Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Just wondering what others opinions are of coated roundwound strings such as the DR and Fender bass strings. I'm trying out a set of Fenders and so far, I like them. Somewhere between a round and flat to me as far as sound goes. Smooth to play too.

I tried the Elixirs years ago & just couldn't get used to them. I'm a roundwound guy & just gotta have the "feel of steel" if ya know what I mean...

I use the Elixirs on my acoustic guitars and love them, very easy on the fingers, if that's what you are looking for...

If you like the sound of brand new stainless rounds (like I do), coated strings will sound a little dull. The coating is supposed to keep out finger crud and help the strings last longer. I had a set of Red Devils on my jazz for a while. They sounded nice and did last a long time. I played them until I wore the coating off of the G string between the pickups. The other strings kept their color the whole time. Well, except for the tiny places were the frets wore it off. The coating also gives the strings a slick feel. A little finger sweat and it is almost like playing on flats (feelwise, that is). If you like nickel rounds, you will probably like the coated DR's.

The DRs are probably the closest thang to roundwound with colour.

Tried the F_nder coated-kinda felt like a closeline.

It was the effect I was after,

Since I don't play...

I've use the same set of Elixir strings for about 6 months now. They do feel extremely smooth. One of my band mates said they felt waxy or almost a little slimey. I have enjoyed them very much. When I put them on, they have a very bright sound. However, I do see on the strings where the frets are starting to wear the coating off - making an almost shadow appearance on the strings where the frets are. Also, to my dismay, I've spotted rust on my G string near the nut. I believe the sound is still there, but I am looking at the DR Chromes - flats that some have raved about before for my next string purchase

Daddario chromes

Yes, Daddario - thank you Lars

I have a set of Elixirs on my red Stingray, my #1 non-Rick backup bass, which I was using quite a bit more last year (before I found this forum...haha). I like 'em somewhat on the Stingray, because they cut a little of the high-treble bite, which is one of the things I haven't been nuts about on the Stingray.

They cost so much more than regular strings though, I wouldn't call the difference enough to justify the cost.

Just one opinion....

I have Elixers on one of my Ricks and like them a lot. They do last long and feel buttery-smooth! I've had the same set on for over 6 months and they still feel and sound great.