Ernie Ball VS D’Addario Guitar Strings

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  • Опубликовано: 24 дек 2024

Комментарии • 1,4 тыс.

  • @KDH
    @KDH  3 года назад +228

    Which strings do you use?

  • @palletjackinfo
    @palletjackinfo 3 года назад +731

    I've learned not to fret about which strings to pick.

    • @braxtonfps3580
      @braxtonfps3580 3 года назад +34

      Cringe dude. Might wanna rethink your life choices

    • @vorpalblades
      @vorpalblades 3 года назад +11

      Poor decision.

    • @grumpycat6665
      @grumpycat6665 3 года назад +15

      *Buys pure nickel strings; wonders why their metal rhythm playing sucks

    • @AnyoneSeenMikeHunt
      @AnyoneSeenMikeHunt 3 года назад +29

      @@grumpycat6665 Cuz they're for playing Nickelback

    • @Anunakkiwalkitalki
      @Anunakkiwalkitalki 3 года назад +13

      @@grumpycat6665 Hint: has nothing to with your string choice.

  • @ericvandruten
    @ericvandruten 3 года назад +191

    It's remarkable to see how well these companies seem to be doing on client loyalty. People are defending their brand of choice passionately.

    • @ushnicyuvnikof2748
      @ushnicyuvnikof2748 2 года назад +14

      I will Russian arm wrestle anyone who doesn't admit D'Addario the best . 💪🏻🇷🇺
      🎸

    • @RideAcrossTheRiver
      @RideAcrossTheRiver 2 года назад +10

      When you see on a Dire Straits album "thank you very much d'addario strings" ...

    • @xserienchiller86
      @xserienchiller86 Год назад +5

      people gets offended by other peoples opinion. as if they were wrong or something like that. Especially when it comes to gear no one wants to hear, that the things you spend money on and have fun with is trash. People should start again to love their equipment insted comparing it. When I was young, we always had different gear and everything was "cool".. in 10 years everyone will play the same equipment because a paid youtube said, it is the best. Maybe I start a company and make this my concept.. who knows

  • @PunctualGolem88
    @PunctualGolem88 3 года назад +222

    I was indeed watching this on the toilet.

    • @tylerm8145
      @tylerm8145 3 года назад +9

      Poopin pals, unite!

    • @mepp4224
      @mepp4224 3 года назад +8

      I literally read this and heard him say that as I took a shit

    • @revalfresh
      @revalfresh 3 года назад +2

      Same. That made me laugh.

    • @ryzencorp8182
      @ryzencorp8182 3 года назад

      The shit team

    • @honestlyshows
      @honestlyshows 3 года назад +1

      Oh snap same

  • @ChiefSpartan1
    @ChiefSpartan1 3 года назад +285

    The 3 pack of Ernie balls, have a bit of cellophane over each pack. So they last just as long

    • @Reverend_Mojo
      @Reverend_Mojo 3 года назад +27

      I was about to comment that... 3-packs is the main Way I always bought ernies

    • @Bedroomrips
      @Bedroomrips 3 года назад

      Hypnotize

    • @JL-jj1oj
      @JL-jj1oj 3 года назад

      Yes indeed.

    • @musicsounds4214
      @musicsounds4214 2 года назад

      D addario strings usually got broken easily

    • @musicsounds4214
      @musicsounds4214 2 года назад

      Addario usually get broken easily

  • @heggy_69
    @heggy_69 3 года назад +137

    I only ever see d'addrios around here and the only problem I have with them is I can't spell their name

    • @aayushkhare656
      @aayushkhare656 3 года назад

      😂

    • @tylerm8145
      @tylerm8145 3 года назад +1

      I mean all you really need is d apostrophe and you're good right? D' in the context of guitar strings and everyone knows exactly what's up

    • @ICECOLDOUTDOORS
      @ICECOLDOUTDOORS 3 года назад

      🤣🤣🤣

    • @BaronVonQuiply
      @BaronVonQuiply 3 года назад +4

      Just sing _"Hi, Ho, D'addario, the djenter in the dell"_ and it spells itself.

  • @putridabomination
    @putridabomination 3 года назад +197

    I used to be an Ernie Ball kind of guy but I prefer D'addario nowadays.

    • @Highrollinhunter
      @Highrollinhunter 3 года назад +10

      I'm a Rotosound guy because they make the lightest Bass strings which I'm planning on putting on my Bass because hybrid slinky's can't do them bends that are required to play anesthesia (pulling teeth) .

    • @smirgyjoker2484
      @smirgyjoker2484 3 года назад +5

      @@Highrollinhunter Also bass player here, I love EB because of their brightness first tried their green pack; loved it then tried their cobalt. It sucked at first because they made my humbucking bass really muddy. Now with the strings broke in they sound ok but I prefer the green pack more. That's just my 2 cents tho.

    • @HeathenwoodOfficial
      @HeathenwoodOfficial 3 года назад +5

      I used D'addarios before but my shop has cheaper Ernie Balls I think

    • @ryanp7782
      @ryanp7782 3 года назад +2

      Yeah, I use Ernie Balls but I've only used one or two sets of D'addarios so I think I prefer Ernie Ball a little bit more but there's not much of a difference between them. I wanna try D'addarios or elixirs in the future.

    • @ernestochang1744
      @ernestochang1744 3 года назад

      @@Highrollinhunter good luck finding intonation tuning stability also the lighter the gauge of string the faster they sound dead also the lighter the gauge the lower output volume you will have

  • @jus10_lee
    @jus10_lee 3 года назад +95

    I played Enrie Ball, specifically in the first couple years of getting into metal because they had sets for down tuning like the Beefy and Not Even Slinkys. My problem was the gauges didnt seem to make much sense tension-wise. I switched to Daddarios and instantly noticed a brighter tone, smoother feel, and much better intonation. Never looked back.

    • @sleepdeep305
      @sleepdeep305 3 года назад +9

      Daddarios feel smoother? Couldn't be more wrong about that one.

    • @alecmullaney7957
      @alecmullaney7957 2 года назад +36

      @@sleepdeep305 almost like it's personal preference

    • @xaphan8581
      @xaphan8581 Год назад +2

      Their the same thing. Lol I love when people act like there is this huge difference when their literary the same thing.

    • @RichardGarcia93
      @RichardGarcia93 Год назад

      @@xaphan8581nah

  • @profile_01
    @profile_01 3 года назад +44

    Keith Richards once said in an interview that he switches back and forth between D'addario and Ernie Ball Slinky sets. He thinks D'addario hold their tone slightly longer but Slinky's feel a little nicer. Nice comparison here, kudos

    • @richardsmith9615
      @richardsmith9615 3 месяца назад

      I'd be interested to know why he didn't consider Elixir.

  • @DragonCrestPC
    @DragonCrestPC 3 года назад +125

    I'm a D'addario player myself. I've tried others and always come back.

    • @mikeygabbard9268
      @mikeygabbard9268 3 года назад +3

      I tried to convince myself NYXL were worth the extra money and that I liked them better. But, they just kept breaking soon after I put them on and I ended up switching back to Ernie Ball.

    • @gtrman12887
      @gtrman12887 3 года назад +5

      Same here! DAddarios just feel so at home. Idk if its just me, but when they changed the Ernie Ball packages from plastic to the foil, it felt so different and I disliked that.

    • @DragonCrestPC
      @DragonCrestPC 3 года назад +3

      @@mikeygabbard9268 It's funny, i've been playing guitar for 22 years ( i'm 34 ) and i've never broke a string lol. Ernie's are great strings too don't get me wrong.

    • @jimmyanderson442
      @jimmyanderson442 3 года назад +3

      I tried both addario or ernie, but now i like elixir optiweb

    • @DragonCrestPC
      @DragonCrestPC 3 года назад +1

      @@jimmyanderson442 I tried them and found the tone lacking ( in my opinion ) But tone is subjective.

  • @stringchild
    @stringchild 3 года назад +47

    I used to use Ernie Balls for years, but switched to D addarios many many years ago. I use the .010 -.046 gauge.
    I've never looked back. I used to break the Ernie Balls all the time. D addarios don't break and I like the tone. Great strings and I can always get them.

    • @slimturnpike
      @slimturnpike Год назад +2

      Funny I've had the opposite experience. I'm always breaking high Bs and Es on D'Addario but rarely with Ernie Ball. Also the tuning stability seems much quicker/better with EBs. I used D'Addarios for decades but I'm never going back.

    • @Stratmaster_
      @Stratmaster_ Год назад

      ⁠​⁠​⁠@@slimturnpikeyeah same! I’ve always seemed to break the high E string on D’Addario so the only other company that i know properly of is Ernie Ball so i think im gonna go with those. But i do know that so far D’Addario strings stay in tune consistently for my guitar. (Both guitars being fenders FYI)

  • @metropolis9323
    @metropolis9323 3 года назад +135

    Dude! I switched from ernie ball to d'addario like a week ago and I was looking for a good comparison video. Cool coincidence... or are you stalking me

    • @KDH
      @KDH  3 года назад +74

      I’m watching you..... 👀

  • @Malum09
    @Malum09 3 года назад +118

    Not gonna lie, I use whatever, I’m not picky

    • @oldbonesbushcraftrodjackso474
      @oldbonesbushcraftrodjackso474 5 месяцев назад

      Cool dig in the used string Box . I have an old beater blues acoustic . It uses the used strings really well .My takamine gets quality all the time .My strats and teles get Ernie ball .I love Ernie ball strings .I love the story of when Ernie Ball offered James Burton a special set of strings . Very cool . We all know James Burton .One of my favourite players .Plus Jimmy Page . he is wild .

  • @MarioHernandez-zc7dv
    @MarioHernandez-zc7dv 3 года назад +147

    Ernie ball vs D'addario is the equivalent of Godzilla vs Kong. Both of their fans would rip each apart to explained why their team is better.

  • @guitarforall
    @guitarforall 3 года назад +87

    ernie balls rust so fast, and get like super dark and dirty in some spots. and eventually they end up snapping on a floyd rose easily. diaddario is the only way to go

    • @infinidominion
      @infinidominion 3 года назад +6

      I use EB's only and am by the ocean and they're fine

    • @Highrollinhunter
      @Highrollinhunter 3 года назад +2

      I haven't had any problems with Ernie balls except one little problem they love to go out of tune easily I have em on my classical guitar, Bass, and stratocaster with a floating tremolo.

    • @Monomonmamon
      @Monomonmamon 3 года назад +6

      I had the same experience on my first set of 9s EB lol

    • @Frederic_Chopin.
      @Frederic_Chopin. 3 года назад +4

      So true, that don’t last long at all.

    • @Ayyem93
      @Ayyem93 3 года назад +8

      I don't know what you guys played but even before they head paradigm and other stuff like that my plain ass Ernie Ball Skinny Top Heavy Bottoms always stayed in tune and lasted a month of daily playing for hours, and they've been doing so over the last 14 years although I don't play as much these days.

  • @billyschneider4785
    @billyschneider4785 3 года назад +59

    I freaking love how you pronounce “thing” as “ting”

  • @dantheman2907
    @dantheman2907 3 года назад +26

    It's probably worth mentioning that the 25 set pack has no real protection from the atmosphere when compared to any of the other sets. It's just a roll of strings around a plastic spool inside a cardboard box and is really only suitable if you're changing a lot of strings and often, though the minimal packaging is great from a sustainability standpoint.

    • @squigpeels.1021
      @squigpeels.1021 Год назад +2

      Well, d'addarios hold up well. I have over a dozen of the 25 pack boxes and not a single string has corroded or shown any signs of surface wear/rust or bleeding of the metals. But, you're right in the sense that if it were exposed to the elements, it would probably affect the strings to some degree.

  • @IshaanKunwar
    @IshaanKunwar 3 года назад +48

    I've played both brands equally for about 10 years depending on their availability. In my country, you sometimes end up with an old stock since they don't sell as much. I used to root for Ernie ball in the beginning since the packaging looks cooler xD. However, I've had two instances of where the strings inside the packaging came out rusted and one instance where the winding on their 'Paradigm' string sets came off close to the bridge minutes after changing the strings. I've never had a single problem with D'addario though. So I switched to them permanently a while back.
    Edit- If you have an Ibanez Edge/Floyd rose bridge you can put the ball ends near the tuner and not clip them to have that fringy strings look on your headstock and not poke someone's eye out. In this case the colourful ball ends of the D'addario look pretty cool.

  • @leoseanster
    @leoseanster 3 года назад +15

    Honestly, as long as the gauges are correct and they don't break too easily, any string manufacturer will do. Rotosound and Elixir are also two options I see quite a bit in the stores around me, and they work just fine.

  • @DavidNwokoye
    @DavidNwokoye 3 года назад +45

    2:42 I like the way the joke is pointing at Rob and Stevie T but the camera focuses on Dines 😂😂😂

    • @carlosfer461
      @carlosfer461 3 года назад

      The man

    • @nckhed
      @nckhed 3 года назад +22

      I feel like those two being on the list is a bit insulting to the rest of the people on the list. 🤦‍♂️

    • @shivanshsingh8173
      @shivanshsingh8173 3 года назад

      It might've still been okay with those both names but idk who put Rob Chapman there.😅

  • @MarioHernandez-zc7dv
    @MarioHernandez-zc7dv 3 года назад +41

    Unpopular opinion: Coated strings are overrated. I like the feeling of uncoated strings ripping open my fingers

    • @bakarenibsheut12
      @bakarenibsheut12 3 года назад +9

      Masochist detected XD

    • @primovictorian
      @primovictorian 3 года назад +3

      Agree. I get the appeal of long lasting strings, but gigging musicians should be changing their strings often for a fresh tone anyway.

    • @gerardosajidgamezsanchez6962
      @gerardosajidgamezsanchez6962 3 года назад +2

      @@primovictorian I don't think that guitar strings have that big of an impact on tone, it does but if you use different brands.
      But a string that is weeks old won't sound all that different from a new one, you would only be able to hear the difference if you listen to them back to back

    • @OdaKa
      @OdaKa 3 года назад +3

      @@gerardosajidgamezsanchez6962 you definitely would hear the difference, and feel it too. I certainly did.

    • @alexmurphy5289
      @alexmurphy5289 3 года назад

      I couldn’t agree more, coated last longer but I can’t grip them as well

  • @kingtrashmouth7265
    @kingtrashmouth7265 3 года назад +11

    I played Ernie balls because my dad played Ernie balls. But I switched to d’addario a while back. I haven’t noticed a tone change, but the d’addario strings last longer for me.

  • @6oundStudio
    @6oundStudio 3 года назад +7

    I had an Ernie Ball 3-pack. There are actually individual transparent packages for each set inside of the big one

  • @williamheitl8941
    @williamheitl8941 3 года назад +8

    I just ordered 12 sets of ernie balls (9s and 10s same price) for 42 USD, which according to Google is about 35 euro. I think price is not a criteria you can compare. It simply varies way to much day to day.

  • @masterjar1691
    @masterjar1691 3 года назад +10

    I literally go back and forth between D’Addario and Ernie Ball ALL the time and I cant notice any difference.

  • @KingGrio
    @KingGrio 3 года назад +4

    I'm a Daddario user. I use the high longevity ones which do exactly as advertise: don't corrode, they are not greasy or oily (like Ernie ball high longevity strings are, and Ernie balls also visibly corrode over time), they feel great. They eventually break from picking hard at them, but they sound and feel good all the way until they break. I have sweaty and greasy fingers, I've tried them at my parent's house by the seaside: they withstand all sorts of weather and greasy mits you might throw at them.

  • @LotharOfTheHillPeople
    @LotharOfTheHillPeople 3 года назад +27

    I’ve been playing D’Addarios since ‘07 and never broken a string, even as a heavy-handed player. I recently bought a few sets of Ernie Balls at Guitar Center on special buy. I got a few of the regular green packs and a few of the Paradigms.
    The green: Two high E strings popped on tune-up, the third set went on no problem...effectively I paid $12 for a single set of normally $5 strings.
    Paradigm: felt incredible for about a week! After that, they completely went dead. I wasn’t too heartbroken as I got them on clearance for $3.50 per pack and figured that must be why they weren’t selling them anymore.
    Bottom line: I’ll stick with my XLs.

    • @DingDongDaddyFromDumas
      @DingDongDaddyFromDumas 3 года назад +3

      Were you tuning some 12’s up to E standard on a baritone scale?
      I’ve never broken an unwound ernie ball string in my entire decade of playing guitar. Only the two lowest strings ever break, and that’s usually long after I should’ve changed them anyway.

    • @make9182
      @make9182 2 года назад

      I Have broken The first string twice and The sixth string once and i am using daddarios but i can't blame The brand because The songs i played had quite big bends and The strings Have always broken on The bends

    • @imoffendedthatyouareoffended
      @imoffendedthatyouareoffended 2 года назад

      I’ve finally broken an xl string, my gretsch has been heavily used and abused for 3 months and they’re starting to wear out but are holding tune perfectly still. Gunna replace them. But yesterday I Broke a 3 week old ernie ball string on my new Ibanez jem jr and I didn’t feel like dealing with another string break, so I put on the slightly thicker xl and broke the high e string. Probably my fault, it was my first time doing a Floyd rose bridge. Either way glad I had a second pack of the strings, replaced it. Let it stretch for an hour, tuned it and it’s holding perfectly. It sounds extremely clear where my ernie balls sounded so distorted and muddy that power chords where pretty much unplayable. Now everything sounds perfect. Sounds really similar to my gretsch but with a Floyd rose bridge

    • @Zombie_13x33
      @Zombie_13x33 2 года назад +1

      i feel like ernie balls go dead faster. ive used many of the normal gages and even the rps ones which were nice but thought the d Addario's were noisier in a good way. they sound louder when unplugged.

    • @Majin4Star
      @Majin4Star 2 года назад

      I use both ernie balls, and daddarios

  • @prelovedguitarsni1436
    @prelovedguitarsni1436 3 года назад +22

    Interesting. Appreciate your honesty about screwing up the test.

  • @VashStarwind
    @VashStarwind 2 года назад +5

    I prefer Ernie Balls packaging, sometimes I do have to only change 1 string, and its nice to know what strings are left later so I dont get them confused when using them months later.

  • @marcoruorio5846
    @marcoruorio5846 Год назад +1

    Started with D'Addario but when i switched to Ernie ball i never looked back. I found the D'Addario's dull. I haven't bought a fresh set of these from a very long time but i clearly remember a new D'addario Bass string set to be extremely dull, rigid and not resonant, but i guess it's a personal taste...

  • @rocknrollresignation93
    @rocknrollresignation93 3 года назад +13

    Have to say I'm a big fan of Daddario. Consistent, sound good, can be bought in bulk and are usually cheaper than Ernie Ball sacks.

  • @user-go7cx4gt6r
    @user-go7cx4gt6r 2 года назад +1

    Let me set everybody straight. I used many kinds of strings for 40 years of professional work. The best I ever played were Yamaha but you can't get them in the U.S. I got them when I was playing in Tokyo. Back in the U.S. I went to a music store looking for Ernie Ball strings, they were out and suggested I try Roro Sound. I knew they were the top bass strings but never knew they made guitar strings. I tried them and could not believe the sound, quality and the fact that they stay in tune forever. They feel a little slippery and I asked if they were coated and was told no, they are just made so well and friction free. Try them!

  • @Magicstarfire
    @Magicstarfire 3 года назад +4

    I've mostly use D'addario for 10 years now. I've find them easier to bend while less prone to string breakage on a tremolo system. I've find myself changing tuning constantly and they hold tension very well. I use Ernie balls on 7 string because I have a hard tail and guitar center only carries those.

  • @LuisLondonG
    @LuisLondonG 10 месяцев назад +1

    SO basically the most important test, which is the sound got screwed up and this video is unusable. You have another video with good audio ?

  • @SillyBoydo
    @SillyBoydo 3 года назад +6

    I work at a music retail store and I've been told that they're all made in the same factory, the brands just select, package, brand and distribute them. Lots of companies do stuff like this so I believe this to an extent - at least for the regular sets of strings, not including the high magnetism or coated sets both do. I don't actually have any proof of this though.
    In practice, they function exactly the same. they sound no different. people claim that one may not dull as fast, keep tuning better, are less dull out of the packet but i've heard all the claims from both sides. The differences are simply random imperfections between any set you buy whether it's EB or D'addario, it doesnt matter. The only TRUE difference they offer is the guage combinations of the sets.
    I personally like that EB are wound the whole length and i like their packaging more. But i prefer D'addario gauges and selection of them.

    • @bobravenscraft5376
      @bobravenscraft5376 3 года назад +1

      Sir ur correct I believe after EVH passing. Guitarists have gone brain dead what? A Franky I'll give 1.5 million Lol. I enjoy watching them waste time and money. ROCK ON

    • @bobravenscraft5376
      @bobravenscraft5376 3 года назад

      Funny I study psychology. Its weird how we buy brands. I got a$50 squire. I play Eruption just fine okokok peace!!

  • @vincizara
    @vincizara 2 года назад +1

    I am solid Ernie Ball no explanations using it 15 years

  • @rumble131
    @rumble131 3 года назад +10

    I haven’t used any other strings since trying Elixir. They’re the only strings which can keep up with my sweat 😟

    • @seinmstudio3646
      @seinmstudio3646 3 года назад +1

      I use Elixir too, I heard that they're actually D'addarios just with a coating.

  • @svenben9868
    @svenben9868 2 года назад +1

    As a beginner guitarist around age 15 or so I knew nothing about strings, gauge, brand.. I knew when I went and bought strings my chosen set was whatever ad I last saw in Guitar World. Or whatever set my friend bought before me. I do know this. I was always breaking strings. Not just the high E, but G and A strings mostly. My cousin told me to try D'addario XL120s. 9 guage strings. He told me since he switched to them he has not broken a string prematurely before a string change. Also at the time there were $4.79.. the cheapest brand my local store carried. I am now 45. So roughly 30 years later and I still buy and play D'addario XL120s..
    ... plus the colored ball ends are cool as shit. On my floating trem guitars I string them ball end at the tuner and plane end at the bridge. Colored ball ends look kinda cool at the head stock still to my eye..

  • @alexandershaer1079
    @alexandershaer1079 3 года назад +95

    Another advantage of Ernie ball is that they come in like every conceivable gauge

    • @jackarmistead5353
      @jackarmistead5353 3 года назад +34

      Clearly you are unaware that daddario comes in every one of those same gauges. Custom gauges as well.

    • @VictorTarela
      @VictorTarela 3 года назад +8

      That is simply not true. I play in drop A# and I use .12 .60 strings. Ernie Ball only has .12 .62, and the third is like a 4th string, it is not plain like a 3rd string should be. I just hated those strings when they arrived hahaha

    • @aayushkhare656
      @aayushkhare656 3 года назад +2

      @@jackarmistead5353 definitely not true my guy

    • @tylerm8145
      @tylerm8145 3 года назад +7

      @@aayushkhare656 I dunno man d'addario has an absurd amount of sets and custom individual gauges (basically every number IIRC) if you really look into them.
      The only problem I've ever had was I needed a 7 string set with a big enough 7th string. I just wound up buying ten 64s and throwing one on with their 10-56 6 string set, and I couldn't be happier

    • @MisterTee
      @MisterTee 3 года назад +1

      So does DAadario

  • @BLISS_SUCKS.
    @BLISS_SUCKS. 3 года назад +1

    Could you do video on Ernie ball Skinny top heavy bottom vs daddario 10-52

  • @JRFarmercom
    @JRFarmercom 3 года назад +8

    "Mic placement matters"... this comparison experiment is a great use-case for modelers instead of real amp/cab/mic.

    • @Even_N.D.
      @Even_N.D. 3 года назад

      Yes!

    • @JRFarmercom
      @JRFarmercom 3 года назад

      @Timothy Martin ok boomer

    • @JRFarmercom
      @JRFarmercom 3 года назад

      @Timothy Martin lol look at that long ass reply. Boomer AF.

  • @NobodyNewsNetwork
    @NobodyNewsNetwork 3 года назад +1

    Ernie ball "not even slinky" 12s! Not because I think they sound better, but because the "g" string is so thick the tech filed the nut and now that's all that fits! If I use a smaller set I have to put a piece of paper between the nut slot and the string. It works surprisingly well.

  • @tehalexy
    @tehalexy 3 года назад +14

    Im sad that u didnt include Elixir.
    More and more ppl switch to Elixir Strings ... cuz they dont need to be changed every month :D
    my acid handsweat eats through uncoated strings in under 3 weeks

    • @Jopeymessmusic
      @Jopeymessmusic 3 года назад

      I use elixirs acoustic strings but I'd imagine part of the reason you don't see them in online content is the price. They are expensive for what most people perceive as not essential. They are a luxury. Electric guitar strings have little to no effect on sound or tone unless you're slapping a stupid heavy or light gauge on.

    • @guitarnerdjoey1192
      @guitarnerdjoey1192 3 года назад +4

      @@Jopeymessmusic They cost twice as much and last 4 times as long. So for me, they cost half as much. Its just an initial outlay. I also dont like spending more time changing strings than just playing. I can also leave elixirs on guitars that dont get played a lot and not worry the strings will go dead from dust and such settling in the windings.
      But, we all have our reasons for what brand of strings we use, and everyone will prefer something.

    • @tcmatthews_jr
      @tcmatthews_jr 3 года назад +1

      I cannot stand the way Elixir feel. That is reason enough to not play them.

    • @h_blues
      @h_blues 3 года назад +2

      @@tcmatthews_jr hmmm okay thx for your opinion' now I'll go and grab elixirs

    • @craighawley3920
      @craighawley3920 3 года назад

      @@tcmatthews_jr I actually like how they feel. But I liked using fast fret on uncoated strings. Not a fan of daddario, had them on my Les Paul when I bought it and the shop set it up. I used to use EB but I find those and Rotosounds go black quickly from me playing them. I do like those strings but can't deal with weekly changes. Although I also liked fender super bullets and gibson bright wires so wtf do I know.

  • @harrisonmccartney4878
    @harrisonmccartney4878 2 месяца назад +1

    It's 2024 and IMO Ernie Ball's quality control has taken a nosedive. I used to be exclusively Ernie Ball because their standard pack strings were durable, sounded great and lasted until hand oils made their clarity and brightness of tone sound dull and dead after about 3-6 months of daily playing, which is great mileage for any guitar strings.
    UNFORTUNATELY within the past 2 years I have had Ernie Ball Strings either completely snap or become unwound within a month or 2 of putting them on. I even bought the supposedly "unbreakable" Paradigm strings, and literally within 3 weeks the D string came unwound.
    I will NOT be buying any more Ernie Balls until they get their quality control under check, because this is ridiculous. They had a great thing going and made a loyal customer out of me 10 years ago when their normal strings kept playing and playing for months on end, but it seems like ever since they started doing the "premium" package stuff with M-Steel and Paradigm, their quality control imploded like the Titanic submersible, and I could maybe forgive that being the case if they actually redirected their quality strings to Paradigm (because frankly their standard strings were perfect enough to make Paradigm kind of pointless), but even their Paradigm strings can't cut the mustard.

  • @rnhtube
    @rnhtube 3 года назад +4

    I'm all about DR, specifically DDT for guitar. Very little break in necessary, and they stay in tune much better than any other string I've tried. Also very durable, they outlast most any other string at that price or cheaper.

  • @IAmJKey
    @IAmJKey 2 года назад

    I used to be D'addario back in my beginning guitar player days (late 90's.) I didn't switch to Ernie Ball until a few years ago. I don't know what wind I was buying versus what wind that was buying, but I did notice my Daddario e strings would shed some of its winds when played heavily and sweatily for a few weeks...

  • @KHSoundandVideo
    @KHSoundandVideo 3 года назад +16

    When you're allergic to nickel and use ernie ball stainless steels :(

    • @tylerm8145
      @tylerm8145 3 года назад +2

      I believe d'addario has ss strings as well my dude. Check on Amazon if you're interested at all.
      As this video showed tho (or didn't, gottem haha) they're both fantastic strings and the differences really are minimal

    • @higler.
      @higler. 3 года назад +2

      damn, so do you also need to have stainless steel frets?

    • @jeffleecust
      @jeffleecust 3 года назад +1

      Try the Cobalts as well

    • @enjoiandrew69
      @enjoiandrew69 3 года назад

      @Mable's Fatal Fable meh, maybe for you. I go out of my way to get the eb SS strings. I prefer the feel and tone.

  • @pmAhavasi
    @pmAhavasi 3 года назад +2

    what ive noticed around 5 years ago, is ernie balls G B E strings are feels smoother than others. since then, im using ernie ball, but again this has maybe changed over the years lol. I still like them anyways

  • @Wh33lsofFortune
    @Wh33lsofFortune 3 года назад +6

    I play in B standard and was having a hard time with intonation on my Jackson dinky Dk3QM. I found some 13 guage mammoth slinky's from Ernie Ball and they're absolutely fantastic. Was using GHS Boomers before, but I really like the Mammoth Slinky better

  • @GuitaristGuyJames
    @GuitaristGuyJames 5 месяцев назад

    I’ve been using daddario for 15 years myself and just this week I’ve switched to Ernie balls for the sheer fact that they offer the string gauge that I have come to prefer for fender scale length the turbo slinky are 9.5 to 46 and no other string brand offers those gauges unless you get custom strings which come out to be much more expensive.

  • @blaness13
    @blaness13 3 года назад +3

    I've been on the ernie ball side for as long as i can remember, and have tried other strings for weird experimental tunings or whatever, but i've ultimately stuck with EB, I've tried D'addario, and sometimes they are the strings on brand new guitars but i've never liked the way they feel in my hands, I don't hate them by any means, i just don't prefer them, over here in the state, i don't notice availability issues except with weird end of spectrum sets, and thats usually only in local mom and pop shops that don't really have much of a reason to keep the super heavy sets in cause thats not the kind of player that generally visit the store,

  • @RareOrson
    @RareOrson Год назад

    Interesting video but wish you spoke to playability/tension/bending? It is my understanding that Ernie Ball are slightly "slinkier"? Did you notice any difference in these areas? Best

  • @travisbarras3945
    @travisbarras3945 2 года назад +5

    My all time favorite strings are Dean Markley Blue Steel... the sensitivity is unbeatable for bending.

    • @SeanDS89
      @SeanDS89 2 года назад

      interesting... Ernie Balls have been my favorite for a long time but I like trying new stuff so I will try these at some point... thanks for the recommendation :)

  • @lokarrsboots9337
    @lokarrsboots9337 3 года назад

    I play them both. For E-Standard tuning I use the D'Addario EXl120 09-42, for D-Standard and Drop C I use Ernie Ball Skinny Top Heavy Bottom 10-52. I usually buy them in packs of three.
    What would be an interesting test/comparison: D'Addario/Ernie Ball vs. Harley Benton Value Strings. A pack of Harley Benton strings (09-42) costs 1,50 EUR right now. How does a set of strings that cheap hold up in direct comparison? Does it actually sound different?

  • @humanbeing2420
    @humanbeing2420 3 года назад +5

    Coincidentally, I recently tried a pack of Ernie Ball slinkies after years of using the EXL110s. I had trouble bending strings - I kept finding the lower 3 strings slipping out from under my fingers. I gave it a week, thinking maybe a break-in period was needed, but no dice. I removed the slinkies and put back on the D'Addarios. No problem bending strings. D'Addario are better strings.

  • @kanuuker
    @kanuuker Год назад

    I just started playing again after about a decade and I bought a 3 pack of Ernie Ball's, which I used to use back in the day. I never thought about the shared sealed pack of all 3 string sets though, thanks for bringing this to my attention.

  • @tommyibanez3958
    @tommyibanez3958 3 года назад +11

    I’ve found the wraps on the Daddario low strings are a little tighter, and feel ‘slippier’ as a result. Whenever I switched to EB, they kinda felt like sandpaper to me. The only strings I’ve ever liked more than Daddario were PRS, which, turns out, are just rebranded, way more expensive, Daddarios

  • @dangolguitartech
    @dangolguitartech 3 года назад +1

    Ernie Ball strings feel the best and sound better initially, but they die much quicker. D’Addario strings feel OK but are a little bright for my taste the first day or so, but they soon mellow out.
    And for the record, I change my strings about every two weeks… You guys that go longer than that puzzle me. My hands are very clean and do not sweat abnormally or corrosive Lee but I still have to change my strings for intonation and tuning purposes.

    • @nckhed
      @nckhed 3 года назад +1

      I agree about the D'Addario's. They're pretty bright at first, but they do mellow out after a few days. Only time I've used EB strings is when I tuned to C# and needed a set of strings without a wound G. I want to say the set was 12-60 gauge. I can't really bend a wound G like a plain G, for some reason. If I ever do tune down to C# again, I'll most likely go with the EB's again. They were perfect and D'Addario just didn't have any larger gauge sets with a plain G, at least at the time.
      Sometimes I'll go two weeks between changing strings, but I'm just a bedroom player, so I can get away with a month or so. That's usually my limit. If I start noticing the tuning stability is getting finicky, a restring is usually in order.

  • @remi4412
    @remi4412 3 года назад +4

    It would be so funny if Ernie Ball gave you a call and you end up on the back of their string packaging, next to the guy you adore so much.
    I personally use D'Addario pure nickel on my strat and Ernie Ball standard on my SG.
    oh, and you misspelled D'Addario in the title of your video btw.

  • @VixCrush
    @VixCrush 3 года назад

    I'm really lame so i just change whichever string breaks. Thus Erinie Balls maybe are better as I'm also very disorganized. I may locate one of my Ernie Ball strings in my room somewhere in the protective sleeve..

  • @Kriegsschinken
    @Kriegsschinken 3 года назад +3

    I ended up using D'addario's mostly because they have packs of strings with gauges that work better for me.

  • @From_A_Diverging_Timeline
    @From_A_Diverging_Timeline 3 года назад

    Hey KDH. The 3 packs are all individually sealed for the ernie ball also their availability where I live are easy to come by.

  • @IsasHappyHour
    @IsasHappyHour 3 года назад +5

    each set of ernie ball's in a 3 pack comes in their own protective film. pretty fucky imo

  • @one-eye1721
    @one-eye1721 3 года назад

    As a bass player I have have to make my strings last as long as possible, since mine are up around $65 for a brand name 5-string set here in Australia.
    The cheap Chinese ones you can get off eBay are not too bad, but not great either. So every few weeks I take my good strings off and soak them in brake cleaning fluid for a day or two. It's a gnarly degreaser and is much better than rubbing alcohol.
    I just make sure I put some string lube on them when I put them back on so they don't squeak too much. You get about 85-90% of the brightness back by doing this.

  • @JamesWilson01
    @JamesWilson01 3 года назад +59

    Seriously, EB put Stevie T on their packaging??😂😂😂 I've never been so happy not to use a string brand in my life!

    • @jamesblankenship2781
      @jamesblankenship2781 3 года назад

      I'm sorry what's the name of your channel with your over 2million subscribers? Just because you dont like someone doesnt mean you have to sound like a complete dick about it. People like you are what's wrong with the world

    • @jamesblankenship2781
      @jamesblankenship2781 3 года назад +1

      @@Bedroomrips yeah because everything on the internet is true. Gtfo

    • @JamesWilson01
      @JamesWilson01 3 года назад +2

      @@jamesblankenship2781 It was a joke but now, thanks to you, I see the error of my ways. I sincerely apologise to you and all the others like you for your pain and distress and for all the harm I have done to the world. Please forgive me, I beg of you, kind sir 🙏

    • @JamesWilson01
      @JamesWilson01 3 года назад

      @@Bedroomrips So I see 😂 They're so brainwashed they can't believe that people might not want to nosedrink his farts and come running back for more. But apparently I'm all that's wrong with the world and must repent 😈

    • @castleanthrax1833
      @castleanthrax1833 2 года назад

      @@JamesWilson01 Smartarse. 😁😁😁

  • @tacob69
    @tacob69 2 года назад

    I have been using the same daddarrio strings as you for over 20 years(I used slinkys for 10 years)but I would sometimes buy different ones to check out like when the PRS ones came out.I just kept going back so they must be good or I can't tell the difference. One or the other.

  • @theeobeastone5068
    @theeobeastone5068 3 года назад +7

    Team D'addario all the way

  • @ShawnCothran
    @ShawnCothran 3 года назад

    Great comparison topic. Will you do a follow up with another audio test? You could go direct or use a cabsim to take the mic placement variable out of the equation.

  • @ThakkMylde
    @ThakkMylde 3 года назад +11

    Ernie Ball for me. Every time I buy a pack of Daddario's just to see if I made the right call, I take them off and put EB's back on within a day or two.

  • @jayrodjr2767
    @jayrodjr2767 2 года назад

    for me i’m a new player (barely 1 year) with a squier strat stock strings, pick ups, etc. my string popped and got myself the d’adarrio XL110, immediately after changing my strings I fell in love. the tone of my guitar changed from a sort of normal dull sound, to an almost twang/ bright tone. a tone i’ve been chasing on my guitar for almost a year, was caused by a simple string change. tone change is completely night and day difference.

    • @ericdpeerik3928
      @ericdpeerik3928 2 года назад +1

      If you liked that... It happens every time you change your strings. Forget what your friends say, change your strings regularly 😉

  • @iain2080
    @iain2080 3 года назад +4

    2:40
    That burn was size man

  • @charlesyoung8600
    @charlesyoung8600 2 года назад

    I've tried the D' addario strings 11-49 and the low end felt a little too slinky. Has anyone else had this experience? It's like something felt wrong with them. Or is this just the way the strings were designed. Just seemed a bit too soggy for the bottom end.

  • @zarlodious1
    @zarlodious1 3 года назад +4

    EB 3 sets have the white packs in 3 separate clear cellophane wrapped packages. Your bias is rather heavy on this one dude.

    • @kitten-whisperer
      @kitten-whisperer 3 года назад +1

      Perhaps but does it matter? Just use what you like.

    • @nckhed
      @nckhed 3 года назад

      He did mention that he wasn't sure how the 3-packs were packaged and that he wasn't able to find any.

    • @zarlodious1
      @zarlodious1 3 года назад

      @@nckhed 3 seconds on amazon not hard to find in fact could not find daddario in 3 pack so I went with EB

  • @magicmandan9294
    @magicmandan9294 3 года назад +1

    When I bought my first guitar, it came with d'addario from the factory. And until a few months ago, I used d'addario all the time. I had tried ernie ball before then, and even dunlop strings, but I still preferred d'addario. But as of late, I had one too many bad experiences with d'addario (I had strings breaks with three packs in a row) I decided I would start using ernie ball, and I'm glad that I did. They seem to stay fresh and clear for longer than d'addario, especially since I'm the type of player who plays for 20 mins, and the strings go dead

  • @skymoerike7431
    @skymoerike7431 3 года назад +3

    at my local music shop they always have the 3 packs of Ernie Balls

  • @adrianadrian255
    @adrianadrian255 3 года назад

    I’m mostly a bass player. I live 65kms from the nearest music store and I’ve played in some distant places. For years I’ve had all my basses set up for the same gauge of Ernie Ball. Each bass case has a spare set in and I’ll keep a few sets at home. My tech tells me there are are strings that last longer, or intonate better. But the EBs are available everywhere - even my local Best Buy stocks them. I don’t like the sound of new strings on a bass. But using that one brand, i know in an emergency I can find them anywhere. Being the same material, they will create the same tension, so no adjustments required. I know how to counter the shrillness of new strings, how long it will take them to stretch and to mellow.

  • @clownose2831
    @clownose2831 3 года назад +3

    Always have used rotosound British steels! Although trying e,balls recently for a change and they seem pretty good and clear👍🏻

  • @Skourken
    @Skourken 2 года назад

    I need to buy some new strings and I’m not to experienced I just wanna know what one feels more solid?

  • @ThorsShadow
    @ThorsShadow 3 года назад +3

    The D'addario NYXL strings are the best strings I have ever played. Only using them now. They sound fresh for like half a year or full year, they don't break or rust, they sound quite modern and they play disgustingly well. You Liter fly across the strings. I cannot sing enough praises for those strings. Worth every penny.

  • @jonetsu_lv
    @jonetsu_lv 2 года назад

    i dont usually subscribe to channels that review things but you’re actually pretty funny and genuine so subbed 🤣

  • @hardrockrelics2157
    @hardrockrelics2157 3 года назад +3

    “If someone wants to change that...🤙🏻”

  • @Leo_ofRedKeep
    @Leo_ofRedKeep 3 года назад

    Pyramid sell for 3.90€ at Thomann. No bulk packs but still cheaper individually than D'Addario or Fender packs of 3 sets. No sealed packaging, though. Need to keep them inside a a closed thing maybe?

  • @indytheshredder
    @indytheshredder 3 года назад +7

    Watching this with my nose snubbed up and my arms crossed judging y’all hard as an elixir die hard lol

    • @braxtonfps3580
      @braxtonfps3580 3 года назад

      I had to elixir bass strings before which were double the price of daddario and daddario play better imo for bass. Never tried elixir guitar strings

    • @femboycyan
      @femboycyan 3 года назад

      I used elixirs on my strat and it lasted a little bit over 3 months, wanted to buy it again but holy hell it's expensive

    • @indytheshredder
      @indytheshredder 3 года назад

      @@femboycyan they're worth it for me cause my skin is really oily and regular strings will corrode within days :( I also feel like the slick coating makes slides more comfortable and helps me play faster

  • @diongreenlee4158
    @diongreenlee4158 Год назад +1

    I've only used Ernie Ball and I never had a problem buying the three pack. And yes they are cheaper to buy the three pack then the individual set. Also, when you buy the three pack inside the package, each set is individually wrapped.

  • @REPVILE
    @REPVILE 3 года назад +3

    Started on D’adarios, moved to EBs. They felt less gritty. Best string I have used were GHS boomers.

  • @sparkyguitar0058
    @sparkyguitar0058 11 месяцев назад

    Ive been playing Strats w/ Fender strings for 30 yrs. When I finally got a L Paul I decided to go with a big top small bottom set and picked Daddorrio, 140 XL. Never tried any E Ball products regularly.

  • @ryanp7782
    @ryanp7782 3 года назад +5

    "Some players you might like"
    Eric Clapton,
    John Petrucci, James Hetfield, Kirk Hammett,
    "Some players you may not like"
    *_STEVE TERREBERRY_*

  • @MATCHLESS789
    @MATCHLESS789 3 года назад +2

    I use regular D'addarios (not NYXL) and I'm perfectly happy with them, broke a string only once over many years. Had to try EB once (D'addario was out of stock) and I managed to break a string within hours.. and then another one next day (same string, other pack). I'm sure it's just bad luck but I never bought EBs again.

  • @elguitarTom
    @elguitarTom 3 года назад +22

    Elixir! Lasts so long with good tone

    • @TheMusicfan189
      @TheMusicfan189 3 года назад +1

      Hands down the best I’ve used. I thought NYXL’s were the one but Nanowebs are the one. Pricier but the difference in quality is incredible.

  • @1973retrorabbit
    @1973retrorabbit 3 года назад

    Amazon sell the 3 packs of Ernie Ball strings (as does my local music shop. £16.80 including delivery from Amazon, slightly cheaper in the shop.
    The strings are in little plastic bags, inside the package, so remain protected.
    I always used D'Addario but got the Ernie Balls to try them, much the same as your reasoning but I've only got as far as setting the action and tuning as I type this. I'll give them another stretch and tune before I actually try them. (Been far too busy at work, getting home late)... I was doing a deep clean, lemon oil, polish and action setup, else I'd have bunged them on n had a play when I bought the strings.

  • @squashvids1032
    @squashvids1032 3 года назад +3

    Priceless moment at 2:41 hahahaha

  • @marcirajkai8395
    @marcirajkai8395 3 года назад

    Hi Kelan, I bought an Ernie Ball regular 3-pack, and inside there are three clear plastic bags instead of the commercial packaging

  • @cassius_eu5970
    @cassius_eu5970 3 года назад +1

    Have you tried Thomastik-Infeld Power Brights? I recently switched from D'Addario to Thomastik-Infeld and the playability of the Thomastik-Infelds is really something else in my opinion. Imo the bends and slides are much easier despite being the same gauge. And one thing I noticed especially (since I play gauge 8's) is that even when I press the strings harder, they are less prone to detuning than the D'Addarios. I think it would be cool if you could do a review about them, cause I'm not sure if my mind is playing tricks on me or if the Thomastik-Infelds have some sort of secret sauce.

  • @therabbitcanada
    @therabbitcanada 3 года назад +1

    I buy Ernie Ball multi packs often. Amazon.

  • @markschmitz4620
    @markschmitz4620 3 года назад +1

    I have to disagree on packaging. I think Ernie Ball is better because the different strings are separated, which makes it easier to know which string is which. D'Addario uses colours to separate the strings and whenever I open a pack, the strings are all intertwined and you first have to separate them and then figure the strings by using the colours.
    Other than that, both brands are great, just like you said, and I usually buy whatever is cheaper at that moment!

  • @Metaldad87
    @Metaldad87 Год назад +1

    I have been an Ernie ball player for years. I recently got a set of stringjoy strings though and I'm honestly thinking of switching to those, they feel great I'll just have to see what they get as far as longevity.
    The hand written thank you with your name is a nice touch too

  • @Pc118Gamer
    @Pc118Gamer 2 месяца назад

    I've tried both, Starting with D'Addario, I then decided to try Rotosounds on a whim. They were pretty good, but broke after 6 months of moderate use. They're hard to find in the US, so I tried Ernie Ball, as that's what my store had in stock for 9-46's

  • @JD-vj4go
    @JD-vj4go 3 года назад

    I have guitars with Ernie Ball, D'Addario, and Elixir strings now. Other than the Elixirs lasting a bit longer I don't hear or feel a significant difference. I started playing before the internet and for years I used D'Addario because my local shop sold them as two packs for $5.00.

  • @cDekKk
    @cDekKk Год назад

    But which of them do you prefer in terms of tone, feel and which lasts longer?

  • @jonnybroomhead
    @jonnybroomhead 3 года назад

    Here in the USA, I buy 3 packs of Ernie Ball all the time, and it has one outer sleeve, and each set is bundled inside clear plastic sleeves. They are also way cheaper here in US than 3 packs of D'Addario.