Ive recently been exploring into the world of coated strings and I am looking to find the best one around. One Scott Grove continues to say Elixir Polywebs. Which I have tried and were amazing
However yesterday I tried out Ernie Balls New Coated Slinky set and so far there pretty good but dont feel as coated as the Polyweb, as in you can feel the coating kinda, so you know its there. They were recomneded over the Elixir Nanowebs at my local guitar store so I had to try them out.
I used to buy these until I realize that it's really hard to play slide guitar with these strings. It's like it doesn't work or something. Can't get a proper slide sound with these strings on. Never bought them again. A plus is they last a long time.
I tried the Slinky's on my electrics and found that they lasted no longer than normal brands. I wouldn't bother with them on electrics as I can't tell the difference. Definitely make a nice difference on acoustics though.
used to use elixrs a long time ago, until i started using d'addarios. once i got into flatwounds (which probably last just as long as elixrs) i never really turned back.
i used to use elixir but i didnt think they are any better than ernie ball. so now i use fender super bullets 0.9 and ernie ball regular slinky and ghs coated 0.10
good call on acoustics though..i like to keep the strings on mine until they are dirty and muffly because i like that sound on an acoustic..maybe the coated onces would sound a bit more muffled from the start...but put off by how it doesn't work good with slides (well i haven't tested) and i like slides on acoustics too. with an aluminum cap from some lipstick xD
i really really like Elixer nanowebs. do not really see the point of the ghs and ernie ball coated strings, the coating wears off quickly. i try to stay away from non coated strings as much as possible.
I prefer coated string for slide, sure it feels different but its a bit 'slinkier' maybe.
Also I've tried Cleartone and D'addario EXP, last longer than normal strings, but their tone does change and that's what I think matters. This is why I like Elixir Polywebs - they sound like broken in strings and then they stay like that until you take them off.
I love coated strings. The Ernie Ball ones are surprisingly the best IMO (I usually hate EB strings). I strung up my telecaster 8 months ago, play it pretty much everyday and it still feels lovely, no rust or grease. Worth the money.
Fuck some coated strings. Also the Ernie Balls were recommended at your local shop because they probably have more profit in them. Having worked in a guitar store I can tell you that Elixirs profit the least of any coated string, so salesmen are sometimes eager to push their coated string customers in any other direction. I personally don't like the feel of coated strings, but if they're what you gotta have, I don't think anyone has yet to make one better than Elixir.
I don't use coated strings on my electrics because elixir's always end up like peeling sunburn, but the DR dragon skin acoustic strings are incredible. They don't feel exactly coated or slippery or teflon-y; more like a very hard enamel. Totally worth the 12$ or so a pack.
