Are there any other non-squeaky coated strings other than Elixirs?

ToneControl · February 2020

I've always liked Elixirs, but would try any alternatives
I have pretty good technique, but some pieces require movements that create squeaks, even on the original recordings, I have become used to avoiding this, so now find it more jarring

drofluf · February 2020

D'Addario EXPs?

ToneControl · February 2020

drofluf said:

D'Addario EXPs?

I think I have tried those, very squeaky

ICBM · February 2020

If you like the slipperiness of Elixirs then they're probably the best choice. I can't stand them for exactly that reason (as well as not liking the sound)... they feel greasy, to me - more than any other coated strings.

I would have suggested DR Dragon Skin which are the only ones I really like, but they're if anything the opposite and might squeak more - they feel 'rough', so possibly best avoided.

ToneControl · February 2020

ICBM said:

If you like the slipperiness of Elixirs then they're probably the best choice. I can't stand them for exactly that reason (as well as not liking the sound)... they feel greasy, to me - more than any other coated strings.

I would have suggested DR Dragon Skin which are the only ones I really like, but they're if anything the opposite and might squeak more - they feel 'rough', so possibly best avoided.

that's what I wondered, I saw you recommend them recently

John_A · February 2020

ToneControl said:

drofluf said:

D'Addario EXPs?

I think I have tried those, very squeaky

I love the EXP's and don't find them squeaky at all Strings direct did a BOGOF offer on them so have enough for years

brucegill · February 2020

ToneControl said:

ICBM said:

If you like the slipperiness of Elixirs then they're probably the best choice. I can't stand them for exactly that reason (as well as not liking the sound)... they feel greasy, to me - more than any other coated strings.

I would have suggested DR Dragon Skin which are the only ones I really like, but they're if anything the opposite and might squeak more - they feel 'rough', so possibly best avoided.

that's what I wondered, I saw you recommend them recently

I doubt you’ll like them for the reasons ICBM mentioned. Very squeaky and feel rough/grippy on the plains. Not sure they’ll stay on my guitar long to be honest.

I know they’re not coated, but don’t Newtone do double wraps or something? So the strings are wrapped with finer wire - less noise? I’ve found round core last long than hex core if that helps.

ICBM · February 2020

ToneControl said:

that's what I wondered, I saw you recommend them recently

Exactly why I mentioned it, to save you buying something you will almost certainly hate

.

ToneControl · February 2020

ICBM said:

ToneControl said:

that's what I wondered, I saw you recommend them recently

Exactly why I mentioned it, to save you buying something you will almost certainly hate .

ta

FunkyGibbon · February 2020

I’ve used EXPs for years without any squeaking. I also, use Fast Fret which seemed to prolong their life. I get a year out of a set used like this but, to be fair, I have dry skin and use shaving oil which I suspect makes my fingertips slightly more ‘slick’ and lest prone to friction squeaks.

Jalapeno · February 2020

Flatwounds - very non-squeaky

ToneControl · February 2020

Jalapeno said:

Flatwounds - very non-squeaky

true, but not the sound I want on my acoustics
Got a set on my bass though, lovely

jhumber · February 2020

Interesting - I’ve used EXPs for many years, always liked the tone and the longevity. My only niggle with them is that with my fingers, they’re squeakier than Elixirs. Over the past year or so I’ve transitioned go the latter. Similar tone, same lifespan, less squeak.

DavidRees · February 2020

you might be surprised about flat wounds - the best of them whilst expensive can sound wonderfully bright on an acoustic - do give these a try - https://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/strings-c1/string-sets-c865/acoustic-guitar-c33/thomastik-infeld-ac111-plectrum-bronze-11-50-acoustic-guitar-strings-p347

...

ToneControl · February 2020

DavidRees said:

you might be surprised about flat wounds - the best of them whilst expensive can sound wonderfully bright on an acoustic - do give these a try - https://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/strings-c1/string-sets-c865/acoustic-guitar-c33/thomastik-infeld-ac111-plectrum-bronze-11-50-acoustic-guitar-strings-p347 ...

very interesting, I think I will try.
The 50 bottom E on the 11s set looks a bit low gauge, is that just because it's flat wound?

ICBM · February 2020

ToneControl said:

The 50 bottom E on the 11s set looks a bit low gauge, is that just because it's flat wound?

Yes, all the wound strings have lighter gauges than similar roundwounds - as do rolled-wounds to some extent - because there are no spaces in the windings, so there is more mass for a given gauge.

ToneControl · February 2020

ToneControl said:

DavidRees said:

you might be surprised about flat wounds - the best of them whilst expensive can sound wonderfully bright on an acoustic - do give these a try - https://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/strings-c1/string-sets-c865/acoustic-guitar-c33/thomastik-infeld-ac111-plectrum-bronze-11-50-acoustic-guitar-strings-p347 ...

very interesting, I think I will try.
The 50 bottom E on the 11s set looks a bit low gauge, is that just because it's flat wound?

I wonder about the gauges
have you tried the 12s?

SET AC111
light
P11
P14
AC019
AC027
AC036
AC050

SET AC112
medium light
P12
P15
AC024
AC033
AC044
AC059

I notice the bottom string is roundwound

ToneControl · February 2020

I play with 11s
The maker's site says these are good for old and fragile guitars, and are lower tension

I'm assuming that I'd need to adjust my truss rod to use these
I wonder if the 12s would work better for me

ToneControl · February 2020

ICBM said:

ToneControl said:

The 50 bottom E on the 11s set looks a bit low gauge, is that just because it's flat wound?

Yes, all the wound strings have lighter gauges than similar roundwounds - as do rolled-wounds to some extent - because there are no spaces in the windings, so there is more mass for a given gauge.

the bottom E is roundwound
I checked the tensions,
instead of
20,20, 25, 30,30, 25 pounds for my 11s = 150 total
their 11s are:
20, 16, 20, 23, 22, 22 = around 100 total
their 12s:
23, 21, 32, 30, 31, 31 = about 168 total

a shame they have nothing in between these sets?

surely the 100lb set would be a bit quiet on my nice new guitars?

DavidRees · February 2020

I use mine on an old 2002 APX 9C with 25 1/2" scale length, spruce top, sycamore back and sides [bit like maple] and the feel, playability and projection is fine. There was no need for any truss rod adjustment. It just seems to work. Give the 11s a try - for less than £20 its a worthwhile experiment to see if you like the sound and feel. As I said earlier you may be pleasantly surprised

...

ToneControl · February 2020

DavidRees said:

I use mine on an old 2002 APX 9C with 25 1/2" scale length, spruce top, sycamore back and sides [bit like maple] and the feel, playability and projection is fine. There was no need for any truss rod adjustment. It just seems to work. Give the 11s a try - for less than £20 its a worthwhile experiment to see if you like the sound and feel. As I said earlier you may be pleasantly surprised ...

just ordered some £10.80 from amazon

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Are there any other non-squeaky coated strings other than Elixirs?

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