Elixir Guitar Strings

Subject: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: 53
Date: 01 Jul 01 - 03:56 PM

Hi Catters,

Our Big Baby Guitars (by Taylor) came with Elixer strings. They are great. The life of them is longer than other phosphor bronze strings we have used and now that we have had to buy new ones, we see why. The US list price is above $25.

Has anyone else tried them? How do you like them? And what price do YOU have to pay for them?

Glenda and Bob

Subject: RE: BS: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 01 Jul 01 - 04:17 PM

The problem with Elixir (for me at any rate) is that they never actually sound new. They do keep their tone a long time, but that tone is not to my taste. Still, everyone to his own.

D#Addario make a string similar to Elixir, which Martin Simpson was using last time I saw him. He swears by them. Can't remember what they are called, but I remember they cost more than I would have paid.

Murray

Subject: RE: BS: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 01 Jul 01 - 04:35 PM

Wasn't there a thread on this a few months back?

I tried Elixir's as a result, and I like them. I like them a lot. But my guitar is very bright. Not everyone does.

The new D'Addario is i think filled with teflon over the core but inside the winding whereas Elixir's ahve the teflon on the top.

Subject: RE: BS: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 01 Jul 01 - 05:05 PM

I've tried 'em... not bad... I never liked the sound of brand new strings in the first place... The problem was, I tried them at a time when I was breaking a lot of strings, so at almost 40 bucks a pack, they were deffinatly NOT worth it...

Maybe I'll try them again, now that I've fixed that problem, but it's gonna have to be really impressive to get me away from good old Martin Light Gauge...

Subject: RE: BS: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: Bluebelle
Date: 01 Jul 01 - 06:18 PM

The D'Addario strings, to which you refer, are called Nanowebs. GHS has also come out with a coated string, called EXP's, and considered to be several cuts above, both the Elixirs and D'Addario Nanowebs.

Coated strings seem to work best for those whose hands sweat profusely or whose acidity is high. In addition, pickers who play several hours a day say they last longer than uncoated strings.

I've tried Elixirs twice and I absolutely do not like them. My personal preference for strings is Martin SP Phosphor Bronze. A flatpicker friend equates Elixirs to strings with a condom.

Subject: RE: BS: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: mooman
Date: 01 Jul 01 - 06:53 PM

Since I tried Elixir strings I will use no other on my fingerpicking guitar and mandolin as both instruments are bright already. I like the sound of the Elixirs on these instruments and they last for ages (more than one year on my fingerpicking guitar which is used for at least an hour daily, except for changing the top two unwound strings, with no really discernable loss in tone). This is just as wll as they are very pricey here in Belgium.

On my other guitar which I use mainly for rhythm playing and jazz, the Elixirs just do not sound right and I stick with D'Addario phosphor bronze on this.

There have been acouple of threads on this topic. Here is one and here is another.

Regards

mooman

Subject: RE: BS: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: davidg
Date: 01 Jul 01 - 07:15 PM

I once let some kid in a music store talk me into buying a set of Elixirs. I brought them home, put them on my guitar and hated them. They produce, at least on my guitar, a thin, metallic piercing kind of sound. No bottom end. I suppose they're fine if you want to sound like the Byrds ca. 1966. I'll stick with the phosphor bronze D'Addarios.

Subject: RE: BS: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: Little Hawk
Date: 01 Jul 01 - 07:47 PM

I love the Elixirs and will use nothing else at this point, but it's a matter of taste. Just like with guitars.

- LH

Subject: RE: BS: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: Bugsy
Date: 01 Jul 01 - 09:32 PM

I've put them on my Maton and they sound great. Mind you the Maton has a big sound anyway. I've had them on for about 2 month now so they have more than paid for themselves (I usually change them every 3 weeks or so.

For mine, they're well worth the money.

CHeers

Bugsy

Subject: RE: BS: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: 53
Date: 01 Jul 01 - 09:33 PM

Thank you, Mooman, for the links to the other TWO posts on Elixer strings.

I have read every comment and enjoyed them.

Sorry, Catspaw, looks like I might have done the same thing others do at times, and started a thread without doing my research.

But I can learn and am glad to find out when I err. So... next time I will remember to do the research.

I sure am glad the 'Catters are a forgiving lot.

Glenda

Subject: RE: BS: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: catspaw49
Date: 01 Jul 01 - 09:45 PM

That's OK Glenda.....happens to everyone occasionally and as long as someone comes along and links them as the Mooman did, it's sometimes a good idea. When you refresh a thread with, say 65 posts on it, some people will figure the discusiion hass gone on without them and no one will read their post anyway. So a fresh thread can be beneficial at times......Here it has brought up the other makers getting into the coated string market.

I'm trying a set next string change myself, just hadn't got around to trying them and I'm in a string rut since I've been using the same thing for years.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: Pseudolus
Date: 02 Jul 01 - 12:08 AM

I love the Elixer strings mostly because of their longevity... I usually change my strings (or should) every two to three weeks. With Elixers, I usually go at least two months or more before they need to be changed. In my area there's a music store that has them for $14.95 per set. I was able to talk them into selling me 10 sets for $100.00 which makes the savings huge considering how long they last.

I agree they don't start as bright as other strings but how long does that "brand new strings" sound last anyway? For me not even a whole gig.... jmho.....

Frank

Subject: RE: BS: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 02 Jul 01 - 12:41 AM

Frank, you are right, the "new" sound doesn't last a whole gig. That is why Martin Simpson changes his strings not only prior to each and every gig, but also during the intermission. And may I say that he used to do this even before he got the D'Addario endorsement deal.

Murray

Subject: RE: BS: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: Mike Byers
Date: 02 Jul 01 - 07:55 AM

www.elderly.com has Elixirs at a reasonable price. I like them pretty well, but during a conversation with El McMeen yesterday, El said he thought the Nanoweb's were brighter. I haven't tried these yet, but based on his recommendation I will.

Subject: RE: BS: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: bigchuck
Date: 02 Jul 01 - 08:06 AM

Elixer's new strings are called nanowebs, D'Addario's are EXPs. I just tried a set of nanowebs on my new Martin (000-15S) and liked the sound a lot, but broke two strings in the first week (mediums too). I've now got a set of EXPs on, which sound good too. Hopefully they'll last longer. A number of folks on the Flatpick-L have reported breakage problems with Nanowebs also.
Sandy

Subject: RE: BS: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: Whistleworks
Date: 02 Jul 01 - 08:25 AM

Hi everyone,

I did a CD earlier this year which featured Celtic fingerstyle monster El McMeen. He uses Elixer strings exclusively. I thought his guitar (a Tippen) sounded magnificent to this whistle player's tin ear. Then, last week, El released a new CD called The Lea Rig. I am personally convinced that the Elixer strings, combined with the masterful playing of this great guy, resulted in a CD which I still have yet to remove from both my home and car CD players.

If the strings had anything to do with this (I have definitely got a "tin" ear; maybe from playing too much tin whistle..??) then I'm going to get him at truckload of these.

Just my $0.02. Have a wonderful week, one and all.

Bob Pegritz

Subject: RE: BS: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: Whistle Stop
Date: 02 Jul 01 - 09:06 AM

I've had mixed experiences with the Elixirs. They do hold their tone, but it starts out slightly "muddier" than the uncoated strings I typically use. At about $15.00 a set, they are significantly more expensive than the mail-order strings I generally buy (phosphor bronze mediums, comparable to D'Addario EJ-17's, cost around $2.00 a set when I buy them in bulk).

I've had two problems with the Elixirs. First is their quality control -- I have gotten more than one set where the coating on one or more strings was applied too heavily, totally killing the tone. Also, I have broken my share of these, partly because I use a lot of altered tunings, but I think they're a little more prone to breakage than my usual strings. Again, at $15 a set, these kind of problems are unacceptable. I don't use them any more, although I'll occasionally pick up a set for recording (reduced finger noise).

Subject: RE: BS: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: Bluebelle
Date: 02 Jul 01 - 09:26 AM

Oops, my mistake. Thanks Bigchuck for the clarification! I guess if I liked coated strings or used them, I'd know better who was making them. I am sure that I prefer Martin SP's or Bluegrass strings the best.

Subject: RE: BS: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: marty D
Date: 02 Jul 01 - 01:55 PM

There sure seems to be a wide difference in price on Elixers. 40 dollars down to 14 something. Are they cheaper in the big cities? I'd try something out at the lesser price, but 40 bucks? Not a chance.

marty

Subject: RE: BS: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: UB Ed
Date: 02 Jul 01 - 02:00 PM

Elixirs may last longer, but I think either the Dean Markley extra lights (.11) or D'Addario intially sound better.

Ed

Subject: RE: BS: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: Phil Cooper
Date: 02 Jul 01 - 03:25 PM

I hadn't tried Elixers before, but just got a Santa Cruz OM/PW which came with a set. I like the lower finger noise, but kind of miss the phosphor bronze twang, rattle that can sometimes occur. I haven't had the heart to take the elixer's off and put on a regular set of Martin marquis. I believe I have a set of light guages on the new guitar, and think the high E is a bit too light for my taste (slips off the finger board if I'm not careful).

Subject: RE: BS: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: GUEST,MARTIN MANIAC
Date: 03 Jul 01 - 01:11 AM

FOR THE COST, I KNOW THERE ARE PLENTY OF EXCELLENT STRINGS OUT THERE FOR LESS MONEY. i GET MARTIN SP'S FOR 6 BUCKS AND CAN'T BEAT THE SOUND. THEY LAST QUITE A WHILE, KEPP THEIR TONE, AND HARDLY EVER BREAK, AND I POUND OUT BLUEGRASS FOR A COUPLE HOURS A WEEK.

Subject: RE: BS: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: Midchuck
Date: 03 Jul 01 - 09:22 AM

The original Elixrs sound good, but have a "slimy" feel that bothers me.

I tried one set of EXPs and found them to be very good strings overall - just not enough better than plain-vanilla D'addario PBs to justify 2 1/2 times the price.

I haven't tried the Nanowebs, but I hear a lot of talk about excessive breakage.

I suspect I'll go on buying the regular D'Addario PBs as cheap as I can, and change them when they seem to need it.

Just my take.

Peter.

Subject: RE: BS: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: Pontiac Joe
Date: 03 Jul 01 - 09:32 AM

I love Elixirs I turned them on to others with the same results. Not sure where you live but $40.00 is outragous I live near Reading Pa. and the cheapest I've seen them was $ 11.99,ZESWITZ $13.00,PENN AVENUE MUSIC $14.99 FREDS WWW.FREDSMUSIC.COM you can buy them in bulk.

P-Joe

Subject: RE: BS: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: LR Mole
Date: 03 Jul 01 - 10:23 AM

I boil mine in Wildroot Creme oil and put condoms on my fingers. No, I don't. I'm fond of Earthwoods (which I think are Ernie Ball) but probably because I like the package, or something equally silly.

Subject: RE: BS: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: Fstpicker
Date: 04 Jul 01 - 01:17 AM

I used to use regular Elixirs. Now I use the Elixir Nanowebs and love 'em. I haven't had any breakage problem and I've played 'em for 6 weeks every day, sometimes several hours. They don't lose their coating near as much as reg. Elixirs. Tried the D'Addario EXP...pretty good but not as much bottom end depth on my dread. Try JustStrings.com for a good low price on them.

Subject: RE: BS: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: Kaleea
Date: 05 Jul 01 - 01:03 AM

I have used martin Marquis on my good old 1964 Gibson for 20 or so years, but heard so much about the Elixirs, I thought I would try them. I put them on, fingerpicked a couple of tunes, and a couple of days later, went to a big bluegrass jam. I got out my guitar and on the first strum broke my fourth string. Odd, I thought, I can't remember when I broke a fourth string. A couple of tunes later, I broke my sixth string. Odd, I thought, I don't ever remember breaking my sixth string in the 30-odd years I have been picking (and boy, have they been odd!). A few tunes later, the third string broke. I gave up and replaced the other three strings as well--along with the rest of the Martin Marquis package I had opened--and never looked back. The price of the Elixirs? $17.95 + tax. The cost of the Martin Marquis? $3.50 from a bargain catalog. I have deduced that the higher the cost of the strings, the higher the ratio of the breakage factor.

Subject: RE: BS: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: rush
Date: 05 Jul 01 - 04:21 PM

I own 2 Taylor Guitars both Dreadnoughts , a 410 & an 810. I think the 410 sounds great with Elixir Guitar Strings ( Have not checked out the Nanowebs yet ), however this 410 sounded great in the studio with D'Addairio Phosphur/Bronze medium guage as well. I will admit that Elixir strings do last a few weeks longer and maintain fairly good brightness. Now on my 810 ( which has much more bottom ,then the 410 because of the Rosewood back and sides ) , the Elixir strings sound OK , however, I need to put D'Adddario's back on this guitar ( and Martin Marquis's and John Pearce Strings ) to do a true comparison. In the States ,you can purchase on -line or via phone from JustStrings.com . The Price of Elixirs about $11.50 per set . This does not include shipping. I'm really learning that your guitar and your own subjective ear will let you know what strings are really the best !!

Mike Strobel

Subject: RE: BS: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: Louie Roy
Date: 05 Jul 01 - 11:41 PM

The elixer Guitar string here in Oregon costs $ 13.99 and there is no tax here,but at $ 40.00 you are being ripped off.In fact I guess you could call it robbery without a gun.Louie Roy

Subject: RE: BS: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: GUEST,djh
Date: 06 Jul 01 - 10:19 AM

I love the elixers. I don't know if anyone else has this problem but bronze strings turn my finger tips green and black, elixers don't and they last much longer. I pay $18 for a set at local music store in NY burbs. It is worth it, I am sick of walking round with green fingers. Anyone know why some folks' fingers respond to bronze like that?

Subject: RE: BS: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: mooman
Date: 06 Jul 01 - 10:48 AM

Guest djh,

That will be the problem some people have alluded to already, i.e. some of us are more prone to acidic sweat from our hands and fingers. This can react with the copper and other metals in bronze producing the corrosion products of the colours you describe which are then transferred to your fingers and sometimes hands, e.g. I get more of this type of staining on the heel of my rings hand when resting it just behind the bridge when playing mandolin or mandola. The same corrosion reaction can also dramatically reduce string life.

I like the Elixirs on two of my main instruments both for these reasons and because they sound excellent as well. As I mentioned above, for me the higher price is more than offset by the length of time they last.

Best regards

mooman

Subject: RE: BS: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: GUEST,Reynardine
Date: 06 Jul 01 - 08:10 PM

I bought a Taylor Big Baby about a month and a half ago, which came with Elixirs. I don't like that bright tone, but after a while they rounded off a little. Something odd I've noticed; the coating seems to fray around the soundhole, and has become impregnated with what I can only hope is finger-oil/grease/dirt. It's green, as usual.

PS I used to use Gibson Bronze (ultra)light on my old guitar, a cheap dreadnought, but they always broke. One set lasted less that 24 hours. I switched to medium J-200s but with the high action could barely finger an F.

PPS Like djh, the J-200s used to turn my fingertips green, which has yet to happen with the Elixirs.

Subject: RE: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: GUEST,Jayne Lloyd Guitar Teacher
Date: 13 Jul 11 - 01:52 PM

I use Elixir strings - they are a bit 'thuddy' sounding but they don't deteriorate from that point until the coating either peels away (nanoweb) or they become hairy (polyweb). I buy them in bulk and pay around £10 a set - they last two to three months with me playing them around 5 - 7 hours daily (so approximately 300 hours).

D'addarios appear to be very shoddily annealed in the production winding and process and, coated or not, they are extremely brittle and cannot cope with the 'hammering' I have to give them - they last 3 -5 days, usually with the 'G' and the 'D' snapping in the first few hours.

I buy Exlxir 12's and supplement the D nd G strings with slightly heavier guages. I've used 13's for DADGAD and other tunings - the 13's work well on a low 'F' tuning I use a lot.

I loved Martin SP's but now only use them in studio - my playing has changed and I squeak when I use them.

All the electric have Ernie Balls - Elixirs are no good for them.

Verdict: For my style of playing and the amount of hours I play Elixir's are the only alternative I've tried the others and they don't cut it for me.

Jayne
xxx

Subject: RE: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: GUEST,999
Date: 13 Jul 11 - 02:04 PM

I use them on the Larrivee and they last. A bit of Fastfret from time to time and it beats paying for a new set of strings every week.

Subject: RE: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: DonMeixner
Date: 13 Jul 11 - 03:46 PM

I like the way they feel. I can slide around on them which I can't do with any other brand. They sound ok. I have used the Martin Bronze Lights since 1972 and I prefer the sound of them.... or maybe its the price I prefer.

I find that strings is strings and all the rest is marketing.

D

Subject: RE: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Jul 11 - 07:54 AM

They're the cannine's testicles.

Got them on all three Martins and swear by them.

Expensive yes, but why have a real quality instrument without spending a bit on the wires?

Personal taste at the end of day (how unusual).

Subject: RE: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: Brian May
Date: 14 Jul 11 - 12:05 PM

Guest above was me, perhaps my cookie at work has been snaffled.

Subject: RE: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 14 Jul 11 - 02:39 PM

I can't find any string to beat Newtones. I tried Elixir, found them too 'slippy'

Subject: RE: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: Brian May
Date: 14 Jul 11 - 05:01 PM

Yep, I liked Newtones too, but must admit (for me) the Elixirs have it.

I had a couple of Newtones that actually unravelled from the ball end - I've never seen that before.

I've got a set of Newtone DADGAD strings knocking around if anyone wants them. PM me if you you're interested (UK only).

I'll be sticking with Elixirs between now and death

Subject: RE: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: Louie Roy
Date: 14 Jul 11 - 10:09 PM

I've used the elixirs light gauge on both of my guitars the acoustic and the electric and in my opinion there isn't a better string on the market today however this again is up to the opinion of all other guitar players

Subject: RE: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Jul 11 - 06:53 AM

Great for 6 and 12 string guitars
If they

Subject: RE: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: GUEST,999
Date: 15 Jul 11 - 12:16 PM

One drawback to Elixirs is that they do not have the 'brightness' of many other strings. The coating likely accounts for that. However, I'm from a time when strings were about $3.00 a set. Today . . . Of course, I'm also from a time when jujubes were four for a penny (Canadian penny).

Subject: RE: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: skarpi
Date: 15 Jul 11 - 05:21 PM

Elixirs strings are ok , but cost lung and liver here in
iceland about 80$ so I don´t use them , I use spectrum or daddario

Subject: RE: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: Zen
Date: 15 Jul 11 - 06:54 PM

I used to use them on one guitar and liked them but now prefer Cleartones which have a thinner coating. I use flatwounds on my other (archtop) guitar.

Subject: RE: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: GUEST,999
Date: 15 Jul 11 - 07:00 PM

How long will the Cleartones last for, Zen.

Subject: RE: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: Mark Ross
Date: 15 Jul 11 - 08:03 PM

To 999; $3 a set? The Folklore Center sets were a buck and a half I seem to remember.

Mark Ross

Subject: RE: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 16 Jul 11 - 04:25 AM

That's appropriate Mark. It's halfway between a Loonie and a Toonie.

Subject: RE: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 16 Jul 11 - 04:56 AM

Skarpi, what gauge you use, I may have some Elixirs spare.

Subject: RE: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: Zen
Date: 16 Jul 11 - 05:57 AM

Guest,999... the Cleartones seem to be more or less equivalent to Elixirs in longevity.

Subject: RE: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: skarpi
Date: 16 Jul 11 - 08:42 AM

I use 0,11 on my 6 string but 0,10 on my 12 string

Subject: RE: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: Musket
Date: 16 Jul 11 - 09:16 AM

I started using them when I bought my Rainsong, as a new set came with the guitar, (plus the ones on from the factory were unused.)

Since then, I have found them excellent on every guitar other than a Jim Harley dreadnought I use occasionally. For that, they are too bright. Also, as this is the only acoustic I use a plectrum on, I like a heavier string. Elixir seem to shine better on the lighter strings, or is it just me?

The longevity is one aspect, but I also find they squeak less when sliding up and down the frets. Some feel the squeak is part of the music, I don't. Hence I love them.

I buy quite a few strings and although they last a long time, I still get through a few sets a month all told and have found a supplier on Amazon seems to give best price / delivery.

Subject: RE: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: GUEST,999
Date: 17 Jul 11 - 08:03 AM

Mark, your memory's better 'n mine. But those were the days of Marlboro being $.35 a pack when ice still covered much of North America . . . .

Zen, many thanks. I'll give them a try. Appreciate the input.

Subject: RE: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: GUEST,shayleen
Date: 07 Nov 13 - 06:56 AM

I agree with Murray over Elixir though etring preference is a personal thing. I use La Bella and /Gibson strings. Elixirs in the Uk cost around 16 pounds a set for the nenowebs :-)

Subject: RE: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: Betsy
Date: 07 Nov 13 - 07:23 PM

I've got a couple of Martins - wouldn't dream of buying Martin Strings as I think they go dead too quickly. Tried Elixir they're OK but don't have the crispness of D'Addario 11 > 52 Phosphor bronze which suit me in all departments of sound ,price and longevity.
Horses for courses I suppose - what suits one may not suit others , but the price is also fairly restrictive so the manufacturers may need to think again.
I am reminded of an old mate of mine who used to used to sell Christmas trees during THAT particular season.
When asked by older women (Mams and Grandmas) why he charges slightly more for his trees ,he replied "They've been specially treated to avoid the needles falling off".
What do you treat them with asked the old ladies ," Ah " came the reply
" It's a special chemical which is not dangerous in the household setting - and it's called H 2 O ".
Notwithstanding water , I feel that Elixir might be a fad that is being totally overpriced / marketing.
I won't be buying anymore

Subject: RE: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: Will Fly
Date: 08 Nov 13 - 03:57 AM

I've said this on other threads regarding Elixir strings, but I'll repeat it here.

I have hands that kill conventional phosphor bronze strings stone dead in a day - just skin acidity. Elixir Nanowebs last me 6-8 weeks, depending on the current playing level; even when starting to shred the coating down over the soundhole area, they still sound reasonable.

So, on pure economics alone - from my perspective - even if Elixirs are double the price of other strings (and the price in the UK has been affected by rising postage costs), I'm still getting better value from them than other makes. I've also tried D'Addario and they didn't last me either.

If you don't have the acidic skin problem, or you're happy with dead strings - which many guitarists prefer - then that equation might not work for you. But it does for me.

Subject: RE: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: GUEST,Shayleen
Date: 08 Feb 16 - 09:04 AM

Elixir strings are good. I preter d'addario exp. Dr sunbeam are quiite good and work well on rosewood/sitka guitars like the martin d35 :-)

Subject: RE: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: Brian Peters
Date: 08 Feb 16 - 10:11 AM

I've used Elixir for years now (same reason as Will Fly)and been very happy with them, but in an attempt to cut costs I recently bought a pack of three sets off Ebay for something resembling a cut price.

The first set went dead after one gig. The second set nearly as bad. Not sure whether they are fakes - the packaging looks authentic enough.

Be warned.

Subject: RE: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: Will Fly
Date: 08 Feb 16 - 10:43 AM

That's odd, Brian - I've also bought a 3-pack set, from one of the usual Amazon suppliers, and so far the first set is holding up nicely. They were no cheaper after postage, though.

The pack was the .012-.053 Phosphor Bronze Nanoweb type.

For my smaller 0 model guitar, I use the .011-.052 set - also Nanoweb, but just Bronze, not Phosphor Bronze.

The Tenor guitar takes the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th string from a standard .010 Phosphor Bronze Nanowen set - but I use any old .009 as a first, as the .010 top string from the set is on the edge of snapping if overtightened. (Tenor tuning is CGDA).

It's always possible that quality control varies, even with the best of firms. There was a period some years ago when the 3rd and 4th Elixirs from the .012 set were snapping very quickly. I and several other players formally complained to Elixir's European office - and they seemed to improve, but probably coincidentally!

Subject: RE: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: Brian Peters
Date: 08 Feb 16 - 11:00 AM

I just did a search, Will, and it seems I'm not the first:

Counterfeit Elixir strings

Just to stress, they were bought from Ebay, not Amazon. I've never had a bad set before.

Subject: RE: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: Will Fly
Date: 08 Feb 16 - 11:44 AM

Thanks for that info, Brian - appreciated, and I'll keep a watch out in future.

Subject: RE: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: Mike Strobel
Date: 22 Jul 20 - 12:57 PM

Ah, guitar strings..............I've used Elixir strings ( both medium and lights ) for 20 plus years. They sound great ( in my opinion ) on 2 Taylor guitars , 716 CE and 410 and 1 Eastman Accoustic guitar I own. Currently , over the past 2 to 3 years I buy ELIXIR strings in 3 or 4 packs from Amazon for around $40--$43.00 in USA currency.

Subject: RE: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: GUEST,Sol
Date: 25 Mar 21 - 07:15 PM

I bought a set of Elixirs of EBay(and yes,I know). Anyway, the top E string just wouldn't tune up. Whenever it reached the right pitch it stretched and went way out of tune.(Much more than the expected bedding-in stretch). After around a dozen re-tunes over several minutes, it snapped at the machine-head post.
I have emailed Elixir Customer Service four or five times since the start of the year for comment however, apart from two auto-replies of "We'll be in touch" I've had no reponse whatsoever. Even allowing for Covid, this is a pretty poor show re. customer relations. Has anybody else had the cold shoulder treatment from Elixir? I've been using their strings regularly for the past 10 years or so, but no more - finito.

Subject: RE: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 26 Mar 21 - 02:47 AM

”I bought a set of Elixirs of EBay”

There’s your answer. eBay is notorious for counterfeit guitar strings. Caveat Emptor.

Don’t be a skinflint, buy your strings direct from a reputable dealer, help keep a genuine business up and running, and have certainty that what you buy is the Real Deal.

Subject: RE: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: GUEST,Nick Dow
Date: 26 Mar 21 - 03:42 AM

I was caught out that way, when my daughter bought some for me. I contacted the company and they had been broken in to, and packaging stolen. The boxes were changed some years ago after the break in, and have a new logo or what ever it's called that changes in the light. Is it Hologram ? Please excuse this old fart.

Subject: RE: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: GUEST,Sol
Date: 27 Mar 21 - 08:55 AM

Thank you Backwoodsman & Nick for your comments. The Latin lesson was very welcome too - everyday's a schoolday. :-)

Subject: RE: Elixir Guitar Strings
From: gillymor
Date: 27 Mar 21 - 09:32 AM

I tried Elixirs on an acoustic guitar some time back and didn't really care for the sound or the feel. I went through 3 sets over the course of about a year and was happier when I went back to Daddario phos. bronze. I had never done anything to my guitar necks apart for rubbing on some Fret Ease now and then and cleaning them with a Scunge until a few years ago a friend introduced me to Duck's Ax Wax which I apply to the neck and strings whenever I change them. It eliminates squeak, gives the neck and strings a silky feel and definitely prolongs string life. Just my experience.