Are the D'Addario XS and EJ strings identical

[jdrnd]

I am trying to decide what strings to try on my X-30. I was comparing string tension.

Note that the EJ16 and XS light have almost identical string tension.
The EJ17 and XS medium have IDENTICAL string tension.
Are they just the same strings with and without coating?



EJ16
12 to 53
E 24.95
A 28.93
D 29.93
G 30.06
B 23.31
E 23.36
Total Tension 160.54


XS Light
12 to 53
E 24.95
A 28.93
D 29.93
G 30.03
B 23.31
E 23.36
Total Tension 160.51


EJ17
13 to 56
E 27.75
A 32.77
D 35.87
G 35.15
B 26.31
E 27.42
Total Tension 185.27


XS Medium
13 to 56
E 27.75
A 32.77
D 35.87
G 35.15
B 26.31
E 27.42
Total Tension 185.27

[martingitdave]

Yes they are the same string tension. The new XS have a very thin coating (somewhat slippery) and their new NY steel core wire for all of the strings including the plain strings. Martin strings MA550T will have about 6lbs more tension. And, GHS phos bronze or Americana will have another 2-3lbs more tension than the Martin. If you want tension and power, give the GHS Americana 13s a try. The Emerald will have no trouble with the tension and you'll get a hifi sound.

[jdrnd]

Originally Posted by martingitdave

Yes they are the same string tension. The new XS have a very thin coating (somewhat slippery) and their new NY steel core wire for all of the strings including the plain strings. If you want tension and power, give the GHS Americana 13s a try. The Emerald will have no trouble with the tension and you'll get a hifi sound.

but the same string tension to the hundreth of a pound? Is the XS just an EJ with coating.


...and thank you, I may try GHS American 13s. I already own the XS, so I'm going to try them first.

[martingitdave]

only a heavier coating would add enough mass to the string to change the tension at pitch, think elixir. I think Martin strings are also close or identical because thet use a thin treatment.

[HogsNRoses]

Originally Posted by jdrnd

Is the XS just an EJ with coating.

D'Addario claims that the XS have the NYXL cores. If so, the EJ and XS would be using different steel. I don't have either set, but you can compare the twist at the ends and also compare how hard it is to cut the string after you string the guitar up. I find the NYXL wire harder to cut.

A few resources:

D'Addario's string tension calculator: http://web.daddario.com/StringTensionPro/Search

Some info on strings - I thought the comment on malleability was interesting: https://www.sgw.nipponsteel.com/en/story/music/04.html