Elixir Strings positives and negatives

[PFDarkside]

Positives:
The strings on my main electric have been on there for over 8 months!

Negatives:
I forgot how to change strings with vintage tuners and cut the high e too short. In fact, I'm nervous the b might pop out too. :chairfall


Good thing I had another spare one lying around.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Elixir Strings positives and negatives

Be honest. Forgetfulness is not a negative on the part of Elixir strings.

 

[Juanhanglo]

Re: Elixir Strings positives and negatives

They are the only strings I have used for more than 10 years.

The only negative I can see is that I can wear thru almost a third of the string and they won't snap.

How is a guy to know when to change his strings?

Another one: they don't turn black at all. Again, where is my string change reminder.


Damn strings! I hate you.

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Elixir Strings positives and negatives

Be honest. Forgetfulness is not a negative on the part of Elixir strings.

As an American I have learned over the last few years that I should blame other for my shortcomings.

What's amazing is that I have owned a guitar with vintage style Fender tuners for 10 years and I spaced it out.


Juan, I agree! The new ones are brighter and I'm glad I switched, but the decline is so much more delayed with Elixirs, you don't notice it.

 

[St_Genesius]

Re: Elixir Strings positives and negatives

I've always found Elixir strings to sound a bit flat. Like, even brand new, they don't have the depth and complexity of the best regular strings. Sure, on the plus side, they continue to sound exactly like that for a really long time, but since it's not a sound I particularly like, that's not really a bonus.

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Elixir Strings positives and negatives

I've always found Elixir strings to sound a bit flat. Like, even brand new, they don't have the depth and complexity of the best regular strings. Sure, on the plus side, they continue to sound exactly like that for a really long time, but since it's not a sound I particularly like, that's not really a bonus.

If you search back about two years ago, you'll find threads containing posts by me claiming to enjoy string changes, being an almost zen-like type of meditation. I enjoyed both the process and result of new strings on a regular basis.

Now that I have a baby, Elixirs are a godsend. Those precious few moments I do get for playing can be dedicated to playing, not string changes.

I do agree with the fundamental difference in tone, but for electric I simply don't care, it's not a drastic enough difference. For acoustic, it is so I am using Martin Lifespan instead.

 

[AmpliFIRE]

Re: Elixir Strings positives and negatives

I've been using Elixir Nanoweb's on all of my guitars (both acoustics and electrics) for YEARS. They're simply amazing in every way (tone, feel, longevity). Honestly, I tried every string manufacturer out there and none of them even came close. I often wonder how they can all stay in business with inferior products. No, I'm not kidding

 

[Kamanda~SD]

Re: Elixir Strings positives and negatives

Advantages:

-Last a long time

Disadvantages:

-Polywebs flake
-Feel like crap
-Sound like crap

Someone had to be the hater here...

Note: I actually don't mind the nano's, and not a big fan of coated strings in general, but I prefer others to the Elixir's. Martin SP for acoustic and D'addario EXP for electric

 

[Bohemian Physicist]

Re: Elixir Strings positives and negatives

Elixir Phosphor bronze acoustics are awesone, especially on a 12 string where it already takes forever to change a set of strings.

For my electrics i used to use elixirs, but I now use Thomastik-Infeld brights. They (for me at least) work better in the chain of effects pedals and their high strings are brass coated and they have not tarnished or sounded dull after 2 months of use. They are more expensive than elixirs, but well worth it IMO

 

[Mincer]

Re: Elixir Strings positives and negatives

My acidic hands make the coating flake off in 2 weeks, leaving white string dandruff all in my case and over my clothes. I just use uncoated strings now.

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Elixir Strings positives and negatives

Disadvantages:

-Polywebs flake
-Feel like crap
-Sound like crap

Note: I actually don't mind the nano's, and not a big fan of coated strings in general, but I prefer others to the Elixir's. Martin SP for acoustic and D'addario EXP

I think I have the perfect conditions (environment and body chemistry) for Nanos. They never flake, and they sound consistent for a long time. Do they sound exactly like XLs? No, but like I said, I'm lucky to be able to play with an infant.

I'm intrigued by EXPs though, is that D'Addario's version of a long life string?

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Elixir Strings positives and negatives

You guys are missing the joke though. It's been so long since I changed strings I buggered it up!!!

 

[Andrew Lamprecht]

Re: Elixir Strings positives and negatives

Hey Aaron, how do you like those Martin Lifespan strings? Do they seem to last a long time for you? How's the tone? I love Martin strings but I eat through them pretty quickly vs. Other string brands for some reason.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Elixir Strings positives and negatives

There is a definite distinction to be made between Elixir Poly- and Nanoweb. The Polyweb coating is too blobulent - some times to the extent that it affects how the string passes over the bridge saddle(s).

 

[Rand-O-Monium]

Re: Elixir Strings positives and negatives

Every time I hear "Elixers",I think of our old bass player.
They were the only strings that he got decent tone/life out of(according to him),but they were pricey enough to where he couldn't keep a fresh-ish set on.
All I can think of is the spiderweb-looking garbage hanging off his strings...

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Elixir Strings positives and negatives

Old Furry Sings The Blues

 

[symptom]

Re: Elixir Strings positives and negatives

Elixir simply don't work for me. I don't like the feel of coated strings in general, but, to me, they last longer with the same tone because their tone is already dead from the start.

Although, I like the idea of using them in acoustics. So, maybe I'm just crazy...

 

[Rand-O-Monium]

Re: Elixir Strings positives and negatives

Anyone tried Cleartones?

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Elixir Strings positives and negatives

Hey Aaron, how do you like those Martin Lifespan strings? Do they seem to last a long time for you? How's the tone? I love Martin strings but I eat through them pretty quickly vs. Other string brands for some reason.

I find them to be a nice compromise between a coated string and a standard Phosphor Bronze, with the goal of extended life.

 

[Jackson Distortion]

Re: Elixir Strings positives and negatives

Anyone tried Cleartones?

I have, both the regulars and the Monster Heavy series of strings. They aren't coated, but they have some kind of treatment that preserves them for longer life.

I gave up on 'em when I realized that my physiology would leave 'em dead pretty quickly. No need to spend extra $$$ when you're not getting the intended results.

EDIT: They're loud as ****!