Elixir 14202 Bass Strings

[jglunt]

I've used Elixirs on many basses through the years and really like them. To me, the nickel wounds have a great crisp yet slightly mellow sound. They are more comfortable to play than the standard roundwound, yet still have that roundwound sound. They last forever. Finger noise is just slightly better than a standard roundwound, so if you're trying a set for reduced finger noise, you might be disappointed. If finger noise is an issue for you, you might need to try flatwounds. I use Ernie Ball Slinky cobalt flats, which sound a little like a roundwound. You might also consider GHS Pressurewounds.

 

[Baker69]

I’ve got Elixir Nanoweb’s on my Takamine GN93CE electro-acoustic and they feel really nice! I might give the bass one’s a try!

 

[Whaleform]

I just really like the tapewound feel and tone and want more pop so i think this should work well on my fretless

 

[Whaleform]

What's the distance on your bass from the ball end to the B tuner post? If it's less than 38", that would mean the full winding will end up wrapping around the post, which is something you might want to avoid.

End of bridge to the B-string tuner post is about 38.5" - im feeling X-long is the way to go still yea?

 

[chadds]

Years ago I had this experience. First let me say that unlike version one these strings are just normal.

I have a ‘57 RI Fullerton. It was rather meh not exceptional. I’ve owned an actual ‘57. To the story I kept D’Addarios on many basses. They’ve always been just fine.This RI was so meh that I decided to sell. Photo’d it for sale then on a hunch threw on the Elixirs.

It gained the volume of an active bass with huge lows full across the spectrum. This is apparent unplugged as well. Oh I kept it and it’s a daily player.

My analysis. The matching of all of the components, body, neck, electronics, hardware and strings is unique. In this case a different component changed the recipe.

IMHO & YMMV enjoy these strings.

 

[GreyBeard]

They sound like dead round wounds

 

[michael_t]

End of bridge to the B-string tuner post is about 38.5" - im feeling X-long is the way to go still yea?

Elixir "extra long" = 38" ball end to taper. So, yes, the extra long will be just fine as the full winding comes short of the B tuner post, which is what you want.

 

[Whaleform]

Elixir "extra long" = 38" ball end to taper. So, yes, the extra long will be just fine as the full winding comes short of the B tuner post, which is what you want.

thats perfect , i really appreciate your insight !

 

[Luckydog]

The strings you ask about are Nanowebs which have a coating on the winding wire before the wire is wound on the core of the string. These are most like an uncoated string in tone and feel.

Elixer also has Polywebs, which have a coating over the finished string. The Polyweb version will have a little less bright zingy high end and will feel a little smoother. Because the coating is put on the string after it is wound, it prevents your finger tips from feeling / rubbing along the dip between each winding as distinctly as you feel it on an uncoated string.

Polyweb was the first string type Elixer made and Nanoweb came along after those who want that high end zing from the beginning didn’t like the tone of Polywebs.

There are a few different brands of coated strings out there; Black Diamond, D’Adderio, DR, Ernie Ball, for example.

“Nanowebs which have a coating on the winding wire before the wire is wound on the core of the string”

Pretty sure that is incorrect. I believe all Elixir strings are coated after the final wrap. Also, they no longer make Polyweb for bass, just guitar. I used both types for many years and they performed well, but I eventually got bored with the somewhat tinny highs and indistinct mids so now use other rounds.

 

[michael_t]

I believe all Elixir strings are coated after the final wrap...

This is correct. One thing to keep in mind is Elixir does NOT wind their own strings; their specialty is the coating itself. A third party string maker (most likely D'Addario) winds the strings for Elixir and Elixir in turn apply the coating.

 

[Luckydog]

This is correct. One thing to keep in mind is Elixir does NOT wind their own strings; their specialty is the coating itself. A third party string maker (most likely D'Addario) winds the strings for Elixir and Elixir in turn apply the coating.

I used the Poly in the late 90s for a while, then moved on to other string brands. Bought Nano a couple times in the 2010s, then went back to other brands. I recall from the early Elixir years that they were identified as Daddario (I think someone deduced that after dissecting and analyzing the strings). I suppose the string supplier could be different now. I think one of the great advantages of Elixir is for guitars in stores played by many ppl and not getting cleaned.

 

[chadds]

Changing my analysis a bit. They don’t sound like regular rounds. They have a smoothly diminished brightness. They have a solid harmonic warmth with natural highs sitting on top. This balance hasn’t changed over a year of weekly/daily practice. They feel very smooth so the round rough grind isn’t there. High sweet harmonics are a pleasure. On this bass they have long sustain. The low F is resonant and rings.

I tried the Elixirs on a single coil MIJ ‘51 ri and they weren’t exceptional. That bass loves D’Addarios.

Shows how different we are as players. Our touch our ears. Shows how different our bass choices are. Shows how basses of the same make and model can differ.

So one size doesn’t fit all. Enjoy. The quest is so much fun.

Happy Holidays everyone!

 

[pb9717]

I sweat so much, and usually don’t wash my hands before stepping up onstage, so I can make an uncoated string dead in two gigs ( two 90 minute sets) I use Elixirs exclusively as they are NEVER dead, and provide clear usable tone for months of gigs. I only change them when I think, “wow, I can’t remember the last time I changed out these strings” . I had one set on a Yamaha BB405 for over a year. They ultimately went to a nice flat wound tone.

The Low B alone is like $15 bucks. But it’s worth it. They last. Which is what they say they’ll do.

 

[pb9717]

I consider them the worst of both worlds as you don’t get the crispness of rounds nor do you get the thump of flats. They are just overpriced gimmicks in my opinion and Roger Sadowsky is not a fan either.

https://sadowsky.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/BassGear_Coated-Strings-1.pdf

I’ve used Elixirs on multiple Sadowsky basses without issue……..

 

[Auer]

I had them on a Sire V5, didnt like them (nickel)

Recently put the stainless light mediums on a Nash PB-63 and they sound and feel good on it.

 

[Auer]

I had them on a Sire V5, didnt like them (nickel)

Recently put the stainless light mediums on a Nash PB-63 and they sound and feel good on it.

Changed my mind, ended up not liking the stiffness and brightness [compared to uncoated Nickels]

 

[eweise2]

I just put light nano nickel strings on my bass and I'm impressed. Nice and bright. Don't feel stiff to me. I'll be really happy if this zinginess lasts.