Coated vs. Uncoated Guitar Strings: What are the differences?

The string manufacturing industry has come a long way since Ernie Ball began making custom-wound sets in his Tarzana, CA music shop. So long are the days of simple wire strings. The technology that goes into manufacturing today’s guitar and bass strings are wildly complex, so we’re hoping to simplify things to make sure the next time you step foot in your local music shop you’re not overwhelmed by all of the choices.

One of the questions we get most frequently asked is what the difference is between coated and uncoated strings. Much like how it sounds, uncoated, or plain strings, have no extra layer of protective coating, while coated strings are treated with a thin layer of polymer which can be applied on the wrap wire, core wire, or the entire string.

The main benefit of coated strings is its corrosion-resistant properties. Changing climates, as well as sweat and oils from your skin, all contribute to the degradation of your strings. If you don’t regularly clean your strings, dirt and oil will build up in the valleys between the wrap wire and speed up the corrosion process, which ultimately contaminates the strings and kills tone. But unlike plain strings, coated strings provide a thin layer between the wrap wire and your fingers. The coated layer doesn’t allow dirt and grime to build up as quickly, allowing you to elongate the time between string changes.

Sounds great, right? It is! But with any good thing, coated strings also have their drawbacks. While the polymer coating is great for keeping your strings clean and protecting them from the elements, coatings often dampen the highs, the way the strings respond, and sometimes even the way they feel. Some players find that coated guitar strings affect their tone, while also having a more slippery feel.

While a loss of tone is true for other coated strings on the market, Ernie Ball’s Everlast coating does not have any effect on the string’s tone. Developed at Princeton University, Everlast is a groundbreaking nanotechnology just nanometers thin that coats the entirety of the wound string, allowing it to repel moisture and oils that would lead to tone-killing buildup.

Learn more about our Everlast treatment below.

On top of our industry-leading Everlast treatment, our Paradigm strings are also manufactured with our Plasma Enhancement process. The high heat of the plasma removes contaminants and smooths out defects for a consistent finish. Ensuring that the wire has a more stable microstructure before it is wrapped means the string will last longer.

Watch how the Plasma Enhancement process works below.

At the end of the day, coated versus uncoated strings completely comes down to personal preference. So the best way to find out if coated strings are the best for you is to try a pack for yourself.

Who should use coated strings?

— Those with high acidity in their sweat

— Traveling musicians who are trying to elongate the time between string changes

— Those looking to get the bang for their buck and are seeking to maximize string longevity as much as possible

Ernie Ball Coated Strings

We offer a variety of different coated strings in various gauges and alloys. Check out our full list of offerings below as well as the treatment used during the coating process.

Coated Titanium RPS Slinky – Everlast Treatment 

Ernie Ball Slinky Coated Electric Guitar Strings combine the latest technological advancements in string manufacturing. All wound strings are treated with groundbreaking nanotechnology that repels unwanted moisture and oils that negatively impact your tone. In addition to treating the wound strings, each plain string features a patented reinforcement winding of titanium wire. Titanium’s inherent strength prevents string breakage, string slippage, and is proven to keep your guitar strings in tune better than conventional plain strings.

Paradigm Slinky – Everlast treatment + Plasma Enhancement 

Ernie Ball Slinky Paradigm Electric guitar strings provide unprecedented strength and longer life while retaining 100% Slinky tone and feel. The coupling of Ernie Ball’s Everlast nano treatment with breakthrough plasma enhanced wrap wire provides added corrosion resistance and reduced accumulation of tone-robbing buildup and debris.

Everlast 80/20 Bronze – Everlast treatment

Ernie Ball Everlast Coated acoustic guitar strings use groundbreaking nanotechnology that repels unwanted moisture and oils that negatively impact your tone. Our proprietary treatment is applied to both the inner hex core and outer wrap wire to provide ultimate protection without compromising tone or feel.

Coated Slinky Bass – Proprietary Enamel Coating

All wound strings are treated with groundbreaking nanotechnology that repels unwanted moisture and oils that negatively impact your tone. These strings maintain the feel and sound of uncoated strings, combining the added protection with the vibrant tone Ernie Ball customers have relied on for over 50 years.

Paradigm 80/20 Bronze – Everlast treatment + Plasma Enhancement

The coupling of Ernie Ball’s Everlast nanotreatment with breakthrough plasma enhanced wrap wire provides added corrosion resistance and reduced accumulation of tone-robbing buildup and debris.

Everlast Phosphor Bronze – Everlast treatment

Ernie Ball Everlast Coated acoustic guitar strings use groundbreaking nanotechnology that repels unwanted moisture and oils that negatively impact your tone. Our proprietary treatment is applied to both the inner hex core and outer wrap wire to provide ultimate protection without compromising tone or feel.

Paradigm Phosphor Bronze – Everlast treatment + Plasma Enhancement

Ernie Ball Slinky Paradigm Electric guitar strings provide unprecedented strength and longer life while retaining 100% Slinky tone and feel. The coupling of Ernie Ball’s Everlast nano treatment with breakthrough plasma enhanced wrap wire provides added corrosion resistance and reduced accumulation of tone-robbing buildup and debris.