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Post by John on Sept 2, 2021 9:44:05 GMT -7
Since I'm only playing acoustic, I can't say much for an electric version...if it even exists.
I've never played 'coated' strings. They were always so expensive and the idea just didn't appeal to me. I'd rather change them more often. But D'Addario has come out with their new XT coated strings. (New= could be years ago, and I'm slow to catch on.) I read some decent reviews, but they're almost 3 times the price. But I thought I'd give a set a shot. I change acoustic strings VERY often, as I really like the crisp and bright tone of brand new set. I have been known to change strings after just a few days. And I definitely change them every gig. I know, probably not necessary, but it's my thing.
Having never tried a set of coated strings before, I didn't have any baseline to refer too. But when the set went on, they sounded fine. They didn't feel any different...except for the fact that they 'squealed/squeaked' less when moving fingers up-down the strings. They still squeak, but less. I was not expecting this, and it was welcome. There was no unusual feel (the coating) of the strings. I thought they sounded as a new set should.
It's now been two weeks and they still sounds pretty fresh. There is no visual dulling of the gold wrap that happens so often on the wound strings on the first few frets. So for now, so-far-so-good.
When I start gigging again, I think I'll stick with regular strings and change them every gig. But for home, I'm considering using the coated.
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Post by daddyelmis (Greg) on Sept 2, 2021 12:04:32 GMT -7
Thanks for this. Like you I’ve been reluctant to use coated strings due to cost and concerns about the coating in terms of feel, tone, and whether it wears evenly.
I changed strings on acoustics pretty often (although right now there are 2 that need it pretty badly in my music room). There is nothing like the snap and tone of new acoustic strings. I may have to try these “newfangled” strings. 😁
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Post by "Z" Steve on Sept 2, 2021 12:44:26 GMT -7
I made the mistake of trying Elixer "Poly" coated as my 1st venture into coated strings. I thought that they reminded me of guitar necks saturated in lacquer - no feel, no tone. But a friend of mine set me straight re the difference between the "Poly" and the "Nano" coated. HUGE difference, and I've used them ( the 80\20's) since. But that same friend use coated coated strings on his electrics - HERESY! No way will I go that far. I use D'Addario on all my electrics and have been happy with them for years - I may try these XT's just to see the difference!
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Post by GuitarZ on Sept 2, 2021 14:12:15 GMT -7
I think I tried the Elixer's and had the same view as "Z" Zteve. And, I swore I'd never use coated strings again. EVER! I continued to happily play my Martin Phosphor Bronze SP strings. They came on my Martin. I liked them. I figured I'd keep using them. So, I remained on my High & Mighty Mountain and would confidently tell you I DO NOT USE COATED STRINGS. Boy, was I surprised when I finally read the string description and realized "SP" is "SP coating for extended life". I guess coated strings have matured.
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Post by John on Sept 2, 2021 16:35:44 GMT -7
I'm going to send the amazon.com webstring to a friend of mine. I visited him in 2019, he lives in Florida...a few hundred yards from the gulf coast. HOT and HUMID. He shoved his Alvarez acoustic in my lap and wanted me to play. (complete with bowed neck) The strings felt like rubber bands; so old, dull and tarnished..I felt like they were from the Bush Administration. (Choose either George-Walker or Dub-Ya...it won't make any difference) I said I thought the strings were old...he said they were new. He was clearly lying. (or perhaps he can't tell the difference...he sucks as a player. More interested in audience adoration than playing well.)
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Post by John on Sept 2, 2021 16:38:28 GMT -7
I think the key issue will be: In a few weeks, I'll play the guitar for a few minutes, then change the strings using 'regular' old-school non-coated....and then play again. And I'll report back if I can tell a difference.
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Post by daddyelmis (Greg) on Sept 3, 2021 3:35:07 GMT -7
I think the key issue will be: In a few weeks, I'll play the guitar for a few minutes, then change the strings using 'regular' old-school non-coated....and then play again. And I'll report back if I can tell a difference. Or record a bit if each on your phone and see what it sounds like (or even post here😁)
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Post by ME on Sept 3, 2021 6:00:43 GMT -7
The main reason I didn’t go for the coated strings due to their cost was because I was playing a lot and would wear them out physically so quickly. Dents on the bottom of the strings 🙄. I don’t usually have excessive corrosion or dulling of the strings first. I might revisit coated strings as I’m not playing my acoustic as much or as hard (generally) as I used to. We’ll see how things go as COVID restrictions are lifted in Nova Scotia. ME
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Post by zpilot on Sept 3, 2021 9:54:10 GMT -7
I think I tried the Elixer's and had the same view as "Z" Zteve. And, I swore I'd never use coated strings again. EVER! I continued to happily play my Martin Phosphor Bronze SP strings. They came on my Martin. I liked them. I figured I'd keep using them. So, I remained on my High & Mighty Mountain and would confidently tell you I DO NOT USE COATED STRINGS. Boy, was I surprised when I finally read the string description and realized "SP" is "SP coating for extended life". I guess coated strings have matured. This, exactly.
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Post by Russell B on Sept 3, 2021 10:39:27 GMT -7
I use Elixir Nanoweb strings on my acoustic guitars with good results. I hated the old "polyweb" coated strings. The coating would start to wear and and hang in strings! The Nanoweb really does seem to keep the strings sounding new.
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Post by sharkboy on Sept 6, 2021 19:36:28 GMT -7
I’ve been using Elixir coated strings since they hit the market. Coated strings keep tone a _lot_ longer than uncoated strings. On an acoustic, they have a tiny bit of treble ring, but overall, they have saved me a lot of money, since I don’t have to change strings so many times a year.
I very seldom change strings now, but I play more than I used to.
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