What is the Difference between ELIXIR and ERNIE BALL Acoustic Guitar Coated Strings?

Coated strings for acoustic guitars are popular because they are rust-resistant and long-lasting. I use ELIXIR coated strings, and I tried out ERNIE BALL coated strings this time. I would be happy if you could use them as a reference when purchasing strings.

■ The ERNIE BALL strings and ELIXIR strings I purchased

ERNIE BALL / EVERLAST COATED PHOSPHOR EXTRA LIGHT

ELIXIR / NANOWEB Phosphor Bronze Custom Light #16027

I purchased ERNIE BALL's EVERLAST COATED PHOSPHOR EXTRA LIGHT. I bought the thinnest Phosphor Bronze string for acoustic guitar.

Until now I had been using ELIXIR NANOWEB Phosphor Bronze Custom Light, so this is the thinner one. if it is the same gauge as ELIXIR Custom Light, I think it’s good to choose LIGHT.

■ What is the difference in sound quality between the ERNIE BALL and ELIXIR?

I strung up my acoustic guitar with these strings right away, and the sound quality of the ERNIE BALL is more sparkling than the ELIXIR, with more overtones and longer sustain. I liked the sparkling sound of the ELIXIR strings when they were first strung, but I think the ERNIE BALL strings sound even brighter.

However, the gauge is thinner than that of the ELIXIR, which may be the reason for the more delicate sound.

■ What is the thickness of the coating?

The coating thickness of ERNIE BALL seems to be thinner than that of the ELIXIR. The roughness of the feel when playing is stronger on the ERNIE BALL strings. It is close to non-coating, but I think it is a little more slippery under the fingers. Finger noise is also present.

ERNIE BALL strings are coated from the 3rd to 6th strings, but the 1st and 2nd strings are uncoated. The strings are almost rust-free. However, there are times when I feel that the color has become a little darker.

The ELIXIR coated strings felt slippery under the fingers, so if you are not used to them, you may not be able to reach the correct fret when you move over the fretboard for a chord change. But this is just a matter of getting used to them, and I think you can play normally after playing them for a while.

■ About the Design

The package design of ELIXIR and ERNIE BALL contrast, with ELIXIR's American-inspired design looking rather chunky and modern, and ERNIE BALL's shiny copper-colored artistic look.

When you open the package, you will find that each of the six strings comes in a separate bag, and the individual bags are also very simple, with an all-black design.

The ball ends of the strings are also not colored, but are the same golden color as the strings. Personally, I like the simplicity of this design.

■ Kotaro Oshio also plays with ERNIE BALL strings

ERNIE BALL seems to be used by Kotaro Oshio. It is true that the sound that Mr. Oshio plays with a brighter sound. I understand why he likes these strings.

■ How well do ERNIE BALL strings hold up?

I personally love the tone of ERNIE BALL strings. I am wondering how long this tone will last. I wrote this article on the second day after I put them on, so I think the tone will change as I use them for the next one to two weeks. However, ELIXIR also has a much calmer tone after about a week of use, so I think that the initial sparkle of any string will become less noticeable.

In the case of ELIXIR, I feel that the tone becomes softer after 1 to 2 weeks of use, which is good for relaxing at home, so I am looking forward to seeing how the tone of ERNIE BALL strings will change as well.

■ Fingerboard lubricant recommended to prolong the life of strings

TONE / FINGER EASE Guitar String Cleaner Fingerboard Lubricant

Fingerboard lubricant is necessary to prolong the life of ERNIE BALL coated strings. It reduces friction between your fingers and the strings to make them easier to play, but it also has a rust-preventive effect. For ERNIE BALL coated strings, I recommend applying fingerboard lubricant at the end of playing because the non-coated first and second strings are a concern.

The standard fingerboard lubricant is FINGER EASE. I have been using it for several years. If you spray it directly on the strings, it may seem too much, so I recommend spraying it on a cloth and then applying it to the strings. I think that using it carefully will change how long it lasts.

■ It’s good to try different types of coated strings

I used to stick to using only ELIXIR coated strings, but I find it interesting to try different coated strings from time to time to hear the difference in tone. I would be happy if you could use this column as a reference for your string selection.

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