Gear article
Elixir 11025 Polyweb Custom-Light Acoustic Guitar Strings
The Elixir 11025 Polyweb Custom-Light Acoustic Strings are premium 80/20 bronze guitar strings featuring a proprietary polymer coating. Designed for longevity and a smooth playing feel, these strings utilize a gauge range of 11-52 to balance playability with acoustic resonance.
See live pricesOverview
The Elixir 11025 Polyweb Custom-Light set represents a specific configuration in the Elixir acoustic range, combining an 80/20 bronze alloy with the brand's original Polyweb coating technology. These strings are engineered to provide a consistent tone over an extended lifespan compared to uncoated alternatives. The 'Custom-Light' gauge (11-52) serves as a middle ground between traditional Extra Light and Light sets, offering easier fretting without sacrificing the low-end response required for acoustic projection.
Technology and Construction
The core of the E11025 string is wrapped in 80/20 bronze, a popular alloy known for its initial brightness. The defining feature, however, is the Polyweb coating. This involves a strong, flexible polymer tube that physically guards the most critical parts of the string—the gaps between the windings. By creating this physical barrier, Elixir prevents everyday contaminants such as skin oils, dirt, and perspiration from accumulating in the windings, which is the primary cause of tonal degradation and corrosion.
Tonal Character and Feel
Strings equipped with Polyweb coating are described as having a 'timeless' and 'indulgent' tone. Unlike the thinner Nanoweb coating, the Polyweb layer provides a smoother, faster feel that reduces finger squeak. Sonically, the E11025s are designed to maintain a consistent, warm character that stays 'embedded' in the instrument's output for a significantly longer duration than standard strings. The 11-52 gauge ensures that the 'rumble' of the acoustic body is maintained while remaining accessible for lead work and complex chording.
Target Audience
This set is particularly suited for acoustic guitarists who prioritise longevity and a slicker tactile experience. The Custom-Light gauge is ideal for players who find standard light gauges (12-53) slightly too stiff but want more tension than extra-light sets (10-47). Because the coating resists environmental damage, they are a practical choice for musicians who play frequently or in humid conditions where uncoated strings would quickly oxidise.
Comparison to Alternatives
Within the Elixir range, the Polyweb coating offers a slicker, more 'played-in' feel compared to the thinner Nanoweb coating. When compared to traditional uncoated strings like those from D'Addario or Ernie Ball, the Elixir 11025s command a higher price point (typically around £20) but offset this through their extended lifespan. While brands like Larsen and Thomastik focus on orchestral strings for violin, viola, or cello, Elixir remains a specialist in the coated guitar string market, focusing on long-term performance reliability.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the specific gauge of the Elixir 11025 set?
- The 11025 set is a Custom-Light gauge, which includes string thicknesses from .011 to .052 inches.
- What material are these strings made from?
- These strings are made from 80/20 bronze, which is a composition of 80% copper and 20% zinc.
- What is the difference between Polyweb and other coatings?
- Polyweb is Elixir's original coating, providing a smoother feel and a warmer tone compared to the thinner Nanoweb coating.
- How does the coating affect the life of the string?
- The coating acts as a flexible polymer tube that protects the windings from dirt and oils, significantly extending the tonal life.
- Are these strings suitable for electric guitars?
- No, the 11025 set is specifically designed for acoustic guitars using 80/20 bronze materials meant for acoustic resonance.
- What is the typical price for a set of Elixir 11025 strings?
- In the UK market, these strings typically retail for approximately £20 per set.
- Do these strings help reduce finger squeak?
- Yes, the Polyweb coating is known for providing a slicker surface that reduces the audible sliding noise known as finger squeak.
- How does 80/20 bronze sound compared to phosphor bronze?
- 80/20 bronze generally provides a brighter, crisper initial tone, though the Polyweb coating on the 11025s helps mellow this into a warm, consistent sound.
- Who should use Custom-Light gauges?
- Custom-Light 11-52 gauges are ideal for players who want a balance between the easy playability of light strings and the projection of heavier sets.
- Can these strings withstand humid environments?
- Yes, the polymer coating is specifically designed to guard against environmental contaminants and moisture that cause corrosion.
- Is the coating likely to flake off?
- The Polyweb coating is designed to be durable and flexible, though it may eventually show wear in the picking area after extensive use.
- How do Elixir 11025s compare to Ernie Ball M-Steel strings?
- While Ernie Ball M-Steel strings are high-output electric strings, the Elixir 11025s are coated acoustic strings focused on longevity and traditional bronze tone.
