Acoustic and Electric String Tension Names Explained
An issue players face is how manufacturers across the globe name their gauges as tensions with such a wide range.
To simplify, tension names listed on our string filter are standardized to what most manufacturers use.
Acoustic strings for example, show "Light" as a standard 12-52 set. Then, + and - refer to thicker or thinner variations based on the standard set.
Electric strings for example, show "Light" as a standard 10-46 set. Then, + and - refer to thicker or thinner variations based on the standard set.
We believe that selecting the right diameters for your instruments and your playing style is VERY important. We hope that our precise categorization helps you filter your specific needs. If you are unsure what strings to purchase and would rather use a human player filter, don't hesitate to contact us.
Shop By Filter - How To
You can filter strings by either Full Sets or Single Strings. Classical strings offer additional filters for Bass Sets or Treble Sets.
Use the master filter in the header to shop all string products or the filter on any page to shop products from that page.
After you make your selection, the filter will display product results along with deeper filter options with a number count for each available.
After making selections, notice the black filter result tabs above the products. These show what criteria is being filtered, such as gauges or materials. You can X or delete these to remove a particular filter or remove all to reset.
Example: Let's say Mr. Smith would like to know all the possibilities for what he already plays, Acoustic Phosphor Bronze. He knows the first string is a .012 gauge and last string a .054. His budget is $9 max per set. While visiting the Acoustic Guitar Strings page or sitewide in our header:
- Select Product Type "Full Set" (page will refresh)
- Select Full Set # of Strings "6"
- Select Full Set Material "Phosphor Bronze"
- Select Full Set by 1st string gauge "0.012"
- Select Full Set by last string gauge "0.054"
- Input Max Price "9.00"
Once you click away out of price, you should see (at the time of writing this) 17 results across 8 manufacturers. Mr. Smith now has a nice collection of similar strings to compare and experiment with from different manufacturers. Follow this link to see the above result.
If you'd like help from our friendly human string filters, don't hesitate to contact us.
Elixir Optiweb Electric Guitar Strings
Elixir Optiweb
electric guitar strings are made with nickel plated steel wrap wire and Optiweb Coating, giving you performance and protection at the same time.
The Optiweb Coating provides the performance of an uncoated string — that crisp tone, natural feel, and playable grip you know and love — without sacrificing the signature long-lasting tone life of Elixir strings.
At the same time, the coating protects against corrosion and debris buildup. As a bonus, anti-rust plating on the plain steel strings ensures longer tone life across the entire set.
Spend less time changing strings and more time making music. Try these strings today!
Have a question about Elixir Optiweb electric guitar strings? Call 800-513-8271 to talk with our friendly music, strings, and gear experts or contact them
online. They’re available Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. EST.
And remember: U.S. orders received weekdays before 3 p.m. EST ship the same day!
