Elixers with a pick?

ndrifka · #1 10-30-2008, 06:42 PM

How do Elixers stand up to pick playing? I would like to try them on my P Bass, but I play with a pick 90% of the time and wonder if the pick will take off the coating. Anyone ever try these with a pick, and how did it work out for ya?

saxofunk · #2 10-30-2008, 07:15 PM

Yes, a pick will shred the coating off. Mileage varies depending on what type of pick you use and how aggressive you play, but a pick will wear the coating off much quicker than fingertips.

canshaker · #3 10-30-2008, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by saxofunk

Yes, a pick will shred the coating off. Mileage varies depending on what type of pick you use and how aggressive you play, but a pick will wear the coating off much quicker than fingertips.

+1, but it works fine. I do it.

ndrifka · #4 10-30-2008, 07:42 PM

Does the shredding of the coating affect the sound, or is it mainly just annoying? I do like how the strings feel on my fretting hand.

Ampeg SVT · #5 10-30-2008, 07:46 PM

It shouldnt affect sound unless you get sweat on that area or something.

I actually had to stop playing with a pick because of these strings, since I kill strings in about a day without coatings like Elixer.

ndrifka · #6 10-30-2008, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ampeg SVT

It shouldnt affect sound unless you get sweat on that area or something.

I actually had to stop playing with a pick because of these strings, since I kill strings in about a day without coatings like Elixer.

Wow, sounds expensive.

Ampeg SVT · #7 10-30-2008, 07:56 PM

It did get expensive, thats why I play Elixers.

Hell I just bought some Cleartones and they died in about 2 days.

Craig_S · #8 10-30-2008, 07:57 PM

The fuzz from the coating is just a minor annoyance. The strings will still sound fine for a good long time.

ndrifka · #9 10-30-2008, 08:10 PM

Thanks guys. I'm gonna give them a try.

Solarmist · #10 10-30-2008, 08:48 PM

I play 100% of the time with a pick, and tore all the coating off a set within 3 weeks.

dave_bass5 · #11 10-31-2008, 05:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig_S

The fuzz from the coating is just a minor annoyance. The strings will still sound fine for a good long time.

Thats my finding as well.
I had a set on my Duck Dunn and i play 99% with a pick. I reckon i got around 2 months worth of gigs, 1-2 a week before i noticed a tone change. And even then it wasn't much.
I did notice the area where i pick had a different texture after a while but i cant say it was a problem.
These are the best strings ive ever owned. I feel the tension is higher than my normal strings and i like that. The sound is very solid, clear with plenty of lows but still with a lot of growl (i had a jazz bass player tell me my DD had more growl than his Jazz at one gig).

Im on chromes at the moment but intend to go back to these at some point.

subsea · #12 10-31-2008, 02:38 PM

I play half pick / half fingers and theres always a littlle shredding ( no pun implied

of the coating - makes no diff. to the sound . great strings , I use them on all my basses , in either long scale medium or long scale heavy .
but hunt around for pricing , I can get them as cheap as $40 on the net (in Australia) or you pay $70 - $110 in the stores

#13 11-01-2008, 12:38 AM

Hey Guys new to the forum HELLOOO
I just finally changed out my Elixers on my Ibanez SR-500 that were aprox 1 year old with about 8 to 10 hours a week and they were pretty fuzzy and still tuned and sounded good I just fiqured it was time.
I put on a set of DR Low Riders,they dont have the tonal quality but are a little more forgiving and not as smooth as the Elixers.
But I will probobaly go back to the Elixers.
I just bought a Schecter neck through that I would like to try the Elixers on when I change the strings.
The EMGs on the Schecter are not as bright as the Active Bartolinis on the Ibanez.
Steve

mrkreuzschlitz · #14 11-02-2008, 06:41 PM

I actually use Elixirs with a pick.

I just replaced them yesterday after 3 months. They weren't dead, it just the coating on the E string from the neck pocket to the bridge was about completely gone and the coating was wearing off over the frets, resulting in some serious grime buildup. They still sounded good, but someone gave me a pack of new strings so I went ahead and switched. I'm gonna try some Dean Markley's next but if I don't like them,

back to Elixir. Best strings I've used thus far, really comfortable on your hands.