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String coating

Spiffmeister

Spiffmeister

Meister of the Spiffs
Apr 26, 2012
203
7
Belgium
#1
Howdy!

I bought an SR-500 in februari, which came with stock Elixir roundwounds. Now, the past few weeks I noticed these white-ish bits on the strings. I first thought it was skin or something, because it was mainly where I pluck and near the frets where I finger and do slides mostly.

However, could it be that it's some sort of coating that's coming off? I don't know if the strings were coated to begin with.

Also, if it IS coating coming off, is it reason for concern, specifically towards tone and playabilty? I play the bass daily and I use a string cleaner potion-thingy every month now to keep the sound from going dull, so I do think the strings are nearing their end. Maybe the coating coming off is an extra symptom of this?
 
#3
Elixir's shed their coating over time, especially if you play with a pick. That's the little white shavings you're seeing. It certainly won't hurt anything other than being ugly and making the strings wear faster. Probably time to replace them anyway.
 
#4
Think, Elixers have coatings...? lots of noobs round here. Coated strings is Elixer's thing.

Yes, its coating coming off.

Just change your strings. having the coating fray off the strings is a good sign you should change them. The dead sound is the strings caked with filth.
 
#6
Awesome, 4 replies, all completely different.

So basically, from what I understand from those replies (one more constructive than the other), it IS coating, it IS coming off and it IS a sign of a need for replacement. Thanks for that!

And yeah, I do like 'em! They're very clear sounding with a lot of punch! I'm thinking of switching to a heavier gauge with the upcoming replacement. But I'm stil in doubt between Elixir or Ernie Ball. I used EB before and wasn't displeased about them, and the price here is about the same.
 
#8
Spiffmeister said:
Awesome, 4 replies, all completely different.

So basically, from what I understand from those replies (one more constructive than the other), it IS coating, it IS coming off and it IS a sign of a need for replacement. Thanks for that!

And yeah, I do like 'em! They're very clear sounding with a lot of punch! I'm thinking of switching to a heavier gauge with the upcoming replacement. But I'm stil in doubt between Elixir or Ernie Ball. I used EB before and wasn't displeased about them, and the price here is about the same.
Click to expand...

I'm not a big fan of the sound of Elixirs, but they destroy EB Slinkies for sure. Plus Slinky's last about a week, tops.

If you want something better than the Elixirs, look into DR strings.
 
#9
I don't care for the price or tone of Elixers, but they beat the heck out of Ernie Ball's, can't stand 'em. If you like the coated feel and tone, maybe you should look into DR. They have plenty of cool looking coated strings like the Black Beauties or the Neons and they sound great too.
 
#10
I have used Elixirs in the past, and I really like them. But I also like Ernie Balls, in fact the one bass I have round wounds on has Regular Slinkys on it. I have used DRs and liked them also. Of all the "coated" strings I have used, I perfered Elixirs. They do last forever.

I also wanted to add I don't think the Slinkys go dead fast either. :confused:
 
#11
im an elixir fanboy. playing with a pick will wear them out faster, but i feel like its worth it considering they still outlast any string ive ever played.

the coating coming off isnt a call for concern like the strings will rot in half and stab out your eyes. just means they are wearing out. when they start to sound band, change them. a little fray never hurt mine
 
#12
I've got 3 and 4 year old Elixirs on a couple of basses that developed kitty fur after a short time.

It does NOT affect tone or playability - but it really is a good conversation starter.

Elixirs last forever if you don't rub them with a string cleaner - other than a soft rag once in a while, that's all they need.

Picks or not, they will shed. Love it and play them forever.
 
#13
Thanks for all the replies, I'm gonna check into the DR strings. I do like the coating to be honest.

SurferJoe46 said:
I've got 3 and 4 year old Elixirs on a couple of basses that developed kitty fur after a short time.

It does NOT affect tone or playability - but it really is a good conversation starter.

Elixirs last forever if you don't rub them with a string cleaner - other than a soft rag once in a while, that's all they need.

Picks or not, they will shed. Love it and play them forever.
Click to expand...

So did I mess up the coating by using the string cleaner? I must say that the coating only started to peel off after I used the cleaner for the first time. Didn't make the connection though.
 
#15
Spiffmeister said:
I'm still in doubt between Elixir or Ernie Ball. I used EB before and wasn't displeased about them, and the price here is about the same.
Click to expand...

If Elixir strings are the same price as EB Slinky's, wow buy the Elixir's. I also find the EB strings do not last, but usually the price compensates for that. I too will recommend the DR Strings, it's what I primarily use. I have not had the chance to play the new dragon skins, but if they are anything like the other K3 coated strings I am in.
 
#16
Spiffmeister said:
Thanks for all the replies, I'm gonna check into the DR strings. I do like the coating to be honest.



So did I mess up the coating by using the string cleaner? I must say that the coating only started to peel off after I used the cleaner for the first time. Didn't make the connection though.
Click to expand...


Maybe. The coating is Gore Tex - and it's the Gore Tex company that actually makes the strings.

Rubbing them physically with a string cleaner is prolly the worst thing to do to them.
 
#17
SurferJoe46 said:
Maybe. The coating is Gore Tex - and it's the Gore Tex company that actually makes the strings.

Rubbing them physically with a string cleaner is prolly the worst thing to do to them.
Click to expand...

The strings are actually made by a string company in Farmingdale, NY that shall remain nameless...then Gore puts their coating formula on them and sells them.
 
#18
mmbongo said:
The strings are actually made by a string company in Farmingdale, NY that shall remain nameless...then Gore puts their coating formula on them and sells them.
Click to expand...

Then that's where my confusion was - the marketing after someone else makes the strings and GoreTex only covers and packages them.

Not having seen any other name(s) on the packages, I assumed - but there's that old word again. Still - it's an interesting marketing system.
 
#19
SurferJoe46 said:
Then that's where my confusion was - the marketing after someone else makes the strings and GoreTex only covers and packages them.

Not having seen any other name(s) on the packages, I assumed - but there's that old word again. Still - it's an interesting marketing system.
Click to expand...

Well it's not that unusual. Gore is not a string company so it makes sense that they don't actually make the strings. Most of the bass companies like Lakland, Sadowsky, Spector, Fender, Zon, Pedualla, etc. don't make their own strings either. In fact, Fodera is the only bass maker I know of that actually makes strings too.
 

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