Gearank High Notes
- 2022.06: Equal Highest Rated Light Gauge Electric Guitar Strings
Tied With:D’Addario EXL110
D’Addario NYXL1046
Elixir Strings 12050 Polyweb
Elixir Strings 19052 Optiweb
Ernie Ball 2221 Regular Slinky Nickel Wound - 2021.09: Equal Highest Rated Light Gauge Electric Guitar Strings
Tied With:D’Addario EXL110
Ernie Ball 2221 Regular Slinky Nickel Wound
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Elixir is well known for their coated strings, and the Nanoweb 12052 is their best rated offering in this gauge, a string set with a 5-micron fluoropolymer coating.
This coating helps expand the lifespan of strings by blocking corrosive elements and preventing the accumulation of debris on the string and windings. And it does all this while staying thin enough to not hamper the strings’ resonance.
In addition to longevity, this coating also reduces finger friction, which results in a smoother playing feel.
Specifications
- Gauge: Light (.010, .013, .017, .026, .036, .046)
- Core Material: Steel
- Winding Material: Nickel-Plated Steel
- Winding Type: Round
- Coated: Yes
Cons
- Not as long-lasting as expected
- Sounds and feels different to uncoated strings (too dark for some and too bright for some)
- Harder to bend compared to others of this gauge
Pros
-
- A great option for those with a sensitivity to nickel
- Highly corrosion-resistant and long-lasting
- Low string noise
Overall
Lots of companies nowadays are coming out with coated strings, but Elixir (W. L. Gore & Associates) is credited with creating the first modern fluoropolymer coated ones. The Nanoweb 12052 is a highly rated 10-46 set from the makers of Gore-Tex fabrics, and is an excellent starting point to try out coated strings.