Posts Tagged ‘elixir guitar strings’

How Do You Know Which Ones To Choose?

Electric guitar strings are different there are hundreds to choose from. Maybe there … I do not know … dozens of different brands of guitar strings you can buy as well. For all I know there could be more, so how do you know which one to choose?

Well, if you are looking for the answer to that question, chances are that you are a beginner, so I will tell you, what I think a beginner should start with ease.

Before I do that, let me tell you a little about what the main differences between all kinds of strings.

First let’s talk about the thickness of the strings, called the string gauge. String gauge is determined by the diameter in inches. Usually you’ll see a string that range, 008 -, 038 for thin sets for, 12 -, 52 for a heavy set. Although different brands may have different names for the set of their strings, they are generally divided into these categories … extra super lightweight, super lightweight, light, medium, medium heavy, heavy and super heavy.

The thinner (lighter) string, the easier to bend, which makes them preferred by lead guitarist. On the other hand, the rhythm guitarist usually prefer a medium or heavy gauge strings for a heavier tone and sustain long notes.

Besides coming in a variety of thicknesses, the string is also made of different

elixir guitar strings

materials. What is your strings are made of will affect how your records will sound. The main alloy made of string is nickel, chrome and stainless steel.

Nickel-plated strings of the most popular because typical bright tone and reduced fret wear. It also has a smoother surface than the other alloys that make you play smoother, faster and easier on the fingers.

Chrome strings produce a warmer tone and provide smooth to help your fingers move more easily.

Stainless steel strings produce a bright sound and great sustain. On the downside, because the rough stainless steel strap, they are more hard on your fingers and cause the greatest fret wear.

As I said before, there are many different strings available for your brand. Some of the more popular is the … D’Addario, Gibson, Elixir, Ernie Ball, GHS, and Fender.

So, if you are a beginner, I suggest starting with light gauge strings because they are easier on your fingers. Light strings will be easier to press and are easier to bend when you enter into the bow string. You can even go to extra-light or super lightweight super lightweight but not always better. When you first learn of this truly light string, you may be inadvertently bend notes.

So, start with the lights and after you’ve played for a while, you can decide if you need to go light, heavy or remain in the same size. If you find that you have an aggressive touch, you can go to a more severe measures. If your fingers have trouble bending the string, you may want to try a lighter size. If the style you like to play music has a heavy sound, it makes sense to try to gauge the heavier strings.
Experiment with different brands and gauges really the only way to know which electric guitar strings that’s right for you.

Guitar Strings – Are Coated Strings Right For You

When it’s time to change guitar strings you’re faced with a dizzying array of makes and types. One modern alternative is the coated string.

I use and recommend Elixir Nanoweb Coated Strings. Are they, or some other brand of coated strings right for you?

Maybe.

In this short article, I’ll describe the basics of what coated strings are, their advantages, and disadvantages. After that you should be better prepared to make an informed decision.

What are Coated Strings?

Several years ago, the folks at Elixir recognized that there’s nothing like the

elixir strings

sound of new strings. Nearly all guitarists agree: the tone, sustain, and stability for remaining in-tune – are optimal with new strings. That’s why traveling and professional musicians tend to change strings every single day.

Each of these qualities deteriorate over time. Whether we like it or not, every time we play our guitar we damage the strings.

The amount of damage depends on a number of factors: how clean your hands are; how much you sweat; the oils your hands naturally produce; the contaminants in the air around you; and how well you clean your strings after you play. In short, the more skin, sweat, dirt, and debris you leave on your strings, the faster they wear out.

Elixir decided to help by putting a barrier between your strings and all these contaminants. What they came up with, after lots of testing and customer feedback, is a very thin tube of material around each string. The tube creates a ’skin’ to protect the string. It’s tough enough to hold up against fingers and picks, without interfering with string vibration and tone.

Advantages of Coated Strings: Tone, Longevity, Reduced Squeek

Most people think the only advantage of coated strings is the extended life they provide. But if they don’t sound great, long-life is just a long time you spend with annoying strings. For me, an advantage of Elixir strings is the great tone they provide.

Elixir estimates that their strings should last 3 to 5 times longer than non-coated strings. Do they? Unfortunately, that depends on how you play.

For me they easily provide the promised life expectancy. However, a friend of mine who tried Elixir’s and found that the coating became shredded in about the same amount of time that his other strings wore out.

So, they are cost effective for me, but not for him (although he did like the tone).

Finally, the coating significantly reduces the squeaking sound you get as you run your fingers up and down the strings while changing chords or playing a riff. Some people like this sound, others don’t. If you want to minimize the sound (which, to me, is like fingernails on a chalk board!) coated guitar strings will restore your sanity! (Well, maybe.)