While my favorite strings ever are black DR Handmade strings, elixir's are almost just as great and a helluva lot easier to find. I got 5 packs earlier this year and I'm still using the 1st one! The only strings that last as long are probably old skool Pyramid strings, but the new ones dont seem to have the lasting brightness. Even when the Elixirs get a lil tarnished, a wipe down with some steel wool and lemon oil will do the trick.