Elixir Mando Medium Gauge Strings

[Soupy1957]

Anyone try these strings yet?

http://www.amazon.com/Elixir-Medium-Nanoweb-Mandolin-Strings/dp/B0002E1NZ0/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&s=musical-instruments&qid=1243588776&sr=8-11

I've used Elixirs on my guitars many times, but on the mando I just couldn't get settled.

I tried the TI's (Thomastik Infeld) because I thought I'd like the more muted tone they bring as a flatwound string, but they are $34.00 a set.

I tried the JM-11's as a flatwound alternative, and I don't think I was 100% sold on them, but I don't remember hating them.

I'm trying to re-remember my personal choices for mando strings, and these particular ones (Medium Gauge) I haven't tried yet.

Any input?

[Douglas McMullin]

I switched to them after I realized that I could not keep three mandolins strung with TI's. I have been very happy with the tone and longevity I get from Elixirs.

Try a set and see if they work for you.

[Dan Johnson]

I use them... I think they sound pretty good and they last a good long time... Kind of metallic at first, maybe, short break in, then there's a good long sweet spot, maybe three weeks to a month of regular play? But I haven't played a lot of other strings... D'Addario phosphor bronze... Some Gibsons...

[Barb Friedland]

I have used Elixir mediums and had settled on them as my favorite strings- until I tried JazzMando flatwounds. The way I figure it, strings and picks are relatively inexpensive ways of tweaking mando sound and playability so experiment until you find your perfect string.

[Tim2723]

I have Elixirs on one of my mandolins even though I'm a T.I. Stark fan. They do last quite a while, at least they look new longer, but they are not an apples to apples comparison with a flat-wound string, of course. Different tone, feel, playability, etc. But give them a shot. Experimenting is half the fun.

[Mandolusional]

They definitely last a long time, and another thing to consider is that the Elixirs are really slick. I remember the first time I tried them I was surprised by how "fast" they were.

[Coffeecup]

I've had them on for almost a year now, but with fairly light use. I can't really comment on the sound as I don't have anything to compare them with but they are "better" than what were on the Epiphone out of the shop. One thing I have noticed though is that there is a distinct discolouration where I fret them most (D & G scales from second fret). These areas even have a slightly "hairy" look although under a magnifying glass the windings look sound. I guess the deterioration is only cosmetic.

I've never seen a look like this on any of the many guitar strings I've had and would have thought that a coated string would be less susceptible to skin fluids.

[Tim2723]

I think the coating protects the metal, but itself can discolor. I've seen the same darkening, but the windings seem bright otherwise.

[chasray]

What others have said.... Kinda bright for a while. Really long lasting. What I remember the most about them is how easy you can slide your fingers. But I'm now using JM-11's.

[Coffeecup]

Thanks Tim

[man dough nollij]

I have the Elixir Nanowebs on my Eastman 505 now. I like them okay, but think I'll switch to D'Add J75s next time I switch strings. Yep.

[Mike Snyder]

Careful there Iceman. I recently made the switch from 74s to 75s in the EXPs and made a painful discovery. They're much harder on my fingertips. I played about six hours at a jam and the next day.........I nearly wept like a little schoolgirl. I'm no toughguy, but my fingertips stay in shape. I play nearly every day. The 75s sound great, but be forewarned. I also had some binding in the nut slots, larger string diameters, doncha know. By the way, 85 degrees and sunny here in Kansas.