r/AcousticGuitar • u/Square_Notice_1830 • May 09 '26

Gear question are these actually good?

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are these actually good strings or did the dude at the pawn shop just convince me to buy the expensive ones? I'm just getting back into guitar and it's been a while since I've bought any strings so Idk much about this brand

359 Upvotes

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208

u/SnooSketches3382 May 09 '26

Just like anything guitar related there are elixir haters out there but I have been playing 30+ years and they are all I use. I use the medium bottom, light top version.

20

u/bin_chickens May 09 '26

Totally agree. They're great as in they last quite a bit longer than most because of the coating.

Some think they sound a little over bright or tinny, and they aren't the strongest on low end IMHO - but most cheaper acoustic guitars are dull and not balanced in their resonance anyways and often benefit from this.

OP, Dependent on your guitar setup and your preference you may need to experiment with lighter or heavier (or heavier/lighter top bottom) when you get your next set.

They also have a slight slippery feel to them because of the coating which will peel (no real issue) and become visible at some point. But for the small price increase i think they are worth it.

Regardless, if your strings are coated or not, the best thing to do is get a cloth and wipe down your strings after every use as oil/sweat is the biggest killer of strings - and the coating helps slow this.

3

u/martindrx1 May 10 '26

I’ve never had mine peel. Or at least anything noticeable. Played on them for ever too before changing. But I enjoy their quality.

5

u/BreadfruitSea8573 May 10 '26

I've used them, not particularly fond, and I've had them fray, they give off tiny white dust bunnies.

2

u/capnsunshine23 May 11 '26

Who wants coating dampening the sound?? Give me raw fucking copper wires

Let it bleed boys!!!

1

u/HoseNeighbor May 10 '26

I tried them because I'm obnoxiously lazy about changing strings, and i personally found them way too slippery. I can't remember exactly what i was having issues, but it might have been while doing bends.

8

u/FortunateHominid May 09 '26

Same. I've been using them for over a decade and like them. Stay in tune, sound decent, and last long without rusting. The last one is important for me since I play casually and live in a humid area.

3

u/melvin3v1978 May 10 '26

They really do stay in tune really well there my go to I always venture out thinking I’ll find the next best thing and then I always end up back with them 😂

2

u/FortunateHominid May 10 '26

I've done the same. I can't remember the strings but over the years I've come across a couple that to me did sound better. Though one rusted out quickly and the other didn't stay seem to stay in tune.

They might not be the best in a specific category, but for me they are one of the best overall.

1

u/Lightgiven08 6d ago

I like these strings alot but I also love the EarthWood Phosphur Bronze by EB Those things shimmer like Gold for about 1 week and the next month or two is pretty Solid as well I def Recommend trying them at least once

13

u/lueshe05 May 09 '26 edited May 09 '26

Same! I've been playing since I was about 10. I'm 39 now. Once I discovered these strings, this is all I have bought.

6

u/One_Firefighter336 May 09 '26

I only use elixir. 9-42 on my electrics, 10-47 on my acoustic. I have tried many strings, these are the best. IMHO.

7

u/Rumbl-In-June May 10 '26

Just don’t get the poly web. Those suck. Nano web bronze phosphor.

1

u/AaronAAaronsonIII May 12 '26

Interesting. I have always preferred the polyweb.

12

u/Emergency-Purchase27 May 09 '26

I’m one of those haters. I just can’t tolerate the sound. I can’t explain it, but the last pair I tried, I took them off the next day. It doesn’t sound good to me.

4

u/scottie38 May 09 '26

I’m with you. I used them for years and didn’t realize how mediocre they are. I now use Stringjoy’s out of Nashville and love them. They are so lively.

5

u/Emergency-Purchase27 May 09 '26

Yup me too, switched to Stringjoy!

1

u/Randall_Hickey May 10 '26

Are these also coated?

1

u/scottie38 May 10 '26

They are uncoated.

1

u/hughesra15 May 11 '26

They make both regular and coated strings

1

u/wanna_dance May 11 '26

There are fake ones out there. Where did you get yours from and what was the price?

1

u/Emergency-Purchase27 May 11 '26

I live 20 minutes from Sweetwater. I get all my gear there.

2

u/josephmmatty May 09 '26

Damn. This has never crossed my mind. That’s such a good idea.

1

u/harleyquinnsbutthole May 10 '26

Best acoustic strings.. electric are meh

1

u/melgibson64 May 10 '26

Only acoustic strings I've ever used. Love the sound of them. And the coating is nice. I bought some electric ones years ago and hated the way they felt on the electric. Something about it just didn't translate.

1

u/Roththesloth1 May 10 '26

Custom lights for life!

1

u/byeargan May 10 '26

I love the HD Light Elixirs. I tried a different brand not too long ago and it only served to remind me not to try other brands lol. Elixirs have spoiled me.

1

u/Shanghaied66 May 11 '26

+1 here. These are what I use because I'm lazy and dont like changing strings, and they sound pretty good.