Elixir - Unopened Package Life

[Big Benner]

Hey all, long story short, how long would a new set of Elixir Strings stay new in an unopened package? Should I be worried that the coating might change / disintegrate in 6x months or so? I could place the unopened package in a Ziplock bag and keep it in a drawer in my basement office.


Short story long, I'm looking to purchase 2x different sets of strings:

- DR Strings - Dragon Skin+ Coated Stainless Steel 5-String Bass Strings - Medium (45-125) - Model: # DBS5-45

- Elixir Strings - Stainless Steel Electric Bass Guitar 5-String Set with NANOWEB Coating , Light, Long Scale - Model: # E14777


I would be putting the new Dragon Skins on now (April, 2025) because my bass currently has the old style Dragon Skins with the same gauges.

Roughly in Oct., I would then put on the new Elixir, along with any set up mods I would need to do.

My intention is to do a direct comparison of each brand of coated string.

I can purchase both sets of strings now in Toronto, Canada for a reasonable price - I don't know what the future will hold in regards to tariffs and price increases.

Thoughts?

 

[eddybuzzard]

Hey all, long story short, how long would a new set of Elixir Strings stay new in an unopened package? Should I be worried that the coating might change / disintegrate in 6x months or so? I could place the unopened package in a Ziplock bag and keep it in a drawer in my basement office.


Short story long, I'm looking to purchase 2x different sets of strings:

- DR Strings - Dragon Skin+ Coated Stainless Steel 5-String Bass Strings - Medium (45-125) - Model: # DBS5-45

- Elixir Strings - Stainless Steel Electric Bass Guitar 5-String Set with NANOWEB Coating , Light, Long Scale - Model: # E14777


I would be putting the new Dragon Skins on now (April, 2025) because my bass currently has the old style Dragon Skins with the same gauges.

Roughly in Oct., I would then put on the new Elixir, along with any set up mods I would need to do.

My intention is to do a direct comparison of each brand of coated string.

I can purchase both sets of strings now in Toronto, Canada for a reasonable price - I don't know what the future will hold in regards to tariffs and price increases.

Thoughts?

View attachment 7195193

AFAIK, strings are not stamped with exact date of manufacture, so how would you know how "old" they are in the first place.
They can sit in inventory for who knows how long before you acquired them.
I wouldn't overthink this....unless you have a hyperbaric chamber in your garage


Or a time machine

 

[ardgedee]

Elixirs are coated to extend their lifespan. Probably the last strings I would worry about degrading while being unused -- there's a plastic layer insulating the metal from the environment.

 

[Big Benner]

Awesome! Ok,... yes agreed - much appreciated.

"I wouldn't overthink this" - in deed my problem for many things. Thanks peeps - I'm placing the order now!

Benner

 

[jeff62]

I’ve kept extra sets of strings (non coated even!) in packages for years before using and they are always fresh. Unless subjected to bad conditions your strings will not degrade.

 

[michael_t]

I could place the unopened package in a Ziplock bag...

That's what I've been doing with all new strings to keep them fresh. I've used strings that were stored that way for more than a few years with no issues.

 

[H K]

Man I've had 20-30 year old strings come in unopened packs with used basses I've bought. Unopened they'll last forever. Even opened I wouldnt worry unless it was super damp where you live

 

[bikeplate]

Dont have a crystal ball. Install the strings and do your gigs. Judge for yourself

 

[GroovinOnFunk]

Man... There's overthinking, and then there's this.

Store them somewhere dry and there's no reason they should ever "expire"

 

[trevcda]

Should I be worried that the coating might change / disintegrate in 6x months or so?

Jeeze, I hope not! When a set of strings is this expensive you buy several when they go on sale. And I've got several sets that are at least a couple of years old.

 

[Plain Old Barry]

That's what I've been doing with all new strings to keep them fresh. I've used strings that were stored that way for more than a few years with no issues.

View attachment 7195375

The D'Addarios I buy come in sealed plastic inside the paper sleeve. THAT ^^^ is definitely belt and suspenders thinking.