Coated vs. Non-coated strings?

[guitar_chick]

My guitar teacher keeps ranting and raving about the DR Extra coated strings I've been putting on my guitar. In his opinion, he says they last a while, which means your guitar sounds like crap for a long time.

I had to replace my high E-string after 2 weeks of play it went dead. I also replaced my G-string (yeah, I know you guys are going to give me crap again; not the panties!) and the new string felt weird. It was thicker and had ridges all over it. It is a 0.17mm string I believe. I don't know if stretching the string makes it smoother and skinnier? I swear I don't smoke crack rock!!! My old G-string was so much easier to bend. This new one sucks. I'm about to clip it off!!!

Needless to say, I used to be thrilled with DR's but I'm starting to wonder. My teacher asked that next time I do the right thing and put GHS Boomers on. I'm wondering your guys/gals input on strings. I don't think I like coated, wound strings anymore. I do like the slick feel though for sliding.

[T.B.A.]

I use Elixer Poly-webs on all my guitars.
If I don't, I need to replace the strings everytime I play, as no matter how much I wipe them down before they're put away -----------. (Acid Boy!!)

I'm sure there are better sounding strings, but I can't afford the "play once and replace" idea!
Mind you I don't mind how they feel either:-)

[Eddie_UV777]

coated strings are a gamble...I had some blue DR's on my jem for the longest time and they lasted a good while, well I tried putting red strings on there and I'd go to tune to pitch and they would be ripping apart from where the trem is. and that's cause I'm in C tuning so im not tuning to high.

[eg]

I'd rather use regular strings and change them more often

[markg5150]

I use Elixir Nanowebs (with the coated plain strings). I tend to change about every 2 months as opposed to every 2-3 weeks when I used D'Addarios are Ernie Balls.

To me Elixir's feel nice and sound pretty good too!

[Dee]

Originally Posted by guitar_chick

My guitar teacher keeps ranting and raving about the DR Extra coated strings I've been putting on my guitar. In his opinion, he says they last a while, which means your guitar sounds like crap for a long time.

I had to replace my high E-string after 2 weeks of play it went dead. I also replaced my G-string (yeah, I know you guys are going to give me crap again; not the panties!) and the new string felt weird. It was thicker and had ridges all over it. It is a 0.17mm string I believe. I don't know if stretching the string makes it smoother and skinnier? I swear I don't smoke crack rock!!! My old G-string was so much easier to bend. This new one sucks. I'm about to clip it off!!!

Needless to say, I used to be thrilled with DR's but I'm starting to wonder. My teacher asked that next time I do the right thing and put GHS Boomers on. I'm wondering your guys/gals input on strings. I don't think I like coated, wound strings anymore. I do like the slick feel though for sliding.

You obviously put a wound G on there rather than a plain one. My guess is you normally use a 9-42 set, so that'd mean the wound G is also a gauge higher than it should be. You need a 0.16 plain steel (non-wound) G.

It's only an opinion, but I will say there is no way GHS Boomers are better than DR. I wouldn't bother with coated sets, though, just get yourself some DR Hi-Beams. 9-42, of course. Mine are still sounding fresh and they've been on since May 10th .

[neptoess]

i love my DR Tite-Fits. I loved the black beauties too, they fit even tighter. Only problem with the coated strings is although they last longer through normal play, they're still just as weak metalwise as noncoated strings. Like b/c I'm a trem abuser, they last no longer than normal strings. Great for hardtail guits though.

[buddroyce]

I don't mind the coated strings, but I still prefer good ol' set of Ernie Ball hybrid slinkies or a set of GHS Boomers. I find that the coated strings are better on acoustic bronze strings than nickel strings as the bronze strings tend to oxidize faster(at least for me).

Just see which strings you like better and make your own decision regardless of what others say. Honestly, if you're still in the practising/learning stage, just get some regular uncoated strings. After being at the retail end of the music industry for a decade, I find that the coated strings are great for the occasional player. You know, the type that will pick it up a guitar a couple of times a month and changes strings maybe once or twice a year. If that's you, you'll get the most out of coated strings, otherwise you'll just end up either wearing out the coating or just breaking 'em.

[eg]

Has anybody tried the D'addario XLS stainless steel strings before?

[guitar_chick]

Today I got totally fed up with my G-string (the guitar one, that is) and I went to the music shop to get another string. The guy there was cool and gave me a DR Extra Life Black Beauty. I'm in love with coated strings all over again. I must have gotten a defective string.

He tried to slip me a whole set of DR's for free, but I have this stupid thing, called integrity, that will get me absolutely no where in life. I'm a regular there and don't want to be a mooch. I did digress and take the free string he offered, even though they are not supposed to break up DR sets. And no, I did not flash any cleavage! I know somebody out there is thinking that.