Elixir strings

Subject: RE: Elixir strings
From: Big Mick
Date: 20 Mar 00 - 08:25 PM

I have been playing these for about a year now. I play a mid 60's vintage Guild 12 string with a marvellous action. I am about to change brands on the 12 string. I probably agree with Liam's Brother's assessment. If I am headed into the studio, I would put them back on the Guild, if for no other reason than the lack of string slide noise. I have found them to have a very nice tone, and they hold that tone consistently throughout the life of the string. But there is the rub. For the price, which is 2 to 3 times that of other premium strings, they simply don't last long enough. The D and the G, especially the G, will usually break between 3 to 5 good gigs. I am rough on the strings due to the variety of music we play, but 8 to 12 hours of playing time for the price just doen't cut it. I will keep them on the 6 string, as they seem to outperform other brands on that instrument. I agree that they are not as bright as bronze wound, but they sound just fine and maintain that throughout their life. And on the six string they last longer than other brands.

All the best,

Big Mick

Subject: RE: Elixir strings
From: Liam's Brother
Date: 20 Mar 00 - 07:10 PM

We were just doing some recording and, for the big reduction in string squeak, they are simply great. They sound good on the guitar after 1 month of light fingerpicking. I just wish they weren't 3 times the price of other strings. What is the price in the UK?

Subject: RE: Elixir strings
From: Bert
Date: 20 Mar 00 - 05:37 PM

They seemed OK. to me, they didn't last long though.

Bert

Subject: Elixir strings
From: GUEST,J Blackwood - Scotland
Date: 20 Mar 00 - 05:01 PM

Elixir strings have only just become available here and I'm wondering if other people have had my experience with them. They don't sound as bright as bronze wound, to begin with, but don't change much thereafter! I play a lot and I have'nt noticed much difference in a couple of months. My only criticisms are: a. The sixth string is more difficult to tune, and more likely to be out of tune, especially when slack tuned. b. I think they buzz more. ( I have the action low anyway!)

I'd appreciate any observations.