When I first strung up a guitar with Elixir 80/20 Bronze NANOWEB Light 12-53 strings, it felt like stepping into an entirely different playing experience.
My fingers slid effortlessly over the frets, the chords rang out bright and clear, and the tone seemed to hang in the air just a bit longer than usual. Professional players often claim these strings last up to five times longer than regular uncoated strings—and in my experience, they’re not exaggerating.
In this guide, we’ll dig into exactly what makes these strings stand out, from their unique coating technology to their balanced playability, and why they might just become your go-to set.
What Makes Elixir 80/20 Bronze NANOWEB Strings Stand Out?
Elixir’s reputation in the guitar world largely comes down to one thing: innovative coating technology that keeps strings sounding fresh long after others have gone dull.
Revolutionary Coating Technology
The NANOWEB coating is incredibly thin—so thin you can barely feel it—yet it wraps every winding, including the tiny spaces where corrosion likes to hide. This creates a barrier against sweat, dirt, and humidity without muting the strings’ natural tone.
Premium Material Composition
The 80/20 bronze wrap wire (80% copper, 20% zinc) is a tried-and-true alloy known for its bright, lively tone. Add in anti-rust plating on the cores, and you’ve got a set that resists wear without sacrificing sound quality.
An Authentic, “Uncoated” Feel
Many coated strings feel slick or plasticky, but NANOWEB strings are designed to feel as close as possible to uncoated sets—while lasting much longer.
Made in the USA
Every set is crafted in Elixir’s U.S. facility and tested to meet strict quality standards. You’re not just getting a product—you’re getting consistency from pack to pack.
Perfect Tension Balance
The Light 12-53 gauge offers a sweet spot between comfort and projection. It’s versatile enough for strumming, fingerpicking, and everything in between.
The Science Behind NANOWEB Technology
To really appreciate these strings, it’s worth peeking under the hood.
Total String Protection
NANOWEB coating doesn’t just sit on the outside—it seals every winding, stopping oxidation before it starts.
Preserving Natural Vibration
One common problem with coated strings is that they can dampen tone. Elixir engineered theirs to be so thin that vibration remains natural, letting the 80/20 bronze voice shine through.
Smoother Playing, Less Noise
You’ll notice less finger squeak, which is a big plus for recording. The coating also reduces friction, so you can play longer without your fingertips feeling worn out.
Light Gauge 12-53: Why It’s a Favorite
Once you understand the specs, it’s clear why so many guitarists settle on this gauge.
- Exact measurements: .012, .016p, .024w, .032, .042, .053 inches
- Balanced tension: Equal feel across all six strings for consistent fretting
- Tone: Bright and articulate, perfect for clarity in fingerpicking or strumming
- Playability: Less pressure required than mediums, but still plenty of projection
- Guitar-friendly: Lighter tension puts less strain on necks and bridges, especially on vintage instruments
How 80/20 Bronze Compares to Other String Types
- vs. Phosphor Bronze: Brighter and crisper, with more sparkle in the highs.
- vs. Nickel: Richer acoustics and greater harmonic depth for unplugged playing.
- vs. Brass: Still bright, but with a more balanced and less aggressive treble response.
Thanks to the NANOWEB coating, you get the brightness of fresh 80/20 bronze for much longer than you would with uncoated sets.
Why These Strings Are Worth It
Even though Elixirs cost more upfront, the math works in your favor.
- Extended life: Often 3–5 times longer than uncoated strings
- Consistent tone: No rapid dulling—sound stays fresh until it’s truly time to change
- Less maintenance: Fewer mid-gig or mid-session string swaps
- Eco-friendlier: Less frequent changes mean less waste over time
Who Will Love These Strings
- Gigging musicians who need reliability night after night
- Players in humid climates who battle corrosion
- Recording artists who want less finger noise on tracks
- Anyone with acidic sweat that kills uncoated strings fast
Whether you’re strumming a dreadnought, picking on a concert-sized acoustic, or coaxing sweet tones from a vintage guitar, these strings enhance rather than overpower your instrument’s natural voice.
Strings That Keep Up With Your Playing
After exploring every aspect of Elixir’s 80/20 Bronze NANOWEB Light 12-53 set, it’s easy to see why so many players swear by them. They bring out the best in your guitar, feel great under your fingers, and keep their tone far longer than most alternatives.
If you want a set that combines brightness, comfort, and serious longevity, give them a try—you might just find your string search ends here.
This set is one of Amazon’s Best Sellers in acoustic guitar strings. If you want to explore more options, check out other top-rated strings in the same category.
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