If I may add a comment or two - and I am probably WAY out of my league as most (if not all) of you sound like professional (semi-professional) players. Those who know of me through the group know already of my 'disabled' status - ABI and having to relearn and all and then having to play in a more simplified manner - thus my guitars are all "standard tuned" -E-A-D-G-B-E-. I also play for schoolkids and friends as well as busking on occasion - I am a little afraid to take up the invitation to play at a local pub as I am still embarrassed at having to play from songbooks I have constructed to cater for my memory-loss disabilities, so I haven't gone there yet.

All my playing life I have used D'Addario strings - my old 3/4 Yamaha (Something 50) which has a gorgeous tone has D'Addario Nylons while my 'el cheapo' Samick 12-string has D'Addario Extra-Lights and my Fender Redondo - my 'everything guitar' - has always had D'Addario X-Lights - though I experimented on a couple of occasions with Lights and Mediums - I just liked the feel of the X-L's.

However, last time I changed my strings I asked about tonal quality - as I tend to respect music store folks experience. The chap suggested the Elixirs for their better tone/note-holding abilities and that they seemed to hold their 'true' for a lot longer.

Anyway, I got daring and paid the extra $$$ - given I paid about $15 - $20 for D'Addario's and was asked to shell out almost $40 for the Elixirs, I had to think about it(also being an 'Asperger' and considering changing things can very alien and threatening to my thinking - if someone I trust recommends highly, I'll consider it. Otherwise Hmmmmmmmmm!). I bit the bullet and paid the extra: I bought the Polyweb Light .012 - .053 and have been pretty happy thus far.

While I haven't noticed a markedly better sound from the guitar - I have noted that it does sound just that tad more mellow. However, the big bonus for me is that I they HAVE held their tone/note far betterand longer than the D'Addario's. They have not soured even a little bit - and by now I would have already had a second set of D'Addario's fitted (and probably looking at a third in the next few weeks) since having fitted the Elixirs.


Another bonus is the virtual absence of 'squinching' (string squeak - whatever) though this is dismaying as I liked hearing that because it means my hands and fingers are approaching "normal person" speed and not my usual slower more deliberate actions imposed by minimised brain-hand co-ordination.

Extra questions: I am buying a Maton later this year (my wife, God Bless her, is allowing me to do so) and I understand they come standard with Elixirs - does anyone know this for fact?

Also: I have noted that 'blackening' on the strings which GUEST (post No.2) mentioned, where I chord most. Was wondering whether that 'Fastfret' stuff that Kendall mentioned would help in cleaning them up - or should I just leave it?


As I said earlier - I bought the Polywebs. I think the Nanowebs were available - but even more expensive (and as a casual relieving teacher on not a huge income - maybe next time as I am impressed thus far). Are the Nano's better than the Poly's - or is it simply personal preference?

Great discussion

Muttley - PS - I'm In Australia