Coated Acoustic Guitar Strings: D'Addario XS vs. Elixir Nanoweb
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- Опубліковано 4 тра 2024
- In this video, Chris explores the established, default Elixir Nanoweb (used often in Taylor Guitars) with the new D'addario XS string. D'addario has recently come out with this newly extremely thin string using phosphor bronze, .12-.53 (that compares much more closely with the Elixir Nanoweb). Learn how these thin, coated strings compare in durability, experience, and performance. Plus, listen as Chris does a demo of each string using a Taylor 814ce Guitar!
0:00 Intro/Specs
8:03 Elixir Demo 1
8:27 D'Addario Demo 1
9:02 Elixir Demo 2
9:31 D'Addario Demo 2
10:01 Elixir Demo 3
10:52 D'Addario Demo 3
11:40 Final Thoughts
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Chris, I always like your videos. You're very adept with language. You're thorough, clear, exact, specific, and articulate regardless of the topic. No wonder they chose you to do these vids. Thanks.
Chris, thank you! You make the best vids that have helped me a lot.
As a long time Elixr user, who has a new guitar with D’Addario strings, this is super helpful. Thank You!
Thanks Cris for going through all that to demo.
D’Adario👍
Glad to hear this comparison. was curious about the new D'addario's. I'm happy with my Elixirs. They last.
Nice to see you back. I got the Elixir Nanoweb strings, they're fine. 🎶🎶🎶
I'm listening without watching. During the time when I stopped liking your playing a bit, I looked up and it was the XS. I was sold on purchasing the XS, but you've certainly changed my mind with the demos. It was quite clear, hearing the difference. Loved the Elixers. I had never heard of that brand prior to this video. Thank you
Great job, Chris! Thank you.
I bought a Taylor 214 ce plus that came with elixir strings the guitar played great but I tried many different strings on my martin and finally tried D’addario XS and have been playing them ever since and they play smooth and sound great.now I am putting them on my electrics.Great video
Nice demo. I’ve only just started to learn to play, and have had the D’Addario XS ads popping up in my FB feed and was really curious about them. I have Elixir Nanoweb on my guitar now, but would definitely try the D’Addario XS. From this demo I found them to be a little bit brighter sounding.
D'Addario fans are super loyal and don't want to hear anything else! I am super open and auditioned strings exclusively for 2 years. I had a ranking system, logged the results, and put the finalists through playoffs, finally leading to a guitar string superbowl (covid gave me a LOT of free time). I ended up with Santa Cruz Parabolic VS Elixir 80/20 bronze in my superbowl. The game went to 4 rounds of overtime, and I ultimately ended the superbowl with a tie. I use the Santa Cruz to add bass and warmth on brighter guitars, I use the Elixir 80/20 on warmer guitars to brighten them up.
Great demo. Used regular Apple headphones and it’s very difficult to tell them apart. Well done. Thanks a lot.
I love this guy! Such a great and informative video!
Several things, I know this video is a year old. June 1st I bought a new Alvarez MD60BG, their bluegrass model. I love it. I've been playing most all genres since the mid-70's. I have used the D'Addario non-coated strings for years before coated strings were marketed. I have used Elixirs for years and have been very pleased. Usually after a couple of months I change strings because the coating frays and the strings become a little dull. I always scrub my hands before playing 99.9% of the time. That helps a lot. I changed from Elixir lights to mediums a week ago on my acoustic mentioned above and because they are mediums it's a little harder on the fingers. I don't play quite as often as I used to but at least every other day. Besides changing back to light gauge as I need to now, I'm going to try these new D'Addario XS 12/53 coated strings and report back here. Also, on the 814 sample I can tell the difference between the two guitar string types. I totally prefer these new XS strings. I think they blend very well. What can make a difference also is the guitar pick you use.
The XS sound great in this demo. Might give them a go sometime. My string of choice is D'addario Nickel Bronze which compliment my Taylor 324ce well. Not known for long life but I maintain longevity by washing my hands before I play and wiping down strings before and after, plus using string lube once every couple of weeks. Really keeps them sounding good and responding well.
Thanks for the awesome comparison...
I waited until I'd tried the XSs before I made this comment. I'm a huge D'Addario fan, I've used their strings almost exclusively for 25 years on my electrics as they just seem to last for ages and never corrode and always sound fantastic. Their Acoustic strings though have never really worked for me and once Elixir came along it was game over. So I was really keen to try these new XS strings. I've now gone thru two sets on my Martin and I have to say - nah! They are very average. I changed out the first set after two weeks as I thought maybe I had a bung set on. Nope, the new set was just as lack-luster. To be be fair, they are not bad strings, but compared to the Elixir they lack clarity and definition. The first thing I noticed was how dull they sounded straight out of the box - not a good sign (some may say that's "warmth", not dullness :-) but...). The Elixirs, if I have one criticism, would be that they are a little too bright straight out of the box, but that brightness settles down after an hour and from then on they are very balanced. The XSs just started off dull and never had any real oomph to them . But I persisted with the XSs until I wore them out just so I could see how they lasted compared to the Elixirs - which is of course what we all want to know. They don't last as long- despite being assured by the salesman at the shop that they are amazing and last forever...they don't. They got very noticeable marks at the fret positions showing that the windings were deforming. Running your finger up the string you can feel them, domp domp domp on the end of your finger (Domp is a word I just made up :-) ). The sound slowly degrades in a way the Elixirs don't. The Elixirs can be covered in fur and they still sound above average and better than the XSs to my ear. The XSs started to show signs of wear pretty quickly and just crapped out! To be honest, I was expecting more from the XSs , Now I understand that this is a highly subjective area and if the XSs work for you and you love them, sweet. They just don't work for me and I'm back with the Elixirs and my guitar has got it's mojo back :-)
Your review was most helpful. If I wanted strings that only lasted a couple of weeks I'd just buy the cheaper name brand strings.
A mí no me funcionaron, dos semanas usando y note rastros de óxido.
@@MaronGarkin El óxido no es bueno. No tenía óxido, pero simplemente no estaba contento con el sonido.
i tried the xs after using elixir for some time and mike's review is quite accurate for me, the lower strings had more dullness/warmth (which i don't like). Also the thinner strings became grey in about a week??? which affected the friction and i had to change them. just got back to the elixir and i love it
I agree with your assessment that the D’addario XS strings don’t last as long as the Elixers. But I have a Martin that just isn’t right without them. It sounds magnificent with the D’addario XS 11-52s. However my Old Epiphone Dreadnaught ain’t happy without a set of Elixer Polywebs and All three of my Taylor’s sound best with the Elixer Nanowebs. I’m all mojo’d up. Lol! In my experience no one brand, type, or gauge of string satisfies my ears on every guitar. Also my electric guitars all sound best with different strings. That’s just my opinion.
I've exclusively used D'addario on my acoustics my whole life, anytime I've tried anything else I've always gone back (I guess in general we all stick mostly with what we're familiar). Ready to admit a big part of my preference might be bias, but after watching this I realize there really is a noticeable difference.
fantastic video, thank you!
Listening to this video again a year later, after Taylor has announced its switch to D’Addario’s XS strings. I’ve been using XS on some of my Taylors for some time now, and really like them. I think Taylor made the right move. What a great video, Chris! Awesome, informative review and great comparison!
I just got a pack I’m gonna try them out. Always been high on Elixir
I’ve always liked elixir. I haven’t tried D’Addario in several years. I would be curious to know how much of it was a business decision, and how much of it was a musical decision. But I’m sure we will never hear the real answer.
Great demo, thanks! To me, D'addario sounds fuller and more present. More clarity of the individual notes.
I have the XS phosphor bronze strings on my mandolin and OH MY GOD they're incredible!!
I bought a 2nd hand Taylor guitar and the strings that came with it is an Elixir that the previous owner has been using for quite some some time (I can tell because the coating in some strings are starting to peel off). I did not change it and still using it for a few months now and still sounding great.
Awesome video! Great info to know. I will be subscribing! Thanks.
Chris, I just had my Martin strung with D’Addario XS strings yesterday. I really like them!
Very good review, thank you
The elixirs were warmer to me but did come on the guitar so they some what older and stretches longer. The Ds sounded like new strings and brighter. I believe the longevity would probably be the factor for me. I have been playing elixir for years and don't plan to change unless I can't get them. At least I know there's an option. Good to know info.
Great video. I could hear a bit more shimmer with the XS. I recently made the change from Elixer to XS. I like the sound better and the XS lasted twice as long (I burn through strings). They are amazing on my Martin M-36. (Thanks for your M-36 video by the way! Changed my life!)
Nice playing, Chris.
This demo's helped me put some of what I mention below, in perspective. Thanks.
I've spent literally years comparing Elix and Addario. With both acoustic and electric guitars. Jury's still out. Important to mention: I haven't tried Addario coated strings. Price seems exorbitant. Here's what I've found: For me, for acoustic guitar, Addarios are better balanced in frequencies. More musical. Easier. More forgiving. Almost no matter where you go. Elixirs are brighter. A very tempting sound. But I find I have to coax them a bit. No harm in that. I like a challenge, it helps to know how to sculpt sound, and Elixes sound amazing.
Contrast that with this: Recently did a successful neck adjustment and installed Elix 10-46 on my Tele. It was as if I'd never heard the instrument properly. A stellar orchestra silky under my fingers. The uncoated Addario 10-46 can be so soulful on the Tele too but the Elix may have won out.
Thank you for this !!!
I hear the D’Addario strings having better clarity and note separation than the Elixirs. I definitely want to try the D’Addario strings for sure.
thats because they compared it with the phosphor bronze
the regular elixir nanoweb 80/20 strings have more clarity than the phosphor strings as well
@@jonasrmb01 Really? I want to try elixir, now i'm use daddario exp bcs the tone is great and balance between bass and treble, i dont like the strings that to much and noisy treble, which one do you think to me? phospor bronze or bronz?
@@jonasrmb01 the xs strings he had were phosphor bronze also so it was an equal comparison
The Elixer have a lot more clarity and sustain. The XS are quite dull. Not bad there is not that big of a difference, but i would always go with Elixer. And i have both strings at home and eventhough the XS is a good string, the Elixer tops it. The only thing you can say for the Elixers is that they might have a little to much sustain and tone.
@@karlos1060 I think I agree - listning with AKG K240 headphone
I’ve played Elixirs since they first came out. When purchasing strings and my LMS was out, I tried the D’addario’s and really like them. I can hear a difference-the fundamental is slightly more pure; it’s a bit less chimey; I hear less of clashing overtones; and the feel of the unwound strings is slightly smoother.
Going to try the xs string on 414-ce Taylor.. Good review as always
Just got some of the XS strings and excited to try them out. Usually use the Elixirs though
You rock bro, anytime I have questions I watch your videos, and always walk away with so much I fo and knowledge. You have helped me out alot on my new guitar journey and I thank you, your a legend in my book. Cheers 🍻
Thanks for the detailed comparison mate. It got me so curious to the point that I gave the new D'Addarios a shot. My Taylor 614 seems to have a rounder tone now, with more body to it. Without compromising on that acoustic / shiny tone that Elixirs are known for. Curious to find out about their longevity, but so far they are the strings that made me love my guitar the most.
How is the longevity?
@@rowanmurphy5239 I must say that after 2 months I am still impressed. Not much of the original spark has gone to be honest and I don't feel the need to restring at this stage. My Taylor sounds so good with these strings. Still a fan!
@@andreasarcullo Yup. I will try D'adarrio XS next time, but it'll be hard to beat my Elixir Nanowebs.
I have used both and have found the longevity to be similar...I love the Daddario strings
Old school here. DAddario only for decades. No coating...Acoustic phosphor bronze 10s and elec exl 10s. 11s on 335 for slide blues. Love your vids Chris. Thanks
This was a great video, thank you. I just got an acoustic and I run XS on all my electrics. Usually D'Addario Chromes on basses. I just tried Elixir for the first time on a bass and while it feels good, the tone was dead and I thought better to use flats. So I came into this video expecting XS to wipe the floor, but I was wrong. The Elixir had this sparkle. I will order them for the acoustic. But they're coming off the bass!
Something I have to remark on that far surpasses my interests in this string comparison video was Chris's playing. I thought "here is a man that has a love affair with the guitar." His playing, while giving each set a chance to shine, gave me, the listener a chance to go somewhere the creators of these strings intended the customer to be able to travel to. Thank you Chris, the whole video was professionally done and I was never in doubt for a single second as to the depth of your relationship with the guitar and where you go when you play. 🤔💯
D'Addario's seem to produce a wider tonal flexability that best covers the acoustic range which I thought allowed guitarists more of an expressive pallet. I've been using the Elixer's for a few years. For the higher price point, I now find that the D'Addario's sound better.
What I found missing in this (string-off) was tonality differences on different gauge sets. For example, I play Elixer extra lights phosphor bronze nano's. I am still at a loss as to what the difference in tonality might be, if any would apply to the extra lights. 🙏✝🤲
Very cool. I appreciate you giving your opinion that there’s no real tonal or feel diff based on hearing directly, because the differences in your position, both generally and finger placement is more than enough to throw off the recorded comparison. Most clear was your thumb pluck during the finger piece. Your thumb and the rest of your hand was a half to a full inch forward. I actually use this as a dynamics technique because of the tonal differences. And I liked the darker tone of the XS, so I can’t lose even assuming the tone diff on recording. Thanks
I switched to the D'addarios about three sets ago on my Taylor 816ce. Love them! As with this demo... the D'ads are 1- more even sounding 2- not as over the top bright 3- better articulation 4- better low end. I recently purchased a Taylor Mini-Plus Koa. Beautiful guitar for fingerstyle. I will be restringing it with the D'Addarios as soon as possible.
With the D'Addarios ... I get from 4 to 5 gigs out of each set. With the Elixirs... I get 2 gigs. With uncoated strings I almost never got more than one gig!!
I really like the D'Addarios!
If you are an electric guitar player too, try their New York steel strings. Love them as well!!
The D'addario sound better to my ears. A fuller tone overall. Listened to this, on professional headphones. Thanks for the comparison!
I like the Xt's they are warmer if your guitar is too bright for strumming.
I love the D'Addario XS (and XT) strings!
Just what I needed
I like your videos there all very informative thank you
I always use Elixir nanoweb 80/20 lights. They have that sound that I like. I would use probably the D'addario exps for a back up string. Great review.
100% im a guitar teacher and see a lot of different strings on guitars, and as soon as I play one with elixirs, any gauge, I just know. And sure enough “oh yeah these were super expensive!!” And I just laugh.
2:45 I’ve used one set and went to D’Addario strings because of the colored ball ends I love it
I just purchase an Alvarez Masterworks palor guitar which came with D'Addario strings. I was so excited to get my new guitar but it sounds dull and I thought perhaps I made a mistake. Its a stunningly beautiful guitar and I loved the one I played that was used!( that store had a three month wait list to get a new one, but I found another one in a local store!) Im so grateful for all the comments and the video. I have a Guild D25M Ive had 50 years that sounds fabulous with Elixir, as do my Ovation,Yamaha, and another Alvarez I have. I wrongly assumed since they put the D'Addario strings on from the factory that they were the better strings for the guitar. I was thinking of returning it which would break my heart! I will change my strings today and hopefully the beautiful tone will return! Even though the D' Addario are light strings they feel quite thick to me! Anyone else feel that? Thanks all for the reviews, big,big,big help! :)
I’ve been using these for a few months now. They sound great.
Do they last as long as elixir?
@@ianbarcelos ive tried both since summer and they both have not lost their tone
You said something in a previous video about how whenever you initially play the guitar at the store, how you fell in love with the sound at the store, I’m going back to these strings on my Taylor because of that reason
At first with the XS I was not impressed but i went ahead and played them heavy for a week and they really opened up and sound amazing. I usually run bluegrass strings from d'addario but they only have that perfect sound for about 3 days of heavy playing for me. So far the xs had lasted 3 weeks and have maintained that perfect d'addario sound that came along after the first week. I just bought some elixirs im gonna throw on to see if i like them better. I have not used elixirs in 15yrs. I have a sneaky feeling the XS take the better sound category.
Tone wise the Elixirs and D'addario XS were quite different. Probably not if listening on a phone speaker or with anything other than head phones, but there is a significant difference. The D'addario XS had a pleasant mid focus to them. A little less top end, perhaps a woodier sound without being muddy or dull sounding. The Elixirs had a lot of top end and less noticeable mid range or bottom compared to the D'addarios. I've been an Elixir user on both my acoustics and electrics for many many years. For me, paying more than double for a set of strings that lasts 6 times longer than the standard brands is well worth it. Also the feel and tone are great. But, I certainly liked the slightly more present mids of the XS strings in this demo. Obviously I don't know the exact acoustic environment this was recorded in, but I would assume efforts were made to keep everything as similar as possible for both string types while recording. I'll definitely give these a shot even though they are currently a few bucks more than Elixirs. I'm a big fan of D'addario strings in general, unfortunately they last about 1 gig or about 3 hours of play time before they are too dead to play. Other similar brands are the same. Amazing sounding when new, but by the third set they are audibly degrading. If I play 3 shows in a week that's 3 sets of the $8 strings. One set of the $16 strings from Elixir or likely these D'addario XS strings last about 4 to 5 weeks of 2 to 3 gigs a week and sound pretty much the same after 4 weeks as the day they went on.
I can't decide which I like better. I'd like to try both myself and see which I think feels better on my guitar.
Elixir sounds a little more brighter. Good demonstration demo. Very informative.
You don't make a mistake with either of them. Personally, I think the D'Addario is a little better. But that's a matter of taste. As always nice video Chris. Keep it up.
I could go mad trying to experiment with new strings LOL. I have been using elixir phosphor bronze for a long time and I've always been happy with them so I never changed.
Sometimes the Elixirs sounded better, in some other parts of this the Daddario's sounded more appealing. Clearly I now have a good alternative for my go-to Elixirs. I love playing my Taylor K224 ce and hate changing strings. Strings just look at my fingers and start to die. So coated strings are my nomination for a Nobel Prize. We have come a long way since the Martin Marquis that used to be the default when I had a D18 back in the '70's. They did sound great- briefly.
Coated strings may cost more per pack but actually save me money.
Thank you for a very helpful video.
I tried the daddatios and slightly preferred the sound, but idk how but my sweat just ate through them and in 4 weeks the strings were fully green
Elixirs last me 3 months, easy choice for me
I had the exact same experience. I also like the elixirs for cutting down on noise when sliding your fingers up and down the fingerboard
I had the same experience
With highly acidic and high salinity in my sweat, I had the same EXACT situation with the D’ads going dead and corroding MUCH sooner than the Elixirs. Liked their SOUND, but as a gigging musician, can’t afford to change strings so much more often.
This is what i came to see
D'addarios seem a little brighter to my ear especially in the mids. But as i say that im actually putting on Elixir nano's right now lol. Its just what i have at the moment. I remeber when elixirs were new with the Gore coating. Man im getting old lol. As for electric guitars i was strictly a ernie ball hybrid slinky guy until D'addario came out with the NYXL's black pack and wow!! I love those strings! Never thought i woulda switched but they have that little something extra. They do die out after a few months of moderate playing and i can here when they start to deminish. Good stuff man! Rock on!!
Hard to choose sometimes between Martin Lifespans, Elixir Nanos, most recent fave- Gibson coated, now am blown away by these XS's, sound fantastic on my Yamaha, making it unnecessary to grab my Martin or J-45. Been a few weeks, still holding up. Then again, when I'm inspired, they all sound good, so it's not just the strings...
how are they another 3 weeks later?
I bought the 12 string set of the D´Addarios XS because I couldnt get any other coated set for my 12 String at the moment. I have yet to put them on since the old ones still are good to go.
I have used Elixirs exclusively for more than a decade but strings have evolved. After carefully listening to this recording and other comparisons with headphones I heard enough difference between the D'Addarios and the Elixirs buy some D'Addarios. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Thanks!
I purchased them, I’ll be pulling them off after a week and replacing with elixirs. D’addario just don’t make nice strings.
Even on relatively cheap PC speakers the D'Addario strings were most articulate. Sweet! Thank you!! With the forgeries coming from China on the Elixirs it is great to have an alternative!
😂
I'm an elixir devotee, but I really liked those d'addarios XS even if the difference was subtle. I'd be happy to try them if the chance arose. I'd definitely want to see how they lasted long term.
I teach at a music store and, having used Elixirs for years because of the feel and longevity, when the XS strings came in I tried them right away. Almost everything was good except they feel incredibly stiff. Like.. uncomfortably so. They also didn't feel as smooth as the Elixirs. I won't be switching. For the record, I think the Daddario NYXL strings SOUND better than the Elixirs for the first day or two, but I have sweaty hands and play outside in Florida weather often, so noncoated strings get destroyed quickly. DR strings also sound great, maybe the best, but break much more often than the NYXL if you wanna go noncoated.
@@BleedTheFaith04 wow they feel much more like Thomastik Plectrums to me (soft for fingerpicking)… wow you sure you sued the XS (I teach at Berkeley as well - we are both music teachers)
@@BleedTheFaith04
I’m with you, the d’addarios are trash in comparison.
Why I choose Elixir strings, the best ones I know ua-cam.com/video/aHVGMpnpu_w/v-deo.html
2 bucks cheaper too
I have used Elixir strings on all my guitars for years. I may have to give the x s strings a try. I use medium gage 13 56 phosphor bronze strings. I just bought a used Alvarez Dy52 that sounds great with my current Elixir strings on it. An all around great video and very fine playing as well. To my ear the Elixir strings were bit brighter then the X S strings. Both the strings sounded very good.
I have tried the new D'Addario XS strings on a couple of guitars. Both are excellent strings and yes it is great to have a proper option now as Elixir's have been difficult to get at times. Not a whole lot of difference in sound, elixirs may be a tiny bit brighter, but I would be happy to use either.
Hi. Which last longer for you?
I like the D'Addario XS... a slightly but noticeable warmer & rounder sound... I've always used the 80/20 bronze nanoweb Elixer medium mandolin strings, but due to unavailability I now bought a set of D'Addario XS 11-40 phosphor bronze mandolin strings... Am curious!
Tried 2 sets of the D’addario on 2 different guitars installed by my Luthier and strings broke the first gig I used each respective guitar. Never forget.
I put the XS on my Martin OM-28 on June 29, 2021. It's December 15, 2021 today and they're finally dead. So they lasted almost 6 months of nearly daily playing.
I liked that subtle warmth from daddario. I wonder if XS strings will last as much as Elixirs do as that's what they are famous for.
The base non coated exp strings lasted a very long time for basic strings I got them all the time until they stopped making them so I’m sure these will
@@deltasemple383 It really depends on what you think is a "long time" tbh, I had a set of Elixirs on my electric and they lasted for whole year and counting and they barely sound any different from when they were new. That, for me, is a "long time".
I have eight guitars and I use both strings , Can't decide which one I like the best, I m gonna try every strings made until I come to my favorite
I have XS strings on my L28 Larrivee and my Yamaha FGX5 Red label, so far good sound and play great ,did have early fuzz on my first set but D'Addario stepped up and replaced them.
I’ve used them both. They sound virtually identical when new. The XS strings last longer because the core is coated separately from the windings. If anything, I’d say the XS ‘sound’ more like an uncoated string. Not as ‘glassy,’ in my opinion. The XT is now my preference, as it’s a little ‘stiffer’ because the core is hexagonal. Makes picking against it a little quicker feeling. Bending is t as easy with the XT.
Both xs and xt strings have hex cores. The difference between the two is the coating. The xs strings are fully coated after the wound is wrapped with a film coating and the xs strings are coated on the wound first before being wrapped on the hex core string.
Made my Larrivee guitar sound brighter and project well , lasted 5 months so far and no corrosion ,stay tuned really well also
What strings?
Now, I have always been partial to D'Addario - completely personal preference, but I used Elixir once and from day one I can't wait to change the string again, Elixir just does not sit well with me (though this is for acoustic, electric one I love the elixir on my Strat). Anyways, I tried the XS - Heard that the XS corroded easily, turning black within a month. but I've used mine for close to 2 weeks now and there's no discolouration as well. Am very very happy with the sound, very bright and expressive which is my preference.
So yeah, I think either would do you well, it's a preference more than anything in the end.
can you share your experience after another month of use?
I have used the Elixir strings for years on my Taylors and Lowdens. However, I recently restrung my new Taylor Custom16CE with the Elixirs (12-53s) and it sounded a bit flat, it had lost some of its volume. I tried the D'Addario XS strings and it sounded brilliant - all the volume seemed to have returned. I then used the D'Addarios again on my 30 year old Lowden O10, tuned to open D, and again it sounded great. I was surprised but I don't think I'll go back to the Elixirs after this.
I have been using Elixir for years but recently tried Fender Dura Tone Coated Phosphor Bronze strings and really like them.
The D'Addarios sound more alive to me. I'm not a fan of Elixers, but they do last a very long time.
They both sound great fresh out of the package…
Try doing a comparison after 30 days of use.
Bought the XS strings for my Gibson. Nice sound and feel but lasted 4 weeks before the G string frayed and dulled (fingerpicking only). £20 in the UK, will go back to Elixir, as Chris rightly says not much in them so it's all about longevity and price.
I was surprised that they sounded so different. The Elixirs had more top end shimmer the XS had a stronger midrange both were nice. I could see matching them up with a guitar to alter the sound to your taste.
The difference is not subtle lol but those XS’s sound very nice considering what I was thinking they were gonna sound like. Still a die hard Elixir fanatic but D’Addario did a good job with those strings! Might have to try them.
Elixirs have that sweet, crisp top end, an almost compressed but rich low end, and sweet, slightly cut mids.
The D’Addario XS (imho) is pretty well balanced but just a little underwhelming. It’s got a nice tone it’s just not as vibrant sounding as an Elixir. The top end sounds nice. It’s harmonic and resonant, not piercing but very present. The mids were fairly natural sounding; slightly pronounced but not nasally. A bit Dry but a good kind of dry. Lows sounded nice, seems to carry well and has some weight to it. Something that would sound good tuned down a half step or more.
Overall I’m impressed!
My Taylor 414ce-R (2023) sounded bright and airy with less bass using the D'Addario's but the 1st and 2nd strings started to corrode after 2 days of playing.
Immediately switched to Elixirs, which balanced out the sound (less treble more bass). They also felt smoother than the D'Addario.
Overall I prefer the Elixirs due to better playability and longevity.
Hi, I have a Taylor 214ce plus and I either use Elixir phosphor bronze custom light or Daddario coated Exp26.
I've been using DD EXP13 80/20s for years. Everytime I try Elixirs I go back to the DDs and they never break either. Nabowebs sounded much better than Polywebs when I used Elixirs.
The XS strings are more articulate and provide a rounder sound through headphones. I never had much luck with elixirs as the flake their coating off and discolor over a few weeks. Others swear by them.
I’ve used elixir phosphor bronze for a long time, but they didn’t sound right on my new Martin D-12e. I tried the XS strings and it sounds better on my guitars. More clarity and brighter. They also feel easier to play than the elixirs, almost like the coating is thinner. I’m glad I switched.
The XS strings sound a tiny bit warmer to me, both sound great.
I bought the monster sizew mega box of these D'Addario Phosphor Bronze XS lights. This is the plain white box that has a screw on/off access to the strings
The Elixer are just a Tiny Bit Brighter. Great comparison Bro.
In terms of concept, sound and durability, I think they are pretty similar. Previously Elixir was the only company which has coated the whole string, not only the wrap wire, which makes a big difference in durability. BUT two major downsides with the D'Addarios in my personal opinion are: First: There is no 80/20 option with XS coating, just XT (whyyy...). I much enjoy the old-school 80/20s on some of my guitars. And second: D'Addarios only come in full sets. Elixirs can be bought individually. With the durability of these coated strings, there's often no need for changing the whole set in case one breaks. Which would be unnecessary and expensive. After having collected a number of sets with missing high e strings in my stockpile I have switched to buying individual and keeping a couple of each gauge in stock instead of whole sets. Less redundancy.
I have always been an Elixir fan but I'm very impressed with the XS strings!! I couldn't really tell a difference which is why I agree that a longevity test should be done 👍
I think in order to make a true comparison, you need to listen through high quality headphones. I did exactly that, and TO ME the D’Addarios were hands down clearer and the tonal range also had clearly more depth. They even had a bit more sustain, with an ability to produce that slight harmonic you hear when a string is tuned perfectly. The Elixers sounded a bit “tinny” with excess high residual noise. Of course, what “sounds good” to each person is subjective. I believe that good sound should have clarity, a pure and distinct difference in tone at each string sounding, a little bell sounding in the highs, and a slight rumble in the lows, with even modulation across the strings. Now the matter of string life is yet to be determined, and is also going to be different according to a persons playing style and oil/chemical presence on their hands. I would suggest washing hands right before playing, wiping strings down after, and write down the date you put the strings on, on the package and keep it in your case for that guitar. That way you can keep a record and make a comparison on longevity after about six months. ‘Just my opinion, for what it’s worth.
Excellent take and recommendations my guy
No, you're wrong.
You don't need to have high quality headphones to determine the difference.
Youre just tone deaf.
Your quality headphones doesnt matter.
And that doesnt make you hear the true comparison.
@@Alibadbad Whaaa?
Seems like the Elixirs were a little bit brighter than the XS. (via UA-cam audio that is.) The two probably equal out fairly quick (in a week or so?)
I have been having problems with the Elixir G string on my PRS AL Thin Line acoustic where the wrap breaks at the frets and exposes the core. This has worn my third fret enough that I'm thinking of getting a first-5 fret job. The solution from Elixir was to send me a free pack of G (24) strings.
My Cole Clark came shipped with XS and I got it set up and switched to Elixir as its what I normally use and... I can't wait to switch back to XS. It just sounds clearer and "real" if that makes sense.
I have been using the Elixirs for a long time, but I do find that through my Bose system I have to use EQ to tame the brightness a little and warm the middles. I would rather be able to run EQ as flat as possible, obviously. I even cut my nails on my right hand, and started playing with my finger pads rather than my nails for that very reason.
So, I have been looking for a string set that will give me the string longevity and be as beautifully articulate as the Elixirs but with a slightly warmer, softer tone and to my ears, the D;Addarios did exactly that.
I have just ordered my first set - I will report back.
So tell us, what's the verdict?
I thought that the D’addarios were just a titch brighter than the Elixers in your demonstration. I use the Polyweb Elixers on my old Epiphone Dreadnaught and I love them on that guitar. I’ve tried nearly every string available on that instrument over many years and the polywebs give that a guitar a kick in the bass to make it perfect. When I bought my Martin in March of 22 the dealer told me they had strung the guitar with D’addario XS 11-52 and I loved it so much I bought 3 extra sets when I bought the guitar. I find it’s sound to be perfect so I have no plan of changing that guitar/string combination. In all fairness I also own 3 Taylor acoustic guitars, they sound great and have always been strung with the Elixer Nanowebs. In my personal opinion the strings have to compliment the particular instrument. No one type, brand, and gauge of string satisfies my ears for every guitar I own. I also own a few electrics (quite a few actually) and I find the same to be true of electric guitar/string combinations.
Love polyweb 80/20 on my Larrivee. Nanoweb too bright for me
They work for many. Including Richard Thompson, Kaki King. I was given a set of the new XS daddario. May try them. Wasnt a big fan of EXP’s
Thanks for the informative video
I just put the D'darrio XS on my Simon and Patrick CH. They are brighter than the uncoated ones that came with the guitar. They hold tuning quite well. They have a nice slick, clean feel. I have the Elixir Nanoweb on my Yamaha. I prefer the XS at this time.
Great to read this. I just bought a used Simon & Patrick Songsmith Concert Hall ( June 15, 2022), and the sound of it with the original strings he still had in it, was awful, awful, awful. Non-coated something, and rusty and corroded. The base e thumped. It literally thumped. The remainder of the guitar, body, etc. was nearly new. A few stupid dings. So I took off the old, cleaned up the guitar thoroughly, and added new D’Aaddrio XS lights. Wow. What a guitar now. I think they are a bit tinny on the treble, but hopefully will settle down. The ease of playing, sliding, is wonderful, perhaps something I have to get useD to. Let me know if yours are still playing well, and what other strings you have put on your SP CH. Thanks! Jeremy