Elixir Nanoweb Vs Polyweb. What Is The Difference?

This is our comparison of the Elixir Nanoweb Vs Polyweb guitar strings.

I’m a guitarist of 25 years and still, to this day, Elixir are my go-to strings. I thought it would be a good time to introduce you to the differences and what makes them so popular.

I’ve included my favorite Acoustic and Electric Guitar strings from Elixir.

Read on to see all the finer details with each set of strings and what suits your guitar requirements best.

Product Range Comparison

The Story Behind Elixir Strings

Elixir Guitar Strings began in 1997.

They started by evaluating their favorite guitar strings from the market place. In an attempt to discover what made them sonically ideal.

Then came the process of experimenting with various coatings. Trials were held with 15,000 guitarists, to find out which coating process worked best with real players. There’s no better test than using the demanding ear of a guitarist eh?

Finally, after vigorous testing, they found a number of successful coatings. Polyweb and Nanoweb guitar strings were born.

Since that day various combinations have improved the string building process. The first Elixir long-life strings were brought into the mainstream. Eventually elevating Elixir to the top, with other giants of string manufacturing.

Elixir scaled up the business creating coatings, not only for the acoustic and the electric guitars. But bass, mandolin, and banjo.

Elixir Guitar strings have a few different ‘flavors’, yet the alternative choices are from the same basic build concept.

The Elixir coat is like no other string provider in the market. It expands the life of your string tone by decreasing the deterioration from your skin oil and everyday elements.

In essence, the coating blocks corrosion longer than your standard string. In the long run, this saves you money and increases the longevity of your tone.

10 Essential Tips For Guitar Care: The Best Ways To Maintain Your Guitar:

Elixir Nanoweb Vs Polyweb Guitar Strings. Acoustic Guitar

The Elixir Acoustic Guitar range comes in 3 flavors.

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Elixir Nanoweb Vs Polyweb Guitar Strings. Electric Guitar

Here are the different types of coating for the Electric Guitar:

Alternatively (Electric Guitar Strings)

If you are still searching for that brighter sound. Elixir offers a solution.

An Optiweb coating is available. It offers a very thin layer. This provides you a more natural brighter and sharper sound. Perfect for such genres as country or reggae. Any music where the guitar needs to sit at the higher end of the frequency. 

This thinner coating type means you don’t need the initial ‘stretching in’ stage to warm the coating up. You throw the strings on and you’re ready to play a show. 

Depending on how much high-end you want in your tone, the Opiweb is a great alternative.

From My Personal Experience

If you’re looking to find out whether Polyweb or Nanoweb strings lasts longest. I’ve been using both over the years, and these are my thoughts.

I played guitar in a working band, we were rehearsing or playing live four to six times a month. I’m happy to say I recently played 4 straight gigs in short succession. My Elixir strings were still sounding great on the last show, and I hadn’t broken a single string.

Take into consideration the sweat, grime, and temperature changes at live shows. These are all elements that wreck the life and tone of your strings. The lifespan of the Elixir coated string is exceptional in my eyes.

My experience tells me there is no difference in how long Polyweb or Nanoweb strings last. Both have very similar lasting qualities.

So whether you’re playing acoustic or electric, live or in your bedroom. I’m confident you’re going to get 2 to 3 times more out of Elixir, in comparison to your standard uncoated strings.

Obviously, everybody breaks strings. This could be down to many things. Like poor guitar intonation, aggressive technique, or quick changes in temperature.

Sound Difference

As a guitarist, you’re probably looking to find out the tonal characteristics between the Poly and Nanoweb.

Let’s take a look at this chart to give you a clearer idea of what Elixir coating suits you best. 

Nanoweb	Polyweb
Feels more natural, lively, and bright.	Warm and mellow
Crisper	Faster Feel
Clearer, perfect for the lead guitarist	Bigger Sound. Good choice for the Chord player. Rhythm guitarist
Transparent and offers a wider spectrum of tones	Deeper and darker
Similar to the conventional string set	Powerful and thick.

Coating Difference. How Do They Feel?

Nanoweb Vs Polyweb Guitar Strings

Polyweb coating is thicker than the Nanoweb. Polyweb strings gives you a slicker, softer feel to the strings. Meaning you can play a little faster and move around with less effort.

This may have its drawbacks if you sweat a lot. Some players have difficulty fretting quickly when sweating. Due to the slippier feel of the Polyweb, this may have your sweaty fingers skating around too much.

The Nanoweb coating is thinner, less dense. In essence, forcing you to fret the note with less room for error.

It’s been said by Nanoweb users that you have more control over every note. The Nanoweb has a similar feel to your standard strings.

Here’s a helpful short video:

Gauge 

One of the first things you will notice when shopping for guitar strings is that they come in several different weights.

Medium gauge strings are the standard, but they tend to be stiffer and more difficult to work with for beginners. On the plus side, medium gauge strings produce a more robust sound with better volume.

By contrast, lightweight strings are easier to press and hold, and they are a bit more flexible if you are going for a modern sound.

Many beginners prefer lightweight strings until they can build up their finger strength. Once the calluses build up, it’s then a good time for medium-weight strings.

Beyond the typical light and medium gauge strings, you may also come across extra light or heavy gauge. These types of strings are used less often, but you can always experiment with them to see how they change the sound of your playing.

Buying Tips

If you are buying guitar strings for a small bodied guitar. Purchase light strings, especially for acoustic based instruments. The smaller bodied guitars will struggle with the pressure of big strings pulling the neck. And Vice versa, if you’re looking for strings for a Baritone Electric, go heavy gauge.

Fingerpickers and intricate guitarists may need lighter to medium strings, as they tend to move around the fretboard more. Strummers, go for medium to heavy, and get the most out of your open chords.

In essence, the heavier end of string gauge gives you more of the bass sound. More resonance and power. Light to medium can assist you with higher notes, subtle picking, and easy access around the scales.

So, lighter strings are easier to play but you lose a lot in tone. It’s safe to say light strings break easier as they have less strength. Medium to heavy strings are superior when it comes to sustain and lastability.

If you want more sound from your acoustic or fatter riffs on your electric, you’re going to have to go heavier gauge.

When To Replace

Let’s start with the obvious, don’t wait until they break!

The frequency you should change strings depends on how often you play, how you play, and in what conditions your instrument is played and stored.

Occasional players may take a month to three months to wear out a set.

Most players change strings when they lose their brilliance, sound too mellow. If the intonation falters or when their instrument is difficult to keep in tune.