When I bought my first Taylor about 20 years ago, it came strung with Elixirs. I didn’t think much about it at the time — I just played them until they needed changing, then bought another set of Elixirs and kept going.
That’s been my routine ever since.
At some point I tried a set of D’Addarios. They weren’t bad strings. But they didn’t sound right to me — not on my guitar, not for what I was playing. I put Elixirs back on and haven’t thought about it since.
I’m not a string scientist. I can’t give you a detailed breakdown of coating chemistry or winding techniques. What I can tell you is that after 50 years of playing, I’ve simplified wherever I can — and strings are one of the things I’ve simplified completely. Elixir Nanoweb Phosphor Bronze Light Acoustic strings go on every guitar I own. End of story.
Here’s why I think they make particular sense for returning players.
They last longer than uncoated strings
This matters more than people realize when you’re picking the guitar back up after a break. Uncoated strings start to go dull and stiff within a few weeks of regular playing — sometimes faster if your hands are on the acidic side. Elixir’s Nanoweb coating keeps that from happening. I get months out of a set, not weeks.
For a returning player who might not be playing every single day, that longevity means your strings still feel and sound good when you sit down to practice. Nothing kills motivation faster than a guitar that sounds dead.
The feel is easier on newer calluses
The Nanoweb coating gives the strings a slightly smoother feel than bare bronze. It’s subtle, but when your fingertips are still toughening up, that smoothness makes a real difference. Less drag, less discomfort, more time playing before you need to stop.
Light gauge is the right starting point
I play Light gauge — .012–.053. For most returning adult players, that’s the sweet spot. Light enough to be comfortable and bendable, heavy enough to have real tone and volume on an acoustic. If you go too light, you lose body and projection. If you go too heavy, your hands will fight you, especially in the early months.
Medium gauge strings sound wonderful on a big dreadnought in the hands of someone who plays every day. For the rest of us, Light gauge is the honest choice.
Phosphor Bronze vs. 80/20 Bronze — which one
Elixir makes both. I use Phosphor Bronze. Here’s the short version: Phosphor Bronze has a warmer, richer tone. 80/20 Bronze is brighter and more focused. On most acoustic guitars, in most rooms, for most of the music returning players want to play — Phosphor Bronze sounds better. It’s also more forgiving on guitars that aren’t in the higher price tiers.
Taylor actually ships their guitars strung with Elixir 80/20 Bronze from the factory. I’ve tried both — I prefer the Phosphor Bronze. It’s a small difference but it’s real.
The specific set I use — and how I buy them
Elixir Nanoweb Phosphor Bronze Light 12-53 — grab them on Amazon here. That’s the one.
One thing I’ve done for years: I buy the 4-pack. It works out to about $16 a set versus $22 for a single, and since these are the only strings going on any of my guitars, it just makes sense to stock up. Having a couple of sets in the drawer means I never have to think about it — when one guitar needs new strings, I’m never caught without.
One honest note on price
Elixirs cost more than uncoated strings — usually $16–$22 a set versus $6–$10 for a basic set of D’Addarios or Martins. If you’re on a tight budget, that gap matters.
But here’s how I think about it: if a set of Elixirs lasts three times as long as a cheaper set, you’re not really spending more. And for a returning player trying to build a consistent habit, having strings that still sound good two months from now is worth the extra few dollars. Buy the 4-pack and the math gets even better.
The bottom line
I don’t spend time thinking about strings anymore, and that’s exactly how I want it. Elixir Nanoweb Phosphor Bronze Light goes on every guitar. They sound good, they last, and they feel right under older fingers.
If you’re just getting back into playing, do yourself a favor and take one variable off the table. Put on a set of Elixirs, play them until they need changing, then put on another set.
For more of the gear I actually use and recommend, take a look at my Gear Picks.
The one thing you can do today: Check what strings are on your guitar right now. If they feel stiff, sound dull, or you honestly can’t remember the last time you changed them — order a set of Elixirs tonight. Fresh strings make a guitar feel like a different instrument. Get the 4-pack here and you’ll be set for months.