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Post by brian on Nov 14, 2011 8:23:42 GMT
are these strings the best
i know they are expensive
have you tried em.
Brian
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Post by Deleted on Nov 14, 2011 10:06:35 GMT
Horrible things, could not get a decent sound out of them on a Strat when I tried the coated things. Very muddy sound. OK for acoustics but I will stick with my D'Addarios for my electrics...
Jimbo
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Post by brian on Nov 14, 2011 12:21:24 GMT
Hi Jim, thanks for your input, i have got d,addarios on my marvin and they do sound superb
it will be intersting to hear what our other members use and which ones are the most popular
i have erny ball 11s on my strat.Brian
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Post by shadfan4 on Nov 14, 2011 12:59:30 GMT
Got them on my Taylor 810ce acoustic and there quite bright. I'm with Jim I will stick to my D'addario's for the Strat's.
Mike.
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Post by tuftyrock on Nov 14, 2011 13:19:27 GMT
hi brian i use D`darrio`s 12s {12-54} on my strat that i use for early shads stuff and d`darrio 10s {10-46} on the strat i use for later hanks numbers and most everything else
i have tried elixir coated strings and did`t like them but it is all a matter of opinion i know lots of people that do like them
regards tuftyrock
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Post by erikMAMS on Nov 14, 2011 14:05:31 GMT
I think string prefs are very much a personal thing, but here's my 2 cents.
Playing guitar since the early 60's I have tried, probably not all, but a lof of string types/makes. In later years DR's and D'Angelico were my favorites, until the Elixir's was introduced. Best roundwound strings I ever used - have them on all my Strats/burns and my original '64 Marvin etc. Sounds great, has a nice feel, and with the nano coating (only on the wound strings) hold up much longer, even with heavy use. Available at very reasonable prices online.
I have standardized to using only two gauges 10-52 and 11-49, but switch the plains/wound over to get 10-13-17-28-38-49 and the heavier 11-14-18-32-42-52.
Tried the poly coated types once - found them dull an lifeless probably because of the heavier coating.
Erik
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Post by brian on Nov 14, 2011 15:36:15 GMT
Hi Eric, i did'nt realy mean to say elixer where expensive, elixer just seem more than all other strings i have seen , having said that , i wouldnt matter to me how much they cost as long as i like them. so if i do get some forget the poly coated yeh. Brian
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Post by tonybiker on Nov 14, 2011 16:25:37 GMT
An interesting thread.
I have used Elixir now for 2 years and have not noticed any tone differences. The issue I always had with most others I tried including D'Addarios was first gig they were too bright, 2nd gig they were fine and the third they started to go off and needed changing, they were pitting despite using fast fret and big differences in sound was noticed.
I can get 4 or 5 times the life out of a set of Elixir compared to other well known brands, and I often think I am changing them too early but I have a fear on breaking a string and that's the reason i chnage them early.
I think the jury is still out on Elixir. Some don't like them but others do.
They do last a very long time, and if your like me and detest changing strings, they are excellent.
Tony
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Post by solidlg on Nov 14, 2011 18:39:40 GMT
I'm with Jimbo, D'Addario all the way, I found the Elixir to be a tad dull.
What is interesting is that I put on a set of 52 to 11's early September ( CIJ Marvin 85 ) and played in Dublin with Charles Cambell, came back to Toronto and have played 2 club nights with them, using a Fender Deluxe Reverb and a Magicstomp with the well know patches, and this past Saturday one of the guys who is a big shads fan came up to me and told me that my guitar sounded the best it ever has, so I will add that D'Addario strings complete with 2 and a bit months sweat appears to be the best :-)
On thinking about it I really wonder how often Hank changed his strings in those early days?, I know in the mid 60's we used to wash them in hotel sinks with soap to get some twang back.
Steve
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Post by chrishampton1981 on Nov 14, 2011 18:51:17 GMT
Hi folks!
I like using Elixir Nanoweb strings on my Stratocaster as they have a nice balanced sound and last quite a long time. I use the .10-.46's as they feel good under my fingers plus are easy to bend. I started with Fender bullets on the guitar before changing over to GHS Boomers but seemed to need changing after only a few weeks use. A friend suggested the Elixir's and I liked them instantly.
I know some aren't keen on them and prefer the tone/sound of uncoated strings but I wouldn't swap now
Kind Regards
Chris
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Post by salvo on Nov 14, 2011 19:24:05 GMT
Hello!  I agree with most of all members and friends...D'Addario is the best also for me. if you like vintage sound, you must reflect about the guitar strings in the 50's and 60's...pure nickel strings only...no silk or ibrid. about acoustic guitars...only bronze strings for me...maybe an exception for phospore bronze. Best Regards & Ciao  Sal |
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Post by twang46 on Nov 14, 2011 20:31:48 GMT
Hi Brian
My vote is also for the D'Addarios.
Strings last me for many, many hours (100 +) with no problems
Cheers
Dick.
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Post by martyn on Nov 15, 2011 0:06:58 GMT
Hi Brian,
Deep breath whilst I bore you with my experiences to date:
I tried Elixir Nanoweb 10s for a while but my initial gripe was that they sounded new for too long - they're marketed as such so I suppose I shouldn't complain really and the extra cost at the time was justified because they kept their new sound for a longer period than the competition. So, requiring fewer string changes, I didn't have to fork out for replacement sets so frequently. Broad as it was long, so to speak.
I flirted with D'Addarios for a while but was a bit disappointed that they dulled off too quickly (no pleasing some folk is there?) and although cheaper, they did need changing more often. However, on the plus side I was happy that their new sound wasn't so obviously new as the Elixirs - I always feel impatient for this newness to dissipate as to my ears a strat doesn't hit its sweet tones until the strings have dulled just a little. Problem is this 'ideal for me' tone doesn't last long before they quickly become too dull and it's back to changing and waiting all over again. Being uncoated the plain strings blacken fairly swiftly at the most used fret positions and for some reason I felt this was a sign they needed changing even if they didn't.
I tried Newtone ElectricMasters 11s (the coated ones) and they're somewhere between the Elixirs and D'Addarios in terms of tone and changing of tone patterns, but we are talking minimal differences between all of these strings and I can't say one specific make sounds stunningly better or worse than the other, just fractionally so. The Newtones, being round rather than hex.-cored, are allegedly less stressful on the neck being strung at slightly lower tension than the hex cored strings and easier to bend as a result, but I can't say I've noticed this supposed bonus feature.
When my local stockist had run out of my usual choices a while back, I tried a set of Fender Bullets, working on the presumption that if anything they should in theory be the ideal match for a Fender guitar. Can't say I spotted any improvement or lack of it, sounded much like any other string to me despite some saying they're dreadful compared with the other brands. My local store sales staff told me they're made under licence by D'Addario for Fender - whether that be true or not I have no idea.
Reverted to D'Addarios for a while (11s on one strat, 10s on the other) but noticed (maybe fluke bad batch?) the bottom pair of wound strings on both guitars dulled down very swiftly to the point of becoming very muddy, whilst the plain strings stayed brighter for a while longer. This made me a tad wary of buying more of these and shortly thereafter I read that Ernie Ball had issued coated versions of their standard electric strings and I currently have Coated Slinky 11s on one and 10s on the other. They feel smoother to fret and, like the Elixirs,being coated they don't tarnish.
Finally and somewhat bizarrely bought a set each of 10s and 11s - you guessed it - Elixir Nanowebs again! Haven't fitted them yet - waiting for the E.Balls to wear a bit longer but I'm curious to hear how they sound again after such a long period trying others . . .
Having come full circle, I can't honestly say any of them sound notably different and maybe in my quest for 'that sound' I've rather been looking in the wrong direction in that there really isn't that much difference between any of the brands, despite the marketing hype. None of the aforementioned strings have ever snapped in everyday use (touch wood), whereas back in the sixties I was always suffering whiplash from a broken string and given I was never a heavy handed player, it just goes to show the quality of guitar strings has definitely improved in the intervening decades.
Hope this tale of my experiences hasn't confused you too much but my advice is probably to try the Elixirs as they may sound great on your guitar - they may not but there's only one way to find out.
Cheers,
Martyn
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Tori
Member
Posts: 91
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Post by Tori on Nov 15, 2011 2:40:17 GMT
One more vote for D'Addario!
Regards
Tori
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Post by noelford on Nov 15, 2011 7:14:08 GMT
I now have Elixir on most of my guitars - I started using them at least a couple of years ago.
My experience is:
They most certainly do not sound dull.
They keep the twang for a very long time.
I've used D'Addario, Ernie Ball, etc. but prefer Elixir - They sound at least as good and last a hellua lot longer.
I think they're great strings for guitar instrumental music and am honestly baffled by the negative comments above.
At the Get-Together earlier this year, I received a lot of compliments on my sound, so it's not just MY ears!
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Post by nessmonst on Nov 15, 2011 8:07:43 GMT
I bought 3 sets about a year ago to try--hated them from the first 'thud'--sold them on this site and went back to my Ernie Balls.
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Post by George Lewis on Nov 15, 2011 9:45:30 GMT
Hi Brian, Just make sure when you buy a guitar that it has strings and get the store to tune it for you. You should then be OK for at least a few years ... and you can always go back if necessary and ask them to tune it again. Just be careful they don't try to sell you another set of strings. Some stores will do anything to make a few extra quid. Watch this video as Larry Bill is widely acknowledged as a guitar master and although this particular tutorial is tailored for Country guitar lead, it mostly applies to Shadows guitar lead also. www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILnjHumUvKA ;D Incidently, I use D'addario's or Newtone ElectricMasters or Elixir Nanowebs and like them all. The Elixir are particularly good because the wound strings are easy to slide and make very little string noise even when new. cheers George |
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Post by Rick on Nov 15, 2011 10:39:37 GMT
.............. Hi members,I have Been useing Ernie Ball 10 - 46s for decades. I am tempted to have a wander about and at least try one or two different makes but,especially on my Les paul Deluxe i have really good consistency and cant imagine playing with anything else.I think its a common thing with most makes,I hate gigging with new strings,They always seem to sound their best after they have been gigged at least once or had a few hours of sessions behind them .......... a natural settling down process i suppose. Best wishes, Rick.
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Post by brian on Nov 15, 2011 10:53:45 GMT
Hey george, im'e gonna get me one them darn tootin telecasters with some strings you bet on it. Brian
i will never be temted to buy a guitar that starts with a g. no way
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Post by brian on Nov 15, 2011 11:07:35 GMT
Hi, Martyn, no you did'nt bore me at all, this is good interesting feedback ,
thanks for your time.Brian
it seems like elixer are fighting back on this thread
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Post by rosemary on Nov 15, 2011 11:45:36 GMT
Glad to hear good reports about D'Addario. I changed my American Strat's strings to the uncoated D'Addario 10 - 52s today. Previously it had the coated D'Addarios but the shop said they don't stock them anymore. Apart from the 6th string which isn't the neatest, I was quite pleased with how it went today (the 3rd time on the electrics) except I somehow injured one of my right hand fingers in the process (holding the strings firmly when winding them) so no more playing until tomorrow!
Best wishes
Rosemary
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Post by salvo on Nov 15, 2011 11:53:15 GMT
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Post by martyn on Nov 15, 2011 13:00:41 GMT
Hi Brian, Just make sure when you buy a guitar that it has strings and get the store to tune it for you. You should then be OK for at least a few years ... and you can always go back if necessary and ask them to tune it again. Just be careful they don't try to sell you another set of strings. Some stores will do anything to make a few extra quid. Watch this video as Larry Bill is widely acknowledged as a guitar master and although this particular tutorial is tailored for Country guitar lead, it mostly applies to Shadows guitar lead also. www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILnjHumUvKA ;D cheers George Totally agree - loved this very technical video. And you're right - one store gave me a free plectrum but I spotted their sales trap and left quickly before they started on the cleaning cloth demo they had lined up next - I knew what they were up to but they didn't fool me . . . Best tongue-in-cheek regards, Martyn PS - The coated Ernie Ball strings are also less raspy on the fingers, just like the Elixirs. |
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Post by knockoutrock on Nov 15, 2011 13:05:22 GMT
+1 ;D I now have Elixir on most of my guitars - I started using them at least a couple of years ago. My experience is: They most certainly do not sound dull. They keep the twang for a very long time. I've used D'Addario, Ernie Ball, etc. but prefer Elixir - They sound at least as good and last a hellua lot longer. I think they're great strings for guitar instrumental music and am honestly baffled by the negative comments above. At the Get-Together earlier this year, I received a lot of compliments on my sound, so it's not just MY ears! |
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Post by sixchannel on Nov 15, 2011 14:29:06 GMT
Having tried many different strings (d'Adarrio, Fender, Ernie Ball etc etc ad nauseum) I fell upon Elixir Nanoweb 11's about 4 years ago and have used nothing else since. The tone is great (I dont think my SFs could be considered "muddy") and the tone LIFE is very very good.
OK - so they're expensive compared to others but compare string life to price and its not a bad deal. AND - why spend good money - and sometimes LOTS of money - and then quibble about strings that might cost a pound or two more? Its like saving money by putting remoulds on your Ferrari - lol !!
cheers
ian
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Post by noelford on Nov 15, 2011 15:15:04 GMT
Actually, that raises an important point, Ian - string gauge, which must be a big factor. With Elixirs, like you, I use 11s.
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Post by jase on Nov 15, 2011 15:27:46 GMT
I'm using Elixir Nanowebs 10's and like them. What surprises me is that it would seem to be either you love them or hate them, maybe Elixir's are the Marmite of guitar strings.
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Post by strat64 on Nov 15, 2011 15:47:46 GMT
Hi all,
I have never tested Elixir, so I have no opinion about them!
For years when I was playing gigs evry week with my band, I used Ernie Ball's, and they where the first
brand that my local musicshop sold as singel strings, so I could make my own custom set for my old strat!I used 10,12,16,24,36,and 42!I had to use a 42 because the bridge had moved
forward a little by string pressure after all years, so I couldent intonate a 46!
I found them sound not so bright, and didn't loose the sound too fast!
Now I use D'Adarrio 10-46, and I really like them!
When you buy 10 set's, you will get them for nearly half the price, at least here in Sweden!
Regards
Bo
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Post by solidlg on Nov 15, 2011 16:14:05 GMT
Hi guys and Gal, Well whatever strings you all prefer have you taken a look at this site? www.stringsandbeyond.comThey are US based and naturally we in North America get the benefit of free shipping, anyway take a look at the pricing and see how it compares with what you are currently coughing up. All the best Steve |
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Post by Tone on Nov 16, 2011 9:34:28 GMT
Glad to hear good reports about D'Addario. I changed my American Strat's strings to the uncoated D'Addario 10 - 52s today. Previously it had the coated D'Addarios but the shop said they don't stock them anymore. Apart from the 6th string which isn't the neatest, I was quite pleased with how it went today (the 3rd time on the electrics) except I somehow injured one of my right hand fingers in the process (holding the strings firmly when winding them) so no more playing until tomorrow! Best wishes Rosemary Hi Rosemary. Hope you didn't do too much damage to your finger - strings can have a vicious mind of their own! Sounds like you could do with locking tuners! Back on topic: I'm firmly in the Elixir camp and use them on most of my guitars. I, too, get plenty of compliments on my sound if not on my playing Cheers. Tony |
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