Tried the XS for two months. Same Phosphor Bronze, same gauge, same guitar. To me the XS is superior to Elixir... Tonally. But the longevity, not as great. Treble strings only last one and a half month. As a bedroom guitarist who mainly play for myself, I'd sacrifice the tone difference for a longer lasting strings. Edit: forgot to say thanks to Jeremy for an awesome comparison as always.
XS was warmer and smoother. I may have just seen the Elixir Killer. I have had them on since April on two different guitars.. so far the XS have been fantastic!
As a fingerstyle player, I too have always preferred the brightness of Elixir strings. But in THIS comparison what I heard (using headphones) is the Elixir string's "brightness" derived from distinct jangly/ringy overtones when compared to the XS PBs. This is not really apparent when sitting behind the guitar playing it, but it sure was evident in what I heard. To my ears, the XS strings were as bright, but lacked the "janglyness" of the Elixir strings. I prefer less jangly and will be giving XS PB strings a try. Finally, I agree with Jeremy's suggestion to change strings more frequently. The advertising hype for coated strings is convincing. But by the time guitar strings sound dead (especially coated strings), they have long passed their prime and cost me many hours of enjoying the best tone I can get out of my guitars. I am fortunate enough to be able to budget $15 and 15 minutes per month (approx.) to change the strings on at least one of my guitars. The deterioration of string tone is like the proverbial frog in the the slow-to-boil pot: You may not notice until it's too late!
This is such a great comment and I appreciate the time it took for you to write it. Glad you used headphones too and I agree that not everyone can afford the $15 a month for strings. I've been playing with some cleartone strings and as of now they feel and sound dead. But when does the "deadness" happen? Slow, and no hard line. I love the elixirs but the more strings I play the more I find them jangly. But I still think they will be my go to's. Thanks for watching!
I like the D'Addario better in this one. The Elixirs have too much of that Elixir "twang", which I love in the 80/20s but in phosphor bronze it sounds almost harpsichord-like on certain things. The D'Addarios always sounded more natural and always like a guitar.
I liked the XS. They sound way better in your video and way better on my Epiphone Dove that I just purchased at Sweetwater. I tried the Elixir Nano's on it first and then I tried the XS's. Let's just say that the XS's are staying on until they die. They sound great and feel great too. So easy on the fingers as well. And no squeaks. Love the XS's. Great video by the way. Keep on jammin !!!
Great comparison, I was considering the elixirs and did a search on youtube before buying but after watching I've decided fir the XS. In my opinion they sound more 'musical', 'colorful' nicer
I don't have a great ear for such things, but I think I'll give a slight edge to the XS. I will try them on a Yahama A1M first, then maybe my Martins. I've always used Martin Lifespan 2.0 strings on those, but I'm not impressed with the longevity. My guitar tech/repair man continues to recommend the XS, so who am I to argue. Thanks for the very well done video!
Bought a GS Mini E-Koa plus a couple of days ago, came with Elixir 13-56 pb nano on them. For 1 I don’t like the medium strings I like the light 12-53. I have always used Elixir but after hearing this and reading the comments I just ordered the XS 12-53 set to try on my GS mini. Hope they live up to the video and if so they will be my new go to strings and will also use on my Taylor 814ce.
Elixir Nanos have always been my favorite but I just purchased an Alvarez Grand Auditorium deluxe that came with D'Addario EXP16's and I think they sound great. I think I'm going to try the D'Addario strings for a while.
I agree with most comments. I like the XS clarity and balance. I’m wondering if 80/20s might have the XS balance with a slight bright jangle associated with 80/20s🧐
Good job on the comparison and thx. I would clearly go with the D’Addarios on my J45 and J15. More punch and note separating are key elements of both of those guitars. The Elixirs are great strummers on my D18 because they ring.
I like and use both. The XS have one advantage - the coating does not get ripped off where the pick touches the strings. At least not after 9 weeks where this already is obvious on the Elixier Strings.
I put those d'addario xs on both of my guitars, and it's been a month since I put them on and there's no dull sound or appearance of corrosion until now and they sound bassier and so far I like them, and they feel smooth
On a slotted head stock - 12 fret guitar the XS definitely stay in tune MUCH MUCH better than the Elixirs. I believe their construction allows for more friction between the strings as they come in contact while wound on the tuners.
Interesting, the difference in sound is much larger than I expected. I’ve only listened on an iPad Pro so far, so may not be hearing everything, but I perceive XS as more mid scooped compared to Elixir’s, i.e. some of that brightness of Elixir’s that you’ve mentioned appears to me as added midrange.
I agree. These differences only reveal themselves when I actually edit the video. But I remember putting the two samples back to back and being surprised. I tend to go into some of these showdowns thinking the difference wont be audible lol. Nice to be wrong.
I had to take off my Elixir strings my Yamaha 800 as they sounded "dead" i.e. too flat. I put on Ernie Ball equivalent of Clear tone, and at half (80/20s) the price and the guitar sounded bright and alive again. Hmmmm. I'm a finger style player so crisp clean bright and loud was best obtained by dumping my Elixirs ... I may have to change them more often but for me it is worth it ...
Excellent comparison video! What guitar were you using? My recent live observations playing/singing many styles: (jazz, pop, soft and loud songs with arpeggios, chords with walking bass, etc.)in several different rooms for audiences @2-1/2 hours with zero amplification using my a Taylor 616 & a brand new set of Elixir .012-.053 gauge nanoweb phosphor bronze -- is that the sound was not punchy, defined or loud enough for my liking. The string tension, however, seemed lighter than a comparably-guaged set of Martin PB strings or D'addario PB's. In fact, my disappoinment with the Elixirs is what made me search around and find your video! So, thank you for the great audio comparison of the 2 brands.
I had just gone through my guitar cases to gather strings for changing on some guitars. I had decided on Elixir for my Martin, but now I might be going to the music store. Very noticeable difference! I also have some Cleartone I need to use on others.
How do you like the cleartones? I have a pack ready to be installed but I am getting to the point where if its not coated I wont like it. Trying to keep an open mind but I think Ive set my preferences.
@J.Travios The cleartones were great when I was playing more and used a couple guitars. Now I just want to use the spare sets I kept in the cases because I have them. I hate changing strings and will buy coated now. But cleartone was bright. I buy by the case.
Taylor Guitars has promoted Elixir Strings for a long, long time. They recently changed over to D'Addario Strings and it makes me wonder if D'Addario strings are really all that much better or if Taylor Guitars is getting a lower price than they got from Elixir strings. Or, maybe some financial incentive to promote D'Addario strings?
Just put the XS 11-52 on today after using elixir 12-53 for a few years and so far with a hour of playing I’m really impressed with the XS strings. I was a bit hesitant because I had bad experiences with the XTs but the XS are the closest feeling to elixirs I’ve tried so far. They’re less slick feeling than the elixirs but they have a more earthy tone and feel which I like and also no flaking off all over the fretboard like the elixirs do. Will see if they last anywhere near the elixirs for a full comparison.
XS is definitely richer and has 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?
Not a bad idea at all, that’s what I’m doing. I have a 12fret Taylor sm body and I use it mostly to accompany my singing. So, I want the full tone there to inspire me when I’m just playing, but a softer, rounder sound to back up the voice. I use the light to medium gauge for more bass too. If I didn’t sing, I’d probably just get a bigger, deeper guitar and a jangly string. I’ve been using the XTs, but have ordered the XSs because I like a slicker feel.
@@JTravlos Ok, we have different thoughts. I feel Elixir strings sounds a bit darker because it coated the Entire string with thick Nanoweb coating, Daddario Exp and XS are thin coating so Daddario strings are brighter. Elixir strings have 3 different thicknesses of coating, Nanoweb, Polyweb and Optiweb.
The Dadarrios tame the brightness of the Taylor better out of the box in this vid. The Elixir model used were too bright on this guitar for me. Results with different guitars will vary. I’d keep the XS on this particular acoustic. The Elixirs will bring out the muddiness in more traditionally voiced guitars better than the XS. The elixirs just rule. Have a friend with a 200 acoustic who plays three chords and the truth at campfires five times a year and last changed his strings four years ago? Elixirs will still sound good. Have a collection of acoustics that results any one of them not getting played regularly? The Elixirs will still sound good. The brightness will fade a bit when broken in but reach a point where they stay useful for an incredibly long time. I have battery acid fingers, a heavy attack and play all over the board. Uncoated strings are good for a night of playing and need to be changed. I used to boil uncoated strings to bring them back to life before Elixirs were made. I’ve used them when they first came out and ever since. The other coated strings, like Martins, or Ernie Ball were disappointing in terms of durability OF tone compared to Elixirs. Damn if the XS doesn’t sound better on this guitar though.
Xs starts to corrode after 4-5 months on certain patches just for finger style without pick..clean my hands before n after play..wipe the strings too..not sure about Exlixir…
@@HL-OOI Nice, I didnt love the Martin Strings but I really think I just like coated strings. Ive tried so many strings while making these videos and coated are the ones for me. Give the martins a try and let me know what you think. I made a string showdown for the Martins and was kinda harsh on them. Good luck!
@@JTravlos the “treated” is not coated? If that’s the case I won’t go for Martin..I also like coated string only.,😁 thx for the heads-up..it’s almost same price as the xs in my country..
@@HL-OOI I dont think Treated = Coated. Treated means they dip or spray the strings with some anti corrosion stuff but it doesnt make the strings slick.
Tried the XS for two months. Same Phosphor Bronze, same gauge, same guitar. To me the XS is superior to Elixir... Tonally. But the longevity, not as great. Treble strings only last one and a half month.
As a bedroom guitarist who mainly play for myself, I'd sacrifice the tone difference for a longer lasting strings.
Edit: forgot to say thanks to Jeremy for an awesome comparison as always.
kalo di bending lebih keras mana bang ?, kalo pengalaman saya elixir selalu terasa lebih keras di bending dibanding senar yang gak di coating
XS was warmer and smoother. I may have just seen the Elixir Killer. I have had them on since April on two different guitars.. so far the XS have been fantastic!
Yea, They definitely give elixir a run for their money. Good to give elixir some competition.
I thought the XS strings felt weirdly stiff. Did you experience this at all?
@@BleedTheFaith04 I did not notice this, but at least we have some good choices at the top of the pack with Elixir and maybe these cleartones
As a fingerstyle player, I too have always preferred the brightness of Elixir strings. But in THIS comparison what I heard (using headphones) is the Elixir string's "brightness" derived from distinct jangly/ringy overtones when compared to the XS PBs. This is not really apparent when sitting behind the guitar playing it, but it sure was evident in what I heard. To my ears, the XS strings were as bright, but lacked the "janglyness" of the Elixir strings. I prefer less jangly and will be giving XS PB strings a try.
Finally, I agree with Jeremy's suggestion to change strings more frequently. The advertising hype for coated strings is convincing. But by the time guitar strings sound dead (especially coated strings), they have long passed their prime and cost me many hours of enjoying the best tone I can get out of my guitars. I am fortunate enough to be able to budget $15 and 15 minutes per month (approx.) to change the strings on at least one of my guitars. The deterioration of string tone is like the proverbial frog in the the slow-to-boil pot: You may not notice until it's too late!
This is such a great comment and I appreciate the time it took for you to write it. Glad you used headphones too and I agree that not everyone can afford the $15 a month for strings. I've been playing with some cleartone strings and as of now they feel and sound dead. But when does the "deadness" happen? Slow, and no hard line. I love the elixirs but the more strings I play the more I find them jangly. But I still think they will be my go to's. Thanks for watching!
I like the D'Addario better in this one. The Elixirs have too much of that Elixir "twang", which I love in the 80/20s but in phosphor bronze it sounds almost harpsichord-like on certain things. The D'Addarios always sounded more natural and always like a guitar.
So far elxiirs are my favorite string but I think the Daddario XS's are a very close second. Of all the string comparisons I really do like the XS.
I liked the XS. They sound way better in your video and way better on my Epiphone Dove that I just purchased at Sweetwater. I tried the Elixir Nano's on it first and then I tried the XS's. Let's just say that the XS's are staying on until they die. They sound great and feel great too. So easy on the fingers as well. And no squeaks. Love the XS's. Great video by the way. Keep on jammin !!!
Great comparison, I was considering the elixirs and did a search on youtube before buying but after watching I've decided fir the XS. In my opinion they sound more 'musical', 'colorful' nicer
I don't have a great ear for such things, but I think I'll give a slight edge to the XS. I will try them on a Yahama A1M first, then maybe my Martins. I've always used Martin Lifespan 2.0 strings on those, but I'm not impressed with the longevity. My guitar tech/repair man continues to recommend the XS, so who am I to argue. Thanks for the very well done video!
Bought a GS Mini E-Koa plus a couple of days ago, came with Elixir 13-56 pb nano on them. For 1 I don’t like the medium strings I like the light 12-53. I have always used Elixir but after hearing this and reading the comments I just ordered the XS 12-53 set to try on my GS mini. Hope they live up to the video and if so they will be my new go to strings and will also use on my Taylor 814ce.
Elixir Nanos have always been my favorite but I just purchased an Alvarez Grand Auditorium deluxe that came with D'Addario EXP16's and I think they sound great. I think I'm going to try the D'Addario strings for a while.
I agree with most comments. I like the XS clarity and balance. I’m wondering if 80/20s might have the XS balance with a slight bright jangle associated with 80/20s🧐
Good job on the comparison and thx.
I would clearly go with the D’Addarios on my J45 and J15. More punch and note separating are key elements of both of those guitars.
The Elixirs are great strummers on my D18 because they ring.
Glad it was helpful!
I like and use both. The XS have one advantage - the coating does not get ripped off where the pick touches the strings. At least not after 9 weeks where this already is obvious on the Elixier Strings.
Yea, I think they are both comparable in tone but the coating on the XS seems thinner or maybe more embedded on the string.
I prefer the xs sound. More woody which I ❤️.
"woody"... I hear that!
Man, those Elixirs sound weak as heck. Thanks so much for sharing! We can never have too many A/B tests!
Glad it could help. I have a ton more videos if yo never need more comparisons. I'm slowly hitting every string on the market lol...I think.
I put those d'addario xs on both of my guitars, and it's been a month since I put them on and there's no dull sound or appearance of corrosion until now and they sound bassier and so far I like them, and they feel smooth
Cool, a lot of times the treble sort of wears off and they "mellow" out.
@@JTravlos Ummmm to be honest I tend to disagree a little bit because when I play them, the bass stays intact... So does the treble
On a slotted head stock - 12 fret guitar the XS definitely stay in tune MUCH MUCH better than the Elixirs. I believe their construction allows for more friction between the strings as they come in contact while wound on the tuners.
I do also like the slightly warmer sound to the XS strings.
That makes sense. Thanks for the comment.
Based on how this sounded I can’t see going back to the Elixir’s, these could be exactly what I need to add more low end to my GS Mini Hog
XS Daddario best sounding by far. Good demo! Thanks
It’s back! Let’s go! Great video Jeremy!
Yea!
What's that funk progression? I love it! I could slow the video down and figure it out, but i figure it doesn't hurt to ask and try to save time.
I just made it up, just a collection of chords I knew.
Excellent video!!!
Thanks!
Elixir bright and clean, while XS is more warmer, both sounds are great, but I go for Elixir I love the bright and clean tone of elexir, 😀
Elixir thin / X fat
Arpegio / cords
Longer vs Sound
Maby i try Xman and i agree presence in my amp 😆
Interesting, the difference in sound is much larger than I expected. I’ve only listened on an iPad Pro so far, so may not be hearing everything, but I perceive XS as more mid scooped compared to Elixir’s, i.e. some of that brightness of Elixir’s that you’ve mentioned appears to me as added midrange.
I agree. These differences only reveal themselves when I actually edit the video. But I remember putting the two samples back to back and being surprised. I tend to go into some of these showdowns thinking the difference wont be audible lol. Nice to be wrong.
I had to take off my Elixir strings my Yamaha 800 as they sounded "dead" i.e. too flat. I put on Ernie Ball equivalent of Clear tone, and at half (80/20s) the price and the guitar sounded bright and alive again. Hmmmm. I'm a finger style player so crisp clean bright and loud was best obtained by dumping my Elixirs ... I may have to change them more often but for me it is worth it ...
Excellent comparison video! What guitar were you using?
My recent live observations playing/singing many styles: (jazz, pop, soft and loud songs with arpeggios, chords with walking bass, etc.)in several different rooms for audiences @2-1/2 hours with zero amplification using my a Taylor 616 & a brand new set of Elixir .012-.053 gauge nanoweb phosphor bronze -- is that the sound was not punchy, defined or loud enough for my liking. The string tension, however, seemed lighter than a comparably-guaged set of Martin PB strings or D'addario PB's.
In fact, my disappoinment with the Elixirs is what made me search around and find your video! So, thank you for the great audio comparison of the 2 brands.
I am using a Taylor 812ce. I really like the feel of the elixirs but I think I am liking the tone of other strings better at this point.
I had just gone through my guitar cases to gather strings for changing on some guitars. I had decided on Elixir for my Martin, but now I might be going to the music store.
Very noticeable difference!
I also have some Cleartone I need to use on others.
How do you like the cleartones? I have a pack ready to be installed but I am getting to the point where if its not coated I wont like it. Trying to keep an open mind but I think Ive set my preferences.
@J.Travios The cleartones were great when I was playing more and used a couple guitars. Now I just want to use the spare sets I kept in the cases because I have them. I hate changing strings and will buy coated now. But cleartone was bright. I buy by the case.
@@johnwashburn3793 Oh ok, I am about to do a string showdown with them and was curious as to what I was in for. Thanks!
They lasted longer than the John Pierce my friend prefers. My eyes are not what they were and fewer changes the better.
for the meantime is our own preference. i want to see which coating lasts longer
Taylor Guitars has promoted Elixir Strings for a long, long time. They recently changed over to D'Addario Strings and it makes me wonder if D'Addario strings are really all that much better or if Taylor Guitars is getting a lower price than they got from Elixir strings. Or, maybe some financial incentive to promote D'Addario strings?
Yea, at the end of the day it is still just a business deal and often quality will be sacrificed for a cheaper deal. I wish I knew.
Both great but for me, Elixir - Always!
Just put the XS 11-52 on today after using elixir 12-53 for a few years and so far with a hour of playing I’m really impressed with the XS strings. I was a bit hesitant because I had bad experiences with the XTs but the XS are the closest feeling to elixirs I’ve tried so far. They’re less slick feeling than the elixirs but they have a more earthy tone and feel which I like and also no flaking off all over the fretboard like the elixirs do. Will see if they last anywhere near the elixirs for a full comparison.
and how long did they live? compared to elixirs?
XS is definitely richer and has 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?
I wish I had other sized guitars to do these videos. So many variables!
Not a bad idea at all, that’s what I’m doing. I have a 12fret Taylor sm body and I use it mostly to accompany my singing. So, I want the full tone there to inspire me when I’m just playing, but a softer, rounder sound to back up the voice. I use the light to medium gauge for more bass too.
If I didn’t sing, I’d probably just get a bigger, deeper guitar and a jangly string. I’ve been using the XTs, but have ordered the XSs because I like a slicker feel.
The D'addario XS sound better fingerstyle.
Are there specific strings of daddario and elixir, for an electroacustic guitar? or can I install any of this ones for an electroacustic?
Any of them should work on an Acoustic/Electric guitar.
Jeremy you left your sunglasses at Will Smiths house. He sounds pissed.
Hi Jeremy, how’s XS in your Taylor 812ce? I switched a 324ce last time with other friends and XS sounds brighter than Elixirs on my Taylor 324ce.
I actually think the Elixir sound brighter on the 821ce.
@@JTravlos Ok, we have different thoughts. I feel Elixir strings sounds a bit darker because it coated the Entire string with thick Nanoweb coating, Daddario Exp and XS are thin coating so Daddario strings are brighter.
Elixir strings have 3 different thicknesses of coating, Nanoweb, Polyweb and Optiweb.
I’ve tried both. The D’Addario’s sound a little bit more muted. I prefer the Elixir’s.
X2
3:58 top
The Dadarrios tame the brightness of the Taylor better out of the box in this vid. The Elixir model used were too bright on this guitar for me. Results with different guitars will vary. I’d keep the XS on this particular acoustic. The Elixirs will bring out the muddiness in more traditionally voiced guitars better than the XS. The elixirs just rule. Have a friend with a 200 acoustic who plays three chords and the truth at campfires five times a year and last changed his strings four years ago? Elixirs will still sound good. Have a collection of acoustics that results any one of them not getting played regularly? The Elixirs will still sound good. The brightness will fade a bit when broken in but reach a point where they stay useful for an incredibly long time. I have battery acid fingers, a heavy attack and play all over the board. Uncoated strings are good for a night of playing and need to be changed. I used to boil uncoated strings to bring them back to life before Elixirs were made. I’ve used them when they first came out and ever since. The other coated strings, like Martins, or Ernie Ball were disappointing in terms of durability OF tone compared to Elixirs. Damn if the XS doesn’t sound better on this guitar though.
Xs starts to corrode after 4-5 months on certain patches just for finger style without pick..clean my hands before n after play..wipe the strings too..not sure about Exlixir…
Thanks for the update. Glad you mentioned this because I didn't test longevity. Subscribe if you havnt already!- Jeremy
@@JTravlos no problem..😁. I’m thinking to try Martin 2.0 Treated strings next..12-54. elixir phosphor a bit expensive..😁
@@HL-OOI Nice, I didnt love the Martin Strings but I really think I just like coated strings. Ive tried so many strings while making these videos and coated are the ones for me. Give the martins a try and let me know what you think. I made a string showdown for the Martins and was kinda harsh on them. Good luck!
@@JTravlos the “treated” is not coated? If that’s the case I won’t go for Martin..I also like coated string only.,😁 thx for the heads-up..it’s almost same price as the xs in my country..
@@HL-OOI I dont think Treated = Coated. Treated means they dip or spray the strings with some anti corrosion stuff but it doesnt make the strings slick.
Yo prefiero las cuerdas Elixir ya que su sonido dura más, las Dadario se apagan muy rápido
==== Addario's win hands down. Fuller and not as twangy as the Elixir . ===
I like the elixirs. Thanks this was helpful thank you!
You Rock!
Soooooo usefulllll
Awesome!
The xs is easier to play than the elixir imo
Dude what gauges ??
11s-52s
Elixirs flakes off at top of sound hole after a few weeks
D'addario is cleaner and warmer, brings forth the wood tones. Elixer has more overtones and jangle.
That’s a horrible guitar you’re playing man, is it a laminated wood?
Fine example of "Tell me you don't know anything about guitars without telling me"
haha it kind of sounds like a laminate even though it looks like a higher end taylor 😀