I live in the tropics—a literal jungle climate.
Additionally, I am familiar with Elixir brand guitar strings, which I use for my 12-string acoustic and my 6-string acoustic. However, this is the first time I ever used Elixir brand ELECTRIC GUITAR strings.
Frankly I was extremely worried because it seems that a large group of buyers of this product (steel strings) bought them for their acoustic guitar, it got me curious on the statistics of reviews where people are using the product for its intended purpose. I hope this review doesn't disappoint.
So for anyone who wanders to the review section before buying, MY REVIEW IS FOR A 12-STRING SET FOR ELECTRIC GUITARS. There IS a difference and if you don't know, I invite you to do some research before committing to an investment as it could make your guitar sound better and last longer.
So, I got a 12-string set for my 12-string electric. I was completely surprised that Elixir made a listing for the instrument because 12-string electrics are relatively rare, unusual, and old-fashioned—meaning it's a forgotten item that most string manufacturers overlook, especially with their flagship sets of strings. Elixir went against the odds and got this product out for weird people like me and it uses the same technology as their popular 6-string set counterparts have. Hurray!
That being said, you get steel strings that are slipped into a tight micro-thin layer of plastic. This helps keep finger crud and buildup from getting in-between the winding of wound strings, which is one of the major culprits of strings losing their charming ring. The same plastic layer protects the string from sweaty hands and moisture (please do not dunk your guitar in a body of water), which would otherwise rust your strings and also make them sound dead/dull/bad. Considering that I live in the tropics with crazy humidity levels (normally above 80% everyday), these strings will last maintenance-free (you will still require to TUNE your guitar) for months in comparison to uncoated standard strings that could last about 1 month if I'm lucky.
I haven't had my 12-string steel (electric guitar) strings for long enough to determine their longevity, however from my OTHER guitars that use the same brand, I can say that the strings could last a long time. One guitar I restrung back in OCTOBER 2022 and those strings still play and sound great. It's AUGUST 2023 now. I will admit that after such a long time, there is minor blemishing on their phosphor bronze strings, but that is exactly what I consider to be impressive. And I don't consider myself to be a soft/light player, neither. I have similar expectations for my steel strings from Elixir.
Now unwound strings do not get the plastic coating, probably because of how awkward it would be if it started shifting. Instead, Elixir treats their strings with an anti-rust nickel coating. My research on their manufacturing process is inconclusive, but their "plain steel" strings (strings without winding) do last considerably longer than the competition. Albeit, they will still rust, but I'm sure one wipe from a dry cloth will lengthen the string life considerably. I don't wipe my strings and they tend to do well on their own. And remember: I live in a jungle climate.
These strings feel slick on the fingertips, which some people love or hate. I prefer slick instead of sticky. And now that I mention it, there is a small group of people who HATE these strings with a passion. Realistically, though, people don't have conversations about guitar strings—unless you're talking about your G String. I think any self-respecting guitarist will complain about how their G String is "too loose" or "too tight" or "too sharp" or "too flat" at some point of their life. How at one moment, you feel like "it's there" and then after a bit, it feels like it shifted and now it feels weird. I personally don't like it when mine is "too noticeable". We've all been there. As long as it doesn't snap during your performance is the key. Otherwise you'll be red with embarrassment with your G String hanging down by your knees or ankles.
I think these strings are the best. Some say that the plastic coating can interfere with how pickups interact with the strings, which I say that the coating is so thin that the impact on sound is negligible.
MY ONLY RECOMMENDATION when using these strings is to make sure your pick and fingernails do not have sharp edges. The moment that the integrity of the coating is compromised, the strings will lose their magic and rust alarmingly faster. Since I ensure that I'm using smooth-edged picks by round sanding the edges with 600 to 1200 to 2000 grit sandpaper (my personal approach), I find that I can play as heavy and aggressively as I want with these strings and nothing bad happens to the coating.
So, to wrap up my thoughts, these strings sound beautiful; they feel beautiful; they last a crazy long time; and most important to me: they can easily endure high humidity climates.
Elixir Strings, Electric Guitar Strings, Nickel Plated Steel with NANOWEB Coating, Longest-Lasting Bright Tone with Comfortab
4.8 | 14,876 ratings
Price: 14.99
Last update: 01-01-2025
About this item
LEADING GUITAR STRINGS: Made with nickel plated steel wrap wire and our proprietary ultra-thin NANOWEB Coating. For a bright and vibrant longest-lasting tone along with a comfortable, smooth feel
BRILLIANT TONE: Elixir Strings are often rated the best electric guitar strings, you can trust in our consistently reliable performance. From our light electric strings to our heavier gauges
CORROSION RESISTANT: The NANOWEB Coating protects from tone-deadening sweat, corrosion, humidity and rust. Elixir Strings retain their out-of-the-box tone longer than other coated or uncoated strings
MADE IN THE USA: Elixir Strings are lab- and field-tested and made to exacting specifications in our state of the art facility. Versatile and durable, they keep your guitar always sounding its best
CONTENTS: 1x Single Pack of Elixir Electric Guitar Strings, Nickel Plated Steel with NANOWEB Coating, Longest-Lasting Bright Tone with Comfortable Smooth Feel, 6 String Set, Light 10-13-17-26-36-46
BRILLIANT TONE: Elixir Strings are often rated the best electric guitar strings, you can trust in our consistently reliable performance. From our light electric strings to our heavier gauges
CORROSION RESISTANT: The NANOWEB Coating protects from tone-deadening sweat, corrosion, humidity and rust. Elixir Strings retain their out-of-the-box tone longer than other coated or uncoated strings
MADE IN THE USA: Elixir Strings are lab- and field-tested and made to exacting specifications in our state of the art facility. Versatile and durable, they keep your guitar always sounding its best
CONTENTS: 1x Single Pack of Elixir Electric Guitar Strings, Nickel Plated Steel with NANOWEB Coating, Longest-Lasting Bright Tone with Comfortable Smooth Feel, 6 String Set, Light 10-13-17-26-36-46
Product information
| Item Weight | 1.41 ounces |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 4.1 x 4.7 x 0.6 inches |
| Country of Origin | USA |
| ASIN | B0002E1O3G |
| Item model number | 12052 |
| Customer Reviews |
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars
14,522 ratings
4.8 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank | #99 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments) #5 in Electric Guitar Strings |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | August 7, 2005 |
| Color Name | Silver |
| Item Styling | Wrap |
| String Gauge | Light |
| String Material | Coated Steel |
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Material Type | Nickel-plated |
| Musical Style | rock |
| Size | 1 Pack |
Top reviews from the United States
Jason
Perfect for the jungle
Reviewed in the United States on August 9, 2023
E-
They sound good and are durable (see note about baritone, 12-68, set)
Reviewed in the United States on August 16, 2024Freeman
Best of Both Worlds - Great Tone + Longevity
Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2024Ibdjoker
Great item!
Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2024José Grau
Electric guitar 6 light strings
Reviewed in the United States on August 4, 2024Unknown
Pretty good product
Reviewed in the United States on January 26, 2024Jeffrey Levenberg
Great strings
Reviewed in the United States on May 31, 2024Skwidge
You’re Making Me Slick!
Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2024