Elixir16002 Strings Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings w NANOWEB Coating, Extra Light (.010-.047)

Here are some truths about strings in general: all guitarists have their own taste when it comes to string tone, and different people like different things. Different guitars, too, mean that the same type of string can sound different from one instrument to another, and so it's only really possible to make general recommendations about them regarding the sound. Other qualities, however, (manufacturing standards, longevity, consistency...) can be commented on more clearly but still only with reference to an individual's experience, which may differ from the experiences of others.With this is mind, here's what I think.I've been a working musician for ten years. I've tried most of the leading string brands available to acoustic players in the UK, and right now I think these phosphor bronze Elixirs are pretty much unbeatable. The old coating was rubbish, as were the old bronze strings without the phosphor in, but these, with the thinner coating and different alloy, are ACE. The tone is something you'll have to decide upon for yourself, but I find them rich, balanced, with a sweet harmonic brightness and no heavy points in their range. They're 95% as sweet and true as the (rightly very popular) uncoated D'Addario phosphor bronze in terms of tone, sweeter and brighter than the coated D'Addario EXPs (although EXPs are better now than they've ever been - give them a go some time), and here's the big point of them; they hold the tone for an AGE.Don't be misled - if for some reason you don't like the tone when you put them on, you never will. They break every bit as easily as any other string. They're every bit as likely to fail due to manufacturing fault - no better, no worse. BUT those things are true of ALL strings, and if you don't beat them to snapping point with hamfisted technique (brutal strummers don't waste your money - you're not going to get any string to last with those heavy hands, might as well buy good uncoated ones you can replace individually) then you'll get, as it says on the box, at least 3 to 5 times the life span out of these than you would from uncoated strings before they start to sound worn and dull, probably more. And that is the point. I've actually repaired broken Elixirs when they snap at the bridge by retying them to the ball-end and pulling the untrimmed string down through the tuning peg, and they still sound sweet enough to get away with.So overall: coated strings may not be for you (expensive, break just as easily as uncoated, ARE NOT SOLD SINGLY remember), but if you want excellent tone that lasts then you can't do better than these.P.S. The one time in all those years I had a new string fail as I was tuning it up, I emailed a picture of it to Elixir directly and they replied within two days, apologised and sent me a new string and some daft little free bits and pieces - polishing cloth, plectrum and what have you. Nice customer service touch from an excellent company.

These are by far and away the best acoustic strings I've used for my Taylor GS Mini. The tone is superb, with both brightness and depth to the sound. They are durable and last ages and even sound great after long periods without playing. Perfect for my set up and playing style, with versatile tones and responsiveness to both pick and finger style. Highly recommend, easy choice. I've been using these for years!

I have used many different manufacturers' strings on a few different acoustics. I started with Elixirs, went away and have come back again.The Medium strings sound absolutely wonderful on my 2008 Martin D-28, they are a delight to play, they install well, maintain tuning, last for ages and sound sublime. Personally I prefer Nanowebs over Polywebs.They ARE expensive, but when you consider how long they last and how WELL they last, you quickly realise what great value they are. Previous installations have lasted up to a year on my dreadnought so compared with uncoated strings thus are excellent value.I have heard them criticised for being too 'slippery', an opinion I don't subscribe to as they feel appropriate and normal to me, it also reduces squeaking. I suppose it's a similar concept to people who don't like varifocal glasses - for me, they're great and for others, they heartily disagree.I shall be replacing the set I strung last night with another set - I like having a set available but must say that I've never had an Elixir string break or fail as I string my Martin 000-28 with Light gauge. When I had my Martin D12-28 I used the Ultra Lights on that - never a break. I've used them for well over 10 years.All in all, you get what you pay for. If you have an open mind and want quality sound with longevity, you could do FAR worse than give Elixirs a shot . . .