I tried the Ernie Ball Cobalt strings not long ago and didn't care for them at all. I used D'Addario strings forever then switched to Elixir Nanowebs about 5 years ago because I'd rather spend what little free time I have playing the guitar as opposed to changing strings but, I digress. Personally, the way the strings feel is important to me. I've gotten used to the way Elixirs feel. The wound E, A, and D strings on the Cobolts felt very course to me (more so than any other strings I've played; even non-coated strings like D'Addario). I thought the Cobalts sounded fine...but I can't tell a huge tonal difference between D'Addario, Ernie Ball, Elixir, etc. I hope that helps. Try the Cobalts; you may like them.