Switching to Coated Strings

[Boomstick]

The Veritas hold up pretty well, but not nearly as long as Elixirs (assuming you don't get a pack that failed QC and peels the second you get them on). They hold their tone for a couple months if I play the guitar they're on a lot and longer if I don't.

I don't think many strings last as long as Elixir polywebs. There are a few that might last longer but they're overcoated and it kills the sound completely.

If you want to try a string that doesn't feel coated and is still really bright, try D'Addario XTs. But they still don't hold up as well as Elixir polywebs.

 

[chazmo]

I got the Elixir 80/20 nanos coming on Monday. Those are going on the F30R.
I got DR Veritas on the BR now, they are nasty feeling, but I am not playing that guitar at all, I just wanted some strings on it to hold it over. Will probably put Polys on it in the fall.

thanks Chaz.

Enjoy the (ongoing) hunt, Woody, as always!

Keep me posted on how you like the polywebs. I'll be very interested to hear.

 

[Brad Little]

I tried coated strings eons ago and didn't like them, so stayed with D'Addario PB strings. Last string change on my 512 I tried XS strings, like them and will probably be trying them on my D55 next. May be my go to strings for a while. Right now I'm using D'Addario PBs on some and DR Veritas and/or Sunbeams on some.

 

[Boomstick]

I tried coated strings eons ago and didn't like them, so stayed with D'Addario PB strings. Last string change on my 512 I tried XS strings, like them and will probably be trying them on my D55 next. May be my go to strings for a while. Right now I'm using D'Addario PBs on some and DR Veritas and/or Sunbeams on some.

Try the D'Addario XT's on your D-55. They are brighter than XS's and the way they coat them, you can't even tell they're coated where XS's I believe are more traditional coating, like Elixir nanowebs. They sound pretty good on my dad's D-55 too.

 

[Westerly Wood]

I tried coated strings eons ago and didn't like them, so stayed with D'Addario PB strings. Last string change on my 512 I tried XS strings, like them and will probably be trying them on my D55 next. May be my go to strings for a while. Right now I'm using D'Addario PBs on some and DR Veritas and/or Sunbeams on some.

big fan of Sunbeams, Brad. they are really great mix between 80/20 and PBs. and the round core is easy on the finger pads.

 

[MyaByrne]

Just put XTs on my 72 D35, loving it!

 

[Br1ck]

It doesn't bother me that you try different string, but knowing there is a guitar not getting played, well that will keep me up at night.

 

[Brucebubs]

Try the D'Addario XT's on your D-55. They are brighter than XS's and the way they coat them, you can't even tell they're coated where XS's I believe are more traditional coating, like Elixir nanowebs. They sound pretty good on my dad's D-55 too.

Most coated strings are coated first then wound - Elixirs and now D'Addario XS are wound then coated.
The D'Addario XT's replace their older EXP coated strings and these are still coated then wound which gives them a more natural feel.

I think the difference between coated/wound and wound/coated is huge - many others don't mind but I find wound/coated too slippery.

 

[Westerly Wood]

Well, I definitely am not a DR Veritas fan, but that guitar is in a case so it matters little. Digging Elixir 80/20 on my F30r. Maybe polys on the BR or XT. Will see. But I am settled for a while. Thanks for weighing in everyone!

 

[chazmo]

Did you put the Polywebs on anything, @Westerly Wood ? I'm really interested how a good player feels about those. As a hack, I really liked them even though many/most people pan them, Woody!

 

[Westerly Wood]

Did you put the Polywebs on anything, @Westerly Wood ? I'm really interested how a good player feels about those. As a hack, I really liked them even though many/most people pan them, Woody!

Not yet Chaz, as the BR is in its case under the bed. It has DR Veritas, gave those another try, but I really dislike the feel of them. I do have a set of Polys in the amazon cart, and will put these on the BR, but it will be a while, as it seems pointless to restring a guitar I am not going to play. Abby will play the BR one day, but it's gonna be a few years as she is not big enough yet to play a dread.

I do like Elixir nano 80/20s however, I think I know why Taylor went to these guitars for all their acoustics a while back, their feel is amazing. I did put Polys on the BR many years ago and remember liking them as a good fit.

 

[Boomstick]

I think the difference between coated/wound and wound/coated is huge - many others don't mind but I find wound/coated too slippery.

My biggest problem with wound then coated strings has been peeling. I can get over the feel. I put some Elixir's on my F-50 years ago before my dad gave it to me. They worked well with that guitar because the slightly muted highs and strings generally sounded the best on that guitar once the highs began to die off. But after a while, I started getting sets that would peel as soon as I put them on. Seemed to be a production issue that Elixir faced for a period of time.

I have since found several better strings for that guitar, DR Veritas being the best which are coated then wound and have more highs but very rich mids.

 

[Rayk]

Nano webs or Monels . Can’t go wrong !

 

[MyaByrne]

I got a bunch of XTs in 11 and 12 80/20 bronze from a very friendly rep at D’Addario to try, will be putting them on most of my acoustics over the next week or so. So far I have the XTs (11s) on the aforementioned D35, and also on my 99 F30R, for over a week now. Honestly they sound really terrific, punchy and bright but kinda “worn-in” right out of the box. I’ve played them quite a bit and no wear I can see yet.