12 best guitars strings

Guitar strings are a fundamental component of any guitar, and they have a significant impact on the instrument's playability and sound. Here's what you need to know about guitar strings, particularly focusing on acoustic guitar strings:

  1. String Materials: Acoustic guitar strings are typically made from various materials, with the most common being steel and nylon:

    • Steel Strings: Steel strings are commonly used on steel-string acoustic guitars. They produce a bright, crisp, and loud sound. Steel strings can further be categorized into phosphor bronze and 80/20 bronze, each offering slightly different tonal characteristics.

    • Nylon Strings: Nylon strings are used on classical guitars. They produce a mellow and warm tone. Classical guitars often have three nylon treble strings and three wound bass strings.

  2. String Gauges: Guitar strings come in different thicknesses, known as gauges. The gauge of a string set affects playability and tone.Common gauges for steel-string acoustic guitars include light (0.012-0.053 inches), medium (0.013-0.056 inches), and heavy (0.014-0.059 inches). Lighter gauges are easier on the fingers but may have a slightly less robust sound, while heavier gauges can produce more volume and projection.

  3. Coated vs. Uncoated: Some acoustic guitar strings come with a thin protective coating, such as those labeled "coated" or "treated." Coated strings tend to last longer and resist corrosion, making them a good choice for players who want extended string life. However, coated strings may have a slightly different tone compared to uncoated strings.

  4. String Winding: Steel strings often have various winding options, including roundwound and flatwound. Roundwound strings have a textured surface, providing brightness and articulation. Flatwound strings have a smoother surface, offering a warmer and more mellow tone.

  5. Tuning Stability: High-quality strings are crucial for maintaining tuning stability. Old or worn-out strings can cause intonation problems and affect the guitar's playability.

  6. Changing Strings: It's essential to change your guitar strings regularly to maintain good tone and playability. The frequency of string changes depends on factors like how often you play and your string type. Old, worn-out strings can sound dull and lose their intonation.

  7. String Brands: Many different brands manufacture guitar strings, each with its own unique characteristics and tonal qualities. Guitarists often experiment with different brands and string types to find the ones that suit their playing style and preferences.

  8. String Care: Proper care and maintenance of your guitar strings can extend their lifespan. Wiping them down after playing to remove sweat and oils from your fingers can help prevent corrosion.

In summary, acoustic guitar strings come in various materials, gauges, and coatings, each affecting the instrument's tone and playability. Finding the right set of strings that suits your playing style and preferences is crucial for achieving the desired sound on your acoustic guitar. Regular maintenance and string changes are essential to keep your guitar sounding its best.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best guitars strings on the market
  

How to Play Advanced Bass Guitar: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Playing Advanced Bass Guitar

Based on 18 reviews Check latest price

The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto: A Novel

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Guitar for Beginners: Discover How You Can Be Playing Your Favorite Songs in Just 1 Week or Less Even If You Don’t Know What Chords or Scales Are

Based on 5 reviews Check latest price

Music Theory for Beginners: An Easy Guide to Learn, Read and Understand Music and Apply it with Fun, Confidence and Ease on any Instrument (Guitar, Piano, Violin, etc.) Competent Musicians Book 1

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Ernie Ball, Super Slinky Electric Guitar Strings 9-42 (Pack of 3 Sets) (2223x3)

Ernie Ball

Based on 5 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Ernie Ball Super Slinky Electric Strings are played by Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, and Angus Young. These strings are precision manufactured to the highest standards and most exacting specifications to ensure consistency, optimum performance, and long life. Super Slinky wound strings are made from nickel plated steel wire wrapped around a hex shaped steel core wire. The plain strings are made of specially tempered tin plated high carbon steel; producing a well balanced tone for your guitar. Gauges .009 .011 .016 .024w .032 .042. Pack of 3 sets.

  • 3 x Super Slinky 2223
  • Gauges .009 .011 .016 .024w .032 .042
  • Made in USA, played worldwide
  • Pack containing 3 sets
  • Made from nickel plated steel wire wrapped around tin plated hex shaped steel core wire
  • Produces a well balanced tone for your guitar

User questions & answers

Question: Can you use these strings on an acoustic guitar (that has built in amplification
Answer: Some players prefer using the same strings across electrics and acoustics. It’s going to be dependent on the type of acoustic you have, whether or not you have a plug in option with it, and some other factors. Acoustic specific strings are usually bronze as where electrics are usually nickel for the main voicing alloy ... you will also notice that .11 is considered a light gauge for acoustic strings as these are .09, which will have a big difference in output. The plus side for using these on an acoustic might be for strumming chords with a pick - if you don’t have leather finger tips or muscles built up in the crux of your left hand lighter strings can help prevent spontaneous bleeding and horrendous screaming from hand cramps that occur after a 5 minute stint on an F bar chord.
Question: Can I use this for Philippine bandurria instrument
Answer: If you use a digital set of calipers and measure the old strings diameter you can easily find new strings for either electric or acoustic guitar that will be the same size just make sure that you use single strand for single strand and wound wire wound where applicable I’ve done this myself many times works good !
Question: How long are the strings
Answer: These are standard scale length strings. Y2Play Stores 1-800-695-4808.
Question: Will these be good for a half-step o one-step down tunning from the standard eadgbe
Answer: Been playing a 1987 fender stratocaster drop D full step with .008 - .038 strings for AGES without a problem. The heavier strings have more punch drop D or not but the lighter gauge strings don't buzz for me and I have a very low action guitar. If you want a really "bendy" guitar give it a try. That's what Jimmy Page played mostly and he did ok. If you play Alice in Chains like I do then drop D is important. Most of my drop D is a bit distorted and loud so through the pickups and amps plus effects there is zero string buzz. Give it a shot!

Guitar String Winder, String Cutter and Bridge Pin Puller - 3-in-1 Guitar Tool for Acoustic and Electric Guitars - Wind Guitar Strings Quickly - Cut Excess String Off - Pull Pins Out Easily

Based on 51 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Keep Your Guitar Looking and Sounding Great



The Powered By Rock Guitar String Winder, Cutter and Peg Puller is truly a must have for every guitar player.



Just pop this guitar multi-tool into your gig bag or guitar case to have it on hand when you need it most.



Keep this guitar string tool on hand for when you have a “string-mergency”



It’s pretty frustrating when a high e-string pops during a session, and it can take some time to replace it properly. But this guitar string multi-tool will cut that time down drastically.



Save your sanity & treat your guitar right



🎸NO MORE RUINED BRIDGE PINS by pulling them out with makeshift tools like pliers or a fork (yes, some players do this).



🎸NO MORE SILLY STRINGS DANGLING from your guitar which looks like Einstein having a bad hair day.



🎸NO MORE RUINED JAM SESSIONS because you will be able to restring your guitar so much faster now - your bandmates will thank you.



🎸EASILY FITS IN YOUR GUITAR CASE OR GIG BAG because this guitar string tool is quite small, but it is a big help.



Powered By Rock is a company that is created by and for lifelong rock musicians with the mission to bring the best products to market without costing an arm and a leg.



Rocker tested and rocker approved!

  • 🎸 RESTRING YOUR GUITAR WITH EASE - With this guitar string winder, you will be able to wind your guitar strings much faster than turning the tuning knobs with your fingers - universally fits all tuning pegs
  • 🎸 EASILY SNIP THE EXCESS STRING - Nobody likes excess guitar string flailing from their guitar like a neglected child and with this guitar tool, you will easily be able to cut the strings
  • 🎸 PULL YOUR PEGS OUT NOT YOUR HAIR - It has always been a pain in the butt trying to pull the bridge pins out of your acoustic guitar with your fingers, and tools like pliers will actually damage the peg but this guitar tool has a handy bridge pin puller built in
  • 🎸 TREAT YOUR GUITAR RIGHT - Your guitar is a big investment both in time and money, and you need to make sure you keep it looking and sounding great which is why you need the best guitar tools, such as this guitar multi-tool, to do that
  • 🎸 SAVE TIME AND MONEY - Taking your guitar to a professional to get it restrung can cost quite a bit of money which is why you can save literally hundreds of dollars per year with this tool especially if you have multiple guitars

Ernie Ball Classic Pure Nickel Super Slinky Set, .009 - .042

Ernie Ball

Based on 5 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Made from pure nickel wire wrapped around tin plated hex shaped steel core wire. These guitar strings produce a warm rich tone. Ernie Ball is the pioneer of Rock and Roll guitar strings. Since setting the industry standard for electric strings, the list of Slinky users has grown to include the likes of Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Steve Vai and Slash. If you like tone, you like Slinkys! Gauges .009, .011, .016, .024w, .032, .042. Part number 2253.

  • Vintage Tone
  • For electric guitar

User questions & answers

Question: Which of the classic pure nickel slinky sets have unwound g (3rd) strings
Answer: Hi Andy... The nut width is 1-7/8" by my ruler, but I just call it 2". Take your 'pick' (pun intended). Keep pickin' & grinnin' Andy!
Question: Are these strings round or hex core
Answer: The capo shipped with it is for a 6 string as well, And cheaply made I ordered a 12 string capo.
Question: What’s the difference between hybrid and regular strings
Answer: light, I think
Question: Why do these strings turn my fingers black ? Anybody else had this problem
Answer: Yes, you can pull the loops through to make them smaller and to fit better to your face.

Product features

Classic Nickel Wound Slinky

Classic Nickel Wound Slinky strings consist of pure nickel steel wrapped around a tin plated high carbon steel core for a warm rich tone that compliments many playing styles including jazz, rock and blues. Each set is packaged in an ultra low humidity environment with Ernie Ball's element shield packaging to ensure every set is as fresh as the day it was made

Plain Strings

All plain strings feature a series of lock twists to secure the wire around the ball end preventing slippage and ensuring a long lasting string within minimal break in time.

Wound Strings

Classic Slinky strings are precision wound with pure nickel wire providing a warm, vintage tone with superior intonation and consistency.

Core Wire

The core is made from tin plated high carbon steel hex wire providing excellent durability.

LOMEVE Guitar Accessories Kit Include Acoustic Guitar Strings, Tuner, Capo, 3-in-1 Restring Tool, Picks, Pick Holder, Bridge Pins, Nuts & Saddles, Finger Protector, Finger Picks, Chord Chart (58PCS)

LOMEVE

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Package include:

3 Sets × Acoustic Guitar Strings

1pcs × 3-in-1 Restring Tool

2pcs × 3-in-1 Guitar pick

6pcs × Celluloid Guitar Pick

1pcs × Leather Pick Holder

1pcs × Guitar Tuner

1pcs × Guitar Capo

1set × Guitar Chord Chart

12pcs × Bridge Pin

2 sets × Nut & Saddle

4pcs × Silicon Finger Protector

5pcs × Finger Pick

  • 【3 Sets Guitar Strings】 Smooth and Balanced Strings, which are made of bronze with rustproof coating. 1 set of Multicoloured, 1 set of Red, 1 set of Gold; Each set include 6pcs guitar strings. Light gauge: .010 .014 .023 .030 .039 .047;
  • 【3-in-1 Restring Tool】 Include String Winder & String Cutter & Bridge Pin Puller, which is a very practical tool that will help you restring the guitar easily and quickly.
  • 【Accurate Guitar Tuner & No Buzz Guitar Capo】 High Sensitive Guitar Tuner, Accurate vibration detection(+-1cent) make tuning quick and easy; Zn-Al alloy guitar capo, and silicone pads will protect your guitar against any scratches. You can change the tone by clamping between the frets, it will stay tightly without any fret buzz. Both tuner and capo are fit perfectly for Guitar, Ukulele, Violin, Bass.
  • 【3-in-1 Guitar Picks & Leather Pick Holder】 The pick with 3 corners of different Thickness: .020(0.5mm) & .030(0.75mm) & .040(1.0mm). You can switch the thickness anytime to match your music rhythm and style. The leather pick holder with key ring, your picks will never miss again, it is so convenient and easy to be found when you are carrying guitar out for performing.
  • 【Guitar Chord Chart】Chord Chart shows the front view of guitar fingerboard, with the letters representing the names of chords. 6th, 5th, 4th, 3rd, 2nd, 1st strings from Left to Right. 3pcs cards, which are printed on both sides. Convenient for guitar novices to practice and carry, it will help you to be familiar with guitar chords anytime, anywhere.

User questions & answers

Question: Is the guitar tuner accurate
Answer: They should work with most guitars. My guess is they will be way too long, but can be cut down. Make sure you do it after stringing and cut both wires on the wound strings so they don't unravel.I had to cut off about 8 inches on my acoustic Seagull.
Question: Do these guitar strings are long enough for 38" acoustic guitar
Answer: I have a 45 year old Martin d-28 I use the extra light strings EJ 15 3 Dbecause I like to fingerpickthey have a very good warm soundif your guitar is fairly new try the light gauge strings they sound very good too and you can buy 3 packs for under $15 at Amazon. D'Addario makes a good string and I find they last a long time. I highly recommend!
Question: The 3 in 1 guitar picks look nice. Is the sound clearer when sweeping the guitar strings? Will it break easily
Answer: When you put on a string, you have to allow enough slack for the string to coil around the tuner post. Feed the string through and leave enough slack so you can pull the string about 4 inches above the fret board and then slowly wind it up and as it tightens, pause once in a while let the string stretch. Some strings can take a day to stretch, some don't. Be patient. Good luck...but if you don't leave slack for coiling strings will break.
Question: What size is the thumb pick
Answer: Yes, this is a full set.Specifically this is a set of 3. If you want just one select the 1 pack. (I tried to include a link but Amazon defaults it to the 3 pack for some reason)It is possible to look up and find individual strings, but honestly that ends up being more difficult in my opinion and for the cost you might as well grab a set.I am fairly new to guitars as well, so let me just take a moment to say these strings are highly recommended. Great choice.

Ernie Ball 2146 Earthwood Medium Light Acoustic Phosphor Bronze String Set (12 - 54)

Ernie Ball

Based on 15 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Ernie Ball Earthwood Phosphor Bronze acoustic guitar strings are produced with an exclusive phosphor bronze wrap wire. Engineered to meet the demands of acoustic musicians worldwide, these concert quality strings provide deep, rich bass notes with clear bright trebles. Ernie Ball Earthwood Phosphor Bronze acoustic guitar strings are played by The Counting Crows, The Edge, and Maroon 5 amongst many other touring musicians. Made with the finest and freshest raw materials, all Ernie Ball strings are hermetically sealed to ensure your strings stay as fresh as the day they were made. Gauges .012 .016 .024w .032 .044 .054. Part number 2146.

  • Rich Expressive Sound
  • Excellent Clarity
  • Made in California, U.S.A. Featuring the finest and freshest materials.
  • Made from 92% copper, 7.7% tin, 0.3% phosphorus wire
  • Element Shield Packaging Prolongs string life and keeps strings as fresh as the day they were made
  • Previously packaged as Regular Slinky Acoustic
  • Packaging may vary from pictured

User questions & answers

Question: Can I put nylon strings on a guitar that use to have metal
Answer: I've tried both, and I'd say the polyweb coated strings are less bright. I prefer a brighter sound so I go with the nanoweb.
Question: Are the first 3 strings nylon
Answer: Because Jeff Bezo's needs money to pay for his expensive divorce.
Question: What would be the best string size to use on a used acoustic guitar to be played by a 9 year old boy
Answer: I have used almost every brand of strings on my various Martin acoustics. Elixirs stand above the crowd in terms of tone quality. 80/20 bronze bring out the best but need changing about every 2-3 months max for a daily player. Phosphor-bronze have less nuanced tone but still excellent, and seem to last almost twice as long. Recommend 80/20 for the regular player who wants the most "detailed" tone, P-B for more occasional playing and longer life. Discerning players will be happy with either in any case.
Question: What would be the downside of putting these strings on an old classical guitar I bought for $25. Would it cause the neck to bow
Answer: 80/20s bronze will initially be brighter. Phosphor bronzes will be warmer. 80/20s become warmer after use more quickly and may become undesirable to use more quickly because the strings are no longer giving you the desired tone you started with. Phosphor bronzes hold their initial tone longer, but are by design, warmer. Projection (beyond gauge of the strings~heavy vs medium vs light vs extralight) and ease of fingering have much more to do with the guitar you're using, style of playing (use of a pick/how hard you're strumming/finger-picking), and setup (tuning~you drop down a half a step, the strings will have less tension and will be easier to bend).

Product features

Earthwood Phosphor Bronze

Made from 92% copper, 7.7% tin, 0.3% phosphorus wire wrapped around tin plated hex shaped steel core wire. These guitar strings have a light orange, gold color and provide a mellow, ringing sound, with excellent clarity. Available in Extra Light (10-50), Light (11-52), Medium Light (12-54), Medium (13-56), Rock and Blues (10-52), and 12-String Light (9-46).

Plain String

All plain strings feature a series of lock twists to secure the wire around the ball end preventing slippage and ensuring a long lasting string within minimal break in time.

Wound String

Earthwood Phosphor Bronze strings are precision wound with phosphor bronze wire providing a warm, balanced tone with superior intonation and consistency.

Core Wire

The core is made from brass plated high carbon steel hex wire providing excellent durability.

Martin Guitar MA550 Authentic Acoustic Medium Guitar Strings, 92/8 Phosphor Bronze

MARTIN

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Martin Authentic Acoustic strings provide unrivaled quality, craftsmanship, and tone for your acoustic guitar. Designed to produce true, consistent tone, these medium-gauge strings provide excellent tuning stability and playability so your guitar can stand up to rigorous practice and performance schedules. Made from 92/8 phosphor bronze, these strings feature Martin's highest-quality wrap wire for enhanced longevity and durability. They are naturally corrosion resistant so they can hold up after hours and hours of playing. This pack of professional-grade guitar strings will last through long jam sessions, late-night campfire songs, and plenty of picking.



To make these strings extra-durable and stable, we start with our highest-tensile-strength core wire and then tin-plate it on all 6 strings for added corrosion resistance. When coupled with our highest-quality wrap wire, you get a consistent tone that you can count on song after song. Designed to bring out your guitar's true tone, these 92/8 phosphor bronze guitar strings can be used for fingerstyle blues, Americana, country, bluegrass, ragtime, and many more styles. With this pack, you'll receive 6 medium-gauge guitar strings. The low E string measures 0.056", the A string measures 0.045", the D string measures 0.035", the G string measures 0.026", the B string measures 0.017", and the high E string measures 0.013". This pack of medium-gauge strings features a tension of 190.9, and they make it easy to get a rich, bright tone out of your guitar.



Martin Guitar has been producing high-quality, musician-choice guitars and guitar accessories since 1833. The Martin Authentic Acoustic strings are the real deal—not an imitation. Discover your guitar's true voice with this professional-grade guitar string pack.

  • BRIGHT TONES: Martin Authentic Acoustic Strings provide excellent tuning stability and playability with bright and rich tones. Discover your guitar's true voice with this professional-grade guitar string pack.
  • SUPERIOR STRINGS: These strings are engineered to thrive during rigorous practice and performance schedules. These silk and steel folk strings feature our highest tensile-strength core wire paired with quality wrap wire for corrosion resistance and tuning stability.
  • VERSATILE STRING SOUNDS: Designed to bring out a consistent and true tone from your guitar, these guitar strings can be used for fingerpicking, flat picking, and other methods. Use these strings in any genre—country, bluegrass, folk, blues, rock, and more.
  • MEDIUM ACOUSTIC STRINGS: Measuring from a 0.013" high E string to a 0.056" low E string, these are high-quality acoustic guitar strings that brighten the natural tuning of your guitar, including tenor, mid-tones, and bass. They feature a tension of 190.9.
  • AUTHENTIC ACOUSTIC: With Martin Authentic Acoustic, you get a set of strings designed for performance and playability. Martin guitars and accessories remain the choice for musicians around the world for their unrivaled quality, craftsmanship, and tone.

User questions & answers

Question: Martin guitar ma550 authentic acoustic medium guitar strings, 92/8 phosphor bronze, are these ball end
Answer: they are packed in plastic bags
Question: Will they fit a MG
Answer: My Guitar is a Yamaha and they fit fine.
Question: Martin silk and steel strings
Answer: Should be no problem. After installing new strings, you will have to tune often until the new strings stretch out a little.

Product features

Martin Authentic Acoustic Guitar Strings

  • Excellent tuning stability
  • Engineered to resist corrosion
  • Highest tensile-strength core wire, tin-plated on all six strings for added corrosion resistance
  • Great playability

Martin Strings

Our goal has always been to make the best guitars possible – guitars that people fall in love with over and over again. We believe that the strings, the very last critical ingredient to the guitar making process, are the vocal cords of any fine guitar. This is why we make our own.

Over 175 Years of Martin

The company, founded in the U.S. has been continuously family owned and operated for six generations. Currently headed by Chairman and CEO Christian Frederick Martin IV, the company has been handed down five times since it was started by German immigrant Christian Frederick Martin Sr. in 1833. "Our signature product and Martin's seamless tradition of quality to this day remain a significant source of pride for my family and all of those who are involved in crafting these extraordinary instruments," said Martin Guitar Chairman and CEO Christian Frederick Martin IV. Embraced by artists all over the world, the Martin guitar has helped define virtually all genres of music, from classical and country to blues, folk and acoustic rock.

The list of Martin players, past and present, reads like a Who's Who of the musical world and includes such legends as Elvis Presley, Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, John Mayer and countless others.

Ernie Ball Earthwood Light 80/20 Bronze Acoustic Set, .011 - .052

Ernie Ball

Based on 13 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Made from 80% copper, 20% zinc wire wrapped around hex shaped tin plated high carbon steel core wire. One of the most popular acoustic guitar strings as used by the Eagles, Elvis Costello and Joe Bonamassa. Ernie Ball 80/20 bronze acoustic strings provide a crisp, bright sound with pleasing overtones. Gauges .011, .015, .022w, .030, .042, .052. Part number 2004

  • Wound Strings are 80% copper, 20% zinc wire wrapped around hex shaped tin plated steel core wire
  • Plain strings are made of specially tempered tin plated high carbon steel
  • The most popular acoustic guitar string alloy provides well balanced projection with crisp pleasing highs
  • Element Shield Packaging Prolongs string life and keeps strings as fresh as the day they were made
  • Made in California, U.S.A. Featuring the finest and freshest materials.

User questions & answers

Question: I am thinking of getting this extra light set for the reason that it is easier on the fingers. is there better alternative to it? f.e. silk $ steel
Answer: I have a 614ce and these are perfect! The custom lights (.11) are also acceptable but you may lose some volume, still they sound good. I would play around with gauges and get the best feel and sound for you! Taylors are high class!
Question: would these work for an electric acoustic
Answer: This is a full set of 6 strings for acoustic guitar.
Question: Trying to get something for my husband. I see the one labeled 12-string. But he also needs a 6 string. Is that just the basic package
Answer: On the individual strings' paper packets, only the wound strings (G-3 through E-6) have "Nanoweb coating" text. The E-1 and B-2 strings say "anti-rust plain steel" instead.
Question: Size: 2 Pack What does it mean? Is it on sale you can get 2 packs or "2 pack" means for something else? Thanks
Answer: 80/20 is very bright and crisp... Phosphor bronze is far more articulate and warm. And over all a more balanced sound. Hence why they cost a bit more than 80/20. As for poly vs nano? Poly has more coating to protect the strings.. But dull the sound a bit. Nano has less coating but last a bit less than poly. Hope that helps.

Product features

Earthwood 80/20 Bronze Acoustic Strings

Made from 80 percent copper, 20 percent zinc wire wrapped around hex shaped brass plated high carbon steel core wire. One of the most popular acoustic guitar strings as used by the Eagles, Elvis Costello and Joe Bonamassa. Ernie Ball 80/20 bronze acoustic strings provide a crisp, bright sound with pleasing overtones. Available in Extra Light (10-50), Light (11-52), Medium Light (12-54), Medium (13-56), Rock and Blues (10-52), 12-String Light (9-46), and 12-String Medium (11-28).

Plain String

All plain strings feature a series of lock twists to secure the wire around the ball end preventing slippage and ensuring a long lasting string within minimal break in time.

Wound String

Earthwood 80/20 Bronze strings are precision wound with 80/20 bronze wire providing a bright, balanced tone with superior intonation and consistency.

Core Wire

The core is made from brass plated high carbon steel hex wire providing excellent durability.

Elixir Strings Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings w NANOWEB Coating, Custom Light (.011-.052)

Elixir

Based on 12 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Strum confidently with the same premium acoustic guitar strings that experienced players worldwide trust to keep their incredible tone longer than any other string available. Unlike other string brands, Elixir Strings coats the whole string. This protects not only the outer string surface but also the gaps between the windings where common tone-deadening gunk typically builds up in other brands’ coated and uncoated guitar strings. Anti-Rust Plating on plain steel strings ensures longer tone life for the entire set. Who wouldn’t love more quality playing time between the hassle and cost of string changes? Engineered to endure, these acoustic strings constructed with phosphor bronze wrap wire boast a dynamic balance of rich, full-bodied tone and sparkling high-end clarity. Compared to our original POLYWEB Coating, the ultra-thin NANOWEB Coating allows a more traditionally textured, “uncoated” feel. For a slicker, gentler feel, try a set of strings with our original POLYWEB Coating. The 80/20 Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings with POLYWEB Coating, for example, might be a good fit if you want a more robust and rounded tone. On the other end of the tone spectrum, our 80/20 Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings with NANOWEB Coating deliver a brighter, crisper tone alongside the same traditional feel as these phosphor bronze strings. Of course, the kind of string you play is all a matter of personal preference. Not sure what tone or feel is right for you? Try them out for yourself, and find your new favorite string from Elixir Strings. For a more in-depth look at what makes our strings so special, scroll to the branded info further down the page. Elixir Strings: Great tone. Long life.

  • Acoustic guitar strings constructed with phosphor bronze wrap wire
  • Played for a dynamic balance of rich, full-bodied tone and sparkling high-end clarity
  • Ultra-thin NANOWEB Coating provides a traditionally textured, “uncoated” feel
  • Our patented coating technology protects against common corrosion, extending tone life longer than any other brand’s coated or uncoated strings (Elixir Strings player survey)
  • Custom Light gauge: .011 .015 .022 .032 .042 .052

User questions & answers

Question: Would you recommend this for a Taylor 816ce
Answer: Yes, they are lightweight strings.
Question: how many strings are in the package
Answer: Wide enough. These are 12's. Light gauge string. They'll fit just about any acoustic guitar. The width of the neck (if that's what you mean when you say "how wide?") doesn't matter. These are the strings Martin recommends for most of their guitars by default.
Question: Are all 6 strings supposed to be bronze and nano coated, or are the E-1 and B-2 anti-rust plain steel
Answer: The custom light strings are a bit smaller in diameter than the light as shown below, per martin specs. Actually, there is an even lighter gauge called extra light. I like using the extra light for finger picking. I'll list all three categories. The gauges are listed starting with the 1st string (small E) etc. I won't bother to list the medium gauge strings. Extra light: .010 .014 .023 .030 .039 .047 Custom light: .011 .015 .023 .032 .042 .052 Light: .012 .016 .025 .032 .042 .054 The strings you mention being light gauge 92/8 Phosphor Bronze, model MA140S. The Phosphor Bronze type are much better than the cheaper 80/20 Bronze. Martin sells both types with all different gauges, but they ship most of their guitars with the 92/8 Phosphor Bronze. Stay with them. If you are using your guitar for your own enjoyment you might try using the extra light in 92/8 Phosphor Bronze type. Works good for me. They are listed as model MA170S
Question: What is the difference in sound between an 80/20 and phosphor bronze please? And poly and nano web? Which is warmer, less bright
Answer: Bronze. Perfectly safe. Just the skin oils pH reaction to bronzing. Not harmful and it is the same with all guitar strings that are coated with bronze. Nothing to be worried about.

Product features

Made For Musicians Who Just Want To Play More Music

Ever since pioneering coated string technology in 1997, our reason for making premium guitar strings has remained simple—we want you to have more quality playing time between the hassle and cost of string changes. And gig after gig, session after session, lesson after lesson, we’ve delivered. In fact, experienced players worldwide trust our corrosion-defying strings to keep their tone longer than any other brand’s coated or uncoated strings,* and we’re proud to stand as America’s #1 acoustic guitar string brand.**

We now offer three premium acoustic string options, each featuring our patented coating technology, to help you find exactly the tone and feel you’re looking for. Thanks to the unique differences between metals and coatings, we offer a long-lasting set for any style. From bright and sparkling to rich and robust, the dynamic range of available sound is yours for the picking. Of course, finding the string that’s right for you is a matter of personal preference. So try them out for yourself!

* Elixir strings player survey | ** mI salestrak (us $ vol) | gore, elixir, nanoweb, polyweb, optiweb great tone long life, 'e' icon, and other designs are trademarks of W.L. Gore & Associates.

Less Sweat, Debris, And Finger Squeak

The way your strings sound has a lot to do with what you normally can’t see. While both of our patented coatings reduce noisy finger squeak, they also cut down on a large number of other pesky annoyances common to your average uncoated string. Sweat, skin, dirt, and even air, for example, can do a lot of damage to your strings. And if you live in a hot, humid area, the moisture in the atmosphere can wreak total havoc on your strings’ tone life. But with Elixir Strings, you’re getting world-class protection that’s engineered to endure.

Polyweb Coating Vs NANOWEB Coating

POLYWEB Coating was our first coated string innovation all the way back in the '90s. It tends to warm and mellow the string’s tone and has a fast, slick feel that’s gentle on the fingers, which lets players keep jamming without the strings getting in the way. As a response to players who said they prefer a more traditional feel, NANOWEB Coating was then designed. This ultra-thin coating allows a brighter, crisper tone while offering the same amount of tone-life protection as its predecessor.

Coated Like No Other

Unlike other string brands, Elixir Strings coats the whole string. This protects not only the outer string surface but also the gaps between the windings where common tone-deadening gunk typically builds up in other brands’ coated and uncoated guitar strings. That’s why Elixir strings retain their tone longer than any other brand’s string, coated or uncoated. Simply put, build-up and corrosion kill your tone, and Elixir strings protect against elements that cause build-up and corrosion. All while sounding exactly how you’d expect a premium set of strings to sound.

Anti-Rust Plating

Corrosion protection between wrap wire windings is all well and good, but you may be asking yourself, 'What about the strings that don’t have a wrap wire?' And we’re proud to tell you, don’t worry—we’ve got those covered too. Literally. With our signature Anti-Rust Plating, even your plain steel strings defy the elements. This ensures longer tone life not just for your coated wound strings, but for your entire set. When we say you’ll have more gigging, jamming, touring, or practice time between string changes, we mean it.

High Praise For Elixir Strings From The Pros Themselves

"I put my first set on my guitar, and two weeks later they still sounded awesome."

-Kaki King, Golden Globe-Nominated Guitarist/Composer

High Praise For Elixir Strings From The Pros Themselves

"Sometimes someone comes up with a different idea. It changes all the rules of the game..."

-Bob Taylor of Taylor Guitars

High Praise For Elixir Strings From The Pros Themselves

"I use Elixir Strings in the studio and on stage. They always feel right and seem to complement any guitar I use. They're the perfect string."

-Wayne Sermon of Imagine Dragons

High Praise For Elixir Strings From The Pros Themselves

"I don't have to change them all the time and they still sound fantastic."

-John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin

Latest Reviews

View all