With its huge selection of strings and accessories for multiple instruments (including orchestral), D'Addario needs no introduction. My guitar was previously strung with a set of its EXP11 coated bronze strings, also 12-53 gauge, so I was excited to try out this latest offering.
First impressions
The new D'Addario packaging takes on a slim-line, minimalistic style, mostly in black with the logo embossed in silver, while the details relevant to the specific type of set stand out in electric blue. When the packaging is unfolded it reveals the familiar table listing, which includes the diameter and tension per string. Compared to the EXP11s, the coding system and diameters remain unchanged, with a slightly higher tension allowance for most of the strings (slightly lower for the low E).
The outer packaging, with its flat-folded sides, cuts the depth of the packet roughly in half, when compared to previous pack styles featuring sides of rigid cardboard. This saves space at every stage, from suppliers to shippers, from retailers to customers, all of whom would be able to pack roughly twice the amount of sets into the same space as before. The new vapour corrosion inhibitor also saves space, packing all six strings into one re-sealable plastic bag, rather than having separate pouches for each pair of strings. While this method cuts down on unnecessary packaging, it also keeps strings ‘factory fresh’ for a much longer period.
The colours of the ball ends themselves match with previous sets – many will be familiar with this system and how much easier it makes telling the different gauges apart. With the strings in the pouch being wrapped together as three consecutive pairs (E&A, D&G, B&E) it made the installation of the six strings swift and orderly (all done in just under 12 minutes!) This system could potentially make for an awkward situation if a broken string arose during a gig. Then again, this shouldn't happen when using the XT range, which ‘combine high carbon steel cores with an extended lifespan treatment’ to ensure ‘enhanced break resistance’.
Putting them to the test
A breakage was not achieved during my rigorous playtest. Each string easily held the weight of the guitar and lightly bounced. Although I wasn't using a particularly large-bodied or long scale-length guitar, the strings never felt like they were going to give way. In fact, they felt incredibly smooth, especially for uncoated strings, which assisted the swiftness of the stringing process. Once on the guitar they felt very light under the fingers, it was a pleasure to slide and change chords, and even after a good session never felt as though they were cutting into the fingertips. This remained true when putting each string through a gauntlet of extreme bends, up and down the fretboard, even at the lower frets.
Their ability to settle in and retain pitch was noticeable from the offset. Even when I decided to try out some alternative tunings, every one of the strings held steady and rang out beautifully. The sound was warm, clean and bright and brought new life to the wooden body of the guitar. Open strings resounded deeply and chords had a crisp clarity with good intonation across the fretboard, as well as shining harmonics. As touted in D'Addario's description, there is no discrepancy in tone and feel. ‘These strings are here to stay,’ it says, ‘for performance that never fades away.’
Although the full long-term potential is yet to be seen, so far they seem to be living up to the description on the packet. They certainly held up to higher-than-average levels of stress, including hanging and bending and frequent retuning. It is worth noting just how much a difference a fresh pair of strings makes, bringing out and allowing you to rediscover the instrument's true voice.
In addition to electric, acoustic and classical strings, this range also includes sets for banjo and mandolin. To identify different types, the packet makes the most of colour coded tags against the black and silver theme. If the quality of the whole range is as consistent as this one, then they will be well worth trying out.
When retuning, the guitars retain their bright sound
The XT range retails from £11.99. To find out more, visit daddario.com
