Compare Coated strings

eotpr · #1 03-04-2010, 09:21 AM

I am looking for some coated strings. I have used ELIXERs and like them. I have been thinking about trying DR Extra Life. I also have found the Rotosound Nexus strings and think they might be a good choice. Also I am considering Aurora strings. Does anyone have any idea which I shoud use. Can anyone accurately compare and contract these strings? Likes and dislikes. The primary reason I am not going straight for the Elixers is the fact they get shaggy for me after a month or two of playing. I do not use a pick. I play classic rock. These strings are for my Ibanez SR500.

Simon Langley · #2 03-04-2010, 09:25 AM

I would advise you to stay away from the Auroras. I tried a set of their gold coated strings on my Alembic and they were horrible. Strange muted tone. Rubbery feel and tension. The low string tension was too low and the high strings were too tight. I actually ended up returning them and I have never done that before.

I have used the DR Black beauties and been happy with them.

ErikW · #3 03-04-2010, 05:15 PM

I just changed out the Elixers on my SR700 for DR Black Beauty's. They have a tinnier sound than the Elixers. I loved the mellow sound of the Elixers, but mine too were starting to shed. Either their tone is starting to settle in or I am getting used to them. I do like the feel of them and I am starting to like their sound also. One vote for DR's.

eotpr · #4 03-04-2010, 05:48 PM

Thanks guys.

bassplayer7770 · #5 03-05-2010, 10:58 AM

Okay, I have some questions as well, and I'll post my experience with coated strings first.

I used Elixirs for a while and really liked the way they felt, how long they lasted, and I thought I liked the sound too. I did get a chance to try some coated DR strings at the time, and I didn't care for the DRs. After getting a bit stressed out dealing with band drama, I took a year off from music.

When I got back into it, I ended up switching back to DR Nickel-Plated Lo Riders, and I like the way they sound and feel as well. However, there is no way I can really remember how a fresh set of Elixirs sounded by comparison. I did more recently try some Dunlop Nickels, and I prefer the DR NP Lo Riders. Skjold Strings are nice strings as well.

So which coated strings would sound the most similar to a good, fresh set of Nickel strings while having fantastic feel? Does the tone last significantly longer compared to non-coated strings (I know the Elixirs did)? Does the B-string have good definition?

I've considered going back to Elixirs, but I used to order them from String This because they had the best prices, but String This no longer sells them. Others that have come to mind are the Ernie Balls and D'Addario EXPs.

Or is there a more affordable non-coated alternative to DR NP Lo Riders? It's been a while since I've tried SIT Nickel Rock Brights...

DarkArwen · #6 03-07-2010, 09:21 AM

The black beauties are ok. I have them. The only thing I can say is they are "looser". Nice tone, but I think they sound, um, stringy. You know that shift squeak? n The actuall playing tone is quite nice and I like that. As far as the shift sqeak, I've had the strings a few months now and It's not as bad now. I am not sure if that's cause I play better, or because the strings have worn in some. New player here.

eotpr · #7 03-08-2010, 09:05 AM

I guess I will hit those DRs. Anyone know where is the cheapest place to get them?

stflbn · #8 03-08-2010, 09:45 AM

Ernie Ball Coated Slinkies

.

lmfreeman9 · #9 03-08-2010, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eotpr

I guess I will hit those DRs. Anyone know where is the cheapest place to get them?

Ebay. This seller has a set or 2 and will accept offers around 70-75% of asking price.

http://shop.ebay.com/fynn_wilfield/m...ings&_osacat=0

eotpr · #10 03-08-2010, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lmfreeman9

Ebay. This seller has a set or 2 and will accept offers around 70-75% of asking price.

http://shop.ebay.com/fynn_wilfield/m...ings&_osacat=0

Thanks I will check it out.

eotpr · #11 03-09-2010, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lmfreeman9

Ebay. This seller has a set or 2 and will accept offers around 70-75% of asking price.

http://shop.ebay.com/fynn_wilfield/m...ings&_osacat=0

Well I went there and pulled the trigger on the DRs. I got a great price. I can't wait to get them on and play it.

T. Alan Smith · #12 03-09-2010, 10:42 AM

DRs were okay. I didn't like how they shred. Got some Ernie Balls on their way. Won't be trying them for awhile though.

cybersnyder · #13 03-09-2010, 11:55 AM

I didn't like Elixirs and wasn't impressed with the DR coated strings. I was surprised because I really like DR strings in general. I like Cleartone strings except their low B which I thought was terrible. I'm currently using Ernie Ball coated strings on a MusicMan, a P bass and a custom 5 string and I really like them. (Disclaimer: I won an EB contest and received 6 free sets, but I liked them before winning the contest.) The EB's are my favorite strings on my P-bass. The feel on your picking hand is a little odd at first but you quickly get used to it.

SteveC · #14 03-09-2010, 12:04 PM

I am using DR BB's right now, but may go back to DR HB's. I like the sound (and look) of the BB's but I just can't seem to get used to the feel.

Barcza · #15 11-12-2010, 12:21 PM

What about the Rotosound Nexus?

kelleysdad · #16 11-12-2010, 12:29 PM

I really like the Cleartone strings. I have had them on over a month, use a pick occasionally, zero issues.They still sound new.

pgolliher · #17 11-12-2010, 12:37 PM

+1 on the Ernie Ball coated slinkys. The only other coated strings that I have used were the Elixers. Comparing the two, I found that the tone of the Elixers lacked warmth or "low tone" and had a somewhat brittle tone. I like the Ernie Balls better, they have a more "true" sound to them, meaning they sound close to regular slinkys. Both work well for keeping a "new string" sound for much longer than regular strings. -The elixers might have lasted a bit longer- but I will use the Ernie Balls for live/sweaty gigs. For recording I love the Blue Steel non-coated. I wish I could have their piano tone last for more than a gig or two!

pbasswil · #18 11-12-2010, 12:44 PM

Just in case my strategy is of any use to anyone else:

You know how expensive 5-string sets can get. Well now I just buy 4-string sets of choice, and add an Elixir low B. I play my B string about 1/3 as often as the other strings anyway, so it just lasts and lasts.

I find their low B sounds just fine (and better than many), and doesn't stick out from the higher strings. It lasts me so long that I only bother to change it every 3 sets or so.

This might or might not work for anyone else, but there it is for your consideration.

- pw

Barcza · #19 11-24-2010, 01:53 PM

I just like the sound the Rotosound RS66 when right out the pack, but it keep that sound approx. one week. The Nexus keep that piano like brightness longer?