D'addario XL vs. EXP

[snowdan]

so given that i like the XL's, will i be a fan of the coated versions too?

i currently go through a set within 3 weeks now, then the sound craps out, no definition and evrything.

[cb56]

I use the D'Addarios too. I tried the black beauties (coated version) once. They sounded good out of the package but went dead as quick if not quicker than the uncoated ones. I killed mine in 3 weeks of weekend gigging. I bought a bass once that had elixirs on it. They lasted about 4 months and sounded pretty good but I didn't like the slimy feel they had. Also they are about 50 bucks a set for 5 string version. Considering I can get a 2 pack of the D'addario XLs for 30 bucks I figured I might as well get the strings that I like for about the same money in the long run. I wish sombody would make an over the counter string cleaner that actually works, I'd be all over it. I don't wat to mess with boiling strings or soaking them in alchohol. The fast fret doesn't seem to help much. Just wiping down my good old nickle plated D'addarios with a rag after playing seems to be all I can do to preserve string life.

[snowdan]

so you didn't like the elixir. me too.

anyone who can actually compare XL - EXL?

[markjazzbassist]

i have compared the exl and exp's. I liked the exl's so much better. I play my bass a lot (talking at least 2 hours a day) and HONESTLY they both seemed to last the same amount of time. The exp's were a little brighter sounding (to me) and felt very slippery and were hard to get used to. On the other hand, the exl's were a nice growly punchy string. I got used to them very quickly and they just felt like home. They last a decent amount of time and were inexpensive. EXL's all the way for me.

[snowdan]

i like the exl's for the growl...so it looks like i will stick to them.