Elixir Stainless Steel - My string search has come to an end

[jwilson67]

Well I finally broke down and did the inevitable - I tried SS Elixirs. After decades of trying new strings, coming back to old ones, and trying even more new ones and I have finally found THE ONE.

My string search is over for good. There is no need to try anything else.

 

[bassist4dalord]

Resurrecting an old thread here, but any update? I recently installed my first set of Elixirs (bronze on my Ibanez acoustic bass) and they’ve got me seriously interested in trying some SS for my Peavey.

 

[Prodigus Filius]

Resurrecting an old thread here, but any update? I recently installed my first set of Elixirs (bronze on my Ibanez acoustic bass) and they’ve got me seriously interested in trying some SS for my Peavey.

You prob won't get a response from thr OP. hasn't posted since 2024

 

[Steve Slate]

I have a set on my passive Jazz Bass five. Second set actually. They aren't for everyone but they are great string. I especially love the B string.
The only way to know is to try them for yourself or find a Bass that has them. One thing's for sure; they last a while!
I'm thinking of putting them on my newly acquired Sadowsky Modern Metroline but haven't decided just yet.

 

[trothwell]

You prob won't get a response from thr OP. hasn't posted since 2024

That in itself might suggest that OP is still happy with the strings, as he hasn't been back discussing strings any further.

I too have pretty much locked in to my preferred strings, after years of experimenting, but I still enjoy chatting about strings, and am always interested in learning about new developments. But I post here way less than I used to, when I was trying a new set every month.

 

[12BitSlab]

I use SS Elixirs on an Ibanez SR750. They have a great sound, they last forever without going dead, and they are versatile in that they can very bright or very mellow. Some of the versatility is because of the electronics employed by the Ibanez.

There are two downsides that I need to pass on:

1) I’ve been using round wound strings since 1970. The SS Elixirs are rougher on my fingers than any other string I have used.

2) Unless your technique is text book perfect, you will get string noise when playing in the upper 12 frets area.

I have an important recording session coming up next month. I will be using GHS Precision Flats because my technique falls short of absolute perfection and I will be playing solos in the highest ranges.

 

[73_Blazer]

Plus, stainless steel strings will wear your frets out faster and a new fret job nowadays cost like $600

 

[waynobass]

Plus, stainless steel strings will wear your frets out faster...

Eh, only a little bit faster -- not really an issue unless you use only one bass. And no Talkbasser owns only one bass!

 

[DJ Bebop]

And no Talkbasser owns only one bass!

True, I'm on a strict budget. I went through my stable of basses and counted 11. Not as many as some, more than others. I'm married too

 

[Pier_]

Plus, stainless steel strings will wear your frets out faster and a new fret job nowadays cost like $600

I mostly use Rotosound strings since 2008, on most of my basses, and some passed the "6-years" test without any complaint.

this was the neck of my parts Precision, after 5 years of Rotosound, when it was my only bass for studying and playing:

Manico Piercision dopo cinque anni · Friday, May 29, 2015 📸

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for these pictures I only cleaned the fretboard and frets, no fret-job at all.

1) I’ve been using round wound strings since 1970. The SS Elixirs are rougher on my fingers than any other string I have used.

that's really strange, I've used them for months on a Spector, and they had the typical "slippery" feeling of Elixir strings.
I also use Elixir nanoweb bronze on all my acoustic guitars and the acoustics of my girlfriend, nickels on one bass and optiweb on my electric, so I know them very well.
that Spector was my first try with SS Elixir (I didn't like the middy tone, I prefer the scooped sound of Elixir nickels, compared), and the coating makes them feel exactly as any other Elixir set.
now that Spector has Rotosound Swing66, and those are rougher when new.