Elixir 80/20 Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings (.010-.047)

These strings really made me question what I wanted in a guitar string. Going into these strings, I’ve played on various brands, including Ernie Balls, and always loved the pop and sparkle of new strings. I’d heard that Elixir essentially provides just that, but for longer. A win-win, right?

I pulled these bad boys out pf the package and threw them on my Yamaha FG-435, my trusty acoustic. Sure enough, they were bright. Oh, god, were they bright. Compared to my old, dead strings, which sounded musty, and well, dead, these strings sounded like pots and pans being thrown down a flight of stairs, or my drummer hitting his china crash cymbal. So much sustain! So many harmonics! Such detailed tone! I felt overwhelmed by too much of a good thing.

A month or so down the line, these strings have definitely mellowed out a bit. They retain a lot of that sparkle and snap that I’d usually associate with new strings, and have lost much of the abrasive, overbearing qualities that they had fresh out of the nitrogen purged plastic packaging. While they certainly aren’t subtle, I would no longer call them brash, and I’ve come around to enjoying playing them quite a bit. The plasticy exterior feels great, so they’re fun to bend and slide on. I’d certainly gig on these strings.

I came into this purchase expecting the best strings I’ve ever owned, and in some ways, I got what I wished for. They’re bright, retain many of the qualities of fresh strings for much longer than their non-coated brethren, and feel nice under my fingers. In other ways, I really did not enjoy the sound fresh out of the box, and the strings lack some of the subtle low tone of other strings. I certainly feel like I got my money’s worth (I’ve got about two months on these string, and would guess I could get around six more at least), but I’m not ready to call these strings God’s gift to acoustics. My next pair of strings will probably be uncoated, but it’s certainly possibly that I will return to coated strings and Elixirs in the future.

If you want a string that feels and sounds fresh and bright for much longer than traditional strings, than this is it. But, be careful what you wish for.

Las cuerdas son originales, muy buen sonido y llevo usándolas un mes y siguen con brillo

Chegou tudo certinho como combinado. Valeu

I have always been buying elixir strings ever since I started playing guitar, I like the feel of the strings, especially when they are put on the sound of them are so smooth and very soft. These aren’t as thick as the others but they still provide a great sound.

I have used Elixir strings before. They always have a great feel and last a good long time. However, in my experience they have sounded great on some guitars and not so much on others. For example if your guitar has an inherently darker tone, (say an acoustic with mahogany back and sides) Elixer will brighten the tone up just a little bit to give a more full tone. But if you have some that is already bright Elixirs will, in my experience, push that brightness over the top. Between the enhanced silence and screechy high end it can be unbeatable.

Now, in this case, I purchased a set for my 8-string baritone Guild. There are a few 8-string baris out there. Taylor, Guild, Ibanez, Alvarez, etc.. I can only speak about my experience with my Guild, which has been surprisingly very, very good.
I had initially anticipated that the strings would be overly shimmery and too thin-toned for a baritone, but the opposite was true. These elixir strings actually really opened up the bottom end AND brightened the high B string enough to let it sing. The original strings really emphasized the octave A and D strings, these Elixirs are much better balanced.
Now with 8-string baritone acoustics I have found that Elixir makes a set, D’Addario makes a set, and anything else would have to be a custom set made string by string, at least as far as i have been able to find.

In my opinion, this Elixir set is the best option of them all. One caveat though is that they are sort of expensive but there are more strings, they are longer, and they are coated. So it all adds up on the end.

The Elixir NANOWEB Light Acoustic Guitar Strings for 12-String guitars are a top choice for players who want bright tone, durability, and smooth playability on their 12-string acoustic. Here’s how they stack up:

Pros:
Bright, Clear Tone: Elixir’s NANOWEB coating helps retain a brilliant, crisp tone that highlights the natural sound of the guitar, especially in the treble range. These strings bring out the shimmer and richness in a 12-string guitar’s sound, giving each note excellent clarity.

Long-Lasting: Elixir’s NANOWEB coating is famous for extending string life. Even with regular playing, these strings resist corrosion and dulling significantly longer than uncoated alternatives, which makes them a great investment for anyone who doesn’t want to change strings constantly.

Smooth Feel: The coating provides a smooth, comfortable feel, reducing finger squeak while making it easier to move across the fretboard. This is particularly helpful for 12-string guitars, as the double strings can make fretting a bit harder on the fingers without a smooth coating.

Light Gauge, Easy Playability: For a 12-string, the light gauge (.010 – .047) is a great option for easy playability while still offering rich volume. It reduces tension on the neck, which can help minimize fatigue for both your fingers and the guitar itself.

Cons:
Premium Price: Elixir strings are more expensive than standard uncoated strings, which may be a consideration if you’re on a budget. However, their longevity often offsets the cost over time.
Slightly Reduced Natural Feel: While the NANOWEB coating feels smooth, some players may find it takes away a bit of the “natural” string feel compared to uncoated strings. This is a matter of preference, but worth noting if you’re used to the raw feel of traditional strings.

Verdict:
Elixir NANOWEB Light Acoustic Guitar Strings for 12-String guitars are an excellent choice for players who want lasting brightness, durability, and a smooth playing experience. They’re ideal for 12-string players looking for high-quality, low-maintenance strings that won’t dull quickly and will keep their guitar sounding vibrant. While they come at a premium, the extended lifespan and consistent tone make them a worthwhile investment for most. Highly recommended for gigging musicians and serious hobbyists alike!