Guitar Strings: Elixir rant - THEY STINK!

Subject: Elixir rant - THEY STINK!
From: GUEST,Texas Guest
Date: 21 Apr 07 - 01:56 AM

Sorry folks, but I've just got to get this off of my chest - I'm so angry with these guys - they have a sub-standard product that just sells and sells and keeps on selling - I just don't get it.

I first used their "coated" strings a couple of years back on two of my stage guitars and "BAM!" I broke the G-string on each of them. With the first incident I had no choice but to change the entire set (to Martin SP 80/20) right there and dump the elixirs. I blew it off as maybe being my fault, but - I virtually never break strings.
Granted, I do a lot of strumming, very rhythmic with strong emphasis on "2" and "4," but I just don't break strings - except when I play elixirs.

I broke a second G-string on another guitar and then I got hot.
I kept the broken string (replaced it with a Martin SP 80/20) and sent it off to elixir with a angry letter of disappointment in their product. Well, they were not very kind. They basically told me that their product was outstanding, other guitarists around the globe who use their strings don't seem to have the problem and that I should review my playing style and have my guitar bridge checked for rough spots that were causing the string to catch and break. They also included one G-string in the envelope to replace the broken one I sent them. Not a set, mind you - a string! Bastards!

Well, I might not be the sharpest knife in the drawer, but I quit using elixir products until a retailer I trade with advised that some of his other customers were having the same problem but only with the
medium gauge strings and not with the light gauge - a curiosity, but
a consistent one accordng to him. So I tried a set of light gauge elixir strings and "BAM!" - the G-string broke. Never; never again, I swore.

Well, having dinner and some shop-talk with a well known folk singer/songwriter last month I commented on the tonal quality of his instrument and he mentioned that he uses elixir strings. Hmmmmmm.

Well, guess what I did? I thought that I might give them another chance, this time using the "nano-web" thinner coated version of their light gauge strings. What happened, you ask? BAM!
The G-string broke on the second day of play right in the middle of a one-hour gig. As it went, I was unprepared and had to finish the set with only five strings. Fortunately I am more singer than guitar player and I got through it.

As far as I'm concerned their product stinks and the way they treat their customers stinks. There is nothing wrong with my guitars and my playing intensity is certainly within "normal" limits and I HARDLY EVER break guitar strings; and, when I do break em' it's an E or B-string - NEVER a G-string! In fact, just thinking about it, the strings I've used for the last year or so are D'Addario (EJ16) medium and light gauge(depending on which guitar) and I cannot tell you the last time I broke one - E or B and NEVER a G!

I'M NOT USING ELIXIR STRINGS ANY MORE - DAMN IT! THEY STINK!
There, now I feel much better. So, how do you feel about elixir, or any other string, for that matter?

Subject: RE: Elixir rant - THEY STINK!
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Apr 07 - 02:09 AM

I fitted a set recently after reading all the ballyhoo. I got an immediate reaction with my fingers. It was as if the coating was coming off a couple of the strings. Then the affected areas turned black, so even though the strings play OK they look like hell. I can't wait for them to wear out so I can go back to d'Addarios.

Subject: RE: Elixir rant - THEY STINK!
From: Declan
Date: 21 Apr 07 - 02:53 AM

I've been using Elixirs for quite a while now and have never broken one. There are several positives to them including the fact that they last considrably longer than other strings. (Obviously if they keep breaking on you, this isn't the case).

Similarly to what you mention above, I first became aware of Elixir strings when I noticed a particular guitar player was getting a really good tone off their instrument. When I asked him about it he put it down to the strings. I suspect it also had an awful lot to do with the guitar and the player, but the strings certainly help.

If you don't want to use Elixirs again that's your choice, but I, for one, am a satisfied customer.

Subject: RE: Elixir rant - THEY STINK!
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 21 Apr 07 - 03:06 AM

I use them (when I can get them at a sensible price) in preference to all others. They sound good, with just a tad of "not quite too bright" tone that takes "B-honk" off, and they last me for ever and ever, which is good since I have guitar-acquisition-syndrome and otherwise if I change the strings on every guitar every month it is both expensive and time consuming. My camping guitar (a Morris) I play them all festival season and change them at the beginning of the next festival season. The 12-strings and the decent guitars they last about two to three months.

I play pretty hard, but I only ever broke one once (it was a "G") and the set had been on about 6 months.

Subject: RE: Elixir rant - THEY STINK!
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 21 Apr 07 - 05:32 AM

I bought a Faith saturn guitar just before Xmas and it had fitted on it the d'addario answer to elixirs - coated strings. so if you want coated strings, there are other product choices.

personally I don't like them. I prefer to play the newness off the strings. but its a personal thing, I know several very experienced players who really like elixirs.

Subject: RE: Elixir rant - THEY STINK!
From: catspaw49
Date: 21 Apr 07 - 05:44 AM

So Texas Guest, let me see if I get this right......What you seem to be saying is that you don't care for the Elixir strings. Is that correct or did I read something into your post that really isn't there?

Spaw

Subject: RE: Elixir rant - THEY STINK!
From: GUEST,wordy
Date: 21 Apr 07 - 06:46 AM

I've used them for the last twelve months. No problems. But I pick rather than thrash.

Subject: RE: Elixir rant - THEY STINK!
From: kendall
Date: 21 Apr 07 - 07:03 AM

I tried Elixr once. They were too "twangy" for me, right on the edge of rattling. They felt greasy and I didn't care for them at all. In fact, I cut them off and went back to D'Addario bronze medium. They suit me just fine.

Subject: RE: Elixir rant - THEY STINK!
From: pirandello
Date: 21 Apr 07 - 07:38 AM

I have been using Elixir Nano lights for years and have never broken one; even with tuning and detuning into alternative tunings. I play bluegrass and fingerstyle so my attack varies considerably.
I agree that the Polywebs feel strange and I personally don't like the tone but the Nanos are great.
I can't use anything else; my skin chemistry destroys uncoated strings in hours.

I have heard about the breaking G string issue on other forums so it is a known problem; thankfully it hasn't affected me.

Subject: RE: Elixir rant - THEY STINK!
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 21 Apr 07 - 07:44 AM

Methinks Texas Guest is the problem, not the strings.

eric

Subject: RE: Elixir rant - THEY STINK!
From: Leadfingers
Date: 21 Apr 07 - 08:26 AM

You takes your pick and hits the strings !! I break Martin strings in
minutes , but D'Addarios last weeks ! Different playing styles seem to suit different strings , though Lord knows Why !!!

Subject: RE: Elixir rant - THEY STINK!
From: kendall
Date: 21 Apr 07 - 08:27 AM

eric, how can you say that when he is not the only one who has a problem with those strings?

Subject: RE: Elixir rant - THEY STINK!
From: mandotim
Date: 21 Apr 07 - 08:36 AM

I play in a session where most of the guitarists play Elixirs. I was reduced to buying six g strings at a time just to cope with the number of breakages. It's always the G that breaks, and it seems to be irrespective of playing style. Back to D'Addarios or Newtones for me.
Tim

Subject: RE: Elixir rant - THEY STINK!
From: Ned Ludd
Date: 21 Apr 07 - 09:48 AM

Well in the interests of research, i've bought some. I'll let you know how I get on! Although I always think you should vote with your feet- If You don't like 'em don't buy 'em.

Subject: RE: Elixir rant - THEY STINK!
From: Larkin
Date: 21 Apr 07 - 10:02 AM

The new Dean Markleys can't remember the name but they have gold top strings - are fantastic. I too was breaking elixirs all ther time - then went on to the coated D'addarios which went dead after about 2 weeks . had the DM's on over a month and have played them hard - 3 irish sessions a week and a week- end in Glasgow playing 8 hours a day - they're still going strong !!!

Martin

Subject: RE: Elixir rant - THEY STINK!
From: Declan
Date: 21 Apr 07 - 11:00 AM

The Dean Markley stings are called called Alchemy. Bit of a side reference to Elixir in the name. I'm using a set at the moment and they're fine. A bit cheaper than Elixir too.

Subject: RE: Elixir rant - THEY STINK!
From: kendall
Date: 21 Apr 07 - 01:27 PM

What does anyone know about DARCO strings? They are always in the bargain bin for $3.00 a set.

Subject: RE: Elixir rant - THEY STINK!
From: Strollin' Johnny
Date: 21 Apr 07 - 01:55 PM

Newtones for me. Nothing less will do.

Subject: RE: Elixir rant - THEY STINK!
From: Little Hawk
Date: 21 Apr 07 - 02:29 PM

I like Elixirs just fine. Have never broken one. I guess it all depends on your playing style. Maybe you should switch to some super-heavy titanium-wound strings or something. ;-)

Subject: RE: Elixir rant - THEY STINK!
From: Singing Referee
Date: 21 Apr 07 - 02:58 PM

I think it's just personal taste and playing style.

I use Elixir PB Nanowebs and have tried Martin SP+'s (on a Martin) and Newtones, but the Elixirs are best for me. Both the Martins and Newtomes are initially a bit brighter, but don't last anything like as long as the Elixirs. I quite like the feel of the coated strings. I play finger-style so don't bash it.

I run two guitars. I use Elixir LMB's (.012 - .056) on the one I play mainly in drop D or DADGAD and have no problems with those except that sometimes either the 1st or 2nd breaks on retuning before I would otherwise change them. But they still last months.

My other guitar is tuned 3 semitones up and I use extra-lights (.010 - .047) on that. The wound 3rd (G) won't take the 3 semitone shift to A# so I use a plain 2nd of an old medium set instead. Having done that they last forever in drop D (drop F actually!) and I've had many people comment on the brightness of the sound from what is quite a cheap gutar (Aria AW130). But in the last couple of weeks I've been experimenting with DADGAD (3 up) on it, and that's been a nightmare. 1 and/or 2 (.010 and .014) break about every 3rd time I retune from DA to EB equivalent. So I thought I'd try lighter strings at a lower tension and bought some D'Addario .009 and .013's instead. It made no difference.

Whether that proves it's just how you use them, or whether I'm trying to do something impossible I'm not sure. But I like my Elixirs!

Subject: RE: Elixir rant - THEY STINK!
From: Willie-O
Date: 21 Apr 07 - 03:07 PM

Elixirs for me. Lights only. No breakage problem whatsoever. Have not found any other guitar strings that suit me since I first tried them. I did try those Martin SP and found them very disappointing.
Due to my playing style, I find string squeakage very noticeable and aggravating now that I am an Elixir convert.

I like the original Polyweb but have Nanos on right now.

If you already don't like them, quit buying them then complaining that you hate them! Once bitten...

W-O

Subject: RE: Elixir rant - THEY STINK!
From: kendall
Date: 21 Apr 07 - 03:24 PM

I find that D'Addario strings last a long time if I use fast fret to clean the strings before putting the guitar away.

Subject: RE: Elixir rant - THEY STINK!
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 21 Apr 07 - 04:05 PM

I swear by Elixir Nanoweb Extra Lights. Both my "working" 12-strings and my 6-string carry them. They last my ages (suits me, as I am a lazy bugger), and although they lose the first brightness quite early, they do not deteriorate to unacceptable levels, so I can make do for XX weeks (too ashamed to mention it).

Subject: RE: Elixir rant - THEY STINK!
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 21 Apr 07 - 05:26 PM

I use 10-47s on the 12-strings, 12-53s on the Martin, the Mugen, the Morris, and the fan-strutted Hagstrom J-45, but 12-56s on the two X-braced Hagstrom J-45s. I said I had GAS.

Nanowebs. The Polywebs are too dull, and I am about to try the new 80/20 Nanowebs.

Those Alchemies sound interesting though - it is a hell of a job getting the US dealers to send Elixirs to England, and if the customs catch them there is a hefty surcharge, whereas here the price of Elixirs is just stoopid.

Subject: RE: Elixir rant - THEY STINK!
From: GUEST,Texas Guest
Date: 22 Apr 07 - 12:22 AM

Well thanks to all the positive contributions. It seems that there are some shared and different experiences expressed here - an exchange
of information, experiences and ideas - which is what Mudcat is all about. Cheers.

Subject: RE: Elixir rant - THEY STINK!
From: pirandello
Date: 22 Apr 07 - 08:00 AM

Richard, try buying your Elixirs mail order through Stringbusters. If I buy a box of ten sets I can save around £4.00 a set over shop prices; that's nearly £40.00 per box!

Subject: RE: Elixir rant - THEY STINK!
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 22 Apr 07 - 11:29 AM

Well my last lot from the USA cost £55.87 (inc shipping) for 7 sets (one being mandolin and another 12-string, which are a bit dearer - so call it 7 and a half sets) about £7.50 per set. Beat that! They are £10.40 per set if you buy ten sets at stringbusters (just been on the site) plus shipping which I don't know what stringbusters charge. Of course if the customs had caught me it would have been different...

Subject: RE: Elixir rant - THEY STINK!
From: redsnapper
Date: 22 Apr 07 - 12:07 PM

Never had a problem with them personally. These days though I tend to use Newtones which are good value, last well and which are wound on a round rather than hexagonal core so they tap less corroding moisture. On my jazz guitar I use Rohrbacher nickel-wound titanium strings. Having said all that I mostly play an electro-classical with nylon strings these days.

RS

Subject: RE: Elixir rant - THEY STINK!
From: GUEST,Ian cookieless
Date: 22 Apr 07 - 03:15 PM

Texas guest, I tried Elixir polyweb and hated the plastic feel of them and the horrible tone. A friend gave me a set of the nanowebs, which I love. Never had a problem with them breaking myself, but if you go to this Strings Direct page you'll find many reviewers who have, like you, given up on them because they break.

Subject: RE: Elixir rant - THEY STINK!
From: jiva
Date: 22 Apr 07 - 06:16 PM

Since discovering Elixirs around 4 years ago, we have used nothing else. Love the long-lasting bright sound after the initial 10 minute playing in.

6 strings: Taylor 810-LTD and Taylor 810 CE light gauge.
12 strings: Taylor 855 extra light.

All guitars at concert pitch, occasionally dropping the 6th (or 11 and 12th) to D. Mostly fingerpicking (no plectrums/picks).

Did try D'addario EXPs on the 810 LTD and took them off within 20 minutes - they sounded dead by comparison. Our favourite performer uses D'Addario EXPs and he's often asked how he gets such great tone/sound... so it's probably as much to do with the player as it is the strings.

In the end it's a matter of preference - you can please all of the people some of the time, and some of the people all of the time, but you can't please all of the people all of the time.

Best prices we have found are at www.stringsdirect.co.uk - we buy strings, capos, tuners etc from them.

jiva
www.jiva.co.uk

Subject: RE: Elixir rant - THEY STINK!
From: number 6
Date: 22 Apr 07 - 08:30 PM

Elixirs are actually manufactured by D'addario. It's the Elixir coating on the D'addario strings.

biLL

Subject: RE: Elixir rant - THEY STINK!
From: Bert
Date: 22 Apr 07 - 11:41 PM

Interesting, I bought a set once and they didn't sound any better than the Martin's that I had been using.

And strangely enough the G string broke after a week or two's use. Never bothered to pay the extra for them again.

Subject: RE: Elixir rant - THEY STINK!
From: Pete_Standing
Date: 23 Apr 07 - 08:15 AM

That's what I've heard too biLL (number6). I've been using the nanowebs (standard and PB) on both my guitar and bouzouki for a few years now and expect to get breakages due to retuning in various ways. My guitar has a long scale and I use medium gauge so the tension is pretty high, though recently I have been tuning down a tone for CGCGCD/DGCFAD) (DADADE would be asking for trouble) and using a capo. Whenever I have an important gig to play, I always put on a new set and have never been let down, however during the lean patches, I've left strings on for a few months and still been happy with the tone. They are expensive but I think they are worth it.

Subject: RE: Elixir rant - THEY STINK!
From: GUEST,cmt49
Date: 23 Apr 07 - 08:30 AM

On both my Martin 00016 and my M. Suzuki, Elixir Nanowebs gave the sound equivalent of an 'upgrade'. Fantastic sound, longevity and lack of squeak. BUT the 3rds kept breaking. On the Martin, I changed from 12's to 11's and haven't broken a 3rd since. I tried Polywebs and hated them. A friend tried Nanowebs on his Gibson J200 and they didn't sound anything like mine, so maybe they suit some guitars and not others. To me, they are the best strings around, and have often drawn the same kind of ' wow! what strings do you use?' comments others have reported. But breaking 3rds ARE a problem, and Elixir need to address this.

Subject: RE: Elixir rant - THEY STINK!
From: JedMarum
Date: 23 Apr 07 - 09:48 AM

I'm NOT an Elixer fan. I've used 'em, and probably will again in the hest of the sumemr. Nano-webs are OK sounding, but I hate the feel. I am not string breaker, ordinarliy - but occasionally. I do break more Elixers then others, and always at the bridge ... maybe they casue me to pick differently, maybe its the design of the string - I don't know.

I only used Elixers because I can destriy a set of ordinary strings in the first songs - during the hot weather. It must be my chemistry or somethig, but I am a string destroyer! I'd be changing my strings every night, and playing with dead strings half the time if I didn't use Elixers ... until I found Newtone (mentioned above by a few).

I was dubious when Rick Fielding turned me on to them a few years ago ... but I tried 'em for a while and he was right. They go on sounding great and they last! They feel like normal strings - not small, not slippery like the coated strings. I have become a true believer. Since they are not imported to the US in great numbers they tend to be hard to find and expensive - so I buy them on-line in bulk (a good deal anyway). I use 10 to 12 sets a year and sometimes put on Elixers, as I said during the worst of summer weather or when I'm waiting for a bulk shipment.

I've used Newtones for 5 or so years now. I broke my first this weekend at an outdoor festival in North Carolina. It was perfect string breaking conditions, old strings, hot humid weather, many twists up and down to accommodate various tunings ...

I would probably be playing Elixers if I hadn't discovered Newtones. I got used to their shortcomings - and if you shop wisely and buy in bulk you get a good price for them too. But I am glad I found Newtone (I use the Masterclass, medium guage).

Elixers have a dull sound. They are not bad, sounding, but not great. The Nanos sound better then the originals ... but that OK sound lasts for weeks - you get used to feel and if you can suffer the occasional string break, they are not a bad compromise.

... anyway, just a few thoughts on the subject.

Subject: RE: Elixir rant - THEY STINK!
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 23 Apr 07 - 09:56 AM

Odd. I think the Newtones sound dull on the Hagstrom I tried them on.

Has anyone tried the Alchemy ones?

Subject: RE: Elixir rant - THEY STINK!
From: JedMarum
Date: 23 Apr 07 - 10:50 AM

Newtones have a full, round sound to me. They do not have the very very bright whispery qualities of the phosphor alloys - but I prefer that. I know the very bright sound is popular and I appreciate that, it's just not what I prefer.

Newtones sound great when I put them on, and they wear slowly. I can keep 'em on for two weeks, maybe three - and occasionally a little more, if I'm willing to compromise, or the weather is cool. They never go suddenly dead, and never completely dead. I pay a lot and even though I play two guitars, two or three weeks is a long life for me. I'm happy if I get that much out of them.

Subject: RE: Elixir rant - THEY STINK!
From: Paco Rabanne
Date: 23 Apr 07 - 11:00 AM

I tried two sets of their coated nylon strings a few years ago, and the G string in both sets was cut through by the guitars saddle as I fitted them. Wouldn't touch them with a bargepole!

Subject: RE: Elixir rant - THEY STINK!
From: Trevor Thomas
Date: 23 Apr 07 - 11:22 AM

My guitar came with a set of Elixirs. I find them pretty good. I don't need a lot of treble anyway, and leave all strings on and they do last a long time (if you don't break them). I don't usually break strings all that often these days, but funnily enough, broke an Elixir D last week, on a week-old set. Grrrr!

I use Newtone as well - I think they're great. In fact I've been using them on and off since the 80s when they were called Albion. They've always been very smooth. These days I think they're in a different class to all other strings. Not so easy to get hold of, but worth it.

I also find D'Addario and Ernie Ball Earthwood perfectly OK, especially recently. In fact the only time I've had trouble with strings was with Gibson branded strings, a few years ago. I had three sets (which I bought at the same time) and they went dead really fast, and I lots of breakages. Probably a duff batch, but I've never bought any since.

Subject: RE: Elixir rant - THEY STINK!
From: GUEST,Baz
Date: 23 Apr 07 - 11:34 AM

I find Elixirs sound too 'spangly' for my taste. I really like the sound of D'Addario's 'silk & steel' strings, they're lovely and mellow, but alas they're a bit on the light side as well. I think they only make them in .11's, which is too light for me in standard tuning, and certainly too light for dropped tunings and DADGAD etc.

I think I'll check out them Newtones though.

Subject: RE: Elixir rant - THEY STINK!
From: GUEST,Ian cookieless
Date: 23 Apr 07 - 02:46 PM

If Elixirs are coated D'Addarios, then why do Elixir G strings break more often than D'Addarios? What is the coating made of? Does the coating do something to weaken or corrode the string? Anyone know?

Subject: RE: Elixir rant - THEY STINK!
From: Bill D
Date: 23 Apr 07 - 03:20 PM

....wow...sounds like an opportunity for a PHD thesis in string structure as relates to climate and body chemistry.

Subject: RE: Elixir rant - THEY STINK!
From: Gulliver
Date: 23 Apr 07 - 03:34 PM

I bought Elixir strings (custom) for my Lowden three times (in Dublin). The second and third time the G string broke when I was putting them on the guitar! I never broke a string before in my life when stringing a guitar, and it happened twice with Elixir. I mentioned this at the shop where I bought them and was told that the strings were actually made by D'Addario. I thought they sounded good (but then almost any strings sound good on the Lowden) but after a month or so of playing they began to look a bit ragged, so I went back to Martin.

Subject: RE: Elixir rant - THEY STINK!
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Apr 07 - 03:55 PM

It doesn't matter who makes the string for Elixer, D'Addario or other - the coating is part of the wrap ... they are NOT normal strings DIPPED in wrap. The strength characteristics will be different.

Subject: RE: Elixir rant - THEY STINK!
From: Slag
Date: 23 Apr 07 - 05:09 PM

I've always used D'Addarios but now you've got me thinking!! It's been a while since I've picked up the classical but it's due for a string change. I'll let you know my experience.

Subject: RE: Elixir rant - THEY STINK!
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 23 Apr 07 - 06:05 PM

Newtones - the only strings I've come across that really do seem to make a difference. Tune easily, and hold the tuning, feel better and sound better.

Subject: RE: Elixir rant - THEY STINK!
From: Songster Bob
Date: 24 Apr 07 - 12:40 AM

I used to use Elixers, had one set that I changed out after 9 months just to see if the tone would be different with new strings (it was, but not a lot), and never broke a string. When I have broken strings in the past, I always look for sharp edges on the saddle or nut, or some other cause, before I start blaming the strings.

That said, I don't specify Elixers now. I've got a set of SIT (Stay In Tune) strings on my 0-18, and they're fine. Didn't sound too bright when new, like some strings do, and I'm using John Pearse strings on a couple of other guitars. I like them, too, for that "not so new but still good and last a long time) tone. In fact, I'm probably going to go with the Pearse strings unless a bonanza of Elixers falls in my lap or something. I don't get enough from the coated strings to make the extra expense necessary.

But the string-busters should check their instruments, in case there's a rough edge hiding somewhere -- even if only one brand of sring breaks, the other brands may be being weakened at the same spot, and that may affect the tone, tunability, or life expectancy, even if they don't break right away.

Bob

Subject: RE: Elixir rant - THEY STINK!
From: Gulliver
Date: 24 Apr 07 - 03:46 PM

What amazed me was that I didn't even get the chance to tighten the strings when putting them on the guitar--I just started to wind them around the thingamajig at the machine head when they broke. I've had the Lowden 20 years--never broke a string like that before.

Subject: RE: Elixir rant - THEY STINK!
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 24 Apr 07 - 05:19 PM

That sort of breakage, Gulliver, is usually a sharp edge on the shaft of the machine head.

Subject: RE: Elixir rant - THEY STINK!
From: Spot
Date: 24 Apr 07 - 05:28 PM

Allo everybody...

                  I've said it before and I'll say it again -- Rohrbachers are the best....   beyond doubt... etc .. get the ones silsethesthequane ( or summat!!) coated - bloody wondefful!!

             regards to all.... Spot   :-)