If you have ever shopped for new electric guitar strings, chances are you’ve come across coated guitar strings. Whether you are new to the world of acoustic guitars or you are a seasoned expert, it is critical to know what coated guitar strings are.

What Are Coated Guitar Strings?

Coated guitar strings are simply guitar (or bass) strings that have been treated with a polymer coating, mostly Polytetrafluoroethylene or Teflon PFT. The polymer coatings were originally created to curb string corrosion. Generally, highly corrosive guitar string materials such as bronze are almost impossible to keep new and fresh sounding without a protecting coating. The polymer layers keep the alloy oxygen free, making the strings sound fresh for several months.

Pros and Cons of Coated guitar strings

Like any other item in the market, coated guitar strings have a few benefits and drawbacks, which you should be aware of before you make purchases. One of the main benefits of these types of guitar strings is that they last longer, especially when compared to their uncoated counterparts. This because they don’t build up the same amount of grime and dirt as the uncoated strings and are resistant to corrosion. Additionally, they don’t form little valleys that are created by warp wire, and finger noise is, therefore, reduced significantly. This is a big plus to acoustic guitar enthusiasts who are used to close miking techniques.

One of the biggest drawbacks of coated guitar strings is in the tone sector. These types of guitar strings have lower output and lowered sustain—although this appears subjective, many acoustic guitar players confirm that their tones tend to have a plasticky character. While the polymer barrier helps to keep the strings clean, it tends to limit how much your acoustic guitar strings will vibrate. The polymer layer also adds a totally different feel to your strings. Many players who have tried coated guitar strings have reported slippery feeling, which some players enjoy while others detest. So, we can say that the feel impact comes down to preferences.

Final Thoughts

For beginners, it is important to note that as you become more familiar with coated guitar strings, you will soon begin to identify the features that will work perfectly for your situation. For more advanced users, the best strings go beyond coated guitar strings. The polymer component also matters a lot. It has a great impact on the sound produced, the overall feel of the strings, and the expense. This means that when you are going to purchase a new coated guitar string, it is also vital to remember that not all coatings are the same.