Coated vs Uncoated Strings

[stjr64]

Alright, I've been perusing the strings forum and grinding the search function to find a thread that has already addressed this, to no avail. If I missed something, feel completely free to delete this thread and send me a link to where I should be.

I've only ever played on uncoated strings (right now Ernie Ball Power Slinkys on my Peavey Cirrus 5-string), and have recently been wondering about coated strings. Aside from personal preference, why would one want to buy coated strings as opposed to uncoated?

Again, I know very little about it, so hit me with anything ya got.

Thanks--

~Scottie

 

[Hollywars]

Supposedly they last longer. I've never used coated before.

 

[IntrepidCellist]

I swear by Elixirs. They're a bit 'slicker' feeling and are nice and easy to slide on without as much finger noise. They're bright and clear and stay that way for a very long time compared to Slinkies, Rotos, or D'Addarios, which may be a good or bad thing based on your tone tastes. I have acidic sweat so they really last a long time for me compared to similar uncoated strings, anywhere from three to five times as long.

The only problem I have is that the low B in their 5-string set isn't wound far enough to reach the nut on my 35" scale Schecter California Custom 5 by about a hair. They fit on Schecter's other 35" fivers, just not mine, so I have to use a Cleartone taperwound string :grumble:

 

[stjr64]

Thanks for the responses--I also have abnormally sweaty hands... not sure if my sweat is acidic or not, but I digress...

Easier sliding would be awesome for me, I tend to integrate a lot of slide riffs into the music we write. Longer life would be a plus, too, considering my budget...

The direction this thread is going, however, is exactly where I suspected it might go from the second I clicked the "new thread" button: it all comes down to personal preference, doesn't it?

~Scottie

 

[DrSmaggs]

I've tried Elixirs and those DR coated and color coated strings. They really do last a bit longer... I remember the Elixir strings staying snappy the longest.

I'm poor, so I just buy the regular ones. It's still 35 bucks per bass.... ouch

 

[nortonrider]

I have Fender Nylon Tapewounds on one of my basses. As a matter of fact, I have been playing it all afternoon and just put it down.

They are easier sliding - easier on the fingers all around. THEY LAST FOREVER.

 

[T-34]

I hate old Elixirs The coating deteriorates and they become "hairy" with age, especially if played with pick

 

[Chasarms]

I have tried Elixirs. I have no idea how long they last because they sounded so bad out of the package that I took them off and gave them away!!!

Just my opinion of course. Others will have a different one. It is the way of things.

 

[pasta4lnch]

fwiw I tried them once on guitar and in 20+ years of playing its the only time I ever broke a string . . .

 

[Mikebass6]

stjr64, of course it comes down to personal preference. That's just the nature of the string debate. If you were looking for a specific answer to the coated/uncoated question, the fact of the matter is that coated strings do last longer and are a bit smoother feeling under the fingers as opposed to "regular" strings. Since many manufacturers are starting to produce coated strings, that is where the preference part comes in. Good luck!

 

[73jbass]

I have played Elixirs for about 4 years now,and don't use anything else. They are easy on the fingers,will outlast an uncoated string 3 to 1 easily,and they sound like set of roundwounds that have settled in,and they stay that was for a long time. If you play with a pick,they will fuzz up,but that doesn't mean they loose their tone.They are about 40 bucks a set,but since they last at least 3 times longer than a standard string,you actually come out ahead in the long term.If you like the zingy aggressive tone of something like Rotosounds,then these won't work for you.Otherwise, you owe it to yourself to try one set.

 

[morrisonhendrix]

Great thread. I had the exact same question today and saw this thread. I just got a Spector Euro4 in a trade and it has the coated DRs on it. So far (about an hour playing) I like them. They're a lighter gauge than I'm used to though. Seems a little more twangy than what I like. But I may switch them out for a heavier gauge.

I'm also thinking about putting some on my Spector 5er.

Regards,

Glenn

 

[stjr64]

Thanks a lot for everyone's input--I do more enjoy the sound of a string once it's broken in, so I think I'll pick a coated set up when I'm ready for another one and see what I think.

Thanks again, everyone!!

~Scottie

 

[Scarrsese]

I assume you'd buy them if your strings corrode or rust easily. They don't sound as bright as reg nickle strings. But, they stay alive longer.

FYI-It also seems like more of a challenge to fret. I really had to be right on the fret for no buzzing or dead sounds. I played them with med high action on a Stingray 5str.

 

[gareth dunster]

i got a set of coated strings cos they fealt all slick and lovely, then after two weeks the coating all came off and they looked like pipecleaners.