Shoulda stuck with Elixirs

[lmacmil]

Although I've been happy with Elixir PB strings on my GA3, I decided to try D'addario coated strings for a change.  I've always liked their regular strings on other guitars.  The Elixirs were over a year old and still sounded OK but I figured after a year, they needed to be changed, right?  Put on the D'addarios and there wasn't much difference.  They didn't sound bad, but they didn't sound like new strings should sound.  Maybe it's because the Elixirs really didn't need changing yet (even though they were over a year old, I alternate between 3 guitars so they probably only had 6 months playing time.) 

At any rate, it's back to Elixirs next time.  If it ain't broke, don't fix it!

[Strumming Fool]

I agree - I used to be an EXP fan, but since switching back and forth between the two brands, I've found that I like the extra "zing" and longer life of the Elixir PB nanos. Now my only quandary is which Elixirs sound best on each of my GAs - the regular PB lights or the HD PB lights...

[Jersey tuning]

Big fan of John Pearse strings,  These uncoated strings can go up to 6 mo on my guitars, maybe because most are short scale with less string tension.

[guitarsrsoawesome]

For me, I've gone to the Martin FX PB Lights that has Tommy Emmanuel's picture on the packaging.  He plays them, at least part of the time.

They're supposed to flexible core and easier to bend, but darned if they don't feel pretty tight to me, but it's the tone they put out that keeps me coming back for more.  They've got this gritty tone that gets better after a week or so.

But in the summer during high humidity, they don't last nearly as long as during cooler weather and I'll hit up the Elixirs then, or even the clear toned martin sp's. 

[zeebow]

I agree - I used to be an EXP fan, but since switching back and forth between the two brands, I've found that I like the extra "zing" and longer life of the Elixir PB nanos. Now my only quandary is which Elixirs sound best on each of my GAs - the regular PB lights or the HD PB lights...

I'm a big fan of the elixir PB on my cedar/rosewood 914

haven't tried the HD. how would you compare them?

[lmacmil]

For me, I've gone to the Martin FX PB Lights ...

But in the summer during high humidity, they don't last nearly as long as during cooler weather and I'll hit up the Elixirs then, or even the clear toned martin sp's.

I like the Martin SPs on my spruce/hog Tanglewood but will admit they are the only new strings I've put on it since I got it last fall.

[guitarsrsoawesome]

For me, I've gone to the Martin FX PB Lights ...

But in the summer during high humidity, they don't last nearly as long as during cooler weather and I'll hit up the Elixirs then, or even the clear toned martin sp's.

I like the Martin SPs on my spruce/hog Tanglewood but will admit they are the only new strings I've put on it since I got it last fall.

They're not bad strings really, but I find the SP's a little brighter than the FX, which have a bit of a rumble to them.  In the summer I miss having the fx and wish they would clear tone them so I wouldn't have to switch.

[John]

Big fan of John Pearse strings,  These uncoated strings can go up to 6 mo on my guitars, maybe because most are short scale with less string tension.

Ditto on the JP's - My favorites by far!!!

[korlob]

Big fan of John Pearse strings,  These uncoated strings can go up to 6 mo on my guitars, maybe because most are short scale with less string tension.

Ditto on the JP's - My favorites by far!!!

+1 On the JP's. Must be a reason Doc Watson and Leo Kottke used them.

[Christhee68]

I thought about trying other kinds of strings, but I just had a birthday and got 3 sets of PB HD lights for my 314ce and 3 sets of PB lights for my Martin dread. I guess I'll be sticking with Elixirs for a while.

Actually, I think the only reason I was even considering changing string brands/flavors was because the Elixirs I have on my guitars right now are at the point of needing to be changed. I'm sure once the new Elixirs are installed, I'll be as happy as a clam again.

[John]

Big fan of John Pearse strings,  These uncoated strings can go up to 6 mo on my guitars, maybe because most are short scale with less string tension.

Ditto on the JP's - My favorites by far!!!

+1 On the JP's. Must be a reason Doc Watson and Leo Kottke used them.

Tommy Emmanuel too, He uses quite a veritey of strings.

[Strumming Fool]

I agree - I used to be an EXP fan, but since switching back and forth between the two brands, I've found that I like the extra "zing" and longer life of the Elixir PB nanos. Now my only quandary is which Elixirs sound best on each of my GAs - the regular PB lights or the HD PB lights...

I'm a big fan of the elixir PB on my cedar/rosewood 914

haven't tried the HD. how would you compare them?

The HDs sound a bit fatter, but with less sparkle/zing than the standard PB lights. Some of my newer Taylors seem to like the HDs, while the older ones tend to prefer the standards. Two exceptions: my 2003 Pelican likes the HDs, while my 2015 cedar/rosewood BTO likes the standards. I'll keep experimenting...

[Stringband Eric]

Think I've mentioned this before, but have found the 150e really sounds great with Cleartone strings.  Have Elixir on now just because they were what was at hand last string change.

On the 320 the extra zing of Elixir seem to work well.  At least for my playing style and what I want to hear from this guitar.

On my other acoustics usually it is D'Addario unless I'm experimenting.  Right now have a set of Pyramid on the Eastman and they are settling down to be a good sounding string. Were pretty bright and harsh to me at first, but others at the jam sessions liked the sound. 

[ntotoro]

My CEO-7 and 000-18 love Martin Retros and, being Mahogany, I ass/u/med my 2013 516e Fall LTD would, also. Boy, was I right. Mediums vs lights on those other two guitars, but that guitar really took to them. That guitar sounds less zingy to me to begin with and the Retros really let it do its thing. Elixirs of all sort sound too zingy to me to begin with and I realize that's what some people like about them, but not me.

Nick

[cassidy9914]

I just picked up a Breedlove Pursuit about three weeks ago and after a week to make sure I was keeping the guitar I swapped out the D'Addario's for Exlixir's. But I do have an extra set of EXP's in case I want to go back for awhile. I think Elixirs last longer. I still have a set on my 314ce from last April.