Elixir Strings...

chromewhore2010 · 10-11-2009, 02:55 AM

Is it worth paying the extra money to get these strings or should i just stick with getting normal (non-coated) strings?

MesaBoogie · 10-11-2009, 03:05 AM

A big YES. They easily last 3x-4x longer than regular strings. It's great if you've got a lot of guitars

chromewhore2010 · 10-11-2009, 03:10 AM

Thank You. Very cool. And the coating doens't affect tone, correct? Does it affect the sound it makes when you rub your hand on the strings with normal strings? As in like dive bombs and schtuff.

diceman · 10-11-2009, 03:12 AM

The biggest effect I have seen on tone with Elixers (which I run on every last one of my guitars) is that it doesn't deteriorate..... EVER! I've had Elixers on some guitars which I play infrequently for well over a year. They still sound the same as they did on day one - and are still fresh and clean, no rust or corrosion.

I can't recommend them highly enough. I'll never "go back."

chromewhore2010 · 10-11-2009, 03:13 AM

Thank you. Awesome info. Will definately try them out now.

MesaBoogie · 10-11-2009, 03:14 AM

As Dice said: a big no, it doesn't affect the tone. In fact to me it feels like the strings are already "broken in".

I'll never "go back" either.

Grtz,

Mesa.

diceman · 10-11-2009, 03:15 AM

I prefer the feel as well. Regular strings feel "rough" to me - the thin coating on the Elixers (Nanowebs - by the way) make the strings feel almost "lubed." Comfort factor increased, IMO.

chromewhore2010 · 10-11-2009, 03:22 AM

That's pretty awesome, the only thing i was really worried about was the action, like on slides and divebombs. But if you guys say that it doesn't affect that then i'm definately ready to try them out.

MesaBoogie · 10-11-2009, 04:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by diceman

I prefer the feel as well. Regular strings feel "rough" to me - the thin coating on the Elixers (Nanowebs - by the way) make the strings feel almost "lubed." Comfort factor increased, IMO.

Indeed, they don't "squeal" as much as others.

Kaicho8888 · 10-11-2009, 08:53 AM

I've tried Elixir a few times and they do keep their tune/intonation longer than non coated strings. However, I do lots of bends and I break my high strings before I wear them out...so, I'm back to using my more economical EB like I've done for over 40 years and replace the set when it breaks or before a gig.

MrRhoads · 10-11-2009, 12:18 PM

I tried Elixir about 5monhts ago.
Didn´t even had time to break them in the high e string broke during a brutal bend

Soundwise they we´re ok, didn´t get the time to play them that long.
For me they´re not worth the money...
But, You never know until you´ve tried them yourself

will c · 10-20-2009, 04:08 PM

I think they're great strings. Especially the nanowebs.

Will

peter679 · 10-20-2009, 04:18 PM

I had them on my Taylor 12 string, and man they were amazing! Never lost that sound.. amazing strings.

P

AXE · 10-20-2009, 04:22 PM

AXE Approved and used:

opalburn · 10-20-2009, 04:28 PM

i really like them on my acoustics... but never really used them on my electrics... kinda have a thing about changing strings after only 2 or 3 gigs sometimes, and elixirs would be way too expensive for that... so i stick with me ol' trusty d'addarios.. tho i might need to try them on my strat since that just stays at the house and only gets played every once in a while...

5F6-A · 10-20-2009, 04:28 PM

I never liked them...they always feel weird to me....

Jaypee319 · 10-20-2009, 04:40 PM

I really like them on my Taylor acoustics...
on my acoustics, they have a sort of bright tone (when I tried some other random strings, they were ok..but they had a less lively and bright sound) that I happen to like.. a lot.
they don't wear as fast, but it can be a bummer sometimes when the higher strings break-- usually out of bends or, in my case, even by just trying to go tune them..
theyre a bit pricey I'll admit, but I'm not worried about that at the moment.. (I got a 12 pack of elixirs for free, so I'll be a happy camper about that for now. lol.)

Lungo · 10-20-2009, 05:02 PM

I used Elixers for a few years and thought they sounded good and enjoyed not changing strings as often. I tried DR Tite Fits about a year ago and suddenly the Elixers sounded dead and lifeless in comparison. I'm not sure what the deal is but I'm going to keep using the Tite Fits even with having to change strings every 2 weeks.

zplapplap · 10-20-2009, 05:14 PM

As long as we're talking nanoweb, hell yes, it's worth it.

chromewhore2010 · 10-20-2009, 11:44 PM

It sounds like you sacrifice some tone for the long lasting aspect. Not sure if i'd wanna do that

zplapplap · 10-21-2009, 02:48 AM

I haven't used Dr Tite Fits and can't speak to those strings, but I don't think it's sacrificing tone. I used D'addarios and EB Classic Rock N Rolls and the elixirs retain a zingyness. I guess some hate the sound of new strings, but I don't think they sound worse. To the contrary, I think the sound and feel better. The slickness might take some getting used to and the polyweb coating flakes off. This is why I would suggest nanoweb, if anything.

huw · 10-21-2009, 07:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chromewhore2010

It sounds like you sacrifice some tone for the long lasting aspect. Not sure if i'd wanna do that

I've never noticed any tone loss. I started using them when I wasn't gigging much, and the long life was the initial attraction. Didn't notice any tone change at the time. A couple of years later I tried to go back to Ernie Balls & didn't like them - so now I'm sticking to the Elixers for sure.

nwobhm · 10-21-2009, 09:23 PM

I prefer the nanowebs, the polywebs have a thicker coating and wear off.

underdogzz · 10-22-2009, 12:22 AM

I've used a lot of strings over the years and I really like the DM Blue Steel .10s on my Paul, they keep their sizzle a heck of a lot longer than the EB slinkys which go dead after a week with me. I play a lot of blues and bend the crap out of them and they hang in there, just love the DM Blue steels.

10-11-2009, 02:55 AM	#1 (permalink)
chromewhore2010 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Kansas City, Missouri Posts: 180 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Elixir Strings... Is it worth paying the extra money to get these strings or should i just stick with getting normal (non-coated) strings?

10-11-2009, 03:05 AM	#2 (permalink)
MesaBoogie Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 1,205 Thanks: 32 Thanked 11 Times in 3 Posts	Re: Elixir Strings... A big YES. They easily last 3x-4x longer than regular strings. It's great if you've got a lot of guitars __________________ Was an unlucky child...was abandoned at the doorstep...by my foster-parents...

10-11-2009, 03:10 AM	#3 (permalink)
chromewhore2010 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Kansas City, Missouri Posts: 180 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Elixir Strings... Thank You. Very cool. And the coating doens't affect tone, correct? Does it affect the sound it makes when you rub your hand on the strings with normal strings? As in like dive bombs and schtuff.

10-11-2009, 03:12 AM	#4 (permalink)
diceman V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 16,331 Thanks: 308 Thanked 91 Times in 32 Posts	Re: Elixir Strings... The biggest effect I have seen on tone with Elixers (which I run on every last one of my guitars) is that it doesn't deteriorate..... EVER! I've had Elixers on some guitars which I play infrequently for well over a year. They still sound the same as they did on day one - and are still fresh and clean, no rust or corrosion. I can't recommend them highly enough. I'll never "go back." __________________ My Band: www.comeupswingingmusic.com or www.myspace.com/comeupswinging

10-11-2009, 03:13 AM	#5 (permalink)
chromewhore2010 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Kansas City, Missouri Posts: 180 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Elixir Strings... Thank you. Awesome info. Will definately try them out now.

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10-11-2009, 03:14 AM	#6 (permalink)
MesaBoogie Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 1,205 Thanks: 32 Thanked 11 Times in 3 Posts	Re: Elixir Strings... As Dice said: a big no, it doesn't affect the tone. In fact to me it feels like the strings are already "broken in". I'll never "go back" either. Grtz, Mesa. __________________ Was an unlucky child...was abandoned at the doorstep...by my foster-parents...

10-11-2009, 03:15 AM	#7 (permalink)
diceman V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 16,331 Thanks: 308 Thanked 91 Times in 32 Posts	Re: Elixir Strings... I prefer the feel as well. Regular strings feel "rough" to me - the thin coating on the Elixers (Nanowebs - by the way) make the strings feel almost "lubed." Comfort factor increased, IMO. __________________ My Band: www.comeupswingingmusic.com or www.myspace.com/comeupswinging

10-11-2009, 03:22 AM	#8 (permalink)
chromewhore2010 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Kansas City, Missouri Posts: 180 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Elixir Strings... That's pretty awesome, the only thing i was really worried about was the action, like on slides and divebombs. But if you guys say that it doesn't affect that then i'm definately ready to try them out.

10-11-2009, 08:53 AM	#10 (permalink)
Kaicho8888 Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Elixir Strings... I've tried Elixir a few times and they do keep their tune/intonation longer than non coated strings. However, I do lots of bends and I break my high strings before I wear them out...so, I'm back to using my more economical EB like I've done for over 40 years and replace the set when it breaks or before a gig.

10-11-2009, 12:18 PM	#11 (permalink)
MrRhoads Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: SWE Posts: 1,252 Thanks: 58 Thanked 26 Times in 8 Posts	Re: Elixir Strings... I tried Elixir about 5monhts ago. Didn´t even had time to break them in the high e string broke during a brutal bend Soundwise they we´re ok, didn´t get the time to play them that long. For me they´re not worth the money... But, You never know until you´ve tried them yourself __________________ 2006 Gibson Les Paul Standard Faded Tobaco burst 50's neck with RS Guitarworks Gear Strings; Gibson or Ernie Ball 010-046 mostly AMP; Peavey Windsor Studio Pedal; MXR GT-OD www.eurotubes.com - Best customer service ever www.gitarrdelar.se - Best place in Sweden to get RS Guitarworks gear Me + My Gear = Rock´n´Roll

10-20-2009, 04:08 PM	#12 (permalink)
will c Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 111 Thanks: 3 Thanked 5 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Elixir Strings... I think they're great strings. Especially the nanowebs. Will

10-20-2009, 04:18 PM	#13 (permalink)
peter679 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: S. Jersey @ my basement bar Posts: 1,026 Thanks: 2 Thanked 12 Times in 5 Posts	Re: Elixir Strings... I had them on my Taylor 12 string, and man they were amazing! Never lost that sound.. amazing strings. P __________________ Bylaws: 1.God-Family-Beer 2.Suicide is not an option 3.Complaint department closed 4.Live life, stronger than death 5.Thou shall not spillith thy beer 6.Refuse to lose/Born to booze 7.Respect is to be shown to all Society Dwellers worldwide 8.Colors must be worn at all Society shows and events 9.Fear no beer 10.Bleed Black Label Society

10-20-2009, 04:22 PM	#14 (permalink)
AXE V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Core Club Asswipe. Posts: 9,914 Thanks: 600 Thanked 231 Times in 67 Posts	Re: Elixir Strings... AXE Approved and used: __________________

10-20-2009, 04:28 PM	#15 (permalink)
opalburn Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Bowling Green, KY Posts: 237 Thanks: 2 Thanked 6 Times in 1 Post	Re: Elixir Strings... i really like them on my acoustics... but never really used them on my electrics... kinda have a thing about changing strings after only 2 or 3 gigs sometimes, and elixirs would be way too expensive for that... so i stick with me ol' trusty d'addarios.. tho i might need to try them on my strat since that just stays at the house and only gets played every once in a while... __________________ '07 Gibson LPVM(RS Modern electronics kit) '03 Epiphone LP Standard Plus(HCSB) Vintage '65 Gibson ES 330TD(Red) (permanent loan from Father in Law) Peavey 5150 Head(block letter) Peavey 412MS Cab(Sheffield 1290's) And a few pedals --------------------------------------------------- http://www.myspace.com/chestrockwell

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10-20-2009, 04:28 PM	#16 (permalink)
5F6-A Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Back and forth the UK Posts: 4,139 Thanks: 110 Thanked 159 Times in 38 Posts	Re: Elixir Strings... I never liked them...they always feel weird to me.... __________________ Saltaire's Vicars "Post Tenebras Lux" ----------------------------

10-20-2009, 04:40 PM	#17 (permalink)
Jaypee319 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: (currently) somewhere in Antarctica Posts: 1,235 Thanks: 15 Thanked 6 Times in 4 Posts	Re: Elixir Strings... I really like them on my Taylor acoustics... on my acoustics, they have a sort of bright tone (when I tried some other random strings, they were ok..but they had a less lively and bright sound) that I happen to like.. a lot. they don't wear as fast, but it can be a bummer sometimes when the higher strings break-- usually out of bends or, in my case, even by just trying to go tune them.. theyre a bit pricey I'll admit, but I'm not worried about that at the moment.. (I got a 12 pack of elixirs for free, so I'll be a happy camper about that for now. lol.) __________________ *"What Can I Give To Be With Her And Finally Be Alive?"* If you like heavier music, check out my band/music page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Ch...s/135980114188 My light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation is currently being energized. Ergo, that which is Whoop will verily be Shooped. Genuinely.

10-20-2009, 05:02 PM	#18 (permalink)
Lungo Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Anchorage Alaska Posts: 472 Thanks: 7 Thanked 7 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Elixir Strings... I used Elixers for a few years and thought they sounded good and enjoyed not changing strings as often. I tried DR Tite Fits about a year ago and suddenly the Elixers sounded dead and lifeless in comparison. I'm not sure what the deal is but I'm going to keep using the Tite Fits even with having to change strings every 2 weeks.

10-20-2009, 05:14 PM	#19 (permalink)
zplapplap Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Indiana Posts: 2,539 Thanks: 80 Thanked 16 Times in 5 Posts	Re: Elixir Strings... As long as we're talking nanoweb, hell yes, it's worth it. __________________ 2008 Gibson Les Paul Classic Antique 2000 Fender American Series Telecaster 2006 Breedlove AD20/SR Plus 2008 Fender Super Reverb RI 2009 Vox AC4TV8 2002 Fender Mini Twin

10-20-2009, 11:44 PM	#20 (permalink)
chromewhore2010 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Kansas City, Missouri Posts: 180 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Elixir Strings... It sounds like you sacrifice some tone for the long lasting aspect. Not sure if i'd wanna do that

10-21-2009, 02:48 AM	#21 (permalink)
zplapplap Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Indiana Posts: 2,539 Thanks: 80 Thanked 16 Times in 5 Posts	Re: Elixir Strings... I haven't used Dr Tite Fits and can't speak to those strings, but I don't think it's sacrificing tone. I used D'addarios and EB Classic Rock N Rolls and the elixirs retain a zingyness. I guess some hate the sound of new strings, but I don't think they sound worse. To the contrary, I think the sound and feel better. The slickness might take some getting used to and the polyweb coating flakes off. This is why I would suggest nanoweb, if anything. __________________ 2008 Gibson Les Paul Classic Antique 2000 Fender American Series Telecaster 2006 Breedlove AD20/SR Plus 2008 Fender Super Reverb RI 2009 Vox AC4TV8 2002 Fender Mini Twin

10-21-2009, 09:23 PM	#23 (permalink)
nwobhm Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: NC Posts: 745 Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 1 Post	Re: Elixir Strings... I prefer the nanowebs, the polywebs have a thicker coating and wear off.

10-22-2009, 12:22 AM	#24 (permalink)
underdogzz Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 16 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Elixir Strings... I've used a lot of strings over the years and I really like the DM Blue Steel .10s on my Paul, they keep their sizzle a heck of a lot longer than the EB slinkys which go dead after a week with me. I play a lot of blues and bend the crap out of them and they hang in there, just love the DM Blue steels. __________________ My Baby: '07 Gibson Les Paul Lemonburst "Miss Lemon" Check out my Band: http://tngrhapsody.ytmnd.com/

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