Strings on Electro-acoustic Hybrids

[AndyB01]

After getting a less than satisfactory tone, pickup response and too much string squeak from my Taylor T5z (traditionally fitted with Elixir Acoustic Nanowebs) I've just put on a set of D'Addario XS coated electric strings for a change. These are the strings that Taylor now recommend for the T5z.

Interesting that Taylor switched their allegiance from Elixir to D'Addario a while back, but I suspect that has more to do with money and corporate deals than the relative quality of Elixir vs XS strings.

I'm yet to fully road test the new strings, but my initial impression is that they do sound better and don't significantly impact the acoustic resonance of the guitar (such as it is).

What do others fit to their electro-acoustics (if you have one), I accept it's a bit of a niche instrument?

Andy

Edited November 2 by AndyB01

[mettelus]

I have only used coated (Elixir) strings a few times in the past and didn't take to them due to the timbre change. I have consistently used D'Addario Phosphor Bronze for the brighter tone and harmonic content, but also (rarely) use the piezo pickup, (infrequently) use a Dean Markley Pro Mag in the sound hole, and (more commonly) use a large diaphragm condenser for recording.

Finger oils can be highly acidic (very dependent on a specific person's genetics and diet), and cause most of the damage to untreated strings. Washing hands with (blue) Dawn prior to playing is a habit of mine, and I use ZEP Industrial Purple degreaser to clean strings (as long as they haven't rusted). ZEP may actually take the coating off Elixir/XS strings (it is highly basic), so keep that in mind. A pre-mixed 32oz bottle will last for years (never use that stuff full strength), and a simple squirt on a paper towel, running each string, then leaving what residue is left in place to counter finger oils while playing. Most metals corrode significantly faster in acidic environments and very little in basic environments. Generic (non-coated) strings will last for months doing this.

That said, strings are the only consumable for guitars, so a lot comes down to personal preference, style/technique, and the habits employed to keep finger oil damage to a minimum.

[AndyB01]

Yes I agree, cleanliness is next to Godliness where guitar strings are concerned. I clean my hands before playing with washing up liquid (the equivalent of Blue Dawn), which strips just about everything off your hands, bar the skin. 😂

[mettelus]

I am always hesitant to mention things like the ZEP Industrial Purple. If you ever try that, be sure to use pre-diluted (can even dilute it more if desired). Be sparing/judicious with its use and don't get it on skin. One reason why powerful acids/bases feel slippery is they are destroying the skin cells too. Old lye soaps had the saying, "One rub, no dirt; two rubs, no skin." Even though that sounded funny, it was 100% accurate.

Sorry I cannot speak to coated strings directly. I think part of their marketing leads people to the assumption they are impervious to finger oil acids, but everything mechanical wears over time.