What is the gauge range for the Elixir 11050 set?

The Elixir 11050 set is a 'Light' gauge for acoustic guitars, ranging from .012 on the high E string to .053 on the low E string. The intermediate gauges are .016, .024, .032, and .042.

What material is used for the wrap wire?

These strings are made from 80/20 bronze, which consists of 80% copper and 20% zinc. This material is known for its bright, crisp tone on acoustic instruments.

What is the primary benefit of the Polyweb coating?

The Polyweb coating acts as a flexible polymer tube that protects the string windings from dirt, sweat, and oils. This protection significantly extends the life of the string and maintains its tone for longer.

How does Polyweb differ from other string coatings?

Polyweb is Elixir's original coating, known for providing a smooth, fast feel and a warm tone. It is typically thicker than the Nanoweb coating, offering a more distinct 'coated' feel and increased durability.

What is the typical price for a set of Elixir 11050 strings?

The typical price for this specific set of strings is approximately GBP 20.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.

Are these strings suitable for electric guitars?

No, the Elixir 11050 strings are specifically designed for acoustic guitars. They use 80/20 bronze, which does not interact with magnetic electric guitar pickups as effectively as nickel-plated steel.

Do these strings help with finger squeak?

Yes, the smooth Polyweb coating reduces the friction between the player's fingers and the strings. This results in significantly less audible finger squeak during position changes.

Can these strings resist environmental contaminants?

Yes, the polymer tube construction is designed to prevent everyday contaminants from stopping you playing. It guards the most critical parts of the string against corrosion.

How would you describe the tone of the 11050 Polyweb strings?

The tone is described as 'delicious' and 'indulgent,' offering a warm rumble. The 80/20 bronze provides a timeless acoustic character that stays consistent over time.

Is the 12-53 gauge considered heavy or light?

In the context of acoustic guitar strings, the 12-53 range is classified as 'Light.' It is the most popular gauge for players who want a balance between tone and ease of play.

Are these strings reliable for professional use?

Yes, Elixir describes these strings as durable, reliable, and superbly strong. They are designed for players who want a 'future' of acoustic playing without frequent string changes.

How do these compare to Ernie Ball M-Steel strings?

While Ernie Ball M-Steel strings are high-output electric guitar strings, the Elixir 11050s are 80/20 bronze acoustic strings. They serve entirely different instruments and tonal purposes.

Gear article

Elixir 11050 POLYWEB Light Acoustic Strings 12-53

The Elixir 11050 Polyweb Light Acoustic Strings are premium 80/20 bronze guitar strings featuring a proprietary polymer coating designed to extend tonal life and physical durability. Gauged from .012 to .053, these strings are engineered to resist contaminants and corrosion while providing a smooth, fast playing feel.

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Overview

The Elixir 11050 Polyweb Light Acoustic Strings represent a specific approach to string longevity in the acoustic guitar market. Constructed from an 80/20 bronze wrap wire over a steel core, these strings are defined by their distinctive Polyweb coating. This specific gauge set (12-53) is widely considered the industry standard for 'Light' acoustic strings, balancing volume and projection with manageable tension for the player's fingers.

Polyweb Coating Technology

The core innovation of the 11050 set is the Polyweb coating. Unlike traditional strings that are exposed to the elements, Elixir employs a strong, flexible polymer tube that guards the 'critical part' of the string—the gaps between the windings. This barrier prevents skin oils, sweat, and environmental contaminants from entering the windings, which is the primary cause of tonal degradation and corrosion. This design ensures that the strings remain playable and retain their sonic character for a significantly longer duration than uncoated alternatives.

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Sonic Character and Feel

The use of 80/20 bronze (80% copper, 20% zinc) provides a tone described as 'delicious' and 'indulgent,' typically offering a bright and crisp initial response that mellows into a warm rumble. The Polyweb coating itself contributes to the physical experience of the string, offering a smooth, slick feel that reduces finger squeak and enhances playability. This makes them particularly suitable for players who prefer a fast neck feel and a consistent tone that stays 'embedded' for extended periods.

Suitability and Comparisons

As a 'Light' gauge set, the 11050 is suitable for a wide range of acoustic guitars, from dreadnoughts to smaller parlours. It provides enough tension to drive the soundboard effectively without being overly taxing on the hands. While other brands like D'Addario (with their Zyex or Helicore lines for orchestral instruments) or Ernie Ball (with M-Steel or Tim Henson Signature sets for electrics) offer specialized performance, Elixir's Polyweb series is specifically focused on the long-term reliability and physical comfort required by acoustic guitarists.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the gauge range for the Elixir 11050 set?: The Elixir 11050 set is a 'Light' gauge for acoustic guitars, ranging from .012 on the high E string to .053 on the low E string. The intermediate gauges are .016, .024, .032, and .042.
What material is used for the wrap wire?: These strings are made from 80/20 bronze, which consists of 80% copper and 20% zinc. This material is known for its bright, crisp tone on acoustic instruments.
What is the primary benefit of the Polyweb coating?: The Polyweb coating acts as a flexible polymer tube that protects the string windings from dirt, sweat, and oils. This protection significantly extends the life of the string and maintains its tone for longer.
How does Polyweb differ from other string coatings?: Polyweb is Elixir's original coating, known for providing a smooth, fast feel and a warm tone. It is typically thicker than the Nanoweb coating, offering a more distinct 'coated' feel and increased durability.
What is the typical price for a set of Elixir 11050 strings?: The typical price for this specific set of strings is approximately GBP 20.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.
Are these strings suitable for electric guitars?: No, the Elixir 11050 strings are specifically designed for acoustic guitars. They use 80/20 bronze, which does not interact with magnetic electric guitar pickups as effectively as nickel-plated steel.
Do these strings help with finger squeak?: Yes, the smooth Polyweb coating reduces the friction between the player's fingers and the strings. This results in significantly less audible finger squeak during position changes.
Can these strings resist environmental contaminants?: Yes, the polymer tube construction is designed to prevent everyday contaminants from stopping you playing. It guards the most critical parts of the string against corrosion.
How would you describe the tone of the 11050 Polyweb strings?: The tone is described as 'delicious' and 'indulgent,' offering a warm rumble. The 80/20 bronze provides a timeless acoustic character that stays consistent over time.
Is the 12-53 gauge considered heavy or light?: In the context of acoustic guitar strings, the 12-53 range is classified as 'Light.' It is the most popular gauge for players who want a balance between tone and ease of play.
Are these strings reliable for professional use?: Yes, Elixir describes these strings as durable, reliable, and superbly strong. They are designed for players who want a 'future' of acoustic playing without frequent string changes.
How do these compare to Ernie Ball M-Steel strings?: While Ernie Ball M-Steel strings are high-output electric guitar strings, the Elixir 11050s are 80/20 bronze acoustic strings. They serve entirely different instruments and tonal purposes.