Fluffy Elixir Strings

[Rod_Neep]

I have never seen this before with strings...

Elixir Nanoweb strings that have been on for just a few days. At the places of most contact, they have gone all "fluffy". It is the first time that I have used these strings, as an experiment.

Has anyone else seen this happen?

http://www.rod-neep.com/rod/instruments/mandolin-odds/elixirnanoweb-fluff.jpg

Rod

[Roger Renfro]

This is pretty common with Elixir strings that have been played for a long while. I've never seen it happen on strings that are fairly new. I think what happens is that the GoreTex coating on the strings begins to work it's way loose. That said, when it's happened to me, I never noticed that it affected the sound/tone of the strings at all. These string just keep on sounding good until they won't stay in tune anymore. That's when I change them (or, before, if I just get tired of them & want a change).

YMMV,

[sgarrity]

That's why I don't play Elixirs on my mandolins. In my experience it happened more with their mando strings than their guitar strings.

[bbjockey]

Mine do that also. I'm not sure if mine do it as bad as your photo demonstrates or if I just haven't looked as close as what the photo shows. Fast Fret seems to either wipe the fluff off or slicks it down. The fluff don't seem to hurt the string life. I like the Elixer's alot because they last so long. With my limited time, I had rather play than change strings. However, I just put on a set of Sam Bush Monels and my mandolin (Eastman 815) loves them.

[Chris Biorkman]

I had them fray a little bit back when I used to use them, but not like that. I prefer EXP74s to the Nanowebs. They just feel a little more normal to me and sound less jangly.

[Rod_Neep]

This is pretty common with Elixir strings that have been played for a long while. I've never seen it happen on strings that are fairly new.

I guess that I have played them too much in just four days then. :whistling:
Such is the cost of hard practice. Time for a change of strings.... to something else.

Rod

[James P]

When that happened on my 615, I'd assumed it was fuzz from the Eastman's case as I wasn't using the little blankie. Cleaned the strings with a little alcohol and kept playing.

[sgarrity]

I prefer EXP74s to the Nanowebs. They just feel a little more normal to me and sound less jangly.

Bingo!! That was my finding too. all of my recent mandolins have sounded better with something other than Elixirs. I'm currently using the Sam Bush set and my mandolin sounds great. Come to think of it, they're at least 2 months old and still sound great.

[Rod_Neep]

Well, the Elixir Nanowebs have been consigned to the bin.
Replaced with D'Addario.

Those Nanowebs are not cheap either. I have another set here, but they are not going to be used. End of experiment. Lesson learned.

Rod