Elixir Polyweb Acoustic Guitar Strings

Feature:
The two best features of coated strings are extended wear and playability. The strings take longer to tarnish because they are coated and they play much faster because there's less friction. The downside is when they do wear, the coating flakes off and dulls the sound.

Quality:
After playing these strings for 10 years on my two Taylors and McPherson, I have noticed a significant breakage problem in the last 4 years with the G string across the saddle. For someone who plays out all the time, reliability is essential. The G string has become totally unreliable in concert- more than 3 or 4 times breaking on the first song.

Value:
This is a good product if you play at home for recreation. They will help you improve as a guitar player. But they are currently unacceptable for professional players.

Desirability:
They're slick and fast, so I guess that makes them y. But keep 'em in the house- they'll embarrass you in public!

Sound:
It's a coated string, so it's a mixed blessing. Less squeaks means less natural fret noise.

Ease of Use:
Great playability. You'll find you can play a lot faster and easier with these strings versus conventional strings.

Support:
Elixir has sent me replacement G strings, stating these were *improved* (which would indicate they knew of a problem). However these broke on 3 different guitars I tried them on- all at the saddle. Bottom line, again, if they are not reliable- who cares if you get free replacements?

Overall:
If you're looking for strings you can keep on your guitar for a long time (at home) these would be a good choice. If you play out a lot, change your strings frequently, or in general- need strings that you can count on- these would not be the strings to get.

Sound:
A couple of days after I put these strings on my Fender acoustic, I nearly took them off. They held onto that shallow "new" sound far longer than the uncoated strings I had been using before. But I was patient and left them on. Now, FIVE MONTHS later! the same set of Polyweb strings are still on the guitar. After a few days, they began to sound rich and warm, and they have kept that good sound for MONTHS. I highly reccomend these strings to anybody. I play every single day, with a pick and fingerstyle, up and down the neck. These strings have stayed clean (not crusty!) and have sounded good for months longer than uncoated strings I have used. Try them. You patience will pay off in the long run.