Elixir strings for dobro

Michael Johnstone · From: Sylmar,Ca. USA

I've used Elixir strings on my Taylor flat top since I've had it and they last and sound new for months so when I saw they had sets for dobro I had to try them. All I can say is WOW! It's a .016 thru .056 set with the poly-web coating and it reduces the bar drag and pick clatter by at least 50% - probably more. Even with impeccable technique,the signal-to-noise issue on an acoustic resonator guitar is always problematic. But now the wound strings feel like plain strings under my bar - it's really amazing. Do yourselves a favor and try them. -MJ-

Chuck Fisher · From: Santa Cruz, California, USA * R.I.P.

what tuning are you using, please?

Michael Johnstone · From: Sylmar,Ca. USA

I just have the regular double stack of G triads - hi to low: D,B,G,D,B,G. On the Elixir string pack it gives the string gauges - hi to lo: .016,.018,.028,.035,.045,.056 and has the regular spanish guitar tuning listed next to it - hi to lo: E,B,G,D,A,E but I looked at another pack of dobro strings (different brand) and it gave the same guages except it listed the dobro G tuning.I just put the Elixirs on,tuned up to the G tuning and the tension is just right and like I said - slicker than snot on a doorknob. -MJ-

Chuck Fisher · From: Santa Cruz, California, USA * R.I.P.

Wow thats interesting. You'd think that coating would get thrashed by a bar pretty quick, I thought about them , gotta try em. How long you been playing them?

Are they nickel or bronze, BTW?

Bob Stone · From: Gainesville, FL, USA

Any further reports on the Elixer dobro strings? Anybody else out there tried 'em yet?

Friends have told me that the Elixers they used on regular acoustic guitars didn't sound nearly as loud as regular un-coated bronze strings. And the Elixers ain't cheap--more than $13 per set.

Tony Dingus · From: Kingsport, Tennessee, USA

I've been using them for a couple of years or so,although I use the medium guitar set.
.o17 for the first string , .o19 for the second. I don't play my dobro as often as I use too, so they last me 2 or 3 months. I do
have replace the 3rd string because I pick hard and I cut the windings on that string, I just use .026 or a .028 bronze wound. I won't use anything else! Makes my 72' Tut Taylor sound that much better.
Tony

[This message was edited by Tony Dingus on 04 December 2003 at 08:15 PM.]

Kevin Hatton · From: Buffalo, N.Y.

Michael, I just put a set of Elixers on and I agree. I will never go back to phospher bronze. The phosphers wear out vert fast. The Elixers are like playing on silk and have a very even sound. Its true that they are not as loud as the phosphers, but I find the phosphers to bright. I also use Elixers on the mandolin. I've heard that the NANOWEBS are louder and brighter than the polywebs. Reso set only comes in polyweb.

[This message was edited by Kevin Hatton on 04 December 2003 at 08:49 PM.]

Michael Brebes · From: Northridge CA

Here's my take on the Elixir strings. They sound a little deader than a brand new set of noncoated strings, but they keep that tone for a LONG time. They work great for instruments with piezo style pickups in live situations. I wouldn't use them for recording. The bar won't wear the coating, but the picks will over time.

Forum Index > Steel Without Pedals		Next oldest topic :: Next newest topic

All times are GMT - 8 Hours	Jump to: