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Post by curmudgeon on Jun 22, 2020 13:40:30 GMT
For some time we've had phos bronze, bronze, and nickel wound strings, then we had "coated strings, initially, I think, by Elixir (Poly, then Nano) then other names copied them; Cleartone, D'addario EXP etc. Apparently the string making world has to keep re-introducing "new wonder" stuff - a bit like the soap powder industry. So what, exactly is it with "treated" strings? -are they taken out for dinner and a show before being packed or is it just he re-introduction of "cryogenic" treatment (stick 'em in the freezer for a week or so!?) According to D'addario : "D'Addario XT strings combine high carbon steel cores with an advanced corrosion resistance treatment, giving you enhanced break resistance, pitch stability, and long-lasting performance––all while preserving the tone and feel of your favorite uncoated strings. These are strings made to stay, with uncompromising performance that never fades away". according to Martin: "Next generation Martin® Authentic Acoustic® Lifespan® 2.0 strings are engineered using a new, patented anti-corrosion treatment only available from Martin. It protects the core and wrap wire to prevent corrosion without compromising tone or feel. Our impeccable standards for acoustic guitar tone are embedded in our string design and precision manufacturing process. That’s why we make our own". yeah, but - ? Forgive my cynicism, but XT strings are £15 (EJs are £8) Martin Lifespan are £13 (SPs are £9). So, obviously with these new/new branded items they can increase income for a while, and encourage us to "experiment" ...or are they just the same old "coated" product repackaged?
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Post by Deleted on Jun 22, 2020 14:00:11 GMT
These have become my go to strings. I really like them. Having said that, I'm not sure anyone really liked the Retros and I like them too so it might be wise to just invest in one set to start with. If your strings last about 3 months then £22 should do you for a year.
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Post by lavaman on Jun 22, 2020 14:45:10 GMT
I've never tried these strings and I have no idea what "advanced corrosion resistance treatment" is. Perhaps they dip the wire in WD40 before assembling the string I think you have to ask yourself why do strings lose their tone. Corrosion may be one factor but they also wear and stretch. Is it worth paying such a hefty price premium to improve one deterioration mechanism?
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Post by Deleted on Jun 22, 2020 14:59:15 GMT
I'm not a very experienced guitarist so I'm probably talking out of my fundament but surely the main reason to use coated long-life strings is for a guitar you don't play much, so you can put it away and when you want it a few weeks or even months later you can get it out knowing that the strings won't be all black and tarnished and need to be replaced.
If you're playing it a lot they're going to need to be replaced regularly anyway and besides, if there is any saving at all it is minimal. Plus when you change the strings it gives you a chance to give the instrument a good clean and polish, oil the fret board, change the battery or anything else it might need.
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Post by fatfingerjohn on Jun 22, 2020 15:16:28 GMT
Hi,
I'm always very cynical about the 'Emperor's New Clothes' trap and avoid taking the hype for granted; in fact often rebel against it. However, having tried quite a few strings over the years my basic findings are ...
--the coated strings I have used DO last longer than uncoated, keeping their tone and sustain for quite a lot longer (double?). --It's not a question of 'looks' at all, it's purely 'sound' (although the thought of keeping them on the guitar until they looked tarnished is horrid) --I swapped from Elixirs Nano coated to D'Addario EXPs (now PBs) a few years ago as I found the coated Elixirs far too 'slippy' for my liking, particularly when new. The D'addarios are great straight out of the packet.
Obviously how long they last will depend on numerous factors (how much you play, how hard you play, what gauge they are. how well and often you clean them and whether your fingers are naturally sweaty, etc).
The only non-coateds which I've found come near the D'addarios for lasting well and sounding good for longer are Newtones.
But we will all have our favourites!
FFJ
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Post by andyhowell on Jun 23, 2020 7:13:23 GMT
I just don’t like them. They seem to have little attack and snap.
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Post by dreadnought28 on Jun 23, 2020 9:55:23 GMT
I have always detested most coated strings with the exception of Martin SP which I have used occasionally but are no longer being manufactured. These were coated with Cleartone.
My very recently acquired brand new Martin HD28, (now called “standard series” but identical to the previous “reimagined”version) came with Martin Authentic Acoustic strings, 550T. The T signifies treated. In my opinion these strings sound really good and I’ve since ordered several sets in light and medium gauge and have used 2 more sets on guitars since. They do sound really good! Quite expensive, I’ve found 3 sets for £33 the best price. There‘s none of the greasy feel of other coated strings which I hate.
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Post by delb0y on Jun 23, 2020 11:35:10 GMT
I really like Elixers. They keep a nice tone far longer than a regular set, in my experience. That said, it's a rare day when I buy them - maybe just get some at birthday or Xmas.
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Post by Vinny on Jun 23, 2020 13:14:18 GMT
I really like Elixers. They keep a nice tone far longer than a regular set, in my experience. That said, it's a rare day when I buy them - maybe just get some at birthday or Xmas. I use elixir pb on everything, except a 12 string which gets elixir 80/20 as I haven’t seen them in pb. I like the tone and the feel of elixir. I try to stock up on the 3 for 2 packs when available.
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Phil Taylor
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Post by Phil Taylor on Jun 23, 2020 14:22:04 GMT
I really like Elixers. They keep a nice tone far longer than a regular set, in my experience. That said, it's a rare day when I buy them - maybe just get some at birthday or Xmas. I use elixir pb on everything, except a 12 string which gets elixir 80/20 as I haven’t seen them in pb. I like the tone and the feel of elixir. I try to stock up on the 3 for 2 packs when available. I can't find any 3 for 2 packs now
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Post by Vinny on Jun 23, 2020 15:32:30 GMT
I use elixir pb on everything, except a 12 string which gets elixir 80/20 as I haven’t seen them in pb. I like the tone and the feel of elixir. I try to stock up on the 3 for 2 packs when available. I can't find any 3 for 2 packs now None around now here either. I stock up when I see them.
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Post by Banadog on Jun 24, 2020 0:47:14 GMT
I can't find any 3 for 2 packs now None around now here either. I stock up when I see them. Elixir 3 for 2 usually become more available around november, and are at their cheapest at that time.
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Post by dreadnought28 on Jun 24, 2020 2:14:20 GMT
I find that Elixir make every guitar sound like a guitar with Elixir strings on it. That’s the wrong way round.
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Post by geddarby on Jun 24, 2020 13:23:18 GMT
I have tried coated, uncoated, PB bronze etc etc strings and remain a crap player are the string manufacturers ripping me off?
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Post by Deleted on Jun 24, 2020 13:49:09 GMT
I have tried coated, uncoated, PB bronze etc etc strings and remain a crap player are the string manufacturers ripping me off? Yours must be broken. I bought some Eric Clapton strings and I'm not as good as Prince so they're working just fine.
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