Are Coated Guitar Strings Better Than Uncoated Strings?
Many guitarists wonder whether coated or uncoated guitar strings are best for them. Coated guitar strings are designed to last longer, but are they worth switching to from your favorite non-coated strings? We’re here to sort out whether coated strings can compete with the feel, tone, and longevity of non-coated strings.
Why Use Coated Strings?
The purpose of coated guitar strings is to protect them against corrosion from acidic perspiration, salty air, humid conditions, and grime buildup. Some players claim that coated strings feel smoother and produce less finger squeaks. In our experience, all strings have their own distinctive feel and tone, so players are always going to want to experiment to find the best fit for them. But objectively speaking, coated guitar strings will hold up under corrosive conditions longer than uncoated strings.
How Are Guitar Strings Coated?
Coated string technology has advanced quite a bit, and there are multiple methods manufacturers can employ to coat their strings. Leading string makers have developed notably thinner coating techniques with the goal of making coated strings that feel like uncoated strings. Let's look at how some popular coated guitar strings are created.
DR Strings Dragon Skin+
DR Strings' Dragon Skin+ coated guitar strings employ separate coatings on both the core and the wrap wire. The core wrap prevents the core wire from corroding while also helping to secure the wrap wire to the core. The wrap wire is coated separately with a thin film (which the unwound strings are treated with as well). The separately coated core and wrap wire are then combined for the finished string.
Elixir Strings OPTIWEB / NANOWEB / POLYWEB
The Elixir Strings "web" series of coated strings employ a polymer coating over the finished strings, completely sealing the valleys between the wraps of the wrap wire. The unwound strings are not coated with the polymer; they are treated with an anti-rust plating. The only difference between the string series is coating thickness: OPTIWEB is the thinnest coating for a "barely there" feel, NANOWEB is the middle-of-the-road thickness (and the most popular), and POLYWEB offers the thickest coating for maximum longevity.
Elixir Strings OPTIWEB for Electric
Elixir Strings NANOWEB for Electric & Bass
Elixir Strings NANOWEB for Acoustic
Elixir Strings POLYWEB for Electric
Elixir Strings POLYWEB for Acoustic
D'Addario XS
According to D'Addario, their XS polymer coating is exactly one-tenth the thickness of a human hair. The finished wound strings are treated with XS coating, while the unwound strings receive a polymer coating derived from D'Addario's XT string series. To help maximize string longevity, D'Addario XS strings feature Fusion Twist technology, their patented technique for securing the ball end to help avoid breakage.
DR Strings Neon
While they offer protection from corrosion like other coated strings, players choose DR Strings' Neon strings for the looks. DR Strings uses its ultra-hard K3 coating for the Neon series, which is applied directly to the wrap wire (or to the entirety of the unwound strings). If your creative expression demands neon strings, these are going to be your top choice whether you want the benefits of coated strings or not.
Modern Coated Strings Can Compete with Uncoated Strings
Older players may still have bad memories of coated strings from decades ago, but there are plenty of modern coated strings that can compete with uncoated strings when it comes to playability and tone. Where they don't compare is longevity: coated strings will definitely last longer than uncoated strings. Ultimately, this is a matter of personal preference. Whether you focus on coated or uncoated strings, you should try a few different options to discover how they feel and sound under your fingers. If your strings are regularly exposed to corrosive conditions, coated guitar strings are well worth considering.
Curious About Round-Core Strings? Learn About the Importance of Your Guitar Strings' Core Wire!
→ Are Round Core Strings More "Slinky"?
