Elixirs. Are they considered very bright strings?

dave_bass5 · #1 02-07-2010, 03:34 PM

I used to like these strings but stopped using them about 2 years ago.
I just put a set on my Lakland DD and while i like the feel, the tone seems to be overly bright and almost electronic sounding if that makes sense.
I know these are long lasting strings and so will stay bright for a bit longer than most. Maybe they just aren't for me.

Im going to try a set of XLs instead but just wanted to see if anyone else find these strings to be as above.

XtheDeadPawn · #2 02-07-2010, 03:49 PM

I got a ATK305 recently and it comes with Elixers I hated 'em. I replaced them with some Dunlops with the 135 B. The nickel Dunlops compared to the Elixers sound just as bright (even though I think the Exliers were steel).

So basically I think you and I had the same experience also did they stick to your fingers or was that just me? I sweat alot but, still did you notice this after a few hours of play?

TheDialog · #3 02-07-2010, 03:53 PM

I have a pack of Elixirs for sale...let me know if you're interested in picking them up and trying them

dave_bass5 · #4 02-07-2010, 03:54 PM

Thanks.
I think its not the brightness i mind, its the tone. Especially on the A and E strings down by the nut.
Just too many overtones for me.
Im not looking for a Flats tone though. Been there, done that and always come back to Nicks.
I cant say ive noticed any sticking. In fact last night at the gig i felt i was actually slipping on the strings.

TheDialog · #5 02-07-2010, 04:00 PM

I know exactly what you're saying...I use Fender strings and love them...check this out: BIRTHDAY SALE!!!!! (Lots of strings)

dave_bass5 · #6 02-07-2010, 04:11 PM

Yeah, Fenders are nice, cheap strings.
I used to use 7150s in the past on my HW1 Jazz. When i got my 2008 USA P5 i kept the stock strings on it and brought a spare set as well.

Oh, and happy birthday from the UK.

Solarmist · #7 02-07-2010, 04:17 PM

Elixirs are beautiful sounding strings, but cost a few bucks.

TheDialog · #8 02-07-2010, 04:24 PM

I'll let mine go for a lot less than they are new. PM me

Gopher Bob · #9 02-07-2010, 04:36 PM

I dislike both that harsh tone and the initial feel of elixirs.

Recently I bought another pack because I forgot how much I disliked them. After a few weeks and probably a total of 20-30 hours of playing on them they have become very nice. That harshness goes away, they mellow out and that tight slimeyness becomes unnoticeable (at least to me).

Drastic difference and I believe thats why I can never remember that I dislike them. My final impression of the strings is very positive.

dave_bass5 · #10 02-07-2010, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gopher Bob

My final impression of the strings is very positive.

That was mine from a couple of years ago. In fact on the same bass, and i was totally in love with these strings.
Maybe they will settle in. Ive done three gig s with them so far.

Still going for a set of XL's as well though.

basmartin · #11 02-07-2010, 04:45 PM

I don´t think that they sound so bright.

But I don´t need them, the strings I use lasts for months. Havn´t changed strings since november and I play everyday, have 2 gigs a week... And they still have some zing in them.

Meatrus · #12 02-07-2010, 05:52 PM

I know what you mean. I actually like bright strings, but Elixirs sound different than normal bright strings to me, a bit like a weak man clearing their throat...harsh, but still wimpy.

I cant put my finger on why I dont like them compared to SS strings like Rotos (harsh), but there is something different. It might be the fact they are Nickel, instead of steel, and maybe Nickel doesent suit the bright sound as well as SS does and lacks something.

dave_bass5 · #13 02-08-2010, 02:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Meatrus

Elixirs sound different than normal bright strings to me, a bit like a weak man clearing their throat...harsh, but still wimpy.

Good description and yes, thats what im hearing.
I also like my strings to be bright, although i prefer nicks to SS.
If they do mellow out thats fine but im not sure i can stick with them long enough for that to happen at the moment.

queevil · #14 02-08-2010, 03:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gopher Bob

I dislike both that harsh tone and the initial feel of elixirs.

Recently I bought another pack because I forgot how much I disliked them. After a few weeks and probably a total of 20-30 hours of playing on them they have become very nice. That harshness goes away, they mellow out and that tight slimeyness becomes unnoticeable (at least to me).

Drastic difference and I believe thats why I can never remember that I dislike them. My final impression of the strings is very positive.

I couldn't agree more. The only string I like the sound of right out of the package is the Fender Nylon Tapewound that I prefer on my fretless J bass. I've never ever liked the sound of any wound string out of the pack and the Elixir is no exception. However, once they are worn in they are awesome and they tend to keep that broken-in-but-not dead sound that I like for a while.

Toastfuzz · #15 02-08-2010, 04:18 AM

I personally don't like them. They came stock on my Ibanez Soundgear and ATK, and I replaced them on both wit D'Addario's. I did get that "sticky" feel with them, it wouldn't go away, but rather, it would only show its face after playing for awhile and building some sweat. Also, whatever the coating is on them started to peel off where I was plucking or picking, and they looked almost like dry peeling skin. The sound was decent, but I could tell the E and A sounded really worn in really fast, while all the other strings sounded tinny for weeks after.

Toronto Bassist · #16 02-10-2010, 08:07 PM

I used to use them and thought they were great but then I switched to DR strings and really liked them. Recently I bought a pack of Elixirs since the store I was at didn't have the DR strings I wanted. Now that I've tried them again, I don't know what I ever saw in them. I can tolerate the sticky feel, but as someone said I think there's too many overtones for my liking. It almost sounds like you're using a chorus pedal, if that makes sense. Don't care for the sound at all.

zillo · #17 02-10-2010, 08:25 PM

I just got a new SRX 695 and it came with the elixirs. Speaking as someone whos has played nothing but fenders with flats for a few years, they don't strike me as bright, but maybe more "zingy" G string seems thin. There is definitely a lot going on with the notes, maybe that's the overtones people are referring to. Kind of something a little extra.

I've been playing these for a couple of weeks...I kind of like it.

steveinohio · #18 02-10-2010, 11:00 PM

I like them for some basses. They do have a different sound though. Good to hear others feel this way!

Craig_S · #19 02-10-2010, 11:20 PM

Elixir's always sounded great on my Stingray5. I use Slinky's on it now, though. Slinky's do sound great on a "Ray".

dave_bass5 · #20 02-11-2010, 04:48 AM

Since i started this thread ive now switched to XLs and am much happier.
Even though the XLs are brand new they sound more controlled than the Elixirs.
The E and A, especially open, sound more solid, and although bright they lack all the overtones i was hearing before.

Someone mentioned getting a chorus like effect. I've been noticing that as well but put that down to the fact that i was going through digital equipment (Korg Pandora and my PC) but once the Xls were on this effect disappeared.

I guess its all down to personal preference but im glad at a few of you can also hear what im hearing. I was worried maybe my pup was faulty.