For Elixir String Users

[bouncy]

Just wanted to ask, do you guys have the same sentiments as me - because of the anti-rust coating (I suppose), the strings feels tighter than they are supposed to be, meaning 0.10s Elixirs have a higher tension than regular D'addarios/ErnieBall etc 0.10s?

If so, how do you guys adapt to the problem; change all your guitars to Elixirs so you won't have to keep getting used to different tensions, use Elixirs of a gauge down (0.90s instead of 0.10s) to make up for the increased pull?

Please advice thanks

 

[Phil]

Personally, I don't feel much of a difference between the tension of the brands you mentioned. But I guess different brands do have a slight difference in tension. Although I feel that it negligible.

Here are a few solutions:

- Get used to them.
- Downtune half a step.
- Don't use Elixirs anymore.

There are many other coated strings in the market. After trying out other brands, I'm starting to shy away from Elixirs. I find that although they may still look new a month or two down the road, they sound totally dead already. And the 'condom-like' coating that they use, feels funny, and according to some, wears the frets out faster. Just my 2 cents, YMMV.

 

[bouncy]

I share same sentiments as you with respect to the feel and tone of it after some time.

May I know which other brands you are using?

 

[teokiatuan]

elixirs sound dead straight out of the box!
but i like them because they retain a relatively slick feel throughout...

 

[fretless6]

There are 2 types of Elixir electric strings. Nanoweb (thin coating) and Polyweb (standard coating). I'm not really crazy bout Elixirs, the nanos sound too bright to me, while the polys sound like blanket over the amp. So no, not all elixirs sound dead out of the box, not the nanos at least. That said, go with ur ears.

To the OP...

I notice the higher tension as well. When I went from the default Elixir .10s on my anderson to DR .10s, the neck went nuts.