Coated strings for electrics?

[Tristan Needler]

I haven't changed my electric guitar's strings in well over a year, and once I do I probably won't change them again in about the same amount of time. Is there any merit to coated electric strings? Will they be decent or totally shitty? Does anyone use any specific brands for electrics that they like or dislike?

[Jesse!]

It helps the strings last longer... so it might be better for you.

But, in all honesty, though you've stated your position... you should really try to change the strings more than once a year. Even if you don't play them they still deaden over time from common household wear and just being stretched out and having pressure constantly applied throughout the string.

If you don't know how to do it you can ask a guy at a shop or something to teach you. It's still kind of a pain in the ass but no more than a 10-20 minute ordeal to sound a lot better. Dead strings absolutely destroys your tone & sustain.

I use D'Addarios. A lot of people like Ernie Balls. Elixer is a really popular brand though I think more for acoustics? I have played on elixer electric strings though and they feel great... I might actually switch =/

Should just try one of the popular brands and if it doesn't suit your liking, can always try something new next year =D

[Tristan Needler]

Elixirs are coated. I was wondering if they sound shitty on electrics.

I don't change them because I'd rather put my money into bass strings (which are about four times as expensive as guitar strings) or acoustic strings. I know the deal with wear and all, which is why I was wondering about coated strings. I've changed many a string in my time. I use Ernie Balls on my bass and D'Addario's on my acoustic currently. I'd probably go for Ernie Balls on the electric, but I was just wondering if coated strings totally deaden the tone for electrics.

[The Boathouse]

Elixers are good strings. I use them on my acoustic primarily, but I've put some on my electric in the past. My problem is that the B and e strings don't seem to be coated, or perhaps the coating wears away faster. Either way, those two end up rusting out on me pretty quick. But I think I might play a bit more often, considering if I left strings on for a year it'd be too much rust to play through.

[thefollowthroug]

You should try Dean Markley Blue Steels. They tend to last longer than Ernie Balls. I saw corrosion on my strings sometimes after a couple weeks when I was using Ernie Ball.

[Jesse!]

Bass strings are expensive, but for like $10 you can get 3 sets of electric strings..

If you're worried about tone I think changing the strings frequently is way more important than coated vs. non-coated. You might as well go for the coated strings so they last longer.

[verity38]

I would get the Coated just because it seems like you don't play alot of electric guitar and it will be worth the money in the long run, as for electric strings without coating I would not suggest Ernie Ball. Ernie Ball's have this big rave behind them and I have never had any luck with them, I would suggest DR's just my oppinion.

-marc

[Olympia]

I've always like Elixirs, I think they are the best coated strings. They run around $13/pack but it's worth it if you don't intend to change your strings all the time. Despite that they're coated, they're pretty punchy.

[Prestonxsmith]

I only use D'Addarios for electric. I have had the same strings forever and they are still good. Its a rare occasion for them to break on me as well.

[samvox]

Elixers are awesome for electrics. I use a set of nanowebs on all my electrics.

[miketrondson]

Bass strings are expensive, but for like $10 you can get 3 sets of electric strings..

If you're worried about tone I think changing the strings frequently is way more important than coated vs. non-coated.

This.

[Tristan Needler]

Elixir guitar strings are $20 here.

Ridiculous.

[Jesse!]

That is ridiculous. Sounds like acoustic string prices (even worse).

What do D'Addario regular electric 10's cost?

Perhaps ordering strings online would be your best bet.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/DAddario-EXL110-Nickel-Regular-Light-Electric-Guitar-Strings?sku=100191

3 pack $12.99

10 pack $39.99 (consider it a long term investment).

[Tristan Needler]

Yeah, I'm going to have to do that. String prices in Canada are stupid.

[ClydeMcAllister]

I've used Elixir strings on bass once (got them free in the mail from some survey thing, w00t), and they sounded fine and held their sound longer than most. The downside was that after a while the coating started to peel off, and there were bits of plastic "hairs" all over the strings, especially where I picked at.

I'm not sure if the guitar strings do the same thing or not.

[Tristan Needler]

Dammit, I want free strings.

[ClydeMcAllister]

Dammit, I want free strings.

Yeah, it was pretty sweet. I fill out this survey and 10 days later I get a sweet ass thermos and free set of bass strings that are usually $40.