Elixirs...I Caint Kwit Ewe

I am right there with you. I thought I should be giving the Martin SPs a try, since after all, I am putting them on Martins. Nevertheless, I will be going back to Elixirs.

Love 'em cause they sound fantastic but, honestly, I just don't have to change them nearly as often which makes them even better....,,,

I don't like how they feel in my left hand on acoustic guitar. I want clarity as my acoustic has plenty of bottom. I feel like the Elixers loose a lot of mid and top end clarity right off the bat when you put them on. GHS phosphor Bronze for me. With reso guitar, the metal finger picks cut the Elixers' coating in about 10 minutes and sound terrible. There is fuzz on the string where it is in contact with the pick. Telecaster is about the only place I have liked them and it was a matter of not having to change strings as often.

I've tried everything out there on my Martin, even the new D'addario "beta" testers (I thought they were awful and dead right out of the box), and keep coming back to Martin's Lifespan SP phosphor bronze. I used to do the Elixer thing, but when I checked out the lifespans and realized I didn't have to have that thick slimey coating on there, and my awful sweat didn't destroy them I was hooked.

Martin sp phos/brnz 12's, record great.

same, i'll use flats sometimes to avoid string rake noise.

Not coated but anyone try these look interesting a little high though Heritage Packet by Newtone
NHS6-1043
.010 .013 .017 .023 .032 .043


15lbs 16lbs 16lbs 15lbs 16lbs 16lbs Total=94 lbs
NHS6-1147
.011 .015 .019 .026 .036 .047


19lbs 19lbs 19lbs 19lbs 20lbs 19lbs Total=114 lbs
NHS6-1251
.012 .016 .020 .028 .038 .051


22lbs 22lbs 21lbs 22lbs 22lbs 22lbs Total=131 lbs
NHS6-1355
.013 .017 .022 .031 .042 .055


26lbs 25lbs 26lbs 26lbs 26lbs 26lbs Total=155lbs


Now also available for DADGAD tuning:
NHS6-1359
.013 .017 .020 .027 .036 .059


20lbs 20lbs 21lbs 20lbs 20lbs 20lbs Total=122lbs
These strings are a completely new range which are designed to have a reduced and virtually equal tension on each string. They are made on Round cores with unique core-to-wrap ratios, so the gauges which match up with some of our standard sets are not the same at all!

There are several advantages of using these strings. Vintage guitars, light braced guitars and people who have problems fretting due to arthritis or tendonitis can use these strings without worrying about twisting or uneven pulling on the bridge. Low tensions also mean ease of fretting.

Gordon Giltrap has given us his first impressions of the strings:
"Anyone who has spent time playing the acoustic guitar will testify to the fact that string gauge and action can make all the difference in the world to how an instrument can respond. I have spent most of my playing life trying to get my guitars to play as easy as possible, and have spent many hours experimenting with different string gauges and coming to the conclusion that it really is a play off between tonality and playability, but at long last here is string that gives the player the best of both worlds.

I have never been a 'muscular' player with the strength that some players are naturally born with, so for me these superb low tension strings are a God send, giving a great sound with a wonderful ease of playing. Enjoy the feel of an electric on your chosen acoustic and experience the difference."

Nanowebs? Or Polyweb? Big difference.

yeah...liked them better than anything else. Phosphor Bronze or 80/20? I generally like the Phosphor Bronze, but did find I liked the 80/20s on some guitars...The Martin Marquis sound good too.

Yeah - the Martins are good...I ordered a bunch and thought I got this great deal...got them and doh...they weren't the coated ones. They sound great for about a week.

Coated strings? And on acoustic? You've tried regular Daddario Phos/Bronze and you PREFER the Elixers?