Thoughts on Nano vs polys?

LazyLightning

LazyLightning

New member
Hi folks,
I have pretty much played EB supers since I was first introduced to them back in the early 90's. I liked them way back then so they were the obvious choice to come back too when I started playing again last august. As before I have been really happy with them, but I am starting to be tempted to commit an adulterous act with another brand.

I hear A LOT of good things about the Elixir poly and nanowebs. Enough to make me want to give them a try myself, what I can't seem to find is which is considered better and why.

I know a good many of you use them and would love to hear some input before I place an order. I understand I may just have to buy 1 of each type to see which I personally like most, but some guided feedback from actual users would be very helpful.

As mentioned I currently use EB supers which are 9-42, but I will also be beefing up the gauge a bit as well. I currently have a SSS configuration with 3 Alnico V Custom Vintage-Style Single-Coil. I may in the near future change that, but not at this time. I really like the overall tone I get, especially in the bridge only, bridge/middle and middle only configurations.

So some thoughts from the more experienced on which avenue I should take would be GREATLY appreciated as always. You folks never let me down when it comes to sharing helpful knowledge.

TIA!
LazyLightning
(~)}:}
 
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Re: Thoughts on Nano vs polys?

If you're going for long lasting strings, stay away from the tone dead coated kiddie strings and try a set of Optimas (set 2028 EL).
 
Re: Thoughts on Nano vs polys?

I've tried both the poly and nano from Elixir. Both sound incredible but neither lasted very long for me. Great sound though when new.
 
Re: Thoughts on Nano vs polys?

I play on nanoweb Elixir strings. They last a long time for me, sure, the tone begins to fade after about 2 to 3 months of everyday use but they never rust. I have extremely acidic sweat so when I use a set of EB Slinky's or GHS Boomers they strings are shot in 3 weeks, rusty as hell and tone dead. At least I can go months at a time with some nanowebs.
 
Re: Thoughts on Nano vs polys?

SnakeAces said:
I play on nanoweb Elixir strings. They last a long time for me, sure, the tone begins to fade after about 2 to 3 months of everyday use but they never rust. I have extremely acidic sweat so when I use a set of EB Slinky's or GHS Boomers they strings are shot in 3 weeks, rusty as hell and tone dead. At least I can go months at a time with some nanowebs.
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Thats hilarious–exact opposite of me! lol I use EB Super Slinkys and Cobalts.
 
Re: Thoughts on Nano vs polys?

Hell, anyone who has acidic sweat ought to treat themselves to a set of Optimas.
 
Re: Thoughts on Nano vs polys?

LLL said:
Hell, anyone who has acidic sweat ought to treat themselves to a set of Optimas.
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I'm not at all unhappy with my nanowebs but I am always willing to try something else. If I can find them next time I go shopping for strings I will give them a whirl.
 
Re: Thoughts on Nano vs polys?

I'm intrigued by the Optima strings but like SnakeAces, I also suffer from string massacre syndrome, and the biggest deal for me with the Elixirs are the plated plains, which WILL still rust once the frets wear off the coating on those spots on the undersides of the strings. The Optima's gold plating doesn't seem like it would last any longer. Gold ridiculously soft. I also gum up the winds on the big strings and plating the winding wouldn't help that, either. I've got to keep that crap out of the windings so coated strings are the only ones for me.

I prefer the Nanowebs. The thinner coating on the wounds makes them a bit brighter and feel more like regular wound strings, where the Polywebs start a bit darker and feel smoother, kinda like old school halfwounds.
 
Re: Thoughts on Nano vs polys?

formula73 said:
I'm intrigued by the Optima strings but like SnakeAces, I also suffer from string massacre syndrome, and the biggest deal for me with the Elixirs are the plated plains, which WILL still rust once the frets wear off the coating on those spots on the undersides of the strings. The Optima's gold plating doesn't seem like it would last any longer. Gold ridiculously soft. I also gum up the winds on the big strings and plating the winding wouldn't help that, either. I've got to keep that crap out of the windings so coated strings are the only ones for me.

I prefer the Nanowebs. The thinner coating on the wounds makes them a bit brighter and feel more like regular wound strings, where the Polywebs start a bit darker and feel smoother, kinda like old school halfwounds.
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Wait, Optima strings are gold plated? No thank you!
 
Re: Thoughts on Nano vs polys?

treyhaislip said:
Ha! Well, my dad taught me that wiping down strings with WD40 after playing makes them last for ages (I swear he never changes strings. lol)
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Does the WD-40 stain the fretboards at all? I know it can be dangerous to guitar finishes too if it leaks into a crack somewhere in the finish.
 
Re: Thoughts on Nano vs polys?

SnakeAces said:
Does the WD-40 stain the fretboards at all? I know it can be dangerous to guitar finishes too if it leaks into a crack somewhere in the finish.
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Not that I've noticed–I spray it on an old sock and wipe down the strings, saddles, and nut.
 
Re: Thoughts on Nano vs polys?

treyhaislip said:
Not that I've noticed–I spray it on an old sock and wipe down the strings, saddles, and nut.
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This is where most people get hung up - they spray the strings directly like they're cleaning the rims on their car.

Spray a rag, which only touches the strings.
 
Re: Thoughts on Nano vs polys?

DrNewcenstein said:
This is where most people get hung up - they spray the strings directly like they're cleaning the rims on their car.

Spray a rag, which only touches the strings.
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I spray guitar honey directly onto the fretboard but stuff for strings should not be sprayed directly onto the board IMO...a rag works best!
 
Re: Thoughts on Nano vs polys?

LLL said:
Hell, anyone who has acidic sweat ought to treat themselves to a set of Optimas.
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They do look nice, but there's no reason to go that expensive just to prevent the corrosion from acidic sweat.

I have pretty acidic body chemistry myself - such that normal steel alloy strings and even coated strings will corrode in my hands after less than a couple of hours of playing time. The solution is a pure nickel string. DR Pure Blues, Gibson Classic Reissues, Ernie Ball Rock Classics, Pyramids - any pure nickel string will completely alleviate the problem.
 
Re: Thoughts on Nano vs polys?

Nickel corrodes like a mofo. Nickel plated:

Hardware
Guns
Jewelry
...Nickels.

All haze over and turn gray and mungy.
 
Re: Thoughts on Nano vs polys?

I use Elixers almost exclusively, because I rotate through my guitars and some will be "out" for several months, and the coating helps keep the rust away. I generally prefer the Poly because it's a thicker coating. I will only use the Nano web for the lower output Strats and Teles. so that I can be sure to get the brighter sound out of them that's intended.
 
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