Coated Acoustic Guitar Strings: D'Addario XS vs. Elixir Nanoweb

[@matthewesquivel6998]

I hear the D’Addario strings having better clarity and note separation than the Elixirs. I definitely want to try the D’Addario strings for sure.

[@jonasrmb01]

thats because they compared it with the phosphor bronze the regular elixir nanoweb 80/20 strings have more clarity than the phosphor strings as well

[@dwioktaerfan4852]

@@jonasrmb01 Really? I want to try elixir, now i'm use daddario exp bcs the tone is great and balance between bass and treble, i dont like the strings that to much and noisy treble, which one do you think to me? phospor bronze or bronz?

[@gimpyjwilliams]

@@jonasrmb01 the xs strings he had were phosphor bronze also so it was an equal comparison

[@karlos1060]

The Elixer have a lot more clarity and sustain. The XS are quite dull. Not bad there is not that big of a difference, but i would always go with Elixer. And i have both strings at home and eventhough the XS is a good string, the Elixer tops it. The only thing you can say for the Elixers is that they might have a little to much sustain and tone.

[@geertschoonbeek1779]

@@karlos1060 I think I agree - listning with AKG K240 headphone

[@Maxylvania]

I've exclusively used D'addario on my acoustics my whole life, anytime I've tried anything else I've always gone back (I guess in general we all stick mostly with what we're familiar). Ready to admit a big part of my preference might be bias, but after watching this I realize there really is a noticeable difference.

[@2BVince]

I think in order to make a true comparison, you need to listen through high quality headphones. I did exactly that, and TO ME the D’Addarios were hands down clearer and the tonal range also had clearly more depth. They even had a bit more sustain, with an ability to produce that slight harmonic you hear when a string is tuned perfectly. The Elixers sounded a bit “tinny” with excess high residual noise. Of course, what “sounds good” to each person is subjective. I believe that good sound should have clarity, a pure and distinct difference in tone at each string sounding, a little bell sounding in the highs, and a slight rumble in the lows, with even modulation across the strings. Now the matter of string life is yet to be determined, and is also going to be different according to a persons playing style and oil/chemical presence on their hands. I would suggest washing hands right before playing, wiping strings down after, and write down the date you put the strings on, on the package and keep it in your case for that guitar. That way you can keep a record and make a comparison on longevity after about six months. ‘Just my opinion, for what it’s worth.

[@chalisblur]

Excellent take and recommendations my guy

[@Alibadbad]

No, you're wrong. You don't need to have high quality headphones to determine the difference. Youre just tone deaf. Your quality headphones doesnt matter. And that doesnt make you hear the true comparison.

[@martinsundland7614]

@@Alibadbad Whaaa?

[@Denon395]

More bass with the D'addario.

[@estebandebenedetti750]

He is closer to the mic in every daddario sound example, this comparison is useless

[@Guitaristlife-dn9ou]

2:45 I’ve used one set and went to D’Addario strings because of the colored ball ends I love it

[@arkadyromanov7803]

I'm an elixir devotee, but I really liked those d'addarios XS even if the difference was subtle. I'd be happy to try them if the chance arose. I'd definitely want to see how they lasted long term.

[@BleedTheFaith04]

I teach at a music store and, having used Elixirs for years because of the feel and longevity, when the XS strings came in I tried them right away. Almost everything was good except they feel incredibly stiff. Like.. uncomfortably so. They also didn't feel as smooth as the Elixirs. I won't be switching. For the record, I think the Daddario NYXL strings SOUND better than the Elixirs for the first day or two, but I have sweaty hands and play outside in Florida weather often, so noncoated strings get destroyed quickly. DR strings also sound great, maybe the best, but break much more often than the NYXL if you wanna go noncoated.

[@anandvyas671]

@@BleedTheFaith04 wow they feel much more like Thomastik Plectrums to me (soft for fingerpicking)… wow you sure you sued the XS (I teach at Berkeley as well - we are both music teachers)

[@samblack5313]

@@BleedTheFaith04 I’m with you, the d’addarios are trash in comparison.

[@phenixreturns]

Why I choose Elixir strings, the best ones I know kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3m5eICmo9Woldk

[@CocoKoi321]

2 bucks cheaper too

[@CharlotteHoogenboom]

I can't decide which I like better. I'd like to try both myself and see which I think feels better on my guitar.

[@roadbiker1]

I love the D'Addario XS (and XT) strings!

[@jasper_north]

JP Cormier loves them!!! (XS)

[@rzh3443]

The XS strings are more articulate and provide a rounder sound through headphones. I never had much luck with elixirs as the flake their coating off and discolor over a few weeks. Others swear by them.

[@FoundryStreetJason]

The D'addarios made the woody sound of the guitar sing! More natural sounding.

[@texhaines9957]

Yes I could a difference With headphones. My understanding Elixir light has 13 for the high E. I heard better bass with the XS and maybe more twinkle in the treble. Thanks Chris

[@dosty3]

That’s a close one. They both sound great. The elixir’s sound slightly brighter and may cut through a band setting a bit more. 2 cents

[@vocalion9519]

I used Elixirs forever (both Polyweb and Nanoweb) until I bought a new acoustic that had the D'Addario EXPs on them. I have since switched out all of my acoustics to the EXPs. My understanding is that the XPs have all strings coated while the EXPs only coat the wound strings. For the time being, I'll keep on using the EXPs. I'll likely give the D'Addario XS a go, but it would have to be a much better to justify the extra cost.

[@JeffTaylor-k4n]

Tried 2 sets of the daddario xs on my 814, broke the g string in 6 weeks, 2nd set broke the g string in 4 weeks. In 16 years of playing acoustic guitar I've never broken an elixir string. I'm sticking with elixir. I usually change strings at 3 months, the daddario just didn't last.

[@soverignhuman5862]

The daddy O's had the best tone in my opinion... I use their silk and steel 11 gauge... Used to be a martin guy and they are very clean and articulate but rough on my fingers 2:11

[@laurentmeiller5171]

XS d'Addario E string seems lower than the Elixir, i think the spectra becomes different : complete and detailed with Elixir, more bass & treble with d'Addario for fingerstyle, Elixir for strummers, XS louder

[@cugir321]

I believe Taylor is using the XS now. Just buy a 12 pack of Rogue strings from musicians friend, .012 and .016....drop a small amount of soldier on the windings at the ball and replace the E and B every couple weeks....12 packs are about 3.00. They are fine....

[@quietwyatt4045]

*Question:* To clean or not to clean treated strings; _that_ is the question. (?)

[@fraz79]

I preferred the D’addario strings.. I think they sounded a little more ballsy to me

[@rogerd9150]

After hearing the difference, I don't see any reason to change from my Elixir strings.

[@lenturner2915]

I prefer them DAddario for their better articulation and slightly clearer sounding notes.

[@endoffate5475]

I think there is a new king in town.

[@KevinKlampe-zu7pi]

Tge Elixer Sounds a smidgen brighter and The D'Addario isnt much less brighter, Its Real Close❤ But the ine thing people do nit mention regarding D'Addarios is the Playability and Tge Fact Tgey Rarely Go Out Of Tune. Thats a huge binus pkaying guitar. I hate having to retune all the time❤

[@MaronGarkin]

Uso actualmente las xs para electrica, 1 mes y 8 días con ellas, y noto que óxido en las primeras cuerdas, y eso que las limpio a diario, no pasó la prueba de mis manos sudorosas :/.

[@MsDenver2]

The Elixir were brighter where as the xs were duller to me

[@ronnielopez1968]

Hi, how do you recommend cleaning dead sounding strings to improve tone?

[@auramac]

Replace 'em.

[@DreamsongsProductions]

I actually think the Elixirs had better definition. XS sounded warmer but less defined.

[@genebrenner855]

D'addario have a slightly warmer tone compared to the Elixer which has a brighter tone, rather plasticy when strummed hard. I wonder if the D'addario will flake later in its life like the Elixer.

[@douglaswesson2458]

Which is why I have put them on my Yamaha Fgx5. As for the longevity, overall I suspect the Elixrers would last longer.

[@austingal9869]

Glad to hear this comparison. was curious about the new D'addario's. I'm happy with my Elixirs. They last.

[@DanielCstudio]

I liked that subtle warmth from daddario. I wonder if XS strings will last as much as Elixirs do as that's what they are famous for.

[@deltasemple383]

The base non coated exp strings lasted a very long time for basic strings I got them all the time until they stopped making them so I’m sure these will

[@terrycornelius4]

@@deltasemple383 It really depends on what you think is a "long time" tbh, I had a set of Elixirs on my electric and they lasted for whole year and counting and they barely sound any different from when they were new. That, for me, is a "long time".

[@RjBenjamin353]

Polyweb, the dandruff guitar strings

[@vitaliistep]

D'Addario sounds quite muddy with recessed high mids and amplified low mids. Elixir sounds much more balanced and mix ready on the other hand. I definitely prefer Elixir.

[@abates226]

I’ve used them both. They sound virtually identical when new. The XS strings last longer because the core is coated separately from the windings. If anything, I’d say the XS ‘sound’ more like an uncoated string. Not as ‘glassy,’ in my opinion. The XT is now my preference, as it’s a little ‘stiffer’ because the core is hexagonal. Makes picking against it a little quicker feeling. Bending is t as easy with the XT.

[@philipdeppen3189]

Both xs and xt strings have hex cores. The difference between the two is the coating. The xs strings are fully coated after the wound is wrapped with a film coating and the xs strings are coated on the wound first before being wrapped on the hex core string.

[@guanweihe7614]

I tried the daddatios and slightly preferred the sound, but idk how but my sweat just ate through them and in 4 weeks the strings were fully green Elixirs last me 3 months, easy choice for me

[@allenbetz1175]

I had the exact same experience. I also like the elixirs for cutting down on noise when sliding your fingers up and down the fingerboard

[@PhilipMollerGuitar]

I had the same experience

[@MrCodyist]

With highly acidic and high salinity in my sweat, I had the same EXACT situation with the D’ads going dead and corroding MUCH sooner than the Elixirs. Liked their SOUND, but as a gigging musician, can’t afford to change strings so much more often.

[@familyengineering5591]

This is what i came to see

[@MrReStories]

I waited until I'd tried the XSs before I made this comment. I'm a huge D'Addario fan, I've used their strings almost exclusively for 25 years on my electrics as they just seem to last for ages and never corrode and always sound fantastic. Their Acoustic strings though have never really worked for me and once Elixir came along it was game over. So I was really keen to try these new XS strings. I've now gone thru two sets on my Martin and I have to say - nah! They are very average. I changed out the first set after two weeks as I thought maybe I had a bung set on. Nope, the new set was just as lack-luster. To be be fair, they are not bad strings, but compared to the Elixir they lack clarity and definition. The first thing I noticed was how dull they sounded straight out of the box - not a good sign (some may say that's "warmth", not dullness :-) but...). The Elixirs, if I have one criticism, would be that they are a little too bright straight out of the box, but that brightness settles down after an hour and from then on they are very balanced. The XSs just started off dull and never had any real oomph to them . But I persisted with the XSs until I wore them out just so I could see how they lasted compared to the Elixirs - which is of course what we all want to know. They don't last as long- despite being assured by the salesman at the shop that they are amazing and last forever...they don't. They got very noticeable marks at the fret positions showing that the windings were deforming. Running your finger up the string you can feel them, domp domp domp on the end of your finger (Domp is a word I just made up :-) ). The sound slowly degrades in a way the Elixirs don't. The Elixirs can be covered in fur and they still sound above average and better than the XSs to my ear. The XSs started to show signs of wear pretty quickly and just crapped out! To be honest, I was expecting more from the XSs , Now I understand that this is a highly subjective area and if the XSs work for you and you love them, sweet. They just don't work for me and I'm back with the Elixirs and my guitar has got it's mojo back :-)

[@hildolfrdraugadrottin7279]

Your review was most helpful. If I wanted strings that only lasted a couple of weeks I'd just buy the cheaper name brand strings.

[@MaronGarkin]

A mí no me funcionaron, dos semanas usando y note rastros de óxido.

[@MrReStories]

@@MaronGarkin El óxido no es bueno. No tenía óxido, pero simplemente no estaba contento con el sonido.

[@cmy8016]

i tried the xs after using elixir for some time and mike's review is quite accurate for me, the lower strings had more dullness/warmth (which i don't like). Also the thinner strings became grey in about a week??? which affected the friction and i had to change them. just got back to the elixir and i love it

[@christophercloudstrider5877]

I agree with your assessment that the D’addario XS strings don’t last as long as the Elixers. But I have a Martin that just isn’t right without them. It sounds magnificent with the D’addario XS 11-52s. However my Old Epiphone Dreadnaught ain’t happy without a set of Elixer Polywebs and All three of my Taylor’s sound best with the Elixer Nanowebs. I’m all mojo’d up. Lol! In my experience no one brand, type, or gauge of string satisfies my ears on every guitar. Also my electric guitars all sound best with different strings. That’s just my opinion.

[@andreasarcullo]

Thanks for the detailed comparison mate. It got me so curious to the point that I gave the new D'Addarios a shot. My Taylor 614 seems to have a rounder tone now, with more body to it. Without compromising on that acoustic / shiny tone that Elixirs are known for. Curious to find out about their longevity, but so far they are the strings that made me love my guitar the most.

[@rowanmurphy5239]

How is the longevity?

[@andreasarcullo]

@@rowanmurphy5239 I must say that after 2 months I am still impressed. Not much of the original spark has gone to be honest and I don't feel the need to restring at this stage. My Taylor sounds so good with these strings. Still a fan!

[@rowanmurphy5239]

@@andreasarcullo Yup. I will try D'adarrio XS next time, but it'll be hard to beat my Elixir Nanowebs.

[@NewLifeNewMe-mz8zc]

@@andreasarcullohow long did they end up going for?

[@andigisler]

Took me two seconds to favor the Elixirs!

[@damonfodge]

I put the XS on my Martin OM-28 on June 29, 2021. It's December 15, 2021 today and they're finally dead. So they lasted almost 6 months of nearly daily playing.

[@ELECTRICSCARS]

Elixir Nanoweb way more clear and brilliant sound here. i will go for the Elixir. Thanks for the Comparison 🙏🏼

[@cashmoney9256]

I hear a difference and I prefer the D'addario. I'm getting some. So, I got a set and I love them.

[@tomboy4626]

Do they last for along time?

[@colinmcdonald7591]

Tone wise the Elixirs and D'addario XS were quite different. Probably not if listening on a phone speaker or with anything other than head phones, but there is a significant difference. The D'addario XS had a pleasant mid focus to them. A little less top end, perhaps a woodier sound without being muddy or dull sounding. The Elixirs had a lot of top end and less noticeable mid range or bottom compared to the D'addarios. I've been an Elixir user on both my acoustics and electrics for many many years. For me, paying more than double for a set of strings that lasts 6 times longer than the standard brands is well worth it. Also the feel and tone are great. But, I certainly liked the slightly more present mids of the XS strings in this demo. Obviously I don't know the exact acoustic environment this was recorded in, but I would assume efforts were made to keep everything as similar as possible for both string types while recording. I'll definitely give these a shot even though they are currently a few bucks more than Elixirs. I'm a big fan of D'addario strings in general, unfortunately they last about 1 gig or about 3 hours of play time before they are too dead to play. Other similar brands are the same. Amazing sounding when new, but by the third set they are audibly degrading. If I play 3 shows in a week that's 3 sets of the $8 strings. One set of the $16 strings from Elixir or likely these D'addario XS strings last about 4 to 5 weeks of 2 to 3 gigs a week and sound pretty much the same after 4 weeks as the day they went on.

[@scribe9841]

These 12-53 D'addario XS strings are much better for fingerpicking as they have less coating and just feel way more natural. Also, with less coating, they seem to be lighter than 12, almost like 11s. So far, these are my favourite strings.

[@LoveFix2558]

Ive just replaced Elixir 13-56 nanoweb with the 12-53 Daddario on my Taylor 317e and I really like the warm sound. The medium elixir are recommended by Taylor but I guess its a subjective process

[@musicmann1967]

The D'Addarios sound more alive to me. I'm not a fan of Elixers, but they do last a very long time.

[@charleskear9530]

The D'Addario's sounded better, more volume and more sustain! I'm switching!

[@jackkunkel4773]

diadarios sounded better. not sure what it was but was cleaner smoother.

[@billa6348]

I have used Elixirs exclusively for more than a decade but strings have evolved. After carefully listening to this recording and other comparisons with headphones I heard enough difference between the D'Addarios and the Elixirs buy some D'Addarios. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Thanks!

[@samblack5313]

I purchased them, I’ll be pulling them off after a week and replacing with elixirs. D’addario just don’t make nice strings.

[@Wistbacka]

XS are definitely richer in sound with more low end. But I wonder now... On grand auditoriums and upward in size, Elixirs might be better, because it sounds to me like the bass frequencies can become a bit too strong. But on an OM or OO, XS strings might be the way to go to provide more lows and mids. Or is this a stupid idea?

[@JCWTFYT]

Elixir for brightness and harmonic content, Daddios got sustain but are unquestionably a "deader" string with more fundamental than overtones.

[@phenixreturns]

Why I choose Elixir strings, the best ones I know kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3m5eICmo9Woldk

[@BkBk-gy6vr]

Daddarios have much less sustaian

[@jimmycollette9209]

The elixirs were warmer to me but did come on the guitar so they some what older and stretches longer. The Ds sounded like new strings and brighter. I believe the longevity would probably be the factor for me. I have been playing elixir for years and don't plan to change unless I can't get them. At least I know there's an option. Good to know info.

[@denis-guidomuller4763]

You don't make a mistake with either of them. Personally, I think the D'Addario is a little better. But that's a matter of taste. As always nice video Chris. Keep it up.

[@chardmb]

I think Taylors should switch to D'addarios. I just wish they make 12-54s.

[@philipbennett1039]

The XS strings sound a tiny bit warmer to me, both sound great.

[@MrBigstrick1]

Elixir strings are CHEAP WEAK strings with coating. I can’t play one 4 hour show with them. I’ve played them on different guitars and used 20-30 packs. For soft strumming and finger picking they’re fine. If you’re any kind of aggressive lead picker…they suck.

[@deboaz398]

The E 0.09 break easy with me.

[@rcclitherow6707]

Taylor has switched to D'Addario XS.

[@Guitars2020]

xs offered a crisper sound...pleasant sound

[@Wistbacka]

Elixirs sound tinnier and brighter, while D'addario is fuller and more balanced. Not sure what I prefer for fingerstyle, but for strumming there was no comparison. D'addario won by a mile for strumming. Almost sounded like a dreadnought. But the question is if it is too bassy for fingerstyle then?... 🤔 Which is what I play mostly. I have used both Elixir and D'addario XS in the past. Liked both. But I have never heard them side by side like this.

[@BobPerrone]

The Dadario XS have more fullness and definition. It actually made the Taylor sound better, at least to me since Taylor's usually don't have enough midrange for me.

[@douglaswesson2458]

Although my Yamaha fgx5 has great mid range, I agree.

[@solo_dingo]

I;ve never had a choice, I'm a string killer. Uncoated strings last one night, then they're done for me. Dead. Elixir were a godsend to me. On all my guitars electric and acoustic. They last on and on and on and on. I'd be keen to try the xs. They gave the taylor a bit more body, deeper tone.,,but, I play Martin baritone, which already has a deeper tone, will they last as long? Mmmm Will try. Cheers

[@scribe9841]

Word is that Bocuher Guitars have been using the D'addario strings since 2023.

[@dougfitch3649]

Chris, I always like your videos. You're very adept with language. You're thorough, clear, exact, specific, and articulate regardless of the topic. No wonder they chose you to do these vids. Thanks.

[@77guitarts22]

The D'addario sound better to my ears. A fuller tone overall. Listened to this, on professional headphones. Thanks for the comparison!

[@endoffate5475]

I like the Xt's they are warmer if your guitar is too bright for strumming.

[@richbc517]

Daddario has more warm sound and clear on bass

[@AGNC7]

Elixirs are brighter and ring out more. D’addarios have more base and don’t ring out as much, with less sustain. I think it’s more about preference in this case. Both sound really good. I’m partial to the Elixirs in a Taylor. Would like to see this test done on a Martin as well I think the D’addarios would probably fit the Martin sound better.

[@stephanbijl8628]

i think the opposite, Taylor's needs more warmth and Martin's need more clarity

[@geralddavis7401]

I have been using the Elixirs for a long time, but I do find that through my Bose system I have to use EQ to tame the brightness a little and warm the middles. I would rather be able to run EQ as flat as possible, obviously. I even cut my nails on my right hand, and started playing with my finger pads rather than my nails for that very reason. So, I have been looking for a string set that will give me the string longevity and be as beautifully articulate as the Elixirs but with a slightly warmer, softer tone and to my ears, the D;Addarios did exactly that. I have just ordered my first set - I will report back.

[@dvanolya]

So tell us, what's the verdict?

[@albertn9549]

Nice comparison video. Thanks Chris. Elixir sounded brighter to me than ddarrio. But the question is that will ddarrio last longer than Elixir.

[@MaronGarkin]

A mí me duraron dos semanas, de allí note rastros de óxido, pensé que ellas solucionarian mi problemas de sudor, pero veo que no y eso que me la o las manos y limpio las cuerdas a diarios con wd40 y un paño limpio.

[@letempsenboite4939]

🧚‍♂️D’Addario 💯

[@titotitosse8791]

D'Addario XS sound good and similar D'Addario ej 16

[@mintran]

Through my studio monitors, the SX sounds richer, has more sustain, clarity and overtone.

[@jasper_north]

SX?

[@J_TeeG]

As a long time Elixir user, I gotta say DD's do in fact sound a little better to me. Not sure if it's worth the extra money for me.

[@nicolen.9642]

Nice to see you back. I got the Elixir Nanoweb strings, they're fine. 🎶🎶🎶

[@musicalgear1024]

Play into a computerised graph and you'll see there's a clear and concise winner and it's certainly not D'Addario. There is a clear muffled tone from the D'Addarios. The Elixir strings are louder, fuller across the board, and brighter. Not only to the ears but on the graph.

[@brandonpriest3604]

The Elixer are just a Tiny Bit Brighter. Great comparison Bro.

[@tomduckworth8335]

I was surprised that they sounded so different. The Elixirs had more top end shimmer the XS had a stronger midrange both were nice. I could see matching them up with a guitar to alter the sound to your taste.

[@hathaway.1166]

Next year they should release a new one called XS Max(lmao...)

[@paulstabin6233]

Sometimes the Elixirs sounded better, in some other parts of this the Daddario's sounded more appealing. Clearly I now have a good alternative for my go-to Elixirs. I love playing my Taylor K224 ce and hate changing strings. Strings just look at my fingers and start to die. So coated strings are my nomination for a Nobel Prize. We have come a long way since the Martin Marquis that used to be the default when I had a D18 back in the '70's. They did sound great- briefly. Coated strings may cost more per pack but actually save me money. Thank you for a very helpful video.

[@auramac]

Hard to choose sometimes between Martin Lifespans, Elixir Nanos, most recent fave- Gibson coated, now am blown away by these XS's, sound fantastic on my Yamaha, making it unnecessary to grab my Martin or J-45. Been a few weeks, still holding up. Then again, when I'm inspired, they all sound good, so it's not just the strings...

[@dmytrogarastovych7684]

how are they another 3 weeks later?

[@carlmartinez7399]

Elixir sounds a little more brighter. Good demonstration demo. Very informative.

[@azuremaverick7]

Now, I have always been partial to D'Addario - completely personal preference, but I used Elixir once and from day one I can't wait to change the string again, Elixir just does not sit well with me (though this is for acoustic, electric one I love the elixir on my Strat). Anyways, I tried the XS - Heard that the XS corroded easily, turning black within a month. but I've used mine for close to 2 weeks now and there's no discolouration as well. Am very very happy with the sound, very bright and expressive which is my preference. So yeah, I think either would do you well, it's a preference more than anything in the end.

[@dmytrogarastovych7684]

can you share your experience after another month of use?

[@L.Scott_Music]

Seems like the Elixirs were a little bit brighter than the XS. (via KZbin audio that is.) The two probably equal out fairly quick (in a week or so?) I have been having problems with the Elixir G string on my PRS AL Thin Line acoustic where the wrap breaks at the frets and exposes the core. This has worn my third fret enough that I'm thinking of getting a first-5 fret job. The solution from Elixir was to send me a free pack of G (24) strings.

[@bobgreen8142]

I put some Elixir strings with Nanoweb coating on all three of my Guild acoustics (bought the three for two box), and I'm really impressed with the sound and feel of the strings. There is one thing that's worrying me though - I play finger style and the G string around where I pluck with my right hand is going "hairy" which I assume is the coating breaking down. This has started happening after very short playing time. Is this going to affect the tone or string life in the longer term? I'll see how they go, but previously I have been happy with D'Addario; I've used various sets, and for reducing squeak I really like their Flat Tops which sound good to me acoustically but for some reason don't sound so great plugged in.

[@jeffschwegman6459]

I like the D'Addario's. I've been using Stringjoy Foxwood's (acoustic coated strings) and love them. I would love to see you test the Stringjoy Foxwoods vs. D'Addario Excess strings.

[@steby123]

A warmer sound with the d'Addarios, due consider I am a Martin Dreadnought type of guy .

[@jasper_north]

D18 with DAddario?

[@RedHeadGuitar]

In terms of concept, sound and durability, I think they are pretty similar. Previously Elixir was the only company which has coated the whole string, not only the wrap wire, which makes a big difference in durability. BUT two major downsides with the D'Addarios in my personal opinion are: First: There is no 80/20 option with XS coating, just XT (whyyy...). I much enjoy the old-school 80/20s on some of my guitars. And second: D'Addarios only come in full sets. Elixirs can be bought individually. With the durability of these coated strings, there's often no need for changing the whole set in case one breaks. Which would be unnecessary and expensive. After having collected a number of sets with missing high e strings in my stockpile I have switched to buying individual and keeping a couple of each gauge in stock instead of whole sets. Less redundancy.

[@MrJimWilde]

tried XS, Elixir, and Ernie Ball's phosphor bronze (everlast). XS sucks the most, it didn't sound good from the start, and after 2 weeks it acquired some proper sound and then in the other 4 weeks it was dead completely, with dull tone. Elixir is too bright unfortunately, but it is the most durable. Ernie Ball sounds great from the beginning, but loses its tone in a month. I'll go back to Ernie balls

[@geed]

Just put on a set of D’Addario on my Taylor and I’m not sure what it is but something irritates me these strings. Not crazy about the sound v Elixir. That might change with use but right now I’d have to go with Elixir. Feel is similar on both. My favourite sounding string? Martin Acoustic Lights. Sadly they need changing quite often.

[@jonathancollins9057]

I have the XS phosphor bronze strings on my mandolin and OH MY GOD they're incredible!!

[@bubbshalub]

all this video has shown me is that I want a Taylor

[@mayorofthenonsense]

How to make your $400 Concert Body sound like a $900 Dreadnought - put Elixir Nanoweb Phosphor Bronze 12-53 on them! I think my only complaint is that when you play hard and loud, the harmonics and percussive frequencies on all the strings can start drowning out the actual tone a bit, where you start losing a bit of the low to low-mid range. So you basically get this increased presence and clarity, but a loss of low end at higher volumes. Could be the smaller size of the guitar, could be all sorts of things, but for the meantime I am happy with them. That being said, next time I do a re-string, I will try out the D'Addario XS and see how they sound. I've already tried their Phosphor Bronze Custom singles and found they lacked the same clarity and brightness, though that made the tone sound kinda warm, which was nice.

[@chanceterrill5346]

Use both pretty extensively in the last few months, and elixirs tend to break faster for me and also they lose their top end a lot quicker, I think they start out a little less bright to begin with, the d Dario's start brighter n stay brighter, they sound more like an uncoated string. But I have always thought brand new strings sound too bright and metallic, the one downside of the Daddario is that it takes several hours for that way too bright metallic sound to mellow out. But they last multiple outdoor gigs for me and nasty cold weather Ohio as well as stupid humid summer

[@winstonian88]

I expected to like the D’Addarios better, but they’re not as clear and articulate. Maybe D’Addario overdid it a bit on the coating. Once they dull down I wonder if the XS’s might be too dead sounding.

[@OscarBenben]

from this video I prefer 100 times the D'addario

[@BeamMonsterZeus]

As a long time(10 years) Elixir user, both for Electric and Acoustic... D'addario here clearly wins at deep, rich clarity, which is similar to Elixir's full, soft, rich tones. It is *not* my preference, but it's definitely beautiful sounding.

[@dracov6667]

Do they last long as Elixir? I bought today for the first time XS 11-52 for acoustic guitar

[@michaelpond6386]

Nothing and I mean nothing flakes like “Black Beauty” I got a Gretsch from a big company after getting it Pleked the strings installed were the above mentioned. They lasted a few minutes before black flakes were flying everywhere.

[@Cla-ev1xp]

I'm listening without watching. During the time when I stopped liking your playing a bit, I looked up and it was the XS. I was sold on purchasing the XS, but you've certainly changed my mind with the demos. It was quite clear, hearing the difference. Loved the Elixers. I had never heard of that brand prior to this video. Thank you

[@Polkat]

D'Addario were a bit clearer to my ears. Elixer were slightly more muddy. But I don't use coated strings so there!

[@wolfgangKlinghluber]

just play and let the sound make the decisions for the listener. All the other crap no one cares (no one is obviously me, lol just love it when you play...). Other then this an amazing sounding video. Your playing next level. That what makes me decide. Absolutismus Nanoweb. I have to get them now. Thank you so much

[@Danohaw]

I switched from Elxir Optiweb to D'Addario XS around 6 months ago- I love the XS and I'm not breaking strings like I did with Elixirs

[@johnlord1399]

Listening to this video again a year later, after Taylor has announced its switch to D’Addario’s XS strings. I’ve been using XS on some of my Taylors for some time now, and really like them. I think Taylor made the right move. What a great video, Chris! Awesome, informative review and great comparison!

[@indianajones5037]

I just got a pack I’m gonna try them out. Always been high on Elixir

[@joshsimpson79]

I’ve always liked elixir. I haven’t tried D’Addario in several years. I would be curious to know how much of it was a business decision, and how much of it was a musical decision. But I’m sure we will never hear the real answer.

[@joelkevinstewart5594]

No, Taylor is again; cutting costs by stringing their guits with cheaper strings-just like they did in the early 2000's, replacing their killer Fishman Blender pickups-with their GARBAGE Expression System pickups. Wise up.

[@lynnglidewell7367]

I noticed the bass strings had a more detectable presence with the Elixir and I love bass presence on an acoustic. The D' Darrio sounded pleasant as well but the scratches on chord changes we're more noticeable. Overall I see why Taylor puts Elixir on their instruments. They just make it sound better. It will for any other guitar make as well.