What is included in the Elixir 16550 3 Pack?

The pack contains three individual sets of Elixir OPTIWEB Electric Guitar Strings. Each set features a Super Light gauge ranging from .009 to .042.

What is the primary benefit of the OPTIWEB coating?

The OPTIWEB coating is designed to protect strings from corrosion and dirt build-up. This significantly extends the life of the strings' tone compared to uncoated strings while maintaining a natural feel.

How does OPTIWEB feel compared to other Elixir coatings?

OPTIWEB is the thinnest coating offered by Elixir. It is designed to feel like an uncoated string, offering a more natural grip and less 'slipperiness' than the NANOWEB or POLYWEB versions.

What are the specific string gauges in the 9-42 set?

The set typically includes string diameters of .009, .011, .016, .024, .032, and .042. This is widely known as a 'Super Light' gauge configuration.

Are these strings suitable for acoustic guitars?

No, these are nickel-plated steel strings designed specifically for electric guitars. Acoustic guitars typically require bronze or phosphor bronze strings for proper resonance and projection.

Do these strings sound bright or warm?

The Elixir OPTIWEB strings are described as crisp and bright. They are engineered to provide a punchy tone with high levels of clarity, similar to a fresh set of uncoated strings.

Is the 3-pack more cost-effective than buying single sets?

Generally, yes. At a typical price of approximately £33.00, the 3-pack offers a lower price per set than purchasing three individual packs separately.

How long do Elixir OPTIWEB strings typically last?

While individual results vary based on playing frequency and sweat acidity, Elixir strings are known for lasting several times longer than standard strings. They maintain their 'new string' tone for a significantly extended period.

Do the plain (unwound) strings have a coating?

The plain steel strings in the Elixir 16550 set feature an Anti-Rust plating. This ensures that the entire set remains free from corrosion, not just the wound strings.

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

While Ernie Ball M-Steel strings focus on high output and durability through material strength, Elixir OPTIWEB focuses on longevity through a protective chemical barrier. Elixir strings generally resist dulling from dirt better than non-coated high-output strings.

Can these strings be used for drop tuning?

While they can be tuned down, the 9-42 gauge is quite light. For significant drop tuning (such as Drop C), a heavier gauge would typically be recommended to maintain proper string tension.

Are these strings genuine Elixir products?

Yes, provided they are purchased through reputable retailers. The 16550 is a standard manufacturer part number for the Elixir OPTIWEB 3 Pack.

Gear article

Elixir 16550 OPTIWEB Guitar Strings 3 Pack (9-42)

The Elixir 16550 OPTIWEB 3 Pack is a set of nickel-plated steel electric guitar strings featuring a specialised thin-film coating. Designed to provide a balance between long-lasting tone and a natural feel, these strings use the Super Light 9-42 gauge profile to cater to players seeking ease of playability.

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Overview

The Elixir 16550 OPTIWEB 3 Pack represents a high-end solution for electric guitarists who require the longevity of coated strings without sacrificing the tactile response of traditional uncoated wires. This specific pack contains three individual sets of strings gauged .009 to .042. Elixir's proprietary OPTIWEB coating is engineered to protect the metal from the corrosive effects of sweat, skin oils, and humidity, which typically cause strings to lose their 'brightness' and intonation over time.

Technology and Construction

The primary innovation in the 16550 set is the OPTIWEB coating technology. Unlike thicker coatings that can significantly dampen string vibration or feel 'slippery' or 'plastic-like' to the touch, OPTIWEB is designed to be nearly imperceptible.

Key technical features include: - Corrosion Resistance: The coating acts as a physical barrier that prevents dirt and debris from settling in the gaps of the windings. - Anti-Rust Treatment: The plain steel strings in the set also feature a specific treatment to ensure the entire set ages at a uniform rate. - Nickel-Plated Steel Wrap: This provides the fundamental magnetic response required for electric guitar pickups.

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Tonal Character

These strings are characterised by a crisp, bright, and distinctive punch. While many coated strings are associated with a warmer or more 'mellow' sound due to the dampening effect of the protective layer, the OPTIWEB treatment is formulated to maintain clarity and high-end sparkle. This makes the 16550 set particularly suitable for genres that require a sharp attack and clear harmonic content.

Target Audience and Playability

The 9-42 gauge is classified as 'Super Light,' making it an ideal choice for lead guitarists who perform frequent bends or players who prefer a lower tension for easier fretting. Because this is a 3-pack, it is targeted at active musicians who wish to maintain a consistent feel across multiple instruments or reduce the per-unit cost of their maintenance supplies. It is a premium alternative to standard sets like the Ernie Ball Regular Slinky or the D'Addario NYXL series.

Comparative Context

Within the Elixir range, OPTIWEB sits alongside POLYWEB (the original, thickest coating) and NANOWEB (a medium-thickness coating). Compared to competitors like the Ernie Ball M-Steel or Tim Henson Signature sets, Elixir focuses heavily on the 'extended life' aspect. While brands like Thomastik or Larsen focus on orchestral precision for cello and violin, Elixir's electric guitar line is focused on balancing modern chemical engineering with the traditional requirements of rock, blues, and metal performance.

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Frequently asked questions

What is included in the Elixir 16550 3 Pack?: The pack contains three individual sets of Elixir OPTIWEB Electric Guitar Strings. Each set features a Super Light gauge ranging from .009 to .042.
What is the primary benefit of the OPTIWEB coating?: The OPTIWEB coating is designed to protect strings from corrosion and dirt build-up. This significantly extends the life of the strings' tone compared to uncoated strings while maintaining a natural feel.
How does OPTIWEB feel compared to other Elixir coatings?: OPTIWEB is the thinnest coating offered by Elixir. It is designed to feel like an uncoated string, offering a more natural grip and less 'slipperiness' than the NANOWEB or POLYWEB versions.
What are the specific string gauges in the 9-42 set?: The set typically includes string diameters of .009, .011, .016, .024, .032, and .042. This is widely known as a 'Super Light' gauge configuration.
Are these strings suitable for acoustic guitars?: No, these are nickel-plated steel strings designed specifically for electric guitars. Acoustic guitars typically require bronze or phosphor bronze strings for proper resonance and projection.
Do these strings sound bright or warm?: The Elixir OPTIWEB strings are described as crisp and bright. They are engineered to provide a punchy tone with high levels of clarity, similar to a fresh set of uncoated strings.
Is the 3-pack more cost-effective than buying single sets?: Generally, yes. At a typical price of approximately £33.00, the 3-pack offers a lower price per set than purchasing three individual packs separately.
How long do Elixir OPTIWEB strings typically last?: While individual results vary based on playing frequency and sweat acidity, Elixir strings are known for lasting several times longer than standard strings. They maintain their 'new string' tone for a significantly extended period.
Do the plain (unwound) strings have a coating?: The plain steel strings in the Elixir 16550 set feature an Anti-Rust plating. This ensures that the entire set remains free from corrosion, not just the wound strings.
How do these compare to Ernie Ball M-Steel strings?: While Ernie Ball M-Steel strings focus on high output and durability through material strength, Elixir OPTIWEB focuses on longevity through a protective chemical barrier. Elixir strings generally resist dulling from dirt better than non-coated high-output strings.
Can these strings be used for drop tuning?: While they can be tuned down, the 9-42 gauge is quite light. For significant drop tuning (such as Drop C), a heavier gauge would typically be recommended to maintain proper string tension.
Are these strings genuine Elixir products?: Yes, provided they are purchased through reputable retailers. The 16550 is a standard manufacturer part number for the Elixir OPTIWEB 3 Pack.