Elixir Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Strings w NANOWEB Coating - Extra

In this review of the Elixir Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings with NANOWEB coating and included Jim Dunlop cleaning kit, the bottom line is simple: these strings are for players who want a consistently bright, full-bodied acoustic tone that lasts significantly longer between changes. The set pairs phosphor bronze wrap wire with Elixir's patented ultra-thin NANOWEB coating to protect windings and reduce gunk buildup, while the included Formula 65 polish and lemon oil kit helps keep the instrument clean and playing its best. For busy gigging players or home players who value tone longevity, this package delivers tangible time and cost savings.

Key Features

• Phosphor bronze wrap wire: Delivers a warm, balanced tone with rich lows and sparkling high-end clarity ideal for many playing styles.
• NANOWEB coating: An ultra-thin protective layer preserves the string surface and feel while extending tone life by preventing corrosion and buildup between windings.
• Anti-rust plating: Protects the plain steel strings as well, ensuring the entire set ages more slowly than uncoated options.
• Extra light gauge (.010-.047): Easier to bend and forgiving for fingerstyle and players who prefer lower tension.
• Cleaning kit included: The Jim Dunlop kit with Formula 65 polish and lemon oil keeps the guitar body and fretboard maintained, extending the instrument's appearance and playability.

Who It's For

This package is best for acoustic players who value a long-lasting, consistent tone without sacrificing a natural, textured feel; the NANOWEB coating is thin enough that many players report it feels like an uncoated string while still protecting tone life. Gigging musicians, frequent players, or anyone who dislikes changing strings often will appreciate the reduced maintenance.

Players seeking the absolute brightest, uncoated raw-string feel or those who always prefer heavier tension for aggressive flatpicking may look elsewhere, but for most fingerstylists, singer-songwriters, and casual to pro gigging players, this is a strong, practical choice.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Extended tone life from full-string NANOWEB coating and anti-rust plating keeps sound consistent longer.
• Balanced, rich phosphor bronze sound with clear highs and full-bodied lows for versatile acoustic tones.
• Extra light gauge offers low tension and comfortable playability for bends and fingerstyle work.
• Includes a practical body and fretboard cleaning kit to maintain the instrument between string changes.

Cons

• The coated surface, while thin, may still be perceived as slightly different from brand-new uncoated strings by players seeking the rawest feel.
• Extra light gauge may not satisfy players who prefer heavier tension for aggressive strumming.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Elixir Phosphor Bronze set with NANOWEB coating and cleaning kit is a smart buy for players who want a balanced, bright acoustic tone that stays consistent and resists corrosion. Between the long-lived coated strings and the included care kit, it offers real value for giggers and regular players who want fewer string changes and a maintained instrument.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do these strings feel coated?
Yes, the NANOWEB coating is ultra-thin and designed to retain a traditionally textured feel, though some players notice a subtle difference compared with fresh uncoated strings.

Will the included kit harm my fretboard?
The Jim Dunlop Formula 65 polish and lemon oil are intended for guitar care; use the lemon oil on unfinished fretboards sparingly and follow product instructions.

Are these strings suitable for gigging?
Yes, their extended tone life and consistent sound make them well suited to regular gigging and frequent playing.