, very few, including Elixir users, seem to be aware of the newest line, the Optiweb which was specifically formulated with users like yourself in mind. Doesn't mean they would necessarily change your mind, but it doesn't mean they can't either.

[Murphy Slaw]

I used to use Nano 80/20's but have gone back to uncoated 80/20's.

They just sound better.

[s2y]

I have tried Elixir, D'Addario, and Curt Mangan. I have a lot of guitars and it's nice being able to grab a guitar and go. My fingers seemed to destroy uncoated strings in a hurry. I'd rather play guitar more than spend time restringing.