I have what I guess is called "acid hands", and I'm killing every set of strings I've tried. I'm gonna give coated strings a try. Where do I start? What do you like and why?
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
help! coated strings... which ones?
- Thread starter ba$$player
- Start date
Ive only tried 3 of the coated strings available and only like two of them. The one I didnt like for tone and feel is the elixers. I did like rotosound nexus ok, but did show coating wear off from pick use too quickly for me. Fave being DR neons. I've been useing them for several months and really like them for tone, feel, and looks. My other fave string being rotosund swing 66. But theyre not coated.
Hey Mr. Acid hands! Wanna come over and rub up your hands on my Flats for a few hours?
All the DRs use the same coating, no matter what the color. They even make them in silver so they don't look coated.
I use their Black Beauties on my Lakland Skyline 55-02 and US Masters EP52. I ended up trying (and liking) based upon Ed Freidland's review of DR's strings from a couple years back.
I use their Black Beauties on my Lakland Skyline 55-02 and US Masters EP52. I ended up trying (and liking) based upon Ed Freidland's review of DR's strings from a couple years back.
Not necessarily. . . DR somewhat recently changed their coating specs and formulas to a different process, and at the same time eliminated some colors (then, shortly after added the Neons).
The reason I investigated was I had a set of Black Beauties that sounded dramatically different than a set of Cool Blues. As a result, I only played the Cool Blues because they were brighter and more transparent.
All of that was prior to the coating formula change, and I have not tested since. When purchasing another set of Cool Blues, I noticed the sheen was different on the coating. The ones I had previously used had a sortof metalic look to them, and the new ones were a flat color. Inquiry with my DR rep revealed that the coating had changed processes to someting DR felt they had more control over, better longevity, and better consistency. Granted, the old coating flaked off fairly easily especially with pick use. Have a few sets of new formula strings ready to roll, but those darn coated strings last so long I haven't had occasion to change them.
My 2 cents.
The reason I investigated was I had a set of Black Beauties that sounded dramatically different than a set of Cool Blues. As a result, I only played the Cool Blues because they were brighter and more transparent.
All of that was prior to the coating formula change, and I have not tested since. When purchasing another set of Cool Blues, I noticed the sheen was different on the coating. The ones I had previously used had a sortof metalic look to them, and the new ones were a flat color. Inquiry with my DR rep revealed that the coating had changed processes to someting DR felt they had more control over, better longevity, and better consistency. Granted, the old coating flaked off fairly easily especially with pick use. Have a few sets of new formula strings ready to roll, but those darn coated strings last so long I haven't had occasion to change them.
My 2 cents.
I have used both Elixir's and DR's.
The Elixir's seem to have more / slicker coating but do tend to have a tone all their own.
DR Black Beauties are my current favorite and they are coated but have more grip / feel and I prefer the tone.
The Elixir's seem to have more / slicker coating but do tend to have a tone all their own.
DR Black Beauties are my current favorite and they are coated but have more grip / feel and I prefer the tone.
I prefer Elixirs. I like the 'broken in' sound when they are brand new, I like the slick feel, their tension works for me, and they last a long time. They also come in extra-long scale which means I can string through-body on my Laklands. they have sounded good (to me) on every bass I have ever tried them on. They are my favorite coated strings.
I have no doubt there are a lot of really good coated strings out there right now.
I have no doubt there are a lot of really good coated strings out there right now.
DR Black Beauties (or any of the ExtraLife strings) were my favorite coated strings. I liked the feel of Elixers, but didn't like the sound.
I have tried the Elixirs and found them to be alright but i like the D'Addario's EXP coated strings much better.
Wow, thanks for all the answers. Sounds like DR is a good place to start. Anyone try the bootzillas? I like a very bright tone.
DR Neons have very durable coating and good sound but they are ... well, rather flashy 
And the surface is surprisingly rough on fingers. I know guys who really hate them so beware...
And the surface is surprisingly rough on fingers. I know guys who really hate them so beware...
I tried Cleartone Strings and after a short break in period of about a week they really sound awesome. I now have them on 3 of my 5 basses and when the other 2 need new strings, well guess they will be wearing Cleartone Strings. :bassist
I personally really dislike how elixirs feel. It's like they've been slathered in margarine. EXPs feel like normal strings to me, though they don't quite sound the same.
In my case the acid hands is entirely limited to nickel, eventually building up greenish-black crud on the strings and fretboard. Since I switched to using only steel strings, it hasn't been an issue. I'm not sure if that helps any, but a set of steel strings would certainly be cheaper to try.
In my case the acid hands is entirely limited to nickel, eventually building up greenish-black crud on the strings and fretboard. Since I switched to using only steel strings, it hasn't been an issue. I'm not sure if that helps any, but a set of steel strings would certainly be cheaper to try.
Try the GHS 3060s. I've been using them on most every bass I've owned since '68. Last forever, stay in tune, and give me the tone I want. All thump, no twang.
If you like a very bright tone dont go with the DR's. I am currently using D'addario exp's and they are doing great. I have used dr's and elixir's and the exp's are so far the better ones in my opinion. Read the thread i posted about why.
Wow that's an awesome review, thanks! I just ordered a set of BB because I have been a fan of high beams but I kill them in one show. DR has always been my favorite tone but they don't last. I will definitly give the EXPs a try next. I'm glad technology is allowing me to keep playing instead of just settling for bad tone because of dead strings.
I had Elixrs that came stock on a Schecter I had. hey lasted one year of 2x/week practice and gigs and never lost brightness or feel. I got rid of them because the coating was starting to fray apart where I played with my fingers.
Had DR Black beauties - they lasted a year but wouldnt use again as they feel and sound like plastic. I love DR Lo Riders and Hi Beams. But not these.
So, i decided to try Aurora coatd string (black) They sound and feel like a nice non coasted roundwound. 4 months and so far so good. Of cours the color is wearing of in the pick/plucking area. But, I just touch up with a black Sharpie. i will definitely be buying these again!
Had DR Black beauties - they lasted a year but wouldnt use again as they feel and sound like plastic. I love DR Lo Riders and Hi Beams. But not these.
So, i decided to try Aurora coatd string (black) They sound and feel like a nice non coasted roundwound. 4 months and so far so good. Of cours the color is wearing of in the pick/plucking area. But, I just touch up with a black Sharpie. i will definitely be buying these again!
I use Elixers and love them. I love how they sound like broken in rounds from day one and stay that way for months. I also absolutely love the slick feeling they have. When I use non coated strings I'd have to wait till I got myself all worked up and sweaty before I could get me hands to slide easily on the strings. With elixirs I have that feeling from the first down beat. And they're available with a tapered B string. Which I like.
