Best Acoustic Guitar Strings? Real World Comparison Between Already Worn in Guitar Strings

[@iamjiroe]

I feel like Elixir strings have this sparkling high end that makes you feel like “wow”, but at the same time this sparkling high end makes it so it lacks roundness and body. To my ears D’Addario ones sound more organic if it makes sense, and have a less “plastic” sound them

[@davemaiorino9017]

That’s a good point. Two different characters for sure

[@JesusLovesTheLost]

I hear what your talking about, and I agree. Although I love the sounds of the Elixirs, I value the more well rounded sound of the D'Addarios.

[@vzeller]

I played Elixir for years. They definitely are dull and tinty compared to many other strings. The coating mutes the strings true characteristics. They actually sound better when the coating starts to come off after 6 plus gigs.

[@WorshipGuitarist4life17]

Elixir for me, I know Dr just dropped new coated strings, but it's $20 a pack, and I prefer 2-3 packs, I saw Patagonia 9-42 acoustic guitar strings on Amazon, curious how they sound but no1 has a video on

[@RoadToFame05]

I’m in love with the elixir strings, I just bought them, so exited to try them out.

[@hounddoggurxi203]

After attempting to tune my guitar, my string snapped. It hurts like hell in my forearm after the whiplash. As a result, I assumed KZbin was just sitting docks; however, its algorithm recommended this video to me, and I must say it is so eye-opening to see how well you play the guitar that it reflects that the string is truly worth purchasing.

[@Monk4570]

Wow I’ll never play anything other than Elixir again. I’ve used the D’addario for years and your tone was very comparable to mine. When I heard the Elixirs I was shocked. Wasn’t expecting them to be as sparkly

[@davemaiorino9017]

Elixir's are the way to go! They keep that new sound for a very long time too

[@phenixreturns]

the best strings : kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYi3k2yQmpmXkMk

[@troymattingly3071]

Elixirs are the only strings that improve lower - quality guitars. Also, it isn't just because the strings are new.🤣👍

[@GRJ-uz7kf]

All modern strings are good, compared to when I started playing in 1959. But (as a non-professional) I find Elixirs a marvel. Played maybe 1-1/2 daily, they stay sounding good and simply NEVER go bad. I change strings for the heck of it, not because a change is needed.

[@cugir321]

replace the .012 and .016 (lights) every 2 or 3 weeks with musicians friends bulk rouge strings and they ring forever just about. 3.00 for a 10 pack. The steel strings die like normal strings....for .35 cents each you can keep the set sounding fresh

[@injuredtabletennisplayer1474]

Good job. I usually just change every 3 months. But I’m goin to purchase my first elixirs on the strength of your interview

[@Stoagman1]

I've played the Elixer Nanowebs for years and they are great strings in my opinion. I did just order a set of the D'Addario XT (.012-.053) strings to try on my Taylor. I've been reviewing a number of these comparison videos today and based on what I hear these are worth a try. You never know. I can also change them back. Thanks for the demo.

[@mark-ze4en]

definitely the Elixers sound brighter. Recording brings out the lows and that's just a few hours of added mixing I have to do in order to fit the acoustic guitar into is frequency niche. A brighter string brings out the articulation.

[@maxwellfan55]

I choose Elixirs mainly for superior tone. Sometimes it's a question of what tone woods sound best with Elixir PB's or 80/20's. Now that would make a good review.

[@davemaiorino9017]

Correct. I play a Martin now and prefer the Martin strings over elixir currently

[@DjNikGnashers]

I prefer Elixer polyweb, because I hate that scratchy string noise. I think when using a pick/plectrum, or playing with long nails, they sound a little bit too bright, but as I play with flesh / no nails, and fingerpick, they sound perfect.

[@R.L.Humpert]

I think both strings sound great but I slightly have gone away from the elixirs on my Martin guitars because they seem too bright and tinny. I like these D’Addarios.

[@dr.p3637]

I like the Nano's better for fingerpicking because they retain that bright sound despite using no pick.

[@joshuajames1728]

I would be cool to see you do this exact same comparison but with Elixir “Phosphor” Bronze nanowebs. That would be a “fair” comparison. Great sound clips and video

[@don1506]

The elixirs shine thru everything you provided. I am a. Elixir user this style and gage. Thanks

[@dr.p3637]

Hi Dave. I just bought a new Martin D 45 and my first strings I put on the guitar the first day were the Elixir Nanoweb 80/20s. The D45 comes stock with titanium strings, and they really just don't sound that great to be honest. As soon as I got the Nanowebs on there the guitar started to sing like it was from heaven. After a bit I thought I might play around with the guitar a bit and thought I might give those D'Addario's a try. But after watching your video this morning, I'm sticking with what I already knew...... thanks man have a great day.

[@gabrielmarquardt7174]

Do elixirs keep their sparkle? I've used numerous Daddarios that lose it on my mahogany... Martin's models sound great and keep a small bit of sparkle, but lost a lot of it. Does the coating on the Elixirs help the sparkle stay longer?

[@paulhendershott667]

I use the same Elixir's as well as the Martin Lifespan 2.0 Phosphor Bronze 10-47 Extra Lights on my 000-15M to brighten up the more mellow middy-sounds of the all Mahogany guitar. The D'addario's I've tried seemed a little muddy (on my guitar, at least). I got a 3 pack of the D'ad's a couple Christmas's back so I tried to like them... no joy

[@User51813]

Great comparison video mate.

[@jaynosowsky9708]

Elixirs win by a mile!!!! Wasn't expecting that.

[@adammcgowan7870]

What is that chord progression I love it,the one in beginning

[@XDarkSniperkidd]

Elixir strings are my personal favorite because the strings are hella clean sounding and they bright especially playing corridos makes it sound so good

[@tiduschapman1774]

I always use the Elixir Polywebs.Nanowebs sound too bright for me. But on my dark sounding guitars I will use D Daddario XTs because they sound more active. But I purchased a Taylor 114e and will be restringing that with the Polywebs.

[@debwiser3177]

What are you playing in 3:49

[@nikkowood7465]

I feel like the Elixirs make the guitar sound kind of tinny, noticed that too when I bought some for my guitar a few years back.

[@R.L.Humpert]

Hey man are you still making videos? Also I like the DAddario slightly better. I’ve been using elixirs for a while but on my Martins I switched to the DAddario and just sound more full, warm, and bass and not as tinny.

[@joshuasmith9587]

I’m using the phosphor bronze Elixirs on my Teton. Also picked up some Martin & Co Phosphor Bronze. I have a feeling the Elixirs are superior but won’t know till I give it a try.

[@davebutler3905]

Elixir are definitely brighter. Thanks for the demo!

[@amysmusicsplaying4002]

Thank you for doing this! I will stick with the Elixir

[@davemaiorino9017]

Of course! And me too

[@michaelgao8621]

@@davemaiorino9017 I think Taylor is probably use Elixir Phosphor strings, but some Good Guitars also use Daddario Phosphor strings, mine is like Taylor, but I use Daddario Ej16 3d phosphor strings.

[@hkguitar1984]

I think I agree with the choice to stick with the Elixirs. I've gone through a lot of guitar stings in my life as I've been playing since 1974. I cringe at the current costs for all strings, however the Elixir far outlast any other Acoustic strings I've tried. D'addario makes great strings, no doubt about that, my personal preference still always gravitates me back to Elixir for my acoustics. Not sure if anyone else has this next issue I'm going to mention, but I've found that most of my guitars actually have a brand preference of string as to getting the best tone (to my ears anyway). Currently I am using 4 different brands of strings for 7 different electric guitars. What brand sounds good on my Les Paul just doesn't cut it on my Telecaster. And what sounds great for the Telecaster just doesn't cut it for my Stratocaster! In a perfect world I'd use one brand for all of them and be done with it, but alas no, life is more complicated than that. Great review, thank you.

[@chaipod]

Its good to listen to an old timer. Thanks for your experience.

[@hkguitar1984]

@@chaipod Thank You for taking the time to reply. I believe more than any other group musicians (while not perfect) communicate and understand each other best. Personally I think the emotions we experience when playing are a shared experience that binds us. Oh how the world would be a different place if everyone could make music.

[@chaipod]

@@hkguitar1984 Music is the very first language, it teaches men to talk. The bird sings, men follows...

[@hkguitar1984]

@@chaipod Amen

[@phenixreturns]

the best strings : kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYi3k2yQmpmXkMk

[@jimmycollette9209]

Elixirs for me. I've tried about every brand and always come back to elixirs.

[@jayman1338]

I feel like the elixir strings are by far better sounding. I mean just based on what I’m hearing in this video. They are so much more clear and bright and just makes more sense. I’m definitely going to buy those. Thank you.

[@jaygee6310]

Tone is tone and wood is wood... also no one mentioned the sustain that the elixirs naturally possess. Although it does fade away quicker than most .. But, I'll gladly change them when necessary.. Yours truly, Tone Wood..

[@mailvilla]

Can I put D'Addario XL ECG23 (Flat Wound) Chromes Stings (10-48) on an acoustic guitar? Would it still sound like an acoustic, but a little warmer?

put them but try pure nickels too

[@dylanito8291]

Can I get some opinions on using elixirs for the high four strings and d’addario’s for the low two? Or would that totally mess up the tone? Has anyone tried it/can someone making a video trying it? I thought it sounded great when I tried it but I suck at guitar so it’s be cool to hear someone good do it.

[@audan2006]

no problems there. problems could arise if you used different brands/types of the lower 4 strings because after a chunk of time you'd likely have some strings that sound better than others instead having all of them (sort of) degrade together.

[@dantesmith3664]

what's the last song you played? I like it. great video too. Thankyou

[@yasasalawatte]

What do u prefer? Elixir 80/20 nanoweb or Elixir phosphor bronze nanoweb 😀

[@aniketsaha2782]

D'addario have a clean sound but the second one Elixir's Sound is more beautiful .. The second one is good enough for any type of sound that u want .. I will choose the second one ...!☺️

[@ItjustbeHB]

What was the last song?

[@ferrellfreeman430]

I agree with you the Elixir strings have a much better ring and sustain the D'Adarieo strings much more mellow. Thanks for your video great information .

[@dhirenjazz8100]

Nice info, which one is better strings brand or name for better resonant sound????? Warm sound

[@jonstyles5707]

What song is being played at 3:50???

[@davemaiorino9017]

Dust in the wind

[@jamescalalo]

on my experience elixir has that more clarity and is more tone consistent than the XT... both are great to have though

[@spiderguy01]

3:47 something like Olivia , what a great song by Mr. John Mayer ✨

[@arsalansafdar007]

Can i use Elixir on Yamaha f310? It sounds bright

[@davemaiorino9017]

Yup!

[@devenmalde5599]

Which strings should i use on my fender sa105ce

[@davemaiorino9017]

try out the elixir's

[@devenmalde5599]

@@davemaiorino9017 If I did use elixir strings, then my guitar's tension would increase or not

[@davemaiorino9017]

@@devenmalde5599 it shouldn't

[@aditianand3899]

I have a fender squier sa-105 dreadnought guitar. It's original strings broke. Which strings should I go for?? budget strings

[@PrateekDwivedi95]

Go for D'Addario EZ910 it costs ₹350

[@iitzmitaum1218]

yeah, seems like elixir is the best, but, in durability, how the elixir perform? how much time i can use it without buying another strings pack?

[@chelsea5083]

Hey, what is the name of the 3rd song you are playing? I like exliar but for that one song I like the others

[@davemaiorino9017]

Something like olivia by john mayer! Acoustic version

[@chelsea5083]

@@davemaiorino9017 thank you for replying. Great playing

[@musiciankh]

What guitar pic do you use?

[@jieni927]

Thanks for everything you did! appreciated ☺️

[@davemaiorino9017]

No problem thanks for watching!

[@itsMizaa]

What do you recommend? 12/53, 11/52, 12/56 80/20 bronze or phosphor bronze for Yamaha FS800? I'm a noob beginner, and don't know their differences 🤣

[@debasishiamwastaken]

Its all about preference phosphor bronze is warmer and the 82/20 bronze is brighter in general. We can go in the technicalities of each string materials and how they effect the sound. But in the end it all comes down to what do your preference. The warm with a bit bass heavy sound or the bright with a bit twang in the strumming. i would suggest try every possible strings you can buy. That how most of the guitarists got to know their favourite string brands and types. The only advice i would give you is thinner strings are easier on your left hand than the thicker ones. And the thinner ones are brighter than the thicker ones. So a light gauge phosphor bronze would be brighter than a heavy gauge 80/20 bronze. I hope this helps.

[@itsMizaa]

@@debasishiamwastaken Thank you :) I bought a size 10 extra light, will go to custom light or light once I got use to it

[@MackDaddyVic]

Why did you take off the volume, and tone knobs off of that beautiful Taylor 214ce? By the way, the elixirs are the clear winner here. No doubt.

[@davemaiorino9017]

@@MackDaddyVic I switched the expression system with the lr baggs anthem

[@Destination_Dive]

What was that last song you played, do a tutorial!

[@Liv-hr6jg]

Sounded like "Can't you see" by The Marshall Tucker Band to me, with a pinch of his own improvisation on it 🤔

[@DUSTINBARTRUM]

Is that a John mayor tune

[@omardiaz4392]

Somethin ab thise elixir strings man, idk how to explain it but when they are brand new they sound like a soothing deep voice

[@Userr4311]

allow me to ask, I plan to buy new strinng now, does the D'addario XT worth it to give it a shot? I been using Elixer for last 5 months and have very very LOVE it. Just cerious of the new D'addario XT strinng so I wondering

[@davemaiorino9017]

If it aint broke dont fix it

[@R.L.Humpert]

I tend to agree with Dave on the elixirs and if they work don’t switch but I am too curious to my amateur ears how the XT or XS sound. I hate to waste 20 bucks in strings and then another 20 if I go back but I M very curious. I have heard other professionalists swear by the D’Addarios so who knows. Did you try them and like them as much as elixir? I think we’re pulling hairs at this point but please let me know. Thanks!

[@jordibernal3488]

This is pretty much why I will never go back to using any other brand of strings except Elixir.

[@alipdniel]

what the difference between 12/53 and 12/56 ?? 🥹🥹

[@Kharumlong]

First string and the last string 12 to 53 or 12 to 56

[@sagarikahettihewa214]

Thanks dave for this video

[@groovydjs]

Elixirs sound new and the D'addario strings just sound dead. I was hoping that D'addario came up with something cool...but, nah.

[@lurs21]

Elixir stay fresh longer and feel buttery smooth. I bought xt's thinking they are same thing as elixers but from daddario. Not at all they just regular strings without coating that coasts 2x. Even though they advertise one... My xt's died in like week. My elixers still sounds like new and e and b strings didn't darken and still shiny. And it's been a month of playing

[@lloyddichoson4171]

oh that's nice! i bought yesterday 2 sets PB elixir, Good God thats was the best about elixir, e & b don't rust! bout what about b & e of xt?

[@lurs21]

@@lloyddichoson4171 they are black now

[@lloyddichoson4171]

@@lurs21 elixir nailed it! Yes! Thank you brother!

[@Chris_OConnor]

Is it just me or is there someone else feeling that thicker strings like 12's or even 13's are "easyer" to play???!!! When I got 10s or 11s on i struggled with playing, also with Fingerstyle playing! I feel that the heavier strings give me a more clear feeling for the strings and i can play better, and hit the strings always correctly and direct! Someone else feeling like me?????

[@davemaiorino9017]

I understand what you are saying! Heavier strings can feel more stable when playing

[@Chris_OConnor]

@@davemaiorino9017 thanks for your reply!! I just struggling more with thinner string's but for the reason I have no friends around me with instruments or guitar i just have to find it out probably for myself on my journey to get better.. i just want to get a more secure kind of feeling while playing so I think it would make maybe since for me with thicker strings.. have a great day btw your vids are great!!

[@davemaiorino9017]

@@Chris_OConnor Thanks Chris! Yeah I run 12's on acoustic and 10's on electric

[@bobaldo2339]

Heavier strings sound better. It really is just that simple. (Also uncoated strings sound better - but that's another story. I changed strings often, and preferred that to "long lasting strings" which all sounded unnatural to me.). But I digress! The question is how much tension can any guitar neck made in the last 20 or 30 years stand before it starts to pull up? I'd have mediums on all my guitars if they could stand it. It took 50 years for the neck on my old Guild blond jumbo to pull up. It took only a couple years for the necks on my more recent guitars (Guilds & Martins) to start pulling up. I've gone to light strings - which I do not like to do, as they have no feel for a player used to mediums. But these newer lighter weight guitars just can't take much tension. There I said it. They may well open up sooner sound-wise, but they are weaker.

[@Chris_OConnor]

@@bobaldo2339 Thank you! Very good explained and so I understand! I own a shorter scale Folk guitar, and i still think I'm going to go for medium strings probably because I'm scared that the high tension will ruin my guitar probably idk... It's just that I don't feel comfortable with light strings because the low tension and the "swing/vibration" in the strings makes me always mess up (hope I explained that right sorry for my English!)

[@michaelgao8621]

Hi Dave, I feel that Daddario Xt sounds more deader, Elixir is more Brighter and Crisper, I have a (Taylor Custom 224ce-K-DLX), I use Martin Treated 2.0 Phosphor Bronze Light and Elixirs. Do you think it’s true that Daddario XT sounds dead right out of the package?

[@davemaiorino9017]

They are crisp right out of the box but quickly become dull

[@michaelgao8621]

@@davemaiorino9017 Ok cool, but I feel that StringJoy sounds dead right out of the box, have you used StringJoy before? I feel like pretty hate StringJoys.

[@davemaiorino9017]

@@michaelgao8621 Never tried them

[@6rake9]

Elixirs are my favorite. I have extra sweaty hands that rust traditional strings really quickly (within 2 weeks sometimes if I play a lot) and the elixirs stay like new for months. Great deal for the price.

[@Jigshparmar88]

No doubt D'addario is warm but it is not justifying the price. But I would go with Elixir because it's bright, crunchy in the tone and worth at that price.

[@fahrulrozi409]

what type of elixir do u use here?

[@ceeelle9672]

I was excited to try the XTs, but hated them. Also hated the XS. But I love the D’Addario Nickel Bronze strings.

[@RobinCovers]

Very Good review

[@davemaiorino9017]

thanks!

[@StopFear]

This kind of test doesn’t really allow to hear the difference. It may seem counter intuitive but you would hear clearer difference if you didn’t play actual music but rather played repetitive chords or single strings.

[@troymattingly3071]

Yes, you have wise ears.👍

[@lancengales3551]

Very informative! Where did you get your mic though?

[@davemaiorino9017]

Guitar center! It is a Blue Spark mic

[@jessiemartinez7681]

how long before you change your strings?

[@davemaiorino9017]

Both sets of strings had about 3-4 hours on them in this video. With elixirs I change them every month or so because they last so long

[@adamegbaria2308]

@@davemaiorino9017 Why do you change them every month when they last so long?

[@davemaiorino9017]

@@adamegbaria2308 Because I do music full time and put about 25+ hours a week on a set of strings

[@adamegbaria2308]

@@davemaiorino9017 Oh Ok, keep doing you man. How long would you recommend before changing to a new set of strings, Let's say If I have a frish set of elixir strings that is. Also, which do you prefer 11-52 or 12-53 of you ever tried them before? Thanks

[@davemaiorino9017]

@@adamegbaria2308 Honestly its a feel thing. If the strings sound dull and are crusty then its probably a good time to change them. How long the strings last will depend on how much you play. So if you pick up the guitar a few times a week and play for a half hour each time, then you could expect the strings to last a good three months but remember its a feel thing and how they sound. And I use 12-53

[@WarIsOver-ifyouwantit]

what guitar is it?

[@davemaiorino9017]

Taylor 214ce

[@UAL320]

Elixirs are WAY too sparkly metallic right out of the gate for strumming. They almost overwhelm any woodiness the guitar exhibits.

[@rickeydenler2385]

When it comes to elixars i had to quit useeing them because of string failures mainly the g string and i am not the only one my pastor had the same failure same string multiple times just like me i now use pb 80 20 clear tone which sound great and last with no string failures and i play 5 hours a day easy go through a set of frets every 18 months on my Taylor no strings last over a month for me and there dead as a mater of fact i dont like the way brand new strings sound i like them in about a week then they begin to deteriorate and I prefer to change them at 2 weeks but sometimes I'll go as much as a month and hate them by then

[@elmorebaggins8586]

Elixir now and forever!🤠🤠🤠

[@davemaiorino9017]

100%

[@rosslynemrys5829]

I like the elixirs best

[@rolandoriley]

Elixir!

[@prula]

Very obvious that Elixir sounds much better.. Thank you!

[@guitarmusings7392]

Very helpful

[@NoelKerns]

Elixirs still sound clean and bright, but still with good bass tone. The D'Addarios sound dead by comparison...which has been my experience with every "long life" string they've ever put out. They just lose that shimmer much earlier than the Elixirs do. No contest.

[@davemaiorino9017]

I agree 100%

[@don1506]

I agree

[@nabeelchohan3800]

Agreed

[@alexandrecosta8416]

Even Elixir is too hard... to heavy for to play... the tone is amazing

[@steveandrushko75]

I need to I get some new strings I think I am going to buy the Elixirs

[@StopFear]

Come on everybody, you’re limiting yourself if you choose to only play a steel string acoustic or electric. If you are learning guitar you should learn the classical method which is more connected to the music theory.

[@gangstergardener5356]

they’re practically all different instruments. i know technically they’re not but they have and a different feel. i say play whatever you want.

[@holmzcat8493]

Lol the Elixir sound so much better. Sounds more bright & clear & just warm. Look like I'll save some money & get the elixir. I always had good luck with Ernie Ball Strings. Alway good value for price

[@dsan05]

If you live in a humid place, Elixer. They last so long! Not sure how long D'addario XT would last in those circumstances

[@kylebarcomb6192]

You didnt tell the numbers on them

[@dkstott29]

My complaint about Elixirs is the flaking, wiskers, fuzziness of the coating. 1-2 hours playing a day and they'll start flaking or get fuzzy after a few weeks of playing.

[@77guitarts22]

True, same experience here, I feel the D'addario coated are a lot more Organic and natural

[@sc0repio662]

Now maybe me preferring Elxirs Nanos has something to do with aging On about 6 decades or so in, ya start lose the highs... So I can really appreciate the Elixir's brighter, "present" sound. Don't get me wrong, D'Addario XT/XS are nice too, but to my ears they sound like the treble side of artist's instrument is a step further away from the mic.

[@jcsarce8340]

I think It's Different Co'z The Mic What he Use..

[@mohicanairways]

Something is off, that was way to drastic of difference

[@pawelsawicki1750]

Listening on Logitech G35 headset elixir sounds more...jingling. Like more metallic and sparkling sound. More cheeky. D'Addario is softer, smoother. (I feel like idiot every time I try to describe sound or scent).

[@dawidczerniak5177]

Elixirs definitely

[@johnhiscutt1853]

Elixirs👍

[@johnzhibai]

Bro play the first john mayer song i was gonna practice hahaha, what are the oddds, diddario was basically more natural for that song ,the rest elixir got that wow factor

[@davidsherrington59]

Elixirs have always sounded better to me, but they just feel crap and plasticy

[@jwittmeier1]

Hands down: Elixer

[@hjmhjtmgh3870]

John Mayer - Something About Oregano

[@marekhh146]

Martin SP 2021 The Best

[@jazergaming5154]

For me the elixir is the best

[@ayechiitah]

Wow

[@acousticguitarforever3204]

Elixir is clear , I go with lighth