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String tension Elixir vs D'Addario

Sparkl

Sparkl

Apr 23, 2011
1,710
1,443
Europe
#1
Hello guys,

I was just wondering whether some of you know what the difference in tension is between these two brands assuming equal gauge of course.

Mainly I'm interested in the D'Addario XL 40-125 (5 string set) and the Elixir nanoweb 40-125, both nickel series.

So I have this beautiful Marcus Miller USA Fender - great bass, but damn does it play stiff with a standard gauge on - way stiffer than my Fender V Elite (check signature).

Obviously I'd like to "equalize" the tension between these two instruments for the ease of switching the instruments when I need to. My feeling tells me that the D'Addarios definitely feel more loose compared to the Elixirs.
 
#2
Sparkl said:
I was just wondering whether some of you know what the difference in tension is between these two brands assuming equal gauge of course.
Click to expand...

The tension figures published by Elixir on their website HERE are straight out of the D'Addario Tension Chart. This is one of the telltale signs D'Addario is the primary supplier of Elixir strings before Elixir applies the coating on them.

That being said, some have reported Elixir strings actually feel stiffer than D'A strings of the same gauges. This could be an indication the special coating Elixir puts on their strings DOES contribute to STIFFNESS (as in playing feel) without adding much to the actual TENSION (as in pulling weight).
 
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#4
michael_t said:
The tension figures published by Elixir on their website HERE are straight out of the D'Addario Tension Chart. This is one of the telltale signs D'Addario is the primary supplier of Elixir strings before Elixir applies the coating on them.

That being said, some have reported Elixir strings actually feel stiffer than D'A strings of the same gauges. This could be an indication the special coating Elixir puts on their strings DOES contribute to STIFFNESS (as in playing feel) without adding much to the actual TENSION (as in pulling weight).
Click to expand...
It is a *very* thin film coating we're talking about. More probably, data from the (now decade-old) D'Addario tension chart was first republished by Elixir years ago for their own overcoated, rebranded product, but since then manufacturing specs have changed, on either or both sides (regadless of manufacturing occurring in the same factory at times). As in, either (or both) new specifications for Elixirs have turned them stiffer (and/or higher tension), or D'Addarios have become more flexible (or/and lower tension).
 
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#5
Thank you for the info. Yes, it appears the D'Addario are indeed quite softer in equal gauge than Elixirs are. Thing is, even with super light Elixirs, the Marcus Miller still feels much stiffer than my Elite V. Are there any known and proven alternatives to Elixirs in terms of durability (sonic decay) but softer on the tension?

Mind you, the Marcus Miller is actually very pleasing to play with, but requires noticeably more effort to play compared to my Elite V, and that makes it difficult to switch between the two, since I will regularly find myself pushing the Elite V more than I have to, and that does affect the tone for my style of play.

The next thing I would like to figure out one day is what exactly is making the Marcus Miller so much stiffer than the Elite V - would it be the neck, or the bridge, I do not know. Bridge on the MM is a classic L shape, so nothing of high mass there, which are known to increase overall stiffness of the string close to the bridge.

When putting standard gauge on the MM, it is so stiff already that it is pretty much unplayable for my playing style - so stiff in fact, that even at very low action (cca. 2.2mm at 17th fret - 0,0866142 inches based on converter, do not know the exact fraction, I apologize), it allows to play with a pick with maximum attack without really risking excessive fret buzz. That's way too stiff for me.

Too bad I cannot just swap the necks between my Jazz Basses and test it out, since the Elite V has an extra fret and the MM neck pocket isn't able to accommodate it without changing the scale and wrecking everything out of proportion.
 
#6
Sparkl said:
Are there any known and proven alternatives to Elixirs in terms of durability (sonic decay) but softer on the tension?
Click to expand...

From what I understand, D'Addario is supposed to introduce a new "XS" line of coated strings this year. What distinguishes the XS from the previous XT coated line is the coating on the XS is applied AFTER the string is wound, which is the way Elixir has always done it.

I'm not sure exactly when the XS line will be available for bass, though.

Introducing XS | News | D'Addario
 
#7
HaphAsSard said:
It is a *very* thin film coating we're talking about. More probably, data from the (now decade-old) D'Addario tension chart was first republished by Elixir years ago for their own overcoated, rebranded product, but since then manufacturing specs have changed, on either or both sides (regadless of manufacturing occurring in the same factory at times). As in, either (or both) new specifications for Elixirs have turned them stiffer (and/or higher tension), or D'Addarios have become more flexible (or/and lower tension).
Click to expand...

You may have a valid point. I trust your wisdom more than my own. ;)
 
#9
Sparkl said:
Hello guys,

I was just wondering whether some of you know what the difference in tension is between these two brands assuming equal gauge of course.

Mainly I'm interested in the D'Addario XL 40-125 (5 string set) and the Elixir nanoweb 40-125, both nickel series.

So I have this beautiful Marcus Miller USA Fender - great bass, but damn does it play stiff with a standard gauge on - way stiffer than my Fender V Elite (check signature).

Obviously I'd like to "equalize" the tension between these two instruments for the ease of switching the instruments when I need to. My feeling tells me that the D'Addarios definitely feel more loose compared to the Elixirs.
Click to expand...
Do you seek to "equalize" tension of both your instruments or the coating of the Elixirs?

Does it have to be Nickel Plated Steel? If you don't mind having Stainless Steel strings, you could go with Marcus Miller signature strings, either the previous DR String Fat Beams Marcus Miller 45-125 set or current Dunlop Super Bright Marcus Miller 45-125 set, they'd give you a looser feeling than the comparable gauge of D'Addario XL or Elixir NPS nano.

If they have to be NPS, then D'Addario NYXL 45-125 set would give you a similar feeling in terms of flexibility (that slightly looser feeling) to the Dunlop MM 45-125 set.
 
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#10
Aidil said:
Do you seek to "equalize" tension of both your instruments or the coating of the Elixirs?

Does it have to be Nickel Plated Steel? If you don't mind having Stainless Steel strings, you could go with Marcus Miller signature strings, either the previous DR String Fat Beams Marcus Miller 45-125 set or current Dunlop Super Bright Marcus Miller 45-125 set, they'd give you a looser feeling than the comparable gauge of D'Addario XL or Elixir NPS nano.

If they have to be NPS, then D'Addario NYXL 45-125 set would give you a similar feeling in terms of flexibility (that slightly looser feeling) to the Dunlop MM 45-125 set.
Click to expand...

I only seek to equalize tension across both instruments - in other words: achieve similar string response and softness on both instruments.

I want to stay away from SS strings for one specific reason: The stainless steel causes quite a lot of friction on the fingers and I find it considerably harder to slide properly across the fretboard - very much the same with the fingering hand. I'm just used to nickel, although I sometimes prefer SS sound (for certain genres), but I would only use those when I know I will specifically be using a pick for some projects or studio sessions.
 
#11
Where are you guys getting Elixir strings? I haven't been able to find them for quite a while. In desperation, I've tried 3 sets of D'ad coated strings, and they are miserable. I also tried a set of Markbass coated, and they are a little better, but kind of odd. They remind me of the short-scale coated strings Ibanez sells. Kinda scratchy. And I don't think they'll last very long either.
 
#12
The tension of the Elixir coated nickle plated steel roundwound strings is considerably higher than similar gauge regular D'Addario nickle plated steel roundwound XL strings, same thing goes for their respective stainless steel strings.

You can see by how much if you compare the string tension charge on Elixir's homepage with the result of plotting in the same numbers in D'Addario's online String Tension Pro string tension calculator.

Here's the link to Elixir's homepage (the individual string tension charges is to be found under the specific stings in question), at the bottom of the page : Welcome to Elixir Strings

Here the link is to D'Addario's online String Tension Pro string tension calculator : String Tension Pro
 
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#13
KJMO said:
Where are you guys getting Elixir strings? I haven't been able to find them for quite a while. In desperation, I've tried 3 sets of D'ad coated strings, and they are miserable. I also tried a set of Markbass coated, and they are a little better, but kind of odd. They remind me of the short-scale coated strings Ibanez sells. Kinda scratchy. And I don't think they'll last very long either.
Click to expand...

I've been getting my Elixirs off eBay. They're plentiful here in Aus, because they're GOOD strings, but they're not $90 good :laugh:
 
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#15
KJMO said:
They seem to be coming back in stock at some places. I just got a set at CME for normal price ($30 or so). Thank goodness, they are definitely the best coated string, imo.
Click to expand...

Man, I hate to say this. I feel as though I'm betraying DR Hi-Beams (also fantastic if you're looking for something similar!)

But...Nanowebs are the best sounding, longest lasting strings I've ever used. Period. I'll use the Beams "in a pinch" in comparison. That's how much I like them. And Beams are GOOD strings!!
 
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#16
Was wondering if anyone can help me with finding an alternative string set. I usually use (and love) the Elixir 15052 set. They last forever and are easy on my fingers. However, Elixir strings are not available due to COVID. Is there anything comparable with the same feel and longevity that might be readily available?
 

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