Elixirs Vs EB

[AAGuitar]

Does anyone know if there is seriously a MAJOR difference between Ernie Ball strings and Elixirs besides the Elixir double to triple price difference? I have used both, and both set lasted about as long with about the same tone life.

 

[whamonkey]

Does anyone know if there is seriously a MAJOR difference between Ernie Ball strings and Elixirs besides the Elixir double to triple price difference? I have used both, and both set lasted about as long with about the same tone life.

Never used the Elixirs on a bass, but swear by them on my acoustic. I personally love Slinkys for my SR5 so I have no reason to pay $50 for a set of coated strings. I think you answered your own question really....if they don't sound different to you,why bother?

 

[skbass88]

I've been a long time slinky user for bass and electric guitar. But when I started gigging more regularly, I decided to try Elixirs to see if 1) I could save myself some time by not having to change strings every week or two and 2) If they would save me money in the long run.

My verdict is that if you gig at least a couple of times a month (plus rehearsals once a week), the Elixirs are worth it. Underneath that coating, they're just plain good strings. I doubt if you'd be able to tell the difference. I just bought a couple of sets of EB's, however, to change back to so that I could see if there is a real difference. So far, I would say that the EB's are tinnier right out of the package. I haven't had them on long enough to tell you about their life, and how the tone improves or decreases with time. But they DEFINITELY last 3-5 times longer like they say. And I have been pleased with the tone and feel of them.

The only caution about the Elixir's is that bass picks tend to tear the coating up. I sometimes pick (80's hairband covers =) ), and after a couple of gigs you can see some fraying on the E and A strings down near the bridge.

Hope this helps.

 

[AxSport4me]

I dont like the Elixirs because the coating they use on em destroys the tone in my opinion!!!!!

 

[bing4sons]

I don't use Elixirs anymore on my acoustic, as I like Dean Markley Alchemy GoldPhosphers better. They are coated, but have a fuller tone and feel more like regular strings.

I still use Elixir Nanowebs on my Axis Super Sport though. I have had the same set on for a few month now and they still sound great. I replaced my last set when one of the strings broke (after a few months). I like both the feel and tone on my Super Sport.

 

[louisgtr]

I just switched to Elixirs nanoweb 9-46 on my JP after 20+ years playing another brand. I noticed right away a very noticeable improvement in tone, and after three weeks of playing they still feel and sound brand new. The nanoweb sets have the anti-rust plating on the unwound strings so that they will last longer too.

 

[Philip]

Wow...you must be hearing something that I can't hear, 'cause to me Elixir strings sound dead. ERNIE BALL SLINKY STRINGS FOREVER!!!!

hey, hmmm for me they sound very good, especially on acoustic, they sound very bright and full, and when I tried for example D'addarios for acoustic they were horrible, I must try Ernie's for the acoustic one day. For electric they rock!

Later,

Philip

 

[blackspy]

Wow...you must be hearing something that I can't hear, 'cause to me Elixir strings sound dead. ERNIE BALL SLINKY STRINGS FOREVER!!!!

Depends what you're going for. Alot of people don't like that overly bright sound that some new strings have, they tend to sound better to some after some hours have been put on them and they sound a little less bright. Me, I used to play EB's and D'Darrios (spelling?) I use Fender Pure Nickel strings now, they have that broken in, warm tone right out of the pack for me. I've never tried Elixer strings though... I figure I break them long before they'd sound old.

 

[Urwordsbreakmed]

The only caution about the Elixir's is that bass picks tend to tear the coating up. I sometimes pick (80's hairband covers =) ), and after a couple of gigs you can see some fraying on the E and A strings down near the bridge.

Hope this helps.

I play with a pick i normally use .70-.90mm some times but rare i go off from 1.5-3.0 mm but not anymore. Do you still suggest the Elixers? I played some Elixers on this one gurl's bass and i was blown away they are fast as hell. like those strings mixed with the neck of the SR you wont even be able to hold on. lol. But do you think its a bad idea if you only play pick style to get these because i really like the speed on them. and they had a smooth tone. wasnt dead i see were people get that from it was just smooth. If not these does anybody suggest other strings that are brighter, still smooth and wont frey after so much play .... hey i rhymed frey, play, hey

 

[Tabs]

I recently switched from EB and D'Addario to the new Elixirs with the anti-rust on the unwound strings and it's really made a huge difference to me. My last set lasted almost 2 months as opposed to the usual 2 weeks or so before I break a string, and the anti-rust thing is just phenominal - the unwounds never feel grimy like regular strings get - that sold me right there the first time I tried them - I hate that "old string" feel.

 

[BassPooch]

EB Bass Strings Rule!

I have used both Elixir and EB Super Slinkys. The Super Slinkys rule! I did not like the Elixir Strings (light gage = Super Slinkly gage) for the following reasons: First, they set higher in the saddle which increased the string action. (This may be because of the "coating" Elixir always talk about in their ads?). Second, the sound is "flat" and unclear, especially on the G and D strings. Thirdly, they don't "slap" well and they are harder to "pop" (for you slap and poppers). So far, EB makes the best strings for bass. Hope this helps!

 

[roburado]

I recently switched from EB and D'Addario to the new Elixirs with the anti-rust on the unwound strings and it's really made a huge difference to me. My last set lasted almost 2 months as opposed to the usual 2 weeks or so before I break a string, and the anti-rust thing is just phenominal - the unwounds never feel grimy like regular strings get - that sold me right there the first time I tried them - I hate that "old string" feel.

I'm with Tabs. Actually, I think it was he who put the idea in my head to try the Elixirs oh...about 5 years ago or so.