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D'Addario XS: Making a String

D'Addario XS: Making a String

D'Addario XS Strings

D'Addario XS Strings

Jim D'Addario on D'Addario XS Strings

Jim D'Addario on D'Addario XS Strings

Andy Powers on D'Addario XS

Andy Powers on D'Addario XS

D'Addario

Description

XS Acoustic phosphor bronze strings feature a breakthrough in coated string technology. With an ultrathin polymer coating on every wound string and unique treatment on the plain steels, XS strings offer the highest level of protection and longest life of any of D'Addario's coated acoustic string, while maintaining an uncommonly smooth feel.

Ultrathin Polymer Coating Provides Maximum Protection

The ultrathin polymer coating on XS acoustic strings shields the phosphor bronze winding from corrosion and buildup, allowing the strings to sing for an astounding 200 hours of playing time. This thin coating does not dampen the tone or feel, providing the warmth and clarity of uncoated bronze strings.

High Carbon NY Steel Cores Create Unmatched Strength

At the heart of XS Strings are high carbon NY Steel cores and plain string wire. This specialized steel provides maximum tensile strength for strings that simply do not break under normal playing conditions. The plain strings are also treated with a polymer to prevent slippage and maximize tuning stability.

Fusion Twist Technology Enhances Playability

XS Strings feature an exclusive Fusion Twist wrap wire that is precision ground to an exacting gage for an uncommonly smooth feel. The Fusion Twist wrap also grips each string wind tightly, preventing stray strands and ensuring consistent tone and intonation up and down the neck.

Warm, Balanced Tone

Designed specifically for acoustic guitars, XS Phosphor Bronze Strings produce a warm, balanced tone with clear, ringing highs. The polymer coating does not dampen the natural tone of phosphor bronze, allowing the characteristic richness and sparkle to shine through.

D'Addario XS Acoustic Phosphor Bronze Strings Light Plus (12.5 - 54)
D'Addario XS Acoustic Phosphor Bronze Strings Light Plus (12.5 - 54)
D'Addario XS Acoustic Phosphor Bronze Strings Light Plus (12.5 - 54)

Features

  • Longest life of any D’Addario acoustic string
  • Ultrathin XS film coating
  • Provides tried-and-true D’Addario acoustic tone
  • Beautiful balance and warmth suitable for all musical genres
  • With a NY Steel core and Fusion Twist technology for greater break strength and tuning stability
  • Stay in tune 131% better than standard acoustic strings
  • Comes with a code on the recyclable, resealable VCI bag, which you can register to earn Players Circle points
  • Made in the USA
  • Drawn to D'Addario's exacting specifications at their New York production facility

Reviews

4.68

105 Reviews

90%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Most Liked Positive Review

5

Great Strings for all types of Players

As a beginner/intermediate player and owner of multiple acoustic guitars, I have tried and continue to experiment with many types of strings. I recently purchased a new Martin GPCE Inception from Guitar Center. The first upgrade to the guitar was changing the strings. There are a lot of great-sounding strings on the market, but I have found the D'Addario XS Acoustic Phosphor Bronze Strings to be the best solution for diverse sound quality and playability. Try them the next time you change strings or purchase a new guitar; you will not be disappointed.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

1

Not so good

I bought a set to placate the guy who runs the local guitar store where I spend some money from time to time to do my bit to keep them in business. I put them on a resonator which is my current favorite. I immediately noticed something strange in the feel and the way the strings interacted with my fingers/nails when finger picking. Essentially these fail at fingerpicking, IMO of course. If you like greasy feeling strings that interact unpredictably with your finger tips and nails, they may be for you.

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Practicing68
  2. Concerts47
  3. Back-Up30
  4. Live Performance1
  5. Studio work1
Cons
  1. Breaks Easy5
  2. Poor Tone Quality4
  3. expensive2
  4. None that I have found1
  5. Not Consistent1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced55
  2. Novice22
  3. Professional Musician21
Pros
  1. Good Tone86
  2. Long Life67
  3. Consistent66
  4. Well Built / Quality54
  5. Good tone and easy to play1
  • Thought I'd never leave Elixir

    5

    submitted2 days ago

    byJimmy

    fromGA

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Been a long time Elixir user, but these have taken taken over. Great strings with less of that "coated" feel (though that never really bothered me). Great strings, #sweepstakes

  • Great Strings for all types of Players

    5

    submitted7 days ago

    byRichard

    fromPalm Coast Florida

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    As a beginner/intermediate player and owner of multiple acoustic guitars, I have tried and continue to experiment with many types of strings. I recently purchased a new Martin GPCE Inception from Guitar Center. The first upgrade to the guitar was changing the strings. There are a lot of great-sounding strings on the market, but I have found the D'Addario XS Acoustic Phosphor Bronze Strings to be the best solution for diverse sound quality and playability. Try them the next time you change strings or purchase a new guitar; you will not be disappointed.

  • I would not buy this again

    3

    submitted14 days ago

    byTrent

    fromLebanon, PA

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    The strings are super nice quality and sounds great. However a couple days after putting them on my guitar, one of the strings snapped. Brand new set of strings wasted. #sweepstakes

  • Recommended by a guitar center employee

    5

    submitteda month ago

    byTrista

    fromRockford, IL

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Great strings, would buy again :)

  • Good strings

    5

    submitteda month ago

    byVictor

    fromHauppauge

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Gear tone

  • I will buy these strings again

    5

    submitteda month ago

    byJohn

    fromTijeras, N.M.

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    These strings are the best in my opinion. I've used just about every brand of strings and these sound and feel the best on my acoustics!

Q&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • asked bymeter

    fromHaverhill, MA

    Do they make these strings in 80/20?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    I believe they are.
  • asked byAlex

    fromBrooklyn NY

    Is this for a 6 string guitar ?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Yes, the D'Addario XS Acoustic Phosphor Bronze Strings Medium (13-56) is for a six string.
  • asked byBryan

    fromRichmond, Ca

    to restring, do i need 2 packs for my 12 string?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Absolutely not. You can't use regular strings for a 12 string. I will have a product specialist contact you with other options.
  • asked byJoe

    fromVa.

    CanI get mediums in bulk?

    Open Reply - Gear-Adviser
    Thank you for your question. An agent will contact you within 48 hours