Coated strings Does it help you play better too?

[irocdave12]

I came across something unexpected in my guitar playing lately and it's definitely related to using coated strings. I have found I absolutely can not play certain things properly without coated strings. I usually use acrylic v picks and on certain things find the extra friction they have across the strings problematic too. For example unless I use elixirs I can't play a gallop like in Apache or in a lot of Maiden songs. The extra friction I'm not used to feeling under the pick with regular strings throws me off every time. I also need to swap out my v pick for a pick with some slipperyness in the material. Without the two changes its impossible for me to play right. And then of course that throws off the feel for other 90% of stuff I play. It's a conundrum. So I'm constantly swapping picks depending on the song. But I'm off regular strings forever either way it seems. Anyone had similar experiences or am I just a wacko?

 

[SWeAT hOg]

Enjoy, but I don't like them at all. I'd rather buy three packs of regular strings and just do a simple restring. The Elixers just don't feel right under the fingertips, but I know some people like them.

 

[morbidalex666]

Ahh the old string and pick quest......

I've tried the V-picks and didn't find them nice sounding. Comfortable? Very (when I'm not sweating too much).
But the chirpy chirp chirp on the treble string and the loose bass on the wound ones drove me crazy.

I had been using Elixirs for nearly 10 years untill I switched to Pyramid nickels.
The Elixirs helped with my sweat just eating through sets.
When I switched back to uncoated, I actually found them easier to play, once GHS Fast Fret was added.

OP, I'm gonna go ahead and guess you don't play live. One or two gigs will probably reveal what works best for you.
To me gigs are the "equalizer" for guitar related stuff.
Separates the stuff that work from the bullshit.
Another thing to consider: the guys from The Shadows and Iron Maiden did not have the choices we have today.
Both guys from Maiden still use plain old celluloid picks and I remember reading that Hank Marvin prefered real turtle picks.
The strings were whatever available.

If I were you, I'd stick to what sounds best and then adjust my technique accordingly.

 

[kevinpaul]

Enjoy, but I don't like them at all. I'd rather buy three packs of regular strings and just do a simple restring. The Elixers just don't feel right under the fingertips, but I know some people like them.

I think they sound dead or like old strings.