elixir strings??

benwalker · Post by **benwalker** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 4:18 pm

i keep thinking of condoms whenever i see 'em - something along the lines of a waynes world quote but anyway..

any thoughts, especially for acoustics. i've used d'addarios since i was about 13 (hmm... maybe they should be changed?..) and rotosound phosphor bronze on acoustics, but have heard good things about the elixirs. only downside is Â£10-Â£15 a pack? wtf? worth it?

blacktaxi · Post by **blacktaxi** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 4:39 pm

never was really that tempted to try them out myself, but people say they last a lot. some also claim that elixirs have the tonez.
i personally prefer d'addario's.

mellowlogic · Post by **mellowlogic** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 4:42 pm

I've had a pack sitting in my case for like a year and i keep putting on other strings instead.
No particular reason, but I guess to answer your question: no idea!

lol glad i could be so helpful

Post by **Mike** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 4:48 pm

I'm a D'addario EXL115 man for life.

robroe · Post by **robroe** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 4:48 pm

ive had the same set of stings on my acoustic for like 4 years

benwalker · Post by **benwalker** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 4:53 pm

it's just one of those things i guess. i've always had d'addarios on electrics, but generally changed acoustic strings around. currently seem to be using 11-gauge martin strings which lasted about a week before dulling out.. friend had recommended the elixir ones but at the stupid price i'm still not sure it's worth it.

might try them next time around but not for now..

blacktaxi · Post by **blacktaxi** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 5:03 pm

IMHO not worth it. also, they give you that condom look

Thom · Post by **Thom** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 5:11 pm

Yeah I use them on my acoustic and I like them. In terms of value, I don't play acoustic much, so don't really change them very often at all. My Dad always buys me a pack for birthday and christmas and that sees me through the year.

Reece · Post by **Reece** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 5:14 pm

I'm not really picky about strings. I prefer d'addario on my acoustic but if I can only get rotosound or whatever then I'm fine with them.

Next vist to the guitar shop however, I'm going to buy the thickest strings I can (that aren't bass) for my artcore.

MaMo · Post by **MaMo** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 5:19 pm

It's all about the DR tite fits, son. I just wish they didn't make those silly colored strings.

mellowlogic · Post by **mellowlogic** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 5:42 pm

MaMo wrote:It's all about the DR tite fits, son. I just wish they didn't make those silly colored strings.

I use these on my electrics, never tried the acoustic ones though.

Johno · Post by **Johno** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 5:44 pm

I've found D'add, Ernie, Rotos all pretty much the same, i just get whatever is cheapest.

sp3k · Post by **sp3k** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 6:02 pm

I think elixir are expensive because they're suppose to stay brilliant and don't rust for a lot longer. I just use D'addario 10's, thinking about trying some 11s

suede · Post by **suede** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 6:10 pm

elixir are okay but they do rust and that nano web thingy falls off...I have them on one of my teles...

Will · Post by **Will** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 6:42 pm

the coating wears and gets all fuzzy after a bit - not worth it.

Stainless steel flatwounds - that's where the money is.

More Cowbell · Post by **More Cowbell** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 7:50 pm

I like DR strings, and Elixer. Elixer will last alot longer and sound brighter longer.

Reece · Post by **Reece** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 7:54 pm

More Cowbell wrote:I like DR strings, and Elixer. Elixer will last alot longer and sound brighter longer.

How much longer do they last on acoustic would you say?

Strings on my acoustic seem to be lifeless after about 3 weeks and I'm lazy so I tend to have a couple months of not changing them then growing to dislike my acoustic, then I change them and it's like WHY DIDN'T I DO THIS BEFORE?

More Cowbell · Post by **More Cowbell** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 7:58 pm

Zaphod wrote:
More Cowbell wrote:I like DR strings, and Elixer. Elixer will last alot longer and sound brighter longer.
How much longer do they last on acoustic would you say?

Strings on my acoustic seem to be lifeless after about 3 weeks and I'm lazy so I tend to have a couple months of not changing them then growing to dislike my acoustic, then I change them and it's like WHY DIDN'T I DO THIS BEFORE?

Twice as long.

I always wipe my strings down after I play. This helps alot too.

Sloan · Post by **Sloan** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 8:37 pm

fuck some other strang.

i have to use elixers or i'm FKD.

Nick · Post by **Nick** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 9:39 pm

Acoustic strings really vary by the guitar they're on. People who play elixirs usually do so for the feel more than anything. The coating is very slick (feels kinda like lube lulz) and makes it easier to slide your fingers up and down with ease without getting string "squeak". As far as sound goes, it's really a matter of preference, but they tend to have a more mellow tone, if you get the "nanoweb" which is the thinner coating, you preserve a bit of the brightness and if you get the 80/20 bronze you'll have even more of that out of the box. Honestly I never use them because the coating gets frayed after a few weeks. They really don't last "that" long if you're a strummer or use anything heavier than a .63 nylon pick. Also the G string usually is the first to break, and most stores don't sell single strings.

If you're looking for a string that lasts longer, I strongly recommend the new Ernie Ball coated acoustic strings. I have a set on my acoustic (jumbo body, cedar top with mahogany sides/back) and they sound lovely. Before that I was using Cleartones, which I also liked but didn't have the "fullness" on my guitar that the Ernie Balls do, and before anyone asks, the cleartones were actually 12s and the EB's are 11's. Also I'm not as fond of them for sound, but in terms of longevity, I've played a guitar with year old Dean Markley Alchemy coated strings and it actually still sounded good and the strings weren't unplayable.

I've had a ton of experience with different strings, when I was the dept manager in accessories at my local GC I got free strings out the wazoo from just about every manufacturer, and talked to people from all walks in music about their favorite strings. All I can say is try a different pack every time you change strings until you find "the string". It's way more important on acoustics than it is on electrics, and a lot of tone fanatics still claim to not be 100% satisfied with any one type of string. Don't settle for what ads in guitar magazines tell you or what your local guitar store tells you to buy (many shops both small and chain only care about profit and will recommend whatever has a higher profit margin in terms of little things like strings and picks). Find the best string for your guitar and you'll never want again.