Elixir strings?

[Felken]

I've heard some people say some bad stuff about them. Elixir strings apparently last very long, but it seems almost too good to be true. I just need bright rounds that last long.

So, pros, cons, are they any good?

 

[GK Growl]

I've heard some people say some bad stuff about them. Elixir strings apparently last very long, but it seems almost too good to be true. I just need bright rounds that last long.

So, pros, cons, are they any good?

Wow, really?

=1&c[node]=16"]Search Results for Query: elixir | TalkBass.com

 

[Felken]

Wow, really?

=1&c[node]=16']Search Results for Query: elixir | TalkBass.com

I've already searched for previous threads, nothing answering my questions.

 

[Gorn]

I've already searched for previous threads, nothing answering my questions.

Nothing in 7 pages of threads told you pros, cons, and if they're any good?

 

[Killed_by_Death]

I can't think of any cons. The nickel Elixirs came stock on my Ibanez Premium & they were just like brand new strings, but I still replaced them, with Stainless Elixirs.
been using that same nickel stock set on my other Ibanez for a month & they are just fine, but I've been meaning to put my cobalt flats back on that bass

 

[Felken]

I can't think of any cons. The nickel Elixirs came stock on my Ibanez Premium & they were just like brand new strings, but I still replaced them, with Stainless Elixirs.
been using that same nickel stock set on my other Ibanez for a month & they are just fine, but I've been meaning to put my cobalt flats back on that bass

So it's really just like a fresh set of strings that lasts very long?

 

[Killed_by_Death]

exactly
they're transparently coated & sound nothing like coated strings

 

[bikeplate]

I love em. I go through a regular set of SS strings in about two gigs because of the oils in my hands. Dead as they come! Would boil them 2 or 3 times to get my moneys worth. Switched to Elixirs about a year ago. Couldn’t be happier

 

[Mrmatt1972]

I too discovered them because they were stock on my Ibanez ATK. Tried some other rounds and flats but came back. They last and last and the coating is barely noticeable, but it is a bit softer feeling then not coated, which is a good thing.

 

[Adhesive_X]

the price seems like a con until you see how long they last. I'd still use the steels if they made heavier sets

 

[Killed_by_Death]

to be fair, the nickel ones are steel

all these metals are common in steel:

manganese, nickel, chromium, molybdenum, boron, titanium, vanadium, tungsten, cobalt, and niobium

stainless steel just has more chromium & can actually be softer than carbon steel

I used to buy pipeline materials: valves, pipe, flanges, bolts

 

[CapnSev]

Elixirs died for me when they discontinued the polyweb for bass. Died I say!!

 

[Nev375]

Some people love 'em, some hate 'em.

I get around a years worth of life out of a set give or take a month or two. The E string usually starts to go around that time. A normal uncoated set like DR or 'Addario last me 3 to 4 week tops.

Some people claim it screws up the ground connection and causes hum in the signal, but I don't have that problem. They feel slick on my fingers and have a wee bit less finger squeak which is a big plus in my book. And yes they really do sound fresh out of the pack for months on end. The hype is legit. Not snake oil at all. So I'm firmly in the love 'em camp. Cheapest string out there in the long run for bright piano like sound plus way fewer string changes.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

Elixirs died for me when they discontinued the polyweb for bass.

How is the polyweb different from what's available now?

 

[CapnSev]

How is the polyweb different from what's available now?

It’s a noticeably heavier coating. They were a more subdued sound as a result. Crazy slick and easy to play on.

 

[Fender_Bender]

Give your hands a two second rinse with water followed by immediate drying just before playing. Your strings will last longer and you’ll find your fingers gliding over the strings a little easier.

 

[GK Growl]

Some people claim it screws up the ground connection and causes hum in the signal, but I don't have that problem. Cheapest string out there in the long run for bright piano like sound plus way fewer string changes.

It is not just a claim, it is a reality for some of us. Several venues I gig at do not jive with Elixir, same for my guitarist but he still uses them. Also, I would not classify them as being piano tone at all. They are quite subdued compared to other strings but will hold that tone for a really long time.....and why am I even saying all this because all this info is available in the 7 pages of Elixir info that the op has already read.

 

[GazzBass]

I like them on my fretless basses. They are a little smoother than your average nickel strings. I'm not really sure how you could say bad stuff about them other than they might not be to your taste. I've never had a bad experience with Elixir. Try them and see what you think.

 

[BAG]

So it's really just like a fresh set of strings that lasts very long?

Elixir's are not quite as bright as many uncoated strings when brand new. They sound like strings that have a few hours playing on them (or less if you have really sweaty hands like me) but they keep that same brightness for a LOT longer than uncoated strings. Some swear by them..... same hate them. Give them a go and see what you think.

I don't use them on my full scale basses as I much prefer the feel of flats but we have them on all our guitars and won't use anything else. They are particularly good on guitars that aren't played often as they don't deteriorate like uncoated strings can. The set on my 12 string have been on there for around 7 years now and sound just like they did when new.

 

[Nev375]

Give your hands a two second rinse with water followed by immediate drying just before playing. Your strings will last longer and you’ll find your fingers gliding over the strings a little easier.

Just putting water on your fingers and drying will not remove any oils or grime on your fingers.

You'll need soap for this to work at all in theory and in my experience this technique doesn't work very well. Maybe a few days, but your strings aren't going to last a year no matter ow you scrub.

Oils, dead skin and stuff still build up in between string windings which is the main reason strings go dead.