Epi Masterbuilt EF500 RAV:

[Buffer]

I have owned mine for 2 years and it set in the store for almost a year before I caught it marked down to $780. It still has the Elixir / Nano strings. Can anyone tell me how long these strings should last and if I should go back to them? It still sounds better than my '81 Martin and '65 Gibson Acoustics in terms of sustain and resonance.

 

Also, I installed a B-band (A-1 I think) sound hole controls preamp that makes this honey kick when plugged in. Does anyone have experience with the pots on this? I will be playing for some people in a couple of weeks and want to restring but with what?

[rocman13]

I use Elixer's from time to time, whenever I can't get EXP's. They are coated strings, it prevents corrosion and gunk build up on your strings from skin oils and maybe lunch. Some say they have a bit of loss in the high end, but I love the tone of both brands. If your axe came with Elixers, and you like the tone, you should stick with it for a while.

 

I play quite a bit, plus on stage in a praise and worship band several times each week, and I change mine every two months or so, maybe three when I get lazy. A comparison of non coated strings is on my Takamine, I use Red Brand strings on her, (very nice tone) and they last about three weeks, so coated strings last a lot longer. After you get used to the tone of your guitar, you can tell when the strings start to sound "dead", thats when I change them.

 

I think Elixer, and my LMS says to change at least every three months, but of course, they are trying to sell strings!

 

Pot? 'don't know nuthin bout no pot... Oh, POTS, I still got nothing...

[zombywoof]

Lordy, strings on a guitar for 2 maybe 3 years? Although I am not a fan of coated strings, I have heard Elixers will last longer than others but a several year life span I just ain't buying. You might be surprised at what you hear if you change those strings. Hey, strings are cheap.