FUQ (eff -yu - cue) - FAQ's with an EDGE

Tagged As: Elixir Acoustic Guitar String

Question:
I bought these strings today, there about twice the price off normal acoustic steel guitar strings (about £15 compared to about £7-8 for any martin/d'addario type strings) but are meant to have a specialised 'nanoweb' technology or something (a fancy string coating) that make then last alot longer (3-5 times longer, i.e. much longer before they die and go flat) than normal strings without apparently muting the tone. Just wandering has anyone had experience with these strings? They seem alright and sound quite nice but will they remain that way in the long run? I dont know if these are common in the US but they appear to be pretty new here (UK), most shops are not stocking them yet and the one I went into today said they never heard of them until many customers were asking them for, so they stocked up.

Answer:
I have used Elixir Polywebs on all my guitars for several years now. Yes they do stay brighter sounding longer since the coating resists grime, sweat, blood, dirt and any contaminant from adhering to the string thus degrading it's tonal qualities. Another advantage I like is they are much more slippery to the touch and thus eliminate finger squeaking when one runs the fretboard. I can get them from www.musiciansfriend.com for about $11 a set. Most brick and mortar retailers (stateside) want $25 set. I have never played the Nanowebs....but I so dearly love the Elixir Polywebs. The Polyweb acoustic sets I use most are Custom Light and Resonator