This article revisits Elixir guitar strings after two decades, offering a nuanced perspective on their performance and value. The author recounts an initial disappointing experience with early Elixir strings, noting coating issues and a less-than-positive playing feel. This negative first impression led to a long hiatus from the brand. However, a chance encounter with a well-aged set of Elixir strings on a friend's guitar sparked a renewed interest and a surprising discovery.Years later, a thorough comparison between brand-new and four-month-old Elixir strings revealed remarkable longevity and tone retention. This second look prompted a complete reassessment, highlighting the significant advancements in Elixir's coating technology. The author now considers Elixir strings a valuable addition to their collection, acknowledging their place alongside other high-quality brands while emphasizing the exceptional lifespan, smooth playing feel, and consistent brightness they offer. This review will detail the author's journey, providing a comprehensive assessment of Elixir strings' worth in 2023.
Pros And Cons
- Long-lasting
- Maintain bright sound for extended periods (months)
- Coating doesn't flake off
- Early versions had flaking issues
Read more: Top 5 Elixir Guitar Strings: A Buyer's Guide
My Initial Elixir Experience: A Disappointment
My first encounter with Elixir strings in the late 90s was underwhelming. The initial novelty of the coating quickly wore off as the coating began to flake, leaving a messy residue. The excitement faded fast, and I dismissed them as a gimmick.
The flaking coating was not only visually unpleasant but also felt rather unpleasant to the touch, diminishing the overall playing experience. This early experience left a lasting negative impression, and I swore them off for years.
A Change of Heart: Unexpected Durability
Years later, a friend's unwavering loyalty to Elixir strings piqued my curiosity. They claimed the strings offered unparalleled longevity and tone retention. I remained skeptical but then I experienced the unexpected.
Through a guitar trade, I unexpectedly ended up with a guitar strung with Elixir strings. To my surprise, these strings lasted for over four months, maintaining their brightness and staying in tune remarkably well, even being displayed on a wall.
Sound and Feel Comparison: Elixir vs. Others
I decided to conduct a direct comparison. I installed a fresh set of Elixir strings on my Ernie Ball Music Man guitar alongside my American Strat with the already-established four-month-old Elixir set. This allowed for a direct A/B comparison of new vs. well-worn Elixir strings.
The sound difference was remarkable. The new Elixir strings had a vibrant, bright tone, but even the four-month-old strings on the Strat retained a significant amount of their original brilliance and 'pop'. The playing feel was also consistently smooth across both guitars.
Final Verdict: A Surprising Conversion
After 25 years of playing, I've finally become a believer. Elixir strings have significantly exceeded my expectations. The coating doesn't flake, the strings maintain their tone and brightness for an extended period, and the feel is exceptionally smooth.
While I'll likely continue using D'Addario NYXLs or Ernie Ball Paradigm strings on my Parker guitars due to their higher tensile strength, Elixir strings have earned a permanent place in my arsenal. Their combination of longevity, tone, and feel makes them a highly worthwhile investment.
For players who value a long-lasting bright tone and a smooth playing experience, Elixir strings are a strong contender. The initial cost may seem high, but the extended lifespan offsets this considerably. I highly recommend giving them another chance!