Elixirs and EXPs

[Jay Menon]

On my electric guitars, my standard D'Addario EXL110 electric guitar strings sound (feel) fabulous and last a long, long time. I nevertheless changed to D'Addario EXP110 strings on the basis that whilst not significantly more expensive, being coated they would last even longer.

Being a lover of the D'Addario EJ16 acoustic strings (which really don't last very long) I accordingly went with EXP16s for my acoustic guitars. To my ears the EXPs feel and sound like uncoated strings - great to play, easy to execute pull-offs, hammer-ons etc.

Then last week I nearly did something very stupid and sell a particularly nice acoustic guitar of mine. I thought it sounded rather dull and actually concluded that the manufacturer is over-rated - until I changed the strings last night (now it sounds amazing)

It had (and now has a new set of) D'Addario EXP phosphor Bronze strings - but I overestimated their life. Unlike elixirs (which for me last for a year) these were dead within 2-3 months. I'm just a little disappointed...

When you have four of five acoustic guitars, I wonder if the Elixirs are a more practical proposition. They are however, rather slippery and aren't as nice to play as the EXPs...

And before you think I'm being I'm being a Scrooge (which I must admit is a reasonable deduction) let me put the issue in perspective.

I purchased 30 sets of EXP strings, with the expectation that I could leave them on my acoustic guitars without the worry that they would degenerate and lose tone. Unfortunately it looks like that isn't really the case

[4TrackMadman]

Personally I've never had any luck with the special kinds of strings. It really depends on how much you play. When I was gigging regularly I was going through strings every two days (2-3 shows max). When I started playing less I'd have to say they last a bit longer but every 2 months for regular play they need changing. I feel the expensive kinds that are supposed "longer lasting fairy dust" into them last just as long, maybe just slightly longer, say I can squeeze another 20% more life out of them. Haven't been able to get extra manufacturer stated mileage on any of them and I switched back to standard D'Addario and EB and change them about 2months each. Granted, I have some practice guitars that have strings on there much longer than my studio or touring guitars.
Reason: they are just for finger stretching.

[Tartaruga]

Well,contrary to lots of people,I do think ‘Elixir’s’ last longer.
I’not a string maniac,and as most people,when touring,it’s normal that you change often.But on one particular guitar I’ve mounted ‘Elixir’ strings that are there for more than a year and still sounding good…Somehow,that’s outstanding!
They might be expensive,but they do stand longer.
Do have ‘Elixir’s’ on an acoustic guitar too,but those,I burned them playing,lol…Still,they have plenty of sound and a great feel (same age,more than a year pounding them…!).

Cheers

ps:I used ‘DR Tit-Fite’,regulars (10-46),for more than two decades,but ‘Elxir’s’ are a good solution for the everyday guitarist.
And I like the feeling of them a lot.They are quiet ‘elastic’ and confortable.

[Tartaruga]

*DR Tite-fit…sorry.

[Shambolic Charm]

I prefer Rotosound Nexus for Coated strings.

[mhaigh]

Well,contrary to lots of people,I do think ‘Elixir’s’ last longer.
I’not a string maniac,and as most people,when touring,it’s normal that you change often.But on one particular guitar I’ve mounted ‘Elixir’ strings that are there for more than a year and still sounding good…Somehow,that’s outstanding!
They might be expensive,but they do stand longer.
Do have ‘Elixir’s’ on an acoustic guitar too,but those,I burned them playing,lol…Still,they have plenty of sound and a great feel (same age,more than a year pounding them…!).

Cheers

ps:I used ‘DR Tit-Fite’,regulars (10-46),for more than two decades,but ‘Elxir’s’ are a good solution for the everyday guitarist.
And I like the feeling of them a lot.They are quiet ‘elastic’ and confortable.

for some reason i prefer Tit-Fite!

[Tartaruga]

[matt keen]

I prefer the DDR's
Feel less coated to me

2 to 3 months seems a very good, long life for a set of acoustic strings to me