Do Elixir Strings really have more tension than Uncoated Strings?

[NateCordova]

Hello dear forum users.

I've read online the opinions of some people, in which they consider that Elixir strings have more tension than uncoated strings at a given gauge.

For the sake of comparison, i'm used to D'addario nickel wound strings (non coated).

Do they really have more tension than D'addario (and other uncoated string brands) for a given gauge, or they just feel stiffer?

Does this differ from Polywebs to Nanowebs?

Thank you for your opinions.

 

[Juanhanglo]

Re: Do Elixir Strings really have more tension than Uncoated Strings?

Yes, they do. I have been using elixirs 10's for about 10 years and have grown accustomed to the extra tension. So much so that other brands 10 's feel like 9's. They last anywhere from 6 weeks to a year for me, depending on usage.

 

[NateCordova]

Re: Do Elixir Strings really have more tension than Uncoated Strings?

Does that have to do with the extra coating creating a bigger weight and diameter on the strings?

If so, it makes sense, since tension is determined by unit weight, scale length and pitch only.

Stiffness or Slinkyness of the string is determined by the break angle on the bridge and nut.

It's important to know if it's slinkyness or tension, because tension actually affects the setup itself.

 

[GuitarStv]

Re: Do Elixir Strings really have more tension than Uncoated Strings?

I've switched between elixir .11s and D'addario Jazz/Rock .11s and never noticed a difference (other than string life).

 

[GuitarStv]

Re: Do Elixir Strings really have more tension than Uncoated Strings?

From Elixirs website (Nanoweb electrics):
String gage: .011 .014 .018 .028 .038 .049
String Tension (lbs): 20 18 19 21 22 20

From D'addario's website (EXL115):
Gage Tension
0.0110 19.630
0.0140 17.850
0.0180 18.580
0.0280 21.120
0.0380 20.960
0.0490 18.970


Apparently the two bass strings (E and A) are slightly higher tension, the rest look about the same. Nowhere near the kind of difference you get from going up a gage (D'addario EJ21):
Gage Tension
0.0120 23.360
0.0160 23.310
0.0240 28.020
0.0320 27.630
0.0420 25.600
0.0520 21.150

 

[Rockstar216]

Re: Do Elixir Strings really have more tension than Uncoated Strings?

I've used both but I didn't feel that much of a difference really. Although the Coated ones were a but more mellow some might say "duller" but it was only noticeable on the wound strings. I will say they did in fact last and the wound strings felt like flats in the way that their was no finger noise and they felt very smooth.

 

[astrozombie]

Re: Do Elixir Strings really have more tension than Uncoated Strings?

I've been an Elixir user for a few years now and besides the coating I haven't noticed anything else.

 

[Zerberus]

Re: Do Elixir Strings really have more tension than Uncoated Strings?

Yes and no.

It depends ENTIRELY on the specific makeup of the string used for comparison. Plain uncoated strings, ok, those are roughly the same through most brands.

But then we get to the wound strings where the ratio of core to wrap is the defining factor. The thicker the core in relation, the higher the tension.

Now, to say which strings fit which side of that argument, I`d either have to spend hours dredging up specs on the `Net /via e-mail, or days play testing different brands. I think thoise interested can search for the specs themselves, grown adults and all that.