Elixir 16002 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!

Great strings, beautiful crisp sound plucking or strumming and they last for 6+months before you need to consider restringing

The Elixir Acoustic Guitar Strings sound amazing on my guitar. I highly suggest buying them if your looking for a more vibrant sound out of your guitar. i was searching for different guitar strings to try out, to see if it would make my guitar sound better and these strings didn't disappoint.Tone and Sound QualityThese strings deliver a warm and bright tone that is characteristic of phosphor bronze. The sound is rich and full, making them suitable for a variety of musical styles. The NANOWEB coating helps to preserve this tone for a longer period compared to uncoated strings1.Durability and LongevityOne of the standout features of these strings is their extended tone life. The NANOWEB coating protects the entire string, including the gaps between the windings, which helps to prevent the buildup of dirt and grime1. This means you can enjoy a fresh, vibrant sound for a longer time without frequent string changes1.PlayabilityThe strings have a smooth feel that is easy on the fingers, enhancing playability. The coating also reduces finger squeak, which is beneficial for both live performances and recording sessions1.Gauge and VersatilityThe light gauge (.012-.053) offers a good balance between playability and tone. It's light enough for easy bending and comfortable playing, yet still provides enough tension for a robust sound2.Overall ValueWhile these strings might be priced higher than some other brands, their longevity and consistent performance make them a worthwhile investment. The reduced need for frequent string changes can save you money in the long run3.Pros:Warm and bright toneExtended tone lifeSmooth feel and reduced finger squeakDurable and long-lastingCons:Higher price point compared to some other brandsOverall, the Elixir 16052 Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings with NANOWEB Coating are an excellent choice for guitarists looking for high-quality, long-lasting strings that deliver a consistent and vibrant tone.