Elixir Strings – Gore-Tex Coated
Whenever I ask for recommendations on Bass Guitar strings, one of the most mentioned makes is Elixir Strings. They are quite different, and not to everyone’s taste, but they have attracted a passionate following. Via Guitarkadia I came across this CBS piece on Gore-Tex, the company behind Elixir Strings (excuse the pre-roll ad):
Traditional strings tend to oxidise as they age. This is natural corrosion of the metal due to the aim as well as sweat and grease from your fingers. This causes the sound of the strings to dull with age. The folks at Gore-Tex set out to cure this problem, using their synthetic coating technology. As they put it “We set out to develop the cure for the common string.” – the aim was to create a set of strings that deliver excellent, long-lasting tone for a long time. Of course it isn’t just the tone, old strings feel different too, and Elixir Strings aim to stay feeling clean and smooth, even after repeated playing.
There are two types of strings in the family: NANOWEB® and POLYWEB®. NANOWEB coated strings are design to sound and feel like uncoated strings, with a micro thin coating that is barely noticeable, they remain bright soundsing for a long while. POLYWEB® coated strings are designed to sound like they have been ‘played in’ – not as harsh, and with a coating that reduces finger noise.
I have played with both types, and they certainly do last a long time – not forever of course, as the coating does eventually give way. If you are a player that generates lots of grease and sweat, or you have a bass that goes a long-time between plays, they are definitely worth checking out.
Tried them, the coating does not hold up for the thumper and plucker. Maybe for a nice soft technique and approach.
yeah cool, but the coating does hinder the tone. I used Elixir Nonoweb strings for around 2 years; they do last longer but not as long as advertised (just like Duracel’s 6X longer nonsense). I have recently found competent strings (Warwick red label). True that i have to change strings every 2 weeks, but for tonality, they do the trick. I agree with Tucson Bass player, Elixir strings are not practical for ‘passionate’ styles of playing.
…and they are too expensive for what they offer
Hi Kalin,
‘expensive’ is always a tricky one with strings. I know a player who used to by very cheap strings (about 2/3 of the price of the sets I used), but had to change strings twice as often as I did. My strings were more ‘expensive’ but ‘cost’ me less. I think that’s the idea with the nanowebs – higher price, but better value. That does depend on how you get on with them though.
maybe my hands are overly grubby…
I like using Elixier’s for my fretless – I think the tone is rather matching for fretless, and they last a long time.
I have to confess, I hadn’t thought about them in the context of Fretless bass. Thank you for the prompt!
I’ve got a friend that tried these on his bass. I played his once; had an unusual feel, with ‘tags’ hanging off the strings. I always wipe my strings down thoroughly with alchohol when I’m through playing, and they tend to last a lot longer with a good sound. Maybe I’m cheap, but why pay more when a little TLC does the same thing?
BB
Hi Benny – thanks for sharing your experience. I feel like some sort of “great strings shoot out” is required 🙂
I love Elixir strings. I discovered them when I purchased my Ibanez SRX bass, as all Ibanez basses come fitted with the Nanoweb strings. Very cool, lovely tone, great feel, and VERY long lasting!
I like the Rotosound Trubass Black Nylon Strings that I use on my Samick HFB-590 Hollow body Bass Guitar.
I personally like Cleartone strings on my guitar, but on bass i think coated strings take away a lot of the tone.