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DR Strings HI-DEF NEON™ - MULTI-COLOUR Coloured Electric Guitar Strings: Medium 10-46

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Of course, this simply isn’t the case and this is where things start to get interesting (if you’re string super nerds like us!). The differences really come to the fore when you consider the coating itself and how it’s applied to the string. Both elements being the secret sauce of each brand if you will. Evidence of this is in Elixir’s most recent Optiweb electric sets. Over the years they have continued to thin out their coating and their latest electric offering is their ‘lightest coating yet’ and is described as having ‘the same crisp tone as an uncoated string’ and providing a ‘natural feel’.

DR Strings HI-DEF NEON™ - MULTI-COLOUR Coloured Electric

Let’s take a look at D’Addario for instance, they have the same method of marking their acoustic and electric guitar strings which are: Most of the time these ball ends are the same color as the rest of the string, silver or copper, depending on the type of strings you’re using, but some brands produce strings with colored ball ends. There are other considerations, however, like tuning stability and durability. No string is fully break-proof, but you should be looking for those with high tensile strength. For the traditionalists out there, the added coating makes the string feel ‘unnatural’ with many saying that they can actually feel the coating making a significant difference to the playability of the string. As mentioned earlier, coated strings are no longer a new phenomenon in the string world. In fact, you’ll see that a good chunk of string brands have a coated set or two in their lineup. You’ll also notice that it’s not just electric and acoustic strings that are available. Coated Bass, Classical, Mandolin and Banjo sets have become more readily available over the years.

When it comes to D’addario nylon strings, most of them don’t have ball ends, but when they do the colored ball ends are marked completely differently like so:

Strings HI-DEF NEON™ - MULTI-COLOUR Coloured Electric DR Strings HI-DEF NEON™ - MULTI-COLOUR Coloured Electric

Nowadays, many of the plain strings in sets are also coated or anti-rust treated. There was a time when brands focused purely on coating the wound strings only, but nowadays many have seen the light and insist on coating all 6 strings to help preserve the life and balance of the entire set. Just like D’Addario, Fender is also known for producing electric guitar strings that have colored ball ends using color names that were previously used on their guitars. Before I carry on, I think it’s worth mentioning that Elixir is part of W. L. Gore & Associates. Yes, the company that specialises in fluoropolymers, and produces that waterproof, breathable fabric called Gore-Tex found on most high-performance clothing. As such you can be sure that Elixir products are innovative, forward-thinking, advanced, and reliable.The New Wave of British Heavy Metal bands all typically used standard gauge strings and played in standard tuning or half a step down - no one’s gonna argue that Tonny Iommi didn’t sound heavy on a set of 8s! Above - Image Courtesy of D'Addario. For D'Addario's latest XS Acoustic string range they've taken the decision to coat the outer surface of the string after it's been wound which is a first for any of their coated string ranges. Thinner strings are easier to play, as the tension is low - making them easy to bend and softer on the fingers. The downside is that they are more prone to snapping, as there is less resistance against the force you put against them.

Guide to Coated Strings - Strings Direct Guide to Coated Strings - Strings Direct

Whilst Elixir do seem to reign supreme, there are some close competitors when it comes to popularity. Being environmentally conscious is another reason some companies use colored ends. Some string brands put each string in an envelope that is labeled with the string it contains so you can know which one is which. Of course, each manufacturer will argue that their way is the best. For instance, the brands that coat the wire first before winding say that this helps to maintain a more natural feel and Elixir say that their coating prevents the little ridges between the windings from getting clogged up. Coated strings such as Elixir’s promise to extend the life of your string, repelling the gunk and sweat that builds up when playing. While some players prefer the natural feel of an uncoated string, not to mention the lower price, string coatings have evolved to feel evermore natural. They will still feel a little bit different, but they will also stay brighter longer.Dunlop is another brand that began using a color code system and like Rotosound they also use three colors in a similar manner, rotating between them: In the early 1900s, an earthquake that destroyed their town made them move to New York where the family decided to continue their business of string making and they began to produce steel and nylon strings. We speak to plenty of guitar players every day and you may or may not be surprised that there're players out there that can tarnish a standard set of strings in a matter of minutes due to sweat and acidic perspiration from their hands. Whilst coated strings are great for these players, their extended life certainly appeals to many other musicians too.

DR Strings | Official Site

So, let’s take a look at what they have to offer and if they share any similarities or differences. D’Addario String Colored Ball End Strings Tonally, players often argue that coated strings don’t have the brightness of an uncoated string. Their argument is that the coating can muffle the sound somewhat hindering it’s natural brightness and resonance. Even as an experienced guitarist I still find color-coded strings useful, especially when I’m short on time or if I need to string my guitar before a gig in a badly lit pub. When it comes to D’Addario you can also find other color codes that indicated specialty strings that are not that common.Color-coded strings as they are also called are not that common, and there are two reasons why they are being manufactured. First of all the colored ends make it easier for you to identify each string and change your strings. Whilst coated strings certainly have their fans, as with everything guitar, there’s a proportion of musicians that simply don’t buy into the concept. If you’ve ever strung your own guitar or watched your teacher do it for you then you’ve probably noticed that one end of the strings ends with a ball, the purpose of a ball end is to anchor the string to the bridge of the guitar. You’d certainly be forgiven for thinking that by slapping a coating on the outer surface of a string, they’d all pretty much be the same as one another, right!?

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