Elixirs?

[BassyBill]

Over the last 45 years, I’ve bought probably around 150 sets of roundwound strings (and about four sets of flats).

The big majority of these have undoubtedly been Rotosound Swing Bass steel rounds, although I did switch to Ernie Ball Slinkies and then D’Addarios for a while, followed by Status Hotwires for the double ball ends. I also went through a spell of really liking DR Hi Beams. And I still have a pack of EB cobalts to try, as yet unopened. Note that this is all about fretted basses - I have a long standing preference for Rotosound Solo Bass pressurewounds on my fretless basses.

Anyway, today my curiosity got the better of me and I ordered a set of Elixir coated steel roundwounds, that cost me well over twice what I normally pay for strings. So, how do you think these will compare with my regular choices, in terms of typical steel roundwound brightness (I like plenty of zing, obviously) and longevity? Am I going to love these, or am I going to wish I’d bought two sets of my usual Rotosounds?

 

[tb-player]

I use Elixirs on my acoustics and absolutely love them. Never tried them on bass. Curious to hear the responses.

 

[J Posega]

I like Elixirs. I find that they sound like new strings that have just started to be broken in - not as bright as brand new, but not worn. They maintain that tone for much longer than regular strings, but once the coating starts to flake off they sound dead pretty fast.

 

[Sid the Kid]

I think you will be pleasantly surprised with both the tone and the longevity of Elixirs. Plenty of zing but as stated above it isn’t as overtone rich of fresh Stainless rounds. My skin kills strings and Elixirs are among the longest lasting string I use. For me Elixirs start at day 2 of fresh stainless rounds but stay that way for months.

 

[bass-shy]

Love Elixirs! Pretty much agree with what has already been said.

They sound great, feel nice and last a long time.