String Theory

[Andy M]

I've been using D'Addario EXL 110 strings on my electrics since forever. Probably because most of my guitar-playing mates use them - peer pressure Sometimes I swap the high E 10 for an 11 on my Strat.

Anyway, I recently heard about Elixir Polyweb strings and that they last longer than regular un-coated strings. This is something that appeals to me because I live in Malaysia these days and the high-humidity here isn't nice to guitar strings. The problem is, the only guitar shop that stocks Elixir strings is a two-hour drive away in Kuala Lumpur and parking in town is a nightmare. I can get D'Addarios in my local music shop. Aside from that, they're expensive here - more than twice the price of D'Addario strings.

Having said that, I'm really tempted to drive the two hours, pay the fuel costs and highway tolls, find a parking spot and get some Elixirs just because they might last longer and in the long run save me some money.

So what are your opinions?

Do they really last longer in high-humidity climates?

Are there any noticeable differences in sound compared to regular strings?

What do they feel like to play?

Are they worth the drive (I hate driving in Malaysia) ?

Any other thoughts?

Cheers, Andy

 

[firebirdguy72]

Re: String Theory

I think you've answered your own question. Highway tolls, gas, time and bad parking all outweigh any possible gain from the polyweb strings. You'd spend way more on gas and tolls than it would cost to just replace your strings with Daddario' s more often. Plus like you said the polywebs are more expensive anyway so there really is no benefit IMHO...

 

[jadslash]

Re: String Theory

They actually really will last in humid areas.

I lived in the Philippines and I made sure I brought a bunch of those elixirs with me.

I had to clean my strings everyday with wd40 and a rag if I wanted them to last more than 2 days.

the elixirs last long but I didn't really like how they felt and sounded.

BTW, I'm a D'addario user for life too.

but now that im back in the desert I have no need for Elixirs no more,
back to EXLs.

how about ordering on ebay or something?

 

[DreX]

Re: String Theory

I use Elixirs, the Polyweb's have an obvious white coating on the wound strings, but it's harder to see anything on the Nanowebs. I prefer the Polywebs all around. I'm not sure sure the unwound strings are treated at all, though. One nice thing about them is that they don't sound super bright like new guitar strings usually do. That said, I would never drive two hours or pay a lot for them. I'd sooner clean a set ordinary strings more often.

 

[BriGuy1968]

Re: String Theory

...how about ordering on ebay or something?

+1 to this idea. Try 'em and decide for yourself.

Personally, I liked how they felt when I tried them, but I'm kind of a tightwad and decided that I wasn't any less happy with the cheaper strings.


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[Funkfingers]

Re: String Theory

A guitar tech in my area made a comment on this subject that I find difficult to beat.

"When first installed, Elixir coated strings sound as if they have already been on for a week BUT they stay that way for a long time."

Uncoated strings have an initial period of brightness that coated strings never match. This soon wears off. After a week, there is little discernible difference. Top end continues to disappear until, after a few months, the strings attain a state that a Blues maniac friend of mine considers to be perfect.

D'Addario uncoated strings seemed to arrive, dressed in some sort of anti-oxidant. After stretching and playing a new set in, there is a layer of dark gunk on the fingertips, as if cleaning a fingerboard EXCEPT that this even happens on guitars with varnished/sealed/plastic fingerboards.

One aspect of coated strings that is concerning is inconsistent manufacturing. The thickness of the applied coating can vary from set to set. (This is especially noticeable on Elixir Polyweb.) Surplus coating could affect how the string lies across the saddle, subtly altering the playing action. Surplus coating could interfere with energy transfer between string and bridge, affecting tone and reducing mechanical sustain.

You pays yer money and takes yer choice.

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: String Theory

Yes they last longer.
They are brighter initially than "standard" strings, but once they settle in they sound similar to fresh strings of non-coated variety.
They feel a little slicker than standard strings.

I like them on electrics. My main guitar needs fewer changes and my lesser used guitars don't corrode from lack of use. I still use Pure Blues for a more mellow tone on one guitar though. I do not like the tone on acoustic. I prefer fresh phosphor bronze, and I just change them semi-regularly.

 

[Andy M]

Re: String Theory

I think you've answered your own question...

Well not really (though I know what you mean). I'm more interested in getting opinions from other players who use, or have used Polyweb strings. Then I'll be able to make a more informed decision. But I appreciate your input - it's all valid

They actually really will last in humid areas.

Thanks jadslash. This confirms what I've heard from other sources.

One nice thing about them is that they don't sound super bright like new guitar strings usually do.

That appeals to me. I hate the sound of brand-new strings. But do they maintain that quality of tone?

That said, I would never drive two hours or pay a lot for them. I'd sooner clean a set ordinary strings more often.

True. That's what I've been doing up until now. I'm just curious as to other options.

Personally, I liked how they felt when I tried them, but I'm kind of a tightwad and decided that I wasn't any less happy with the cheaper strings.

Tightwad here too

"When first installed, Elixir coated strings sound as if they have already been on for a week BUT they stay that way for a long time."

That's good to hear

One aspect of coated strings that is concerning is inconsistent manufacturing. The thickness of the applied coating can vary from set to set. (This is especially noticeable on Elixir Polyweb.) Surplus coating could affect how the string lies across the saddle, subtly altering the playing action...

Followed by bad news

Yes they last longer...

...They feel a little slicker than standard strings.

More confirmation as to their longevity is good. Slick is good too.

Hey guys, thanks very much for ALL your input. You've really helped. I know my dear wife will want to go into town for a shopping trip soon, so I might use that as an excuse to justify the drive.

I really appreciate your replies.

Cheers, Andy

 

[uOpt]

Re: String Theory

During my life I repeatedly bought a bunch of many different strings to just burn them in comparisons. I recommend that the next time you are in the US you mailorder from the usual suspects (stringsandbeyond, bassstringsonline etc) and maybe negotiate a discount. I actually have a stack right here but didn't have time to try.

I found that even within non-expensive strings some last longer and some do not. I generally found DeanMarkley Nickelsteel to last longer than average and sound good.

 

[Evan Skopp]

Re: String Theory

I'd say try them if you haven't already. But maybe wait until you're already near the Kuala Lumpur music shop for other reasons, rather than make a special trip.

You might want to compare them to other coated strings like Cleartone and D'Addario EXP--and to uncoated strings.

 

[GuitarStv]

Re: String Theory

I switched to them and never went back. The difference it makes to string life for me is incredible. Have had no problems with them after using for many years. They do feel a bit slicker than regular strings.

 

[GilmourD]

Re: String Theory

Wait... Are you using D'addario EXL110?

Or are you using D'Addario EXP110?

If you're using the EXP strings then you already have a coated string, which I feel are actually better than the Elixirs.

 

[Andy M]

Re: String Theory

I'd say try them if you haven't already. But maybe wait until you're already near the Kuala Lumpur music shop for other reasons, rather than make a special trip.

You might want to compare them to other coated strings like Cleartone and D'Addario EXP--and to uncoated strings.

Good advice.

I switched to them and never went back. The difference it makes to string life for me is incredible. Have had no problems with them after using for many years. They do feel a bit slicker than regular strings.

Another vote for Elixir. The life of the strings is the key issue for me (tone and feel also, but longevity more so).

Wait... Are you using D'addario EXL110?

Or are you using D'Addario EXP110?

If you're using the EXP strings then you already have a coated string, which I feel are actually better than the Elixirs.

Whoops... Thanks for pointing that out. I'm using EXL110 currently. I got it wrong in my original post - will correct it.

And thanks for letting me know about other options.

The wife and I will probably head up to KL sometime next month for a mega shopping trip so I'll get to the guitar store while she's trying on shoes.

Thanks for all your replies folks