#16
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Does it also feel like uncoated string?
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2014 Martin SWOMGT |
#17
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I tried the XT P.B. Mediums on my Martin D18V for 3 weeks and didn't like the tone, balance, volume, resonance the instant I put them on and they were extremely dull after 3 weeks.I had been using EXP17 and it was a disappointing downgrade from EXP17 to XT. The EXP17 to my ear are a great sounding and playing string with all the right characteristics. The XT were very metallic in tone for the 3 week period with noticeably less bass/bottom end, less mids, less resonance, and less balanced. The brightness was between EXP17 and EJ17 but with less dryness and less fullness and richness. The XT feels very similar to EJ17 and has the same string tension. The EXP17 has about 6 lbs less tension and is quite noticeable when playing. It is very disappointing that D'Addario has ceased manufacturing of the EXP series and replacing them with the XT series. I sent D'Addario my opinions of this and of the XT strings via email and am awaiting a reply.
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#18
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Ah crap, they're getting rid of EXP's? Really? Guess I will have to stock up.
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#19
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I had a good experience with the EXP variety, but tried the XT's on a rosewood Yamaha and did not care for them. I removed them after 3 weeks - just sounded "jangly" to me and never settled properly. I am a huge fan of the uncoated EJ16's and I liked the EXP's that came on my Alvarez when I bought it, but did not like the XT's.
To be fair I bought two sets of the XT's so I will try them on my mahogany Alvarez next to see if that is a better combination.
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Justin ________________ Gibson J-15 Alvarez MD60BG Yamaha LL16RD Epiphone Les Paul Standard Fender Player Stratocaster |
#20
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I received a reply back from D'Addario on my opinion of the XT strings and the decision to eliminate the production of the EXP series.
I thank you kindly for the in-depth analysis. I was surprised we were redoing the line as well as the EXP line was something I rarely ever had heard of issues with but I'm sure there were other factors in the equation. Sorry to hear you did not care for the XT set. Consumer/Customer Service Product Specialist T: 631-439-3216 or 800-323-2746 Ext 216 D'Addario & Company, Inc. 595 Smith Street Farmingdale, NY 11735 |
#21
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Quote:
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#22
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Who says D'Addario is discontinuing EXPs?
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Eastman E1SS-CLA-LTD Eastman E1OOSS-LTD Cordoba Fusion Orchestra CE Cordoba SM-CE Mini Classical Acoustic Ibanez Blazer 21 MIJ Stratocaster 2 Yamaha PSR-SX900 keyboards I play professionally Roland FP-90 digital piano I play for pleasure with piano VSTs. |
#23
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Read that post right before yours. That is straight from D'addario.
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Don't chase tone. Make tone. |
#24
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Just threw my free set (.12-.53) on the Rainsong Shorty, and so far so good. The tuning stabilized quickly with a minimum of stretching, and the sound great so far. Also, I'm noting less string squeak than with the EXPs.
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#25
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Now five weeks in with XT medium PB on my Larrivee, and I’m still happy with them. I have six sets of EXP waiting (BOGO specials) but just don’t see the need to change yet. They still sound warm and clear, no perceived loss in tone to my ears. And I’ve been changing tunings often.
Like everything on this forum, try them out. If you don’t like them they aren’t for you. We all like, hear, perceive things so differently, but that’s what leads to variety!
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Treenewt |
#26
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Yes that reply was directly from D'Addario.. Quite disappointing for sure...It is probable that the decision to supercede the EXP series with XT series came from the bean counters/upper management and not the product specialists without any involvement with the product specialist. It sounds like that decision was a surprise even to the product specialist that sent me that reply.
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#27
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Quote:
I am with you. I tried a set and had to rip them off in about the same time as you. Please don’t discontinue EXP’s!
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Taylor 412ce 2011 FLTD Santa Cruz OM Short Scale Martin JC-16RGTE Martin LX1 Epiphone Broadway Gamboa Charango Ovation Classical model 1116 Fender Strat |
#28
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I've been a long time elixir user that occasionally tries other strings (including D'addario EXP) here and there and always land back on elixirs. I currently have 3/4 of my guitars strung with XT strings (some 80/20 some phosphor bronze) and I absolutely love them. I can't wait till the strings wear down on my other guitar to put them on that as well. Compared to elixir they're louder and punchier and I love the way they feel. Can't speak for the longevity yet. These will be my string of choice from now on unless they don't last long.
I just posted the above comment in the other thread that was linked here. I normally don't get too excited when it comes to strings but I'm happy with these so far. Prefer them over elixirs and EXP. Every guitar is different and each of us wants to hear certain things from our guitars. YMMV. |