Polyweb Vs Nanoweb – Elixir Guitar Strings

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Last Updated on July 23, 2023 by Guitarist Authority

polyweb vs nanoweb

Contemplating a new set of Elixir Strings and unsure whether to choose Polyweb vs Nanoweb?

We have reviewed the strings, compiled the data and confidently provide you with the info below.

Both string coatings are made by Elixir Strings, we will go over each so you can effectively choose which best suits your style, Polyweb vs Nanoweb.

For those who are just interested in the simplest answer for what the differences are:

Polyweb Guitar Strings

Polyweb strings are coated with a microscopically-thin polymer tube. This coating completely surrounds the string but does not fill the area between windings. This is very important as filling the area would affect vibration and tone.

The Polyweb coating protects the string from corrosion, dirt, grime sweat and humidity. In doing so, it prolongs the life and tone of your strings.

Polyweb strings produce a warm, “played-in” sound and a fast, slick feel.

Gauges Of Polyweb Strings

ACOUSTIC – 80/20 Bronze

Amazon
Extra Light.010 – .047
Custom Light.011 – .052
Light.012 – .053
Light-Medium.012 – .056
Medium.013 – .056
Resonator.016 – .056
12-String Light.010 – .047 & .010 – .027

ELECTRIC – Nickel Plated Steel

Amazon
Super-Light.009 – .042
Custom-Light.009 – .046
Light.010 – .046
Medium.011 – .049

Nanoweb Guitar Strings

Nanoweb strings, like Polyweb, also are coated with a thin, advanced polymer tube. The same rules apply as with the Polyweb, although coated, no coating fills the area between windings.

Nanoweb strings produce a bright tone and have a smooth feel.

Gauges Of Nanoweb Strings

ACOUSTIC – Phosphor Bronze

Amazon
Extra Light.010 – .047
Custom Light.011 – .052
Light.012 – .053
Light-Medium.012 – .056
Medium.013 – .056
HD Light.013 – .053
12-String Light.010 – .047 & .010 – .027

ACOUSTIC – 80/20 Bronze

Amazon
Extra Light.010 – .047
Custom Light.011 – .052
Light.012 – .053
Light-Medium.012 – .056
Medium.013 – .056
HD Light.013 – .053
Baritone.016 – .070
8-String Baritone.016 – .070
12-String Light.010 – .047 & .010 – .027

ELECTRIC – Nickel Plated Steel

Amazon
Super Light.009 – .042
Custom Light.009 – .046
Light.010 – .046
Light-Heavy.010 – .052
Medium.011 – .049
Heavy.012 – .052
Baritone.012 – .068
7-String Super Light.009 – .052
7-String Light.010 – .056
7-String Light/Heavy.010 – .059
7-String Medium.011 – .059
8-String Light.010 – .074
12-String Light.010 – .046 & .010 – .026

ACOUSTIC BASS – 80/20 Bronze

4-String Acoustic Light / Long Scale.045 – .100

ELECTRIC BASS – Nickel-Plated Steel

Amazon
4-String Super Light / Long Scale.040 – .095
4-String Light / Long Scale.045 – .100
4-String Light-Medium / Long Scale.045 – .105
4-String Light-Medium / Extra Long Scale.045 – .105
4-String Medium / Long Scale.050 – .105
5-String Light / Long Scale.045 – .130
5-String Light-Medium / Long Scale.045 – .135

ELECTRIC BASS – Stainless Steel

Amazon
4-String Light / Long Scale.045 – .100
4-String Light-Medium / Long Scale.045 – .105
4-String Medium / Long Scale.050 – .105
5-String Light / Long Scale.045 – .130
5-String Light-Medium / Long Scale.045 – .135

Difference Between Polyweb Vs Nanoweb

Although both have an advanced polymer coating, the difference between the Polyweb vs Nanoweb coating is the thickness. The Nanoweb coating is thinner, this provides a brighter tone, more similar to what you’d expect to hear from a new set of uncoated strings.

The benefit of the thicker Polyweb coating is the extra longevity you can get out of your strings.

Polyweb is the original coating that Elixir produced after their different tests and trials using 15000 guitarists. They further refined their production and testing to produce the ultra-thin Nanoweb coating.

Benefits Of Coated Strings

  • Reduce finger squeak
  • Extended tone life and overall longevity
  • Corrosion resistance

Potential Drawbacks Of Coated Strings

  • Not as ‘bright’ as uncoated strings
  • Feel and tone you are not used to

Artists Using Elixir Strings

JOHN PAUL JONES – Bassist for Led Zeppelin

MARCUS KING – The Marcus King Band, Grammy Award nominee for the Best Americana Album

WAYNE SERMON – Lead guitarist for Imagine Dragons

PHIL KEAGGY – 7-time recipient of the GMA Dove Award for Instrumental Album of the Year and two-time Grammy Award nominee for Best Gospel Album

SUS VASQUEZ – Guitarist for Grammy-winning Latina artist Karol G

KAKI KING – Contributed music to the movie ‘Into the Wild’ which earned Golden Globe nominations for Best Original Score

GREG KARAS – Guitarist for certified triple-platinum recording artist Andy Grammer

CHRIS TOMLIN – 23 GMA Dove Awards, Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album and two certified platinum albums

RICHARD THOMPSON – Multiple Grammy Award nominee

ZACH COMTOIS – Guitarist for Britney Spears

MASSIMO VARINI – Four-time Grammy Award winner

ERIC BIBB – Multiple Grammy Award nominee

ERIC CHURCH – Multiple award-winning recording artist

DAN TYMINSKI – Winner of 14 Grammy Awards

Conclusion

The Polyweb vs Nanoweb debate will surely continue as it is completely based on preference. You can either choose Polyweb for its played-in tone and slick feel or Nanoweb for the brighter sound. What is your Elixir String preference?

Check out our How To String A Guitar guide for tips on swapping your strings!

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