How long do Elixir's last?

fourstringbliss · #1 08-02-2006, 12:22 AM

I've got a set of Elixir strings on my bass, and I love the sound and feel. How long should they last under normal playing conditions?

EADG mx · #2 08-02-2006, 01:35 AM

I had mine for about 2 months, still look almost new. I've heard up to 6 months, but it does depend on how much you play.

Also, wash your hands before you play, if you dont.

nad · #3 08-02-2006, 02:07 AM

When I used them (exclusively for several years), one set would last at LEAST one year. I had two basses with them at one time and with multiple hours of practice/gigs per week they lasted well over a year and ended up sounding pretty damn incredible the whole time. Amazing strings, I wish they would've still kept the Polywebs in production.

The thing with them is how gradually they age. They don't die unexpectedly like some strings do (one day they sound ground, 3 days later you want to strangle someone with them, possibly yourself), they die so slowly that only when they get really bad do they unquestionably need a-changin. Pretty similar to flatwounds in a lot of ways really.

Again, sucks that Polywebs are no longer produced, Nanowebs are too stainless steel sounding for me. Oh well!

GM60466 · #4 08-02-2006, 03:48 AM

I have had a set for two years. That's right! I put them on one of mine MM and then took them right off. They've been in the case the rest of the time.
I didn't like them at all

GM

matrok · #5 08-02-2006, 03:55 AM

During the string trial, I had mine on for 6 months. I only took them off because I wanted to find out what the "free gift" was for taking the trial. It was a coffee mug. Should have left the strings on.

Rob Lewis · #6 08-02-2006, 04:14 AM

Apparently Ibanez factory-fit them. I think they're top notch.

vindy500 · #7 08-02-2006, 04:17 AM

cort acoustics come with em. nice strings

fourstringbliss · #8 08-02-2006, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nad

When I used them (exclusively for several years), one set would last at LEAST one year. I had two basses with them at one time and with multiple hours of practice/gigs per week they lasted well over a year and ended up sounding pretty damn incredible the whole time. Amazing strings, I wish they would've still kept the Polywebs in production.

The thing with them is how gradually they age. They don't die unexpectedly like some strings do (one day they sound ground, 3 days later you want to strangle someone with them, possibly yourself), they die so slowly that only when they get really bad do they unquestionably need a-changin. Pretty similar to flatwounds in a lot of ways really.

Again, sucks that Polywebs are no longer produced, Nanowebs are too stainless steel sounding for me. Oh well!

I love the sound of this!! I don't mind paying $40 for strings if I know they'll last a year. Otherwise I'm paying $20 for strings that will last six months, so then I'm paying $40 anyway, huh?
I sure do love the feel of them - they're so nice and smooth to the touch as I slide my fingers on them. I like the sound as well. Are you sure about the Polywebs? The little Elixir booklet that came listed Nanoweb and Polyweb bass strings, but Polyweb's don't come in a 5-string set.

fourstringbliss · #9 08-02-2006, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob Lewis

Apparently Ibanez factory-fit them. I think they're top notch.

They come installed on all of the higher end basses. I'm so used to getting a bass (whether new or used) and immediately swapping out the stock strings for something I would want to play on. It feels really good to buy a bass and find that even the stock strings are high quality. It makes my Korean made BTB555 seem a little like a custom shop instrument.

morfine · #10 08-02-2006, 09:02 AM

1 week and they were dead

agplate · #11 08-02-2006, 09:13 AM

Very good strings- I've tried nearly all of the coated strings and IMO Elixirs are the only ones worth buying. I think the Polys last longest, but as we know they have been discontinued. I seem to remember my last set of Nanos lasted a long time, but started to feel a bit sticky after several months of good use. And I'm an OCD type hand washer! For some people who say they sound horrible, I had an interesting experience. Last week I installed my last set of POLYWEBs on my Ric 4001CS- playing through my new Eden Nemesis/Avatar rig, it just sounded awful- like they were nearly dead. I was FREAKIN' OUT MAN! Then I plugged the Ric into my old Peavey Amp (which I used to use with the RIC anyway) and it sounded absolutely great and zingy- like Chris Squire's bass. The point being that some basses/strings just may not be suited to a particular amp/eq setup. This was a new revelation and lesson for me.

Michael Jewels · #12 08-02-2006, 09:27 AM

Elixirs came stock from the factory on both new Ibanez basses I bought: an EDA905F 3 years ago, and a BTB1205E I bought this past January.

The set on my EDA are just starting to shed their coating now. I'd say that 3 years is a pretty good run.

I have a light touch, and I don't slap or use a pick, so this probably helps extend the life of any string.

I also put a set of Elixirs on my Yamaha, and they've been on 2 years now, and still haven't started to shed.

I love these strings, because they're not bright, and do seem to have an almost flatwound-type thump, along with the ring of roundwounds.

I haven't put them on my Stingray yet, because I love the sound of the DR Lo Riders I have on it now, but I imagine they'd sound great on a 'Ray too.

Mike

labgnat · #13 08-02-2006, 09:29 AM

i had 1 set of em, they are expensive but last 3 or 4 times longer than other strings iv'e used

TL5 · #14 08-02-2006, 09:32 AM

I hate the way they 'fuzz' up, even after moderate use. Even though it's merely cosmetic.

this photo was after about 6 weeks.

TL5 · #15 08-02-2006, 10:16 AM

Yes, like I said it's cosmetic. I haven't had anyone just walk up and comment on it.
I have had a couple other players, in the group, ask about it. They're the exception, not the rule.

phat5 · #16 08-02-2006, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matrok

During the string trial, I had mine on for 6 months. I only took them off because I wanted to find out what the "free gift" was for taking the trial. It was a coffee mug. Should have left the strings on.

Me too! Although I love my new mug....I wish I would have kept the strings, to use as a reference / comparison set.

Bassplayer92 · #17 08-02-2006, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matrok

During the string trial, I had mine on for 6 months. I only took them off because I wanted to find out what the "free gift" was for taking the trial. It was a coffee mug. Should have left the strings on.

I got mine during the free trial also, but I kept them when I heard that the free gift was a mug. The strings are worth more to me than a mug ever would be.

Anyway, I got my free set in May 2005 and still play on them every week. I think they still sound awesome, but need to change them out because the coating is wearing off now.

Modern Growl · #18 08-02-2006, 12:56 PM

i've always changed the strings juts to change them...
i never had them technically die on me yet.

matrok · #19 08-02-2006, 01:03 PM

I didn't run into the "fuzzing" and I play a pretty aggressive fingerstyle as well as some pick. Guess I got lucky. I'll be getting some more on my next string change.

I do love my mug, use it daily, but still would have kept the strings if I had known a mug was coming.

Derek the Cello · #20 08-02-2006, 01:08 PM

My friend has been buying them for a year on acoustic and electric guitar. Like the feel, originally liked the sound but now we're both really bored of it. He also breaks a string about every 3 months without playing hard or with a pick, so we're both staying away from them now.