What kind of Elixir's to get...

Melee54 · #1 08-01-2008, 09:26 PM

Sorry, this has probably been asked a lot, but the search hasn't worked for me in a little while...

I'm completely new to guitar, getting my first used this Wednesday. Strings need to be changed, but I have no idea what all these numbers associated with the strings mean.

My friend's going over to Sam Ash in a few days, but I need to know what kind of strings to tell him to pick up.

I've read a lot about .12s, but... this site, http://www.samash.com/catalog/search.asp , has a lot of variations.

I'll be using this on a Seagull s6 original.

Thank you for your help

neiby · #2 08-01-2008, 09:29 PM

The Elixirs are very nice strings, but they're also pretty expensive compared to non-coated strings. If you're set on Elixirs, I'd get the lights (.12s). As to whether you get 80/20 or Phosphor Bronze is up to you. I prefer PB, but every guitar (and guitar player) is different. You'll just have to try different strings to see what you like.

You might also try D'Addario EXP16 strings if you want a different type of coated string. I tried them and they're pretty nice. There are several non-coated strings that are good, like the John Pearse strings or D'Addario EJ16s.

The only real answer is to try different types of strings and stick with what you like best.

Melee54 · #3 08-01-2008, 09:44 PM

Thank you, but I was also wondering what the different variations of ".12" were. On the site, there's like (12-58), (12-47) (12-62) etc.. What does that mean?

whamonkey · #4 08-01-2008, 09:48 PM

That's the string gauges....no need to worry about that. For that guitar you should get a set of Elixir Nanoweb Phosphor Bronze lights.

All you need to know

Melee54 · #5 08-01-2008, 10:02 PM

String gauges. Right.... Haha, well, whatever that is. Thank you for the name of the strings.

neiby · #6 08-01-2008, 10:09 PM

Gauge basically means size. The larger the number, the larger the string. The thinnest string in the "Lights" set is 0.012 inches wide.

GC3FORME · #7 08-01-2008, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Melee54

String gauges. Right.... Haha, well, whatever that is. Thank you for the name of the strings.

String gauge is refering to the size(diameter) of the string.

MattJohnPaul · #8 08-01-2008, 10:16 PM

Phosphur Bronze gets my vote

neiby · #9 08-01-2008, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattJohnPaul

Phosphur Bronze gets my vote

I agree. Try the PB Lights first. If you like those, stick with 'em.

RareBird · #10 08-01-2008, 10:29 PM

When it comes to Elixirs the most noticeable thing to the inexperienced player will be th difference between the original formula Elixir coated string which they call "Poly web" and the product line they came out with some years later called "nano-web". The Polyweb has a thicker coating which you can actually see on the low E and A strings where you can see a film in the little grooves in the winding on the wound strings. The aren't as bright as the nano-coated ones which you can really see the coating on but because they mad a splash with the original Polywebs and established a brand identity they decided to continue to produce and sell the first generation heavily coated string and add the nano- web as a secondary product line. They're both good IMO, but nano-sound more like a natural string that isn't encased with polymer resin. I don't mind the Polyweb on a bass guitar because it's less of a nuance instrument where you might want to ring out some harmonics in some flourish. Ploy web bass strings will get you through puberty and last through your divorce later on.

Melee54 · #11 08-01-2008, 10:38 PM

I see now... Thank you for the information on those two types of strings.

But even though it's been somewhat explained, I don't understand what (12-58) or (12-other number) means. I understand diameter ... But what does the other number mean? I can't find JUST ".12" Elixirs anywhere...

neiby · #12 08-01-2008, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Melee54

I see now... Thank you for the information on those two types of strings.

But even though it's been somewhat explained, I don't understand what (12-58) or (12-other number) means. I understand diameter ... But what does the other number mean? I can't find JUST ".12" Elixirs anywhere...

In your example, the lightest string is .012 inches wide and the biggest string is .058 inches wide. Some people like strings with "lights" on the thinner strings but with a little heavier strings on the low end. I seem to recall that the Elixir Lights are 12-53, but I might be wrong.

Melee54 · #13 08-01-2008, 10:56 PM

Thank you, Neiby! It makes sense now. Hahaha..

Misty44 · #14 08-02-2008, 09:50 PM

String gauges correlate to the amount of tension or pull required to stretch the steel to pitch. The lighter the gauge, the less tension is required, which usually means they are easier on the fingers and easier to play. There are many trade offs between light and medium strings (a Google search on guitar string tension will reveal these), but especially as a beginner you should start with light gauge strings. You may find, as many of us do, that you'll stay with lights thereafter (but do experiment with different gauges and types along the way). The benefit of Elixir or other coated strings is their durability: you won't need to change them as frequently as uncoated strings. You'll pay more up front, but they'll last much longer. Good luck!

Ed422 · #15 08-02-2008, 10:12 PM

Seagull ships 'em with lights (12-53) but not coated strings (like Elixir is).

http://www.seagullguitars.com/strings.htm

Is there a reason you are getting Elixir? Personally, I have never liked them (or any coated string). I'd go for a set of John Pearse Light Phosphor Bronze, but you should get what you want. I agree with "try lots and figure out what you like", but varying gauges (like switching from lights to medium or vice versa) *may* require some minimal setup work for optimal performance.

Ed