D'Addario XT strings

krb813 · #1 11-13-2019, 10:06 AM

Has anyone tried these acoustic strings yet?

dwasifar · #2 11-13-2019, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krb813

Has anyone tried these acoustic strings yet?

Nope, you'll be the first. D'Addario is waiting for someone to take the plunge.

Guitartanzon · #3 11-13-2019, 10:22 AM

I just ordered 2 sets from sweetwater

jaymarsch · #4 11-13-2019, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krb813

Has anyone tried these acoustic strings yet?

There are at least two threads on these strings from a few weeks ago. If you do a search you can see what other folks have said about them so far. I am getting ready to put them on one of my guitars and hope to chime in about them soon.

I was a beta tester and thought that these were a bit of an improvement over the EXPs in terms of both string noise and feel.

Best,
Jayne

1Charlie · #5 11-13-2019, 10:31 AM

I managed to kill a set within two days. Granted, my fingers are tough on strings, but still, I was disappointed.

srbell · #6 11-13-2019, 10:35 AM

I put a set of xtapb lights on my Taylor 814ce dlx yesterday. So far I'm liking them. Of course it has been too little time to see how they hold up vs the Elixirs I usually put on it.
I tried EXPs before and couldn't get them off the guitar fast enough - didn't like them at all. Seems like they had too much friction and made too much string noise. These XTs seem to be better in that regard. Hopefully they'll hold up well.

TBman · #7 11-13-2019, 11:20 AM

I have them on my Avalon. So far so good. I think they have been on for a month or so now.

foxo · #8 11-13-2019, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1Charlie

I managed to kill a set within two days. Granted, my fingers are tough on strings, but still, I was disappointed.

How’s that possible? I don’t even feel new strings have settled completely two days in.

Rev Roy · #9 11-13-2019, 11:27 AM

I’ve had them on my D-41 for a week or so. And put a set on my Songwriter a couple days ago. Liking them on both guitars so far...though I like them better on the Gibson than the Martin at this early point.

Now let’s see how long they last...

kcnbys · #10 11-13-2019, 12:50 PM

Tried a set last week. Day after my first gig with them, their "pop" took a big hit, and they sounded dull. This has pretty much been my experience with EXP's, so was hoping the XT's would be different. I have not experienced any coated string that does nearly as well as Elixir's.

Arthur Blake · #11 11-13-2019, 01:00 PM

Using the PB medium on an OM-18A.

They replaced GHS Americana PB medium (cryogenic).

The primary points with XT are high carbon steel, lifespan treatment and fusion wrap for tuning stability.

I think the GHS has a bit stronger bass, but the XT have several advantages I've noticed, so I've kept them on - only a few days now, but liked them well enough to buy a couple more sets.

First, they seem easier to play, easier to slide, can slide further up the neck and still retain the sound, as in 5-12th fret, or even 3 to 12.

Either my strength has improved or the strings are easier to play, barre chords seem to be no problem at all and easier to hold longer.

Another thing, 12th fret harmonics sound much nicer, fuller tone, sound longer, easier to play well.

Tuning stability seems good too.

And another thing which most probably don't care, even though they have a treatment, it didn't darken the color of the strings.

krb813 · #12 11-13-2019, 03:10 PM

Another question. Anybody have any experience with Curt Mangan acoustic strings.

leew3 · #13 11-13-2019, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krb813

Another question. Anybody have any experience with Curt Mangan acoustic strings.

PM Rokdog49. He's the stringmeister and has tried these.

247hoopsfan · #14 11-13-2019, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kcnbys

Tried a set last week. Day after my first gig with them, their "pop" took a big hit, and they sounded dull. This has pretty much been my experience with EXP's, so was hoping the XT's would be different. I have not experienced any coated string that does nearly as well as Elixir's.

My feelings exactly. Nothing comes close to the longevity of Elixirs. EXP's sound dull after a couple weeks, the XT's are not much better. I am a Daddario fan and they sound a little better to my ear, but after Elixirs lose their initial zing, they settle into a great tone that just lasts forever.

TBman · #15 11-13-2019, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krb813

Another question. Anybody have any experience with Curt Mangan acoustic strings.

I have used them. I play finger style, bare fingers only and mostly in DADGAD, CGDGCD and other similar tunings so YMMV. Also I use a capo frequently and I don't have a heavy touch.

Curt Mangan roundcore 13-56 medium 13 17 26 36 46 56 on my all hog Guild D-120ce. I liked these.

Curt Magnum Monel Round Core 13 17 26 36 46 56 on my spruce/rosewood Avalon L2-320c. These I didn't really like as much. They were very jangly sounding even after 3 weeks so I took them off.