Thank you so much for the blind test at the end. That sealed it for me. String B... I won't run it for those that haven't listened to but it's a clear winner in terms of the Warmness and emotion of the notes
The reason I watched this video is The Taylor Guitar Company recently announced that all their new Guitars will no longer be shipped with Elixir Strings, as in the past. All New Taylor Guitars will now be shipped with Daddario Strings. So I had to check this out. Thanks.
The Deadario’s sound way brighter. Thank you I always hated the exixers but haven’t used them in years. The Daddari’s are more squeaky but still the brightness outweighs the mini or sqeagage. Great job thanks, john
I have used elixirs for probably 20-25 years, strictly fingerstyle, and was always very happy with them. I use the phosphor bronze, not the 80/20's. When elixir dropped the phosphors in polyweb and I switched to nanoweb I noticed the nano coating was not as robust and would fray more quickly (due to using my nails). The fraying doesn't affect the sound, just bugs me in a minor way. That being said, I recently tried the XS's and had the same reaction as you ; less finger squeak, slightly brighter and very smooth feeling. I also find them not to fray as quickly as the Elixirs. I prefer the sound of the Elixirs due to the brightness of the XS's, but the reduced finger squeak is a big deal to me. Less fraying and an identical price seal the deal for me. Thanks for doing this comparison, really enjoyed it and it's nice to have some validation of my experience.
Of course string squeak is also partially an issue with miking the guitar. This can only slightly be minimalized, but with good engineering you can record acoustic with less string squeak getting picked up. Mainly with a figure 8 pattern mic or supercardioid shotgun style mic for more exaggerated rejection zones.
You should've spoken between each playing time, because our brain must be ready to compare, and speaking in the middle do not conditional our brain to a better comparison experience. When I make battle videos, in my video montage I do one sound after another immediately and I think that's better to be aware of the pluses and minuses
Thanks a lot for the comparison! The blind test actually supported my suspicion after changing the D'Addarios to Elixirs on my Taylor GS Mini. They in fact do sound brighter and cleaner which in my opinion fit the Koa Plus model better as the Koa wood already brings warmth and low end with it. Still have to rule out that the difference in sound comes more from changing string gauge from 13s to 12s but your blind test suggests that it probably will solely be an issue of volume and not tone character. So thanks again!
I've been using Elixir Nanoweb Phosphor Bronze 12-53 on my Taylor 814ce for nearly 10 years. I recently heard that Taylor were now shipping their guitars with D'Addario XS Phosphor Bronze 12-53. So I bought 3 sets to try them out. Initially I was pleased with the D'Addario XS they seem a bit brighter than the Elixirs. After having used them for a few weeks now I notice a difference in the durability. After two weeks the D'Addarios started to get a bit discoloured where I was holding certain chords like the open D & A, which I use a lot. So I think there are pros and cons with these two strings. IMHO the Elixirs will last longer but the D'Addarios will be slightly brighter. Found a good deal on D'Addario XS, which were about $4 less than the Elixirs, so what the heck bought some more.
Prefer the bit of extra brightness on the XS. Elixirs always sounded a tad dull out of the box for me, and as others have mentioned, seem to peel away faster. The XS are also a few dollars cheaper where I am so it's interesting to read other comments here about how they tend to be more expensive in other places. Thanks for the great vid!
The D’Addario XS sound so much better on the video than they Elixirs. I have always hated Elixirs after the first day or two. They flake and chip and are just nasty when they coating breaks down. I have never had this happen with the D’Addario XS. They are by far my go-to favorites now!
I've been using the phosphor bronze Elixir for around 7years. I love them. I just Looooooooove them. But ok i gave a chance to the XS, and, it felt quiet good too. A bit more bright though, less rounded, little less this mat feeling that i really love on the Elixir, giving a bit more sensation of bassy vibes. Aaaaaannnd, can be just me, but the high B and E strings didn't do good after a month or so... Little new edit to the comment as i did not reach the end of your video as i was writing: From the first example of your A/B test i was 100% sure of which was which, and it just confirm what i was saying about the timber or color of the strings.
My older Martin sounds better with elixirs my new Martin sounds better with the Daddario. I guess it depends on if you need to wake it up or even it out But since I used elixirs for so many years I just assumed I would like them better on my new guitar but it didn't work that way. So I just buy a 3-pack of each online and string each guitar accordingly. I'm very happy with both string sets.
I did a bit of research on these strings and most people say Elixir's coating is superior. They both sound good, but the longevity is way better on the Elixirs, which is the most important thing for my abrasive, sweaty hands 😂
Listening with earbuds, I hear the Elixer's to be louder and a bit brighter on this blind test. I was surprised to find out that the sound that I liked better and believed to be warmer was the D'addario. I just bought a pair of D'addario and now I'm anxious to try them out.
Thanks for this video, very useful. Having listened to the blind test, I'm sticking with Elixir as I prefer the sound. Elixir also work out quite a lot cheaper (in the UK) if you buy three-packs.
i've been playing since 1972 when i bought a framus, i used ernie ball electric guitar strings back then, cos - lazy. let's see, i went framus texan, eko twelve string, 1970's gibson J45 (square shoulder - hated it), dione twin neck acoustic (all brass fittings), '66 j45, '66 j50, then when i divorced i went through about 60 guitars in the last ten years and wound up with these "keepers": the 66 j45, 69 epiphone texan, 2000's j35, 2000's maton ebg808TE, larrivee OMO3 zebrano (for sale), and a 2004 martin OOOX1 (which i think is the best guitar i ever heard or owned). i used d'addario for about thirty five years, then friends introduced me to elixir, but now i use martin sometimes, and various not so well known brands that actually sound really good (olympia and others). what i've learned in my 50 or more years of playing and the 60 or so guitars that have come and gone, is that it's all subjective. tommy emmanuel says that guitars get bored with one make of string and he changes to a variety of makes to bring life back, but i say - try everything. sooner or later something will stand out and that's all you can ask for, but entertaining as these videos are, nothing beats trying a new set of a new make on a new guitar. (i have a load of comparison videos on my channel - all a waste of time cos my recordings are so poor - lol).
there is this too: i put a nice new set of strings on my 66J45 (the olympias i think) and it didn't sound particularly exciting, so it went in the case for a few weeks until it's turn came around again, i took it out, played it and it sounded ASTONISHING, capital letters. this has happened before, i have no idea why things would liven up, but they did, so - even more to confuse the issue.
I never like coated strings, (only ever played Elixirs at the point of this revelation) bc they seemed way too greasy and slippery, and the Elixirs always seemed really bright on a thin basis. I always played D’Addario EJ16 but wished they’d last longer. When the XS’s came out, I thought I’d give them a try. Despite being an avid D’Addario fan, I still tried many other strings along the way: Curt Mangan, StringJoy, Ernie Ball, but always came back to the D’s. Well despite already knowing I didn’t like coated strings I had to try the XS. And Lord and behold wouldn’t you know it, I loved them. They aren’t as greasy or as ‘thick’ feeling, as the elixir counterparts, they seemed to have a softer feel to them, no squeak, and I was able to only have to change them every other month instead of ever other week like the EJ16’s. And when I changed them, it seemed to only because I thought I probably should, not because I was noticing any wear on them or dullness in the sound. And having multiple guitars that I don’t use regularly, they don’t get the build up of rust or stickiness the EJ16’s or others would. They are my go-to strings now for sure. Oh, and as a prop to D’Addario, I’ve not had a string break (knock on wood) in over 25 years. But seems like every time I use a different brand the high E or B string is snapping… 🤷🏼♂️ Anyways, the XS gets my vote! And with all that bragging on them, lol, I hope I guess correctly that they were string B in the video. Lol 🤞🏼😂 Keep up what you’re doing, love the channel. 🤘🏼❤️
Nice! I'm really impressed and as long as the last the same way elixirs do I'll be switching over for sure. I agree I've been on D'Addario for years and think I may have broke one string in the last decade.
I’d be happy with either . I could tell which was which. I think the outcome would be different with different size guitars . The brighter ones could help a boomy dred and the mellower ones calm down a smaller guitar . The brighter ones would probably be more useful in a band mix context. Both good to my ears .
This is exactly how I feel. Now I'm happy that I have two options so whichever is available, I'd be happy to pick either. Elixir was my only choice before and sometimes it would be out of stock and I'd have to wait for them. The XS has made it much simple for me where I can get those and still be just as happy and now I just know that with a second option, i don't have to stay hellbent on one.
I've done 3 of these A/B videos now with headphones and I prefer the clarity of the Elixirs, especially since coated strings all sound a little dead after being on a while.
I know exactly what you’re saying about the EXP’s. I tried a set maybe 12 or so years ago. They were on the guitar for approximately one hour. They felt like rubber bands to me. I didn’t like the feel at all! I have used Elixer nanowebs since. I might give these a try.
I've been using D'Addario Nickel Bronze on my acoustics in recent years, but I'm tempted to give these XS strings a go once I run low on stock. Got enough for at least another year though.
Um have to update my comment. Used both extensively and in person XS sounded, and felt better (didn't feel as coated as Exlixir) and lasted the longest. 2 months in and sound almost new! Let's see how long they sound "good"
I feel like it also depends on the type of guitar 😅 I found out that Taylor recently switched over to D’addario coated strings (on the 814ce at least; it’s a guitar that I thought of getting in the future) from Elixir’s…I always got the Elixir HD Light’s sooo I’m trying to figure out which is better lol
I switched over to the DAddarios for exactly this reason, slightly higher output in mid-highs and highs. Both are great strings, but I could tell the difference straight away in your comparison. A brighter guitar might favour Elixirs more if a direct comparison was to be made, but the XS breathe more imho. I've heard Elixirs last longer though, probably because of the thicker coating, so that is something to bear in mind for a frequently gigging musician.
ive used elixir since i have started playing guitar about 5 years i would always have to change them every 2 weeks because of gigging. Last month and a half i have been using the same set of d'addarios and they still sound pretty good. I would notice that the elixirs would always peel and get dirty quick. These d'addarios look as if they were a week old of just gigging but i have had them for almost 2 months now.
I'm still a beginner and I also feel the D'addario sound slightly brighter, which I really like. I've never played on coated strings. Since I need to change mine (because they're already old and you can hear that lol), I think I'm gonna give it a go. Thank you.
I always used elixirs custom light phosphor bronze nanoweb. The problem is I do a lot of finger style and my nails are enhanced with acrylic powder and nail glue. It takes no time at all to destroy that coating with the nails. It peels up and the strings become a mess. They also get very stiff very quickly and when strings get stiff the first thing to go is the ability to do pull-offs. The strings will literally become unable to have that technique used on them because there's no give. I've used the XT daddario strings and I like them, and although they are harder on the fingers than the elixirs, the coating does not peel off because it's not that kind of a coating. It will also take a product such as finger-ease without melting. The XS line is supposed to last longer but I'm thinking the same thing is going to happen because of the acrylic nails. Has anybody had any experience with this and could advise me?
Elixir polyweb 80/20 12’s for 22 years on my main Larrivee dred. Tried exp’s on other guitars and was never blown away. I picked up a pack of these months ago and haven’t put em on yet. But now i want to try them out. Thanks
I've used both these strings alternatively for a almost a year as I had several sets of both to use up. I genuinely think the difference in sound and playability is minimal. However, going forward I will use the d'addario XS's as they last longer before degrading and peeling, so I assume the coating applied the them is superior to the Elixir's.
Nice comparison, thanks! I just can’t get used to the way coated strings feel. “Like wearing a raincoat in the shower” comes to mind. Also, I find the lack of finger noise on coated strings unsettling, and, I don’t know, “destructive” seems too harsh a word, but something like that. It’s certainly taking away a useful and important ingredient of the sound. I’ll take Martin MA550 mediums over any of these.
If you want to slightly cut the bass on a guitar. Might help balance the low end on a dreadnought somewhat... (The guitar in this video doesn't need that... It sounds pretty balanced And maybe a little lean towards trouble already) The D'Addario's do that... They have a tad more clarity but they're not quite as warm.They are really similar strings. What are your thoughts after a year?
first disclaimer, I'm listening on laptop speakers, but I could hear a difference when they were switched back and forth, but I don't think I could articulate which I thought were which, there wasn't a real consistent difference that I could hear other than when the strings changed it sounded different. I don't think either sounded particularly brighter, or more bass heavy or even or anything that I could articulate over every switch. Is there a notable price difference between them?
Well, in this video the D'Addario sounds better but in all my other experiences in real life it's actually the other way around, Elixir always sounds better to my ears
In the demo's earlier in the video, the Elixir was first and sounded more mellow (more midrange). Then the D'Addario was second and sounded brighter with more bottom end (more phosphor bronzy). You even said they were "possibly a bit brighter than the Elixirs". To me I thought String A was the Elixir (more mellow) and the D'Addario was String B (brighter with more bottom end and more phosphor bronzy. Yet in the video it is stated the other way around. i.e. String A - D'Addario, String B - Elixir. Are you sure you didn't type it the wrong way around in the video?
Heya its been 8 months would love to know if you have any idea how long the sets lasted and if one was better than the other. Because in my experience the Elixirs last longer than XT but have yet to try out XS. Thanks for the video.
Have you tried to compare with Magma Strings? I have seen some reviews that saying DAddario can get more rusty easily on string 1 and 2 just within weeks. While Elixir still can last longer
How did the Daddario strings last after a month of playing compared to the Elixir after a month? Which strings lost the tone, feel, quality? I play Martin MSP7100 SP Lifespan Phosphor Bronze Light Acoustic on my Martin and factory Elixir on my Taylor. Overall is the price difference worth it?
What model/year is the Stonebridge? It sounds great...Does it have scalloped bracing? Forward shifted? Sitka spruce top? Mahogany back and sides? Is the top torrified?Look and sounds a lot like a Martin D18V...or a Santa Cruz DPW. Where did you buy? The XS sound slightly brighter with better string to string articulation and still has good bottom end/bass...maybe slightly less loud than Elixirs..I would guess that string A is the XS.. Noticeably not as loud but with better clarity and resonance on the wound strings....Do you hear any difference in volume, sustain, bass etc? That guitar sounds better with the XS to my ear. Have you tried mediums on that Guitar? What thickness pick are you using? What make/model is it?
Been using Elixir for almost 20 years, I am 100% certain String A is Daddario and B is Elixir. Elixir is too loud and bright it can get obnoxious... Daddario are warmer, creamier sounding, more balanced.
D'Addario sent me a freebie set and they are nice. Are they really better than Elixirs? Well, for me, not really, but a bit different, a little less bright. And since the XSs are $4-$5 MORE than the Elixirs...I'll be sticking with the Elixirs.
Thank you so much for the blind test at the end. That sealed it for me. String B... I won't run it for those that haven't listened to but it's a clear winner in terms of the Warmness and emotion of the notes
+1 for this. Set B excelled in every playing style. More colour, depth amd warmth. I'll stick with Elixirs. Great wee video, btw.
I found B to be louder and maybe even a bit muddy, but not as clear as A. I’m assuming A is Elixir and B XS
The reason I watched this video is
The Taylor Guitar Company recently announced that all their new Guitars will no longer be shipped with Elixir Strings, as in the past. All New Taylor Guitars will now be shipped with Daddario Strings. So I had to check this out. Thanks.
The Deadario’s sound way brighter. Thank you I always hated the exixers but haven’t used them in years. The Daddari’s are more squeaky but still the brightness outweighs the mini or sqeagage. Great job thanks, john
I have used elixirs for probably 20-25 years, strictly fingerstyle, and was always very happy with them. I use the phosphor bronze, not the 80/20's. When elixir dropped the phosphors in polyweb and I switched to nanoweb I noticed the nano coating was not as robust and would fray more quickly (due to using my nails). The fraying doesn't affect the sound, just bugs me in a minor way. That being said, I recently tried the XS's and had the same reaction as you ; less finger squeak, slightly brighter and very smooth feeling. I also find them not to fray as quickly as the Elixirs. I prefer the sound of the Elixirs due to the brightness of the XS's, but the reduced finger squeak is a big deal to me. Less fraying and an identical price seal the deal for me.
Thanks for doing this comparison, really enjoyed it and it's nice to have some validation of my experience.
Glad to hear someday had the same experience. My pleasure. Thanks for watching.
Of course string squeak is also partially an issue with miking the guitar. This can only slightly be minimalized, but with good engineering you can record acoustic with less string squeak getting picked up. Mainly with a figure 8 pattern mic or supercardioid shotgun style mic for more exaggerated rejection zones.
You should've spoken between each playing time, because our brain must be ready to compare, and speaking in the middle do not conditional our brain to a better comparison experience. When I make battle videos, in my video montage I do one sound after another immediately and I think that's better to be aware of the pluses and minuses
Thanks a lot for the comparison! The blind test actually supported my suspicion after changing the D'Addarios to Elixirs on my Taylor GS Mini. They in fact do sound brighter and cleaner which in my opinion fit the Koa Plus model better as the Koa wood already brings warmth and low end with it. Still have to rule out that the difference in sound comes more from changing string gauge from 13s to 12s but your blind test suggests that it probably will solely be an issue of volume and not tone character. So thanks again!
I've been using Elixir Nanoweb Phosphor Bronze 12-53 on my Taylor 814ce for nearly 10 years. I recently heard that Taylor were now shipping their guitars with D'Addario XS Phosphor Bronze 12-53. So I bought 3 sets to try them out. Initially I was pleased with the D'Addario XS they seem a bit brighter than the Elixirs. After having used them for a few weeks now I notice a difference in the durability. After two weeks the D'Addarios started to get a bit discoloured where I was holding certain chords like the open D & A, which I use a lot. So I think there are pros and cons with these two strings. IMHO the Elixirs will last longer but the D'Addarios will be slightly brighter. Found a good deal on D'Addario XS, which were about $4 less than the Elixirs, so what the heck bought some more.
Prefer the bit of extra brightness on the XS. Elixirs always sounded a tad dull out of the box for me, and as others have mentioned, seem to peel away faster. The XS are also a few dollars cheaper where I am so it's interesting to read other comments here about how they tend to be more expensive in other places. Thanks for the great vid!
D’Addario sounds slightly brighter with more clarity to me. I’m a long time Elixir fan, so this is surprising. I’m going to have to try the D’Addario.
The D’Addario XS sound so much better on the video than they Elixirs. I have always hated Elixirs after the first day or two. They flake and chip and are just nasty when they coating breaks down. I have never had this happen with the D’Addario XS. They are by far my go-to favorites now!
I've been using the phosphor bronze Elixir for around 7years. I love them. I just Looooooooove them.
But ok i gave a chance to the XS, and, it felt quiet good too. A bit more bright though, less rounded, little less this mat feeling that i really love on the Elixir, giving a bit more sensation of bassy vibes. Aaaaaannnd, can be just me, but the high B and E strings didn't do good after a month or so...
Little new edit to the comment as i did not reach the end of your video as i was writing: From the first example of your A/B test i was 100% sure of which was which, and it just confirm what i was saying about the timber or color of the strings.
Taylor recently changed to the D’Addario XS.
Whatever string A is has a natural compression that is really nice and sounds like a record!
My older Martin sounds better with elixirs my new Martin sounds better with the Daddario. I guess it depends on if you need to wake it up or even it out But since I used elixirs for so many years I just assumed I would like them better on my new guitar but it didn't work that way. So I just buy a 3-pack of each online and string each guitar accordingly. I'm very happy with both string sets.
I did a bit of research on these strings and most people say Elixir's coating is superior. They both sound good, but the longevity is way better on the Elixirs, which is the most important thing for my abrasive, sweaty hands 😂
Listening with earbuds, I hear the Elixer's to be louder and a bit brighter on this blind test. I was surprised to find out that the sound that I liked better and believed to be warmer was the D'addario. I just bought a pair of D'addario and now I'm anxious to try them out.
Thanks for this video, very useful. Having listened to the blind test, I'm sticking with Elixir as I prefer the sound. Elixir also work out quite a lot cheaper (in the UK) if you buy three-packs.
Graet video man! I would like to see comarison between D'addario XS and XT
i've been playing since 1972 when i bought a framus, i used ernie ball electric guitar strings back then, cos - lazy. let's see, i went framus texan, eko twelve string, 1970's gibson J45 (square shoulder - hated it), dione twin neck acoustic (all brass fittings), '66 j45, '66 j50, then when i divorced i went through about 60 guitars in the last ten years and wound up with these "keepers": the 66 j45, 69 epiphone texan, 2000's j35, 2000's maton ebg808TE, larrivee OMO3 zebrano (for sale), and a 2004 martin OOOX1 (which i think is the best guitar i ever heard or owned).
i used d'addario for about thirty five years, then friends introduced me to elixir, but now i use martin sometimes, and various not so well known brands that actually sound really good (olympia and others).
what i've learned in my 50 or more years of playing and the 60 or so guitars that have come and gone, is that it's all subjective. tommy emmanuel says that guitars get bored with one make of string and he changes to a variety of makes to bring life back, but i say - try everything. sooner or later something will stand out and that's all you can ask for, but entertaining as these videos are, nothing beats trying a new set of a new make on a new guitar. (i have a load of comparison videos on my channel - all a waste of time cos my recordings are so poor - lol).
there is this too: i put a nice new set of strings on my 66J45 (the olympias i think) and it didn't sound particularly exciting, so it went in the case for a few weeks until it's turn came around again, i took it out, played it and it sounded ASTONISHING, capital letters. this has happened before, i have no idea why things would liven up, but they did, so - even more to confuse the issue.
I never like coated strings, (only ever played Elixirs at the point of this revelation) bc they seemed way too greasy and slippery, and the Elixirs always seemed really bright on a thin basis. I always played D’Addario EJ16 but wished they’d last longer. When the XS’s came out, I thought I’d give them a try. Despite being an avid D’Addario fan, I still tried many other strings along the way: Curt Mangan, StringJoy, Ernie Ball, but always came back to the D’s. Well despite already knowing I didn’t like coated strings I had to try the XS. And Lord and behold wouldn’t you know it, I loved them. They aren’t as greasy or as ‘thick’ feeling, as the elixir counterparts, they seemed to have a softer feel to them, no squeak, and I was able to only have to change them every other month instead of ever other week like the EJ16’s. And when I changed them, it seemed to only because I thought I probably should, not because I was noticing any wear on them or dullness in the sound. And having multiple guitars that I don’t use regularly, they don’t get the build up of rust or stickiness the EJ16’s or others would. They are my go-to strings now for sure. Oh, and as a prop to D’Addario, I’ve not had a string break (knock on wood) in over 25 years. But seems like every time I use a different brand the high E or B string is snapping… 🤷🏼♂️ Anyways, the XS gets my vote!
And with all that bragging on them, lol, I hope I guess correctly that they were string B in the video. Lol 🤞🏼😂 Keep up what you’re doing, love the channel. 🤘🏼❤️
Nice! I'm really impressed and as long as the last the same way elixirs do I'll be switching over for sure. I agree I've been on D'Addario for years and think I may have broke one string in the last decade.
I’d be happy with either . I could tell which was which. I think the outcome would be different with different size guitars . The brighter ones could help a boomy dred and the mellower ones calm down a smaller guitar . The brighter ones would probably be more useful in a band mix context. Both good to my ears .
This is exactly how I feel. Now I'm happy that I have two options so whichever is available, I'd be happy to pick either. Elixir was my only choice before and sometimes it would be out of stock and I'd have to wait for them. The XS has made it much simple for me where I can get those and still be just as happy and now I just know that with a second option, i don't have to stay hellbent on one.
NICE~~! I found unmistakably the Elixers have about 20% better "signal to noise."
I stopped for the string comparison, but I was so blown away by the sound of this Stonebridge(Furch) guitar that I forgot all about strings..
How good is it!?
@@minimalistmusician I have the Blue masters choice cedar mahogany, Furch makes great guitars
I've done 3 of these A/B videos now with headphones and I prefer the clarity of the Elixirs, especially since coated strings all sound a little dead after being on a while.
I know exactly what you’re saying about the EXP’s. I tried a set maybe 12 or so years ago. They were on the guitar for approximately one hour. They felt like rubber bands to me. I didn’t like the feel at all! I have used Elixer nanowebs since. I might give these a try.
I've been using D'Addario Nickel Bronze on my acoustics in recent years, but I'm tempted to give these XS strings a go once I run low on stock. Got enough for at least another year though.
Nice. I’ve got a few boxes of ej16s lying around now too. It’s hard to go back. Love to hear your thoughts if you try the xs
Damn I got them wrong at the end! I swore what I thought sounded better was the XS. Nah it was Elixir. Sticking with them 😀
Um have to update my comment. Used both extensively and in person XS sounded, and felt better (didn't feel as coated as Exlixir) and lasted the longest. 2 months in and sound almost new! Let's see how long they sound "good"
3 months in and the XS are somewhat dead. I may go back to Elixir
thanksssss you ❤
I feel like it also depends on the type of guitar 😅 I found out that Taylor recently switched over to D’addario coated strings (on the 814ce at least; it’s a guitar that I thought of getting in the future) from Elixir’s…I always got the Elixir HD Light’s sooo I’m trying to figure out which is better lol
I switched over to the DAddarios for exactly this reason, slightly higher output in mid-highs and highs. Both are great strings, but I could tell the difference straight away in your comparison. A brighter guitar might favour Elixirs more if a direct comparison was to be made, but the XS breathe more imho. I've heard Elixirs last longer though, probably because of the thicker coating, so that is something to bear in mind for a frequently gigging musician.
ive used elixir since i have started playing guitar about 5 years i would always have to change them every 2 weeks because of gigging. Last month and a half i have been using the same set of d'addarios and they still sound pretty good. I would notice that the elixirs would always peel and get dirty quick. These d'addarios look as if they were a week old of just gigging but i have had them for almost 2 months now.
I'm still a beginner and I also feel the D'addario sound slightly brighter, which I really like. I've never played on coated strings. Since I need to change mine (because they're already old and you can hear that lol), I think I'm gonna give it a go. Thank you.
Thanks mate! Good test.
I always used elixirs custom light phosphor bronze nanoweb. The problem is I do a lot of finger style and my nails are enhanced with acrylic powder and nail glue. It takes no time at all to destroy that coating with the nails. It peels up and the strings become a mess. They also get very stiff very quickly and when strings get stiff the first thing to go is the ability to do pull-offs. The strings will literally become unable to have that technique used on them because there's no give. I've used the XT daddario strings and I like them, and although they are harder on the fingers than the elixirs, the coating does not peel off because it's not that kind of a coating. It will also take a product such as finger-ease without melting. The XS line is supposed to last longer but I'm thinking the same thing is going to happen because of the acrylic nails. Has anybody had any experience with this and could advise me?
To my ear the Elixirs were warmer and louder than the D'addarios.
Elixir polyweb 80/20 12’s for 22 years on my main Larrivee dred. Tried exp’s on other guitars and was never blown away. I picked up a pack of these months ago and haven’t put em on yet. But now i want to try them out. Thanks
I wonder what people think now that the XS strings are 4 dollars more now.
I've used both these strings alternatively for a almost a year as I had several sets of both to use up. I genuinely think the difference in sound and playability is minimal. However, going forward I will use the d'addario XS's as they last longer before degrading and peeling, so I assume the coating applied the them is superior to the Elixir's.
Nice comparison, thanks! I just can’t get used to the way coated strings feel. “Like wearing a raincoat in the shower” comes to mind. Also, I find the lack of finger noise on coated strings unsettling, and, I don’t know, “destructive” seems too harsh a word, but something like that. It’s certainly taking away a useful and important ingredient of the sound. I’ll take Martin MA550 mediums over any of these.
If you want to slightly cut the bass on a guitar. Might help balance the low end on a dreadnought somewhat... (The guitar in this video doesn't need that... It sounds pretty balanced And maybe a little lean towards trouble already) The D'Addario's do that... They have a tad more clarity but they're not quite as warm.They are really similar strings. What are your thoughts after a year?
To me, A was the Elixirs, B was the D'Addario's. I didn't wait until the end, so I'll go back and check now. :)
Well damn!
Daddario is more expensive in Europe. About 19,90€ vs 16,50€ (Thomann)
first disclaimer, I'm listening on laptop speakers, but I could hear a difference when they were switched back and forth, but I don't think I could articulate which I thought were which, there wasn't a real consistent difference that I could hear other than when the strings changed it sounded different. I don't think either sounded particularly brighter, or more bass heavy or even or anything that I could articulate over every switch. Is there a notable price difference between them?
I believe there’s a $1-$2 difference between if not the same price. Very close
Like I mentioned in the video they’re essentially the same price.
@@minimalistmusician i missed that part, i'll have to try the D'Addario's out
Well, in this video the D'Addario sounds better but in all my other experiences in real life it's actually the other way around, Elixir always sounds better to my ears
I’ll be damned… Blind test got me. Now I want to send back my 3 pack of XS’s.
Got it right! DAD XS seemed a little brighter; I like them a little better than ELX.
Adirondack top with xs... great high and mid and overtones and resonance.
Elixir Nanoweb 12-53 same as D'Addario Ej16 D’Addario XS is good different high tone
I haven't tried the x strings yet, but that is about the only ones I have not tried.
In the demo's earlier in the video, the Elixir was first and sounded more mellow (more midrange). Then the D'Addario was second and sounded brighter with more bottom end (more phosphor bronzy). You even said they were "possibly a bit brighter than the Elixirs". To me I thought String A was the Elixir (more mellow) and the D'Addario was String B (brighter with more bottom end and more phosphor bronzy. Yet in the video it is stated the other way around. i.e. String A - D'Addario, String B - Elixir. Are you sure you didn't type it the wrong way around in the video?
Heya its been 8 months would love to know if you have any idea how long the sets lasted and if one was better than the other. Because in my experience the Elixirs last longer than XT but have yet to try out XS. Thanks for the video.
Have you tried to compare with Magma Strings? I have seen some reviews that saying DAddario can get more rusty easily on string 1 and 2 just within weeks. While Elixir still can last longer
what song are you playing at minute @7:37? sound great
How did the Daddario strings last after a month of playing compared to the Elixir after a month? Which strings lost the tone, feel, quality? I play Martin MSP7100 SP Lifespan Phosphor Bronze Light Acoustic on my Martin and factory Elixir on my Taylor. Overall is the price difference worth it?
What model/year is the Stonebridge? It sounds great...Does it have scalloped bracing? Forward shifted? Sitka spruce top? Mahogany back and sides? Is the top torrified?Look and sounds a lot like a Martin D18V...or a Santa Cruz DPW. Where did you buy? The XS sound slightly brighter with better string to string articulation and still has good bottom end/bass...maybe slightly less loud than Elixirs..I would guess that string A is the XS.. Noticeably not as loud but with better clarity and resonance on the wound strings....Do you hear any difference in volume, sustain, bass etc? That guitar sounds better with the XS to my ear. Have you tried mediums on that Guitar? What thickness pick are you using? What make/model is it?
Elixirs better for sweaty hands. Daddario better at high ends esp when you bend but too rough after coatings been removed
Can I know the name of the songs at the end of the video?
Elixir here in Philippines price is 25$
phosfor bronze o 80/20 help me thanks
Can some please clarify which string was string A and which was string B?
Been using Elixir for almost 20 years, I am 100% certain String A is Daddario and B is Elixir. Elixir is too loud and bright it can get obnoxious... Daddario are warmer, creamier sounding, more balanced.
9:47 10:00
D'Addario sent me a freebie set and they are nice. Are they really better than Elixirs? Well, for me, not really, but a bit different, a little less bright. And since the XSs are $4-$5 MORE than the Elixirs...I'll be sticking with the Elixirs.
Don't like elixir strings prefer d'addario phosphor bronze and martin SP elixirs are slippery and fall to pieces 😢😢🏴
A elixir
B d addario
I think string B is elixir….
XS
The best acoustic guitar straings are the Santa Cruz Parabolic strings
There's no best set of strings it's all about what sound and feeling you prefer 😉
My soul say D'addario...
Strings sucks... 1,5month and i have corosia on 1,2 strings and dont intonate in frets. Before I use elexyr nano web and i play 1 years, no corosia.