Another datapoint - 5 string Coated Slinkies

[oli@bass]

See the OP

Summary is I put fresh batteries and the tone came back. Perhaps somebody can explain why (old batteries had 7.9V, new 9.2V - Thus 15.8V vs 18.4V)

This is probably the oddest thing I've ever read: The preamp looses high end when the batteries get older?!

 

[shakinbacon]

This is probably the oddest thing I've ever read: The preamp looses high end when the batteries get older?!

doesn't make any sense to me either

 

[shakinbacon]

What will be really interesting is your reaction when you change them. Small changes over time are hard to detect and even harder to quantify. The big change when strings get changed is much more noticeable.

Any chance of us getting you to temporarily swap the strings to see how big a difference there is at this point?

See OP. I did a psuedo experiment only with the B string (I was too lazy to change them all and after I heard that the B was fine I put it right back)

Not quite what you were looking for but as soon as I think any string is dying I can quickly swap it to check... and the B was the one I was concerned with.

 

[shakinbacon]

day 63

Still going strong. see original post (OP)

 

[shakinbacon]

Day 1 with uncoated

See OP for details... the experiment continues.

 

[oli@bass]

Thanks for continuing this! I'm eagerly following (and still haven't come around o install the coated Slinky sets)

 

[shakinbacon]

day 5 (uncoated)

update in OP

 

[five7]

So how many hours did you get out of the coated ones?

 

[shakinbacon]

So how many hours did you get out of the coated ones?

I'm actually NOT done with them yet. I took them off to check how they compare to the regular Slinkies (on the request of another forum member). I will put the same coated set back on after the uncoated ones die out to continue the experiment.

Conservatively, I'd say I put 80 hours of playing time so far on the coated set.

 

[shakinbacon]

uncoated doing great

see op

 

[Grand Wazoo]

2/14/10
Day 8 (uncoated): Strings sound great. Still sweaty feeling. It cracks me up how I miss the "dryness" of the coated sets now.

You should get your username changed to.... "coatedbacon"

 

[TheAntMan]

I just put a set of the Coated Super Slinky on my 25th and love the feel and tone of the coated strings. Your right the feel is "dryer" but hard to explain. You have to feel for yourself to understand. I find your experiment and reporting interesting, thank you for doing this.

--Ant

 

[shakinbacon]

I just put a set of the Coated Super Slinky on my 25th and love the feel and tone of the coated strings. Your right the feel is "dryer" but hard to explain. You have to feel for yourself to understand. I find your experiment and reporting interesting, thank you for doing this.

--Ant

Thanks for the feedback Ant.

 

[Powman]

Dryness is an excellent description. You would think coated would feel more slippery, but this is not the case.

I have had my coated strings on for about 4 weeks I think. They have mellowed out nicely. I like them. I would describe the sound as warm round wounds. This is the tone I seek, but I can see how folks who like a bright string might not warm up to these (pun intended).

 

[shakinbacon]

update on uncoated

Please see original post (OP)

 

[rodl2005]

Does the coating 'wear/flake' off like Elixirs??? I haven't tried EB coateds yet- none of the stores here stock 'em so I'm gonna buy a set online. I've been using D'addario coateds on/off for a few yrs & like them best out of the sensibly priced coated strings. They generally last 3-4x as long as uncoateds.
I'll be REALLY looking forward to playing my EB's w/ EB coateds on tho.... Sumthin' about using the string by the bass' builder's co. that just WORKS!!! Thanx for the 'diary' 'BACON- appreciated!

 

[shakinbacon]

Does the coating 'wear/flake' off like Elixirs??? I haven't tried EB coateds yet- none of the stores here stock 'em so I'm gonna buy a set online. I've been using D'addario coateds on/off for a few yrs & like them best out of the sensibly priced coated strings. They generally last 3-4x as long as uncoateds.
I'll be REALLY looking forward to playing my EB's w/ EB coateds on tho.... Sumthin' about using the string by the bass' builder's co. that just WORKS!!! Thanx for the 'diary' 'BACON- appreciated!

The coated Slinkies do NOT wear/flake off. It seems to be a bonded coating if that makes any sense. The only indication that its there is the strings feel a little "drier" to my hands. They are nothing like the Elixer approach. If you haven't done so, please read the original post as I described this a bit.

I appreciate your feedback.

 

[shakinbacon]

day 35 uncoated update

see OP

 

[shakinbacon]

uncoated lasted 42days for me

See OP

My definition of dead is likely different than others, but I didn't like how the feel, tone and intonation were fading.

The original set of coated are back on to continue the experiment.

 

[shakinbacon]

day 68

see OP