D'Addario XS Strings

Juan_Banjovy · #1 03-02-2021, 09:58 PM

Not released yet but soon. Curious, might try a set.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbq1EcPtqO8

douglasfan1 · #2 03-03-2021, 12:08 AM

Quite expensive but don't know how long a set of strings can survive...

llew · #3 03-03-2021, 08:04 AM

So XT took EXP's place. Will XS take XT's place? EXP=coated, XT=treated, and XS= coated again?

Johnny5 · #4 03-03-2021, 08:18 AM

Yeah I have been meaning to look into them more. I pretty much use D'Addario EXP 16 exclusively. Not too happy they are being replaced... lol.

steelvibe · #5 03-03-2021, 08:41 AM

As much as I liked the XT strings, I also like the EXP line as well-- maybe even a little more.

I hope this is not one of those "New Coke" kind of things?

jklotz · #6 03-03-2021, 09:02 AM

I will try them when they come out.

rgregg48 · #7 03-03-2021, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jklotz

I will try them when they come out.

Of course you will

rgregg48 · #8 03-03-2021, 09:08 AM

Face it, the XT bombed
People liked the EXP better
Thus the XS

We will see at 18 a pop they better be good!

Lkristians · #9 03-03-2021, 09:15 AM

I was speaking with Steve McCreary from Collings last week and he told me they sent these out to a lot of their artists and had many favorable reviews.
I'll definitely give them a try.

Shadowfox · #10 03-03-2021, 09:46 AM

The biggest issue is that they are only PB. So that automatically precludes me from buying them.

jcpharm · #11 03-03-2021, 11:04 AM

in response to one of the comments in the YT video linked above, D'Addario appears to respond to a question asking differences from the XT line saying:

"Our XT line feels more natural and has enhanced life, while XS coated strings offer maximum life and a smoother feel."

So sounds like XS will be a thicker coating (more slick and less natural feeling) but longer lasting. maybe similar to nanoweb vs. polyweb in the Elixir line?

Silly Moustache · #12 03-03-2021, 11:16 AM

All sounds like re-branding and re-marketing to me.

Uncoated hex core, PB does for me. that's it. At ease, smoke it you got 'em.

jaymarsch · #13 03-03-2021, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcpharm

in response to one of the comments in the YT video linked above, D'Addario appears to respond to a question asking differences from the XT line saying:

"Our XT line feels more natural and has enhanced life, while XS coated strings offer maximum life and a smoother feel."

So sounds like XS will be a thicker coating (more slick and less natural feeling) but longer lasting. maybe similar to nanoweb vs. polyweb in the Elixir line?

I beta tested the XTs and liked the tone okay but didn't like the rough feel of them, so maybe I wasn't the only one and they are trying to split the difference between tone, feel and longevity to appeal to as many potential buyers as possible. I am so happy with Lowden, GHS and Pearse strings, I am not sure I will have any motivation to try out this next version of D'Addarios. I'm sure they'll float someone's boat.

Best,
Jayne

Rev Roy · #14 03-03-2021, 12:29 PM

I’ll give ‘em a shot. I have an annoying habit of actually trying something before judging it.

boneuphtoner · #15 03-03-2021, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcpharm

So sounds like XS will be a thicker coating (more slick and less natural feeling) but longer lasting. maybe similar to nanoweb vs. polyweb in the Elixir line?

That is exactly what I was thinking - these certainly sound like the polywebs - which don't seem to be as popular as the nanowebs. I probably will try a set at some point.