|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
Finally bought an acoustic/electric and am now looking for strings. My friend uses Elixir but dang they're $14 a set.Any other recommendations? The lightest gage possible and good longevity.
BTW I bought a Washburn WD10sce & case
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139 |
John,
The Elixirs are worth every penny. Not as bright as bronze, but you can EQ them. Very easy on the fingers. Try a set - I bet you'll like them.
Second choice would be D'Addario (for me).
Regards,
Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
Quote:
John,
The Elixirs are worth every penny. Not as bright as bronze, but you can EQ them. Very easy on the fingers. Try a set - I bet you'll like them.
Second choice would be D'Addario (for me).
Regards,
Bob
+100
The Polyweb version will cut down on string squeak as well, not so much with the nanoweb - technique of course is the best control, but everytime I think I'm going to save money by not buying Elixir, I end up using the non-coated strings shorter because I'm so hooked on the feel of Elixir and sloppier technique that I can get away with using them!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
+200
And, Elixirs can LAST longer, as well.
I haven't kept any empirical measurements, but the Elixir strings seem to be lasting up to maybe four times longer as compared to other types.
Do the arithmetic, the fourteen dollah becomes a bargain IMO.
Now, why a Bass Player would want as light a gauge as possible is another story. And a puzzlement.
Me, I like a string that has enough mass to drive the guitar's top crazy...
And I find more speed when circle picking the larger gauge strings as well. Can dig in with the plectrum, as it were.
Big string = louder guitar.
louder guitar = a guitar that is easier to play at medium or soft volume levels.
And a bigger sound.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
put me on the list of people who prefer Elixir strings. For me its not only that they last longer, but I think they have a brighter sound. For acoustic I buy the phos bronze. http://www.nextag.com/elixir-phosphor-bronze/stores-html#!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,714
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,714 |
+ 400 or wherever we are now. Anyway, come on John we spend boat loads of money on instruments, gadgets software or anything else we think will make us sound as good as possible . . . . here it comes, why would 14.00 bucks for good strings cause you to pause? Ducking, bobing and weaving!  Later,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,026
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,026 |
I use Musicians Friend brand at $1.99 a set and they sound good too. It's not that I don't think Elixir's are great, I'm just a cheap date.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,853
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,853 |
A friend of mine plays a lot and he always buys cheaper strings by the case. His theory is all strings sound good when first installed and then a couple of weeks later they all are starting to get dull (he plays a couple of hours a day). So he buys the cheaper strings and changes them much more often than most people.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
I will go with the Elixirs.Sounds right.As far as the price,not being familiar i just didn't want to be buying hype is all. I'm always willing to pay more for better.
Mac,
You hit the nail on the head. I'm a bass player.I bought my first guitar less then a year ago.Been playing bass 50.Have a chance to play rhythm acoustic in a good country band. I'll figure out the right gage I suspect. Heavy strings = sore fingers as well until conditioned. It's odd but my bass plays so easily that I really don't have calluses on my fingers & I play a lot.I use heavy gage on the bass.Folks always remark about my tone being so good.
Thanks all.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
Something I didn't mention in my +100: Many of the higher end, mass producers of acoustic guitars outfit their axes with Elixir. I'm not talking boutique brands, I'm talking brands like Larrivée - which can be found at Guitar Center. Why do you think they do this, when they can put $1.99 strings on their guitars? Longevity on the wall. If they work for them, they work for me. Haven't yet switched over my electric guitars to Elixir, because I haven't found the need - but on my acoustic, they are my go-to string.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
Good point. I'm sold.My friend gave me a set as a gift for my new guitar.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,250
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,250 |
Me too! I have Elixir nanoweb 11s on my Yammy APX6. They keep their tone a long time. I tend to change mine when they get "furry"!!! (you play it long enough and the nanoweb coating wears and creates a furry looking string where you strike with the pick - lol!)
cheers
ian
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,250
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,250 |
Quote:
Haven't yet switched over my electric guitars to Elixir, because I haven't found the need
I have Elixir 11s on my Strat (my sound files are in the "Showcase"), having gone through all the Ernie Ball, D'Addarrio ranges etc etc - BORING!.
I wouldnt put any other string on my guitar now. Havent had a single string breakage in 5 years. I change my strings every 6 months - whether they need it or not - lol !! (often they don't - the TONE is still there.)
cheers
Ian
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,714
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,714 |
Quote:
Havent had a single string breakage in 5 years. I change my strings every 6 months - whether they need it or not - lol !! (often they don't - the TONE is still there.)
cheers
Ian
Good point. I can't remember when I last broke a string.
Later,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 34
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 34 |
Elixirs save you money in the long run. You don't have to change them as often. I use a .012 set on my Martin 000-28 and they sound great. Martin also has a series of strings that compete with Elixir but I haven't tried them yet.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Video: New User Interface (GUI)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,374
Posts791,397
Members39,867
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
There are no members with birthdays on this day. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean