D'adario EXP coated bass strings lousey?

Triclops · #1 03-10-2006, 04:25 PM

I just bought 3 sets of em for my five string, and I hope I made the right decision.(3 sets for $80.00 U.S) I've heard they are very good, however I've also read on here that they blow...

redwood · #2 03-10-2006, 04:35 PM

Sorry to say I'm not too big a fan. But I was also used to Elixers, which seem to be much smoother, and had a longer life. That and on the 3rd gig with the Black Beauties, I walked off the stage after the second set with black crap all over my fingers. It's got my unsealed maple neck looking pretty crappy too.
Although it looks like they're about 1/2 the price of An Elixer 5 string set, I thought they wern't half as good.
But,......just my 2 cents.

Triclops · #3 03-10-2006, 06:37 PM

black beauties? I'm talking about d'adario exp's

SGT. Pepper · #4 03-11-2006, 08:25 AM

DR's Coated strings are .....ok. They aren't the best but I can't imagine a coated XL sounding good. Were they too muted or just plain old BLAH?

Triclops · #5 03-11-2006, 03:23 PM

my black beauties were blah. but good for my fretess.

SBassman · #6 03-11-2006, 05:41 PM

Not a big coated fan myself. I think they are a Big compromise in tone and feel - both the bass strings and the guitar strings.

Plus, I'm the kind of guy that doesn't change strings often.
Once I get a pair matched to a bass that works, those strings stay there for a Lonnng time.

**TheEmptyCell** · #7 03-11-2006, 09:31 PM

I've been meaning to try the EXP's for a while, but since they don't make a set that I can string my bass E-F with, I haven't gotten around to it, and I don't play my Jazz enough to bother throwing them on there.

Ian Perge · #8 03-14-2006, 01:30 AM

Am I the only one thinking that spending $80 of three sets of a brand you've never tried isn't perhaps the best idea?

Microbass · #9 03-14-2006, 01:45 AM

Erm, isnt the coating on the EXP's a NICKEL[plated] coating - "for longer life"?
They're no slowounds, thats fer sure, but i found them to be better than the average XL's.

From daddario.com:
"An ultra-fine layer of EXP Coating is bonded to the outer nickel-plated steel wrap wire providing a barrier against corrosion and wear and keeps strings sounding fresh and bright 3 to 4 time longer than traditional bass strings."

Personally I saw no loss in tone nor feel; I bled all over the strings after my 2nd gig, so that bunged them up nice n good likes, so I can't comment on their life.

If you like nickel roundwounds, I don't think you'll be disappointed.

if you are, i'll have them.

**TheEmptyCell** · #10 03-14-2006, 10:12 AM

Buying three sets having never tried them isn't exactly a smart move, but hey, it's not my wallet.

And to Micro... have you tried Elixirs before? If so, how do the EXPs compare?

Microbass · #11 03-14-2006, 10:24 AM

Can't say I've ever tried elixirs; in my quest for strings the reviews didn't quite match up with what I was looking for.
that was a long time ago, so I couldnt say why/what i was looking for

Slowounds are still the best strings I've ever had!

agplate · #12 03-14-2006, 04:42 PM

I've used EXP's, DR extra life (blue and black) and Elixirs. The EXP's get sticky and don't last that long. The DR's were nice but not zingy. Elixirs are the only ones I'll go back to. Good luck!

greenboy · #13 03-14-2006, 06:32 PM

All the coiated strings throw away high end I don't want to lose. But Elixirs are the least objectionable and I think they have a nicer feel too. If I wanted to tone down the treble they'd be my choice.

krazy_olie · #14 03-15-2006, 03:28 PM

Well I was going to buy some but i bought a set of the uncoated ones. Only had a dew days but so far the tone has been good, I may well buy some of the coated versions if I continue to like 'em.

Spacelordmother · #15 11-19-2006, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redwood

Sorry to say I'm not too big a fan. But I was also used to Elixers, which seem to be much smoother, and had a longer life. That and on the 3rd gig with the Black Beauties, I walked off the stage after the second set with black crap all over my fingers. It's got my unsealed maple neck looking pretty crappy too.
Although it looks like they're about 1/2 the price of An Elixer 5 string set, I thought they wern't half as good.
But,......just my 2 cents.

do they BB's really bleed like this? this is the first i've heard of it. i am considering trying some out on my maple-boarded ripper, but if they might mar it, then maybe not!

HELLonWheels187 · #16 11-19-2006, 11:01 PM

I have had both BB's and Red Devils and i have never ever had anything rub onto my fingers although the black does where off.

markjazzbassist · #17 11-20-2006, 12:57 PM

i didn't like d'addario's coated strings. the tone was not to my liking, to trebly and not enough bite. i liked their standard nickel rounds the best. i have since switched to DR Hi-Beams though.

BillytheBassist · #18 11-20-2006, 02:50 PM

The EXP's are verey bright at first with alot of zing.... excellent for fingerstyle stuff. After a week or so they loose the luster and i mean quickly. I also noticed that they're very stiff or "fast" may be the word i'm looking for. I like a little more recoil in a string. Not bad strings but, Rotosound get's all my string money.

the giz · #19 12-21-2006, 11:17 AM

i'VE TRIED THEM ALL BUT THE BEST I'VE COME ACROSS WERE THOMASTIK-INFELD, PERIOD. A LITTLE EXPENSIVE BUT THE BEST AND STRONGEST STRINGS ON THE MARKET TODAY. GET THE JAZZ SET. THEY WERE BASICALLY MADE FOR UPRIGHT BUT, ARE NOW FOR ELECTRIC BASS.

saxofunk · #20 12-26-2006, 09:17 PM

Can't comment on EXPs... but I have to defend Black Beauties.

That business about them leaving black stuff all on fingers and neck is very questionable to me. I have been through two sets of BBs on my bass and a set on acoustic guitar. The only wear was at points where the strings contacted frets and where I used a pick, and it there was absolutely no residue left the instruments. I had one set on the bass for well over a year, play mostly fingerstyle, and the coating didn't shred.