Elixir's...coating coming off???

[RDT]

My Elixir strings on my 5 string are starting to get...well...Hairy. I don't know any other way of putting it. It appears the coating is starting to peel off. Around the frets that are used most often, the E and B strings have this "silk" like hair that's appearing. It looks like my strings had a bad sun burn 3 days ago, and now they're peeling. ((We have been playing a lot of fairs and festivals lately...maybe I need to put sunblock on them...by the way, the sunblock was a joke))


I've used Elixir's on my 6 string guitars for years, and just recently started using them on one of my basses. I've never noticed this on my guitars before.

The tone doesn't seem to be changing...although I'm sure if I put a new set on, I'd realize how much my tone has changed. But, to be honest...I like my tone...it took me awhile to find it with this bass.

It's not bothering me that I have 'hairy' strings. I'm just wondering if anyone else has noticed this, or if maybe this is the precursor before they snap.

[Staccato]

The company has been responsive to defective Elixir's in the past. Why don't you contact them with any information possible, and see if they will work with you on that set.

[Fuzzbass]

I often use Elixir Nanowebs. Unless the strings are relatively new, the flaking you mention isn't a defect... it happens as the coating wears off.

As you say, it doesn't necessarily mean that the strings sound any different, but as the coating wears off then grit will eventually begin to get between the windings so the strings will begin to lose their edge. I've got a really old set on my #1 bass... the D and G strings still sound pretty crisp, but the B E and A (the ones I play most) are fading, especially the E. Those are also the "hairiest": over the body, where my plucking hand hits 'em. Dirt is actually visible in places. I'm overdue for a change... gotta pick me up a few more sets.

Oh... someone once posted that they were annoyed because could feel the "hair", but I don't notice so it doesn't bother me in the least.

[Bijoux]

yeah, that's normal. That coating eventually starts to peel off.
I only change mine, when they are absolutely dead. they last for a long time.

[SurferJoe46]

The cat fur means pretty much nothing.

I got it on both of the bass that have Nanos on them and it never hurt anything.

I'm one year into the first set of Nanos and they are just as good as ever.

[fretlessguy]

Don't worry, they are still going to good for a while.