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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ต.ค. 2020
- Patreon: / timguitartime
D'Addario XT strings I'm playing: amzn.to/2QBpUdO
Elixir Nanoweb strings I'm playing: amzn.to/34NVOeg
Pick I'm using in this lesson: amzn.to/2GNGMuj
Recording interface I'm using: amzn.to/2N1tpuz
Recording mic I'm using: amzn.to/2YolA3N
New D'Addario XP Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings versus 2 month old D'Addario XP Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings on my Collings D2H. New Elixir Nanoweb Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings versus 2 month old Elixir Nanoweb Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings. New D'Addario XP Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings versus New Elixir Nanoweb Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings
D'Addario XT
daddario XT
Strings Review
Strings Demo
D'Addario Acoustic Guitar Strings review
Elixir Nanoweb
Old guitar strings vs new guitar strings
Which guitar strings lasts longer
If you look closely, you will find that the fold on the right side of the owl logo has not changed at all. How can you do that two months later without even a change ? This is much more difficult than using two microphones or EQ to simulate the aging of the strings.
Thanks for the comment! I thought I explained this in the video, but maybe I didn’t. All of these parts were recorded on the same day, within the same hour even. So, how Is it that I’m claiming this demonstrates strings that have aged 2 months?
There were 2 different guitars (my Collings and my Waterloo) that individually had a set of Elixirs and a set of D’Addario on them and both sets were right at 2 months old and I was ready to put fresh strings on them. I also realized that I had brand new packs of D’Addario and Elixirs that I could put on as replacements and saw an opportunity to make a comparison video in the process.
So:
1. I video/audio recorded the Collings with old D’Addarios before restringing it… I took the old D’Addarios off my Collings after recording what they sound like.
2. Then I took the old Elixirs off of my Waterloo and put them onto my Collings. So no I have the same Collings guitar with old Elixirs on it that I had just recorded the old D’Addarios with. I video/audio record the same things I had recorded in step 1.
3. I took the old Elixirs off my Collings and put on a brand new set of Elixirs on my Collings. Video/Audio record.
4. I took the brand new Elixirs off my Collings and I put those on my Waterloo (which had been sitting to the side stringless. These Elixirs are brand new and have only been played for 5 minutes, so I don’t want to just throw them away…)
5. I put brand new D’Addario on my Collings and video/audio recorded.
6. Import all audio and video into iMovie. Edit/render video.
All said and done, I achieved head to heads of what all of these strings sound like new and after being played for 2 months… and I have fresh strings on both my Collings and Waterloo, which was my personal end game all along.
Thank you for your time and effort. Before people start moaning about this and the other, do remember people like you have gone out your way to make videos for us guitar players. Thank you 👍
You made the best string comparison I've ever seen! Thanks!
I appreciate the kind words Christian, I’m glad you found the comparison helpful!
This is incredibly well done comparison! Thanks for being so thoughtful and thorough.
Best comparison ever!
Well done, exactly what I wanted to hear.
Glad it helped, thanks for the comment David!
Amazing video, thanks for taking the time to do it propperly.
Thanks for commenting!
I used to hate on Elixers for as long as I could remember until I gave them a chance a year ago. They’re all I use now. I used to think they were too “bright”, but over time I’ve come to think of it as just being clear. Whenever I go back to D’Addario or Martin strings they just sound muddy. As this video proves, Elixers retain tone over time much better than another brand.
According to the forums, Elixers have changed (for the better) over the last 10 or so years.
I remember thinking they were too bright and chimey. I strung them up after not using then for almost 10 years, and I admit - they've improved.
I still use GHS though.
I'll definitely say, I prefer Elixirs of "today" far more than the ones of 2000. They used to be insanely slippery and tinny sounding
@@TimGuitarLessons 100%
Back in the 2000s, Elixirs did not like alternate tunings either. Constant issues with the B and high E breaking.
I would still say that elixir sounds too bright when play them immediately after putting them on. But after a week of usage, the tone reaches peak quality.
People love to hate on them, but they ring like nothing else.
Excellent Video Tim___ I would not have thought I would prefer the Exilir's but this sound test convinced me....THANKS
great video comparasion dude 👍
Thanks so much!
Super video, thank you very much!
Sure thing, thanks for the comment!
thank you for this. I really like the sound of D'Addario new; I have chosen to use Elixir because of its consistency over time.
Same. As much as I’d love to use the XTs for that new string sound, my apparently extremely corrosive sweat dictates Elixirs lol. Especially with a Floyd Rose...
Thank u, it was really helpful 🙏
Thanks for a nice A-B comparison! Well done!
They both sound great new and aged. I used to play Elixirs a lot, but I can be an exuberant strummer and broke a good number of strings.
Switched to D'Addario EXPs and a few years ago, and then later to XTs. Since the change, I rarely ever break strings.
Thanks for the feedback John!
Hey Tim! Great content. Can we by chance get a lesson on Diamonds and Gasoline by Turnpike Troubadours?
Wow. Amazing sound and consistency in ur playing. Forgot to pay attention in the tonal differences.
Thanks so much!
Best string comparison on the net. I’m an intermediate player and knowing about strings is my weak point. I’m a guitar geek otherwise. Those Elixer Strings sound amazing. I hope you read this or someone can help me out with which ones to get or do I go what you have on the Collings. Beautiful guitar by the way.
I have a 2017 Martin D-28 Authentic Aged, a 2009 Martin D-18 Golden Era (gets here in 4 days) and a 2017 Taylor K24 CE Builders Edition. I’ve just let the guys at my music store pick them out. I like to play bluegrass, country, soft rock and folk. One thing I hate is string noise when I slide. Thanks to you or anyone who can help.
I like this melody very much!
Thank you for this!
I use both types of strings but I wanted to figure out what to use for recording. I think for playing in general I prefer the longevity of the elixirs even though the coating tends to peel a bit; they do stand up to weathering a bit better -- they don't corrode as easily. But I think the sound of fresh D'Addarios are a bit more sparkly for a recording. I may have to go down this slightly more expensive path just for recording (because I'll be changing strings more often)
👍 thanks for the comment!
What is not that apparent here from the recorded sound is that the XTs have way more midrange, you gotta have the guitar next to your body to really feel it. I got my latest acoustic with a set of EXPs (XTs older brother) 12 gauge stock and it sounded awesome, but literally none of the other brands I tried after as an experiment sounded as good. You can also notice that sparkle of the XTs when playing fingerstyle, the sound is very dynamic and allows for greater expression. Bottom line, the better the strings sound, the more the instrument draws you into playing :) I bought that guitar but that is NOT the reason why I came to the store at all, so you can imagine how great the sound was with those strings.
Well i have used always D'Addario strings Hard tensión strings for My classic guitars and i love them! I just try a few months ago the new XT D'Addario hard tensión strings for classic guitars and they are the Best feeling, smooth, a Lot of sustain , volume and just think are the Best for classic guitars but i havent try the XT D'Addario strings for acoustic guitar yet and i'm wondering if they are as good as the classic guitar ones. Because i'm this video it shows the example of the XT D'Addario strings for acoustic guitar and not for classic guitars
I have used all brands of strings in my gs mini none of them last me in tone and durability like elixir's but in my electric's d addario rules.been playing guitar for more than 20 years
I have always liked the clarity of elixir strings. And they last. I have 8 guitars and keep elixirs on them all. Electric and acoustic, bass acoustic and electric as well.. It takes a long time to string 8 guitars, and costs a bomb so I stick with elixirs. That way when I pick one up it will sound good even if its been months between string changes. The Daddario's have a charm, but a bit muddy sounding after a few weeks to my taste. Both good but elixir for me.
I tried Elixers but always went back to my D/Addarios Phosper Bronze (no coating), It gives me the best, clearest sound I can find. Do coated strings last longer, a little bit,
i realized to have the best sound all the time is to change strings more often than I used to.
👍
huge fan of the Elixir 1253s! They're all I play
Thanks for the comment Brayden!
Me too!
finally some real comparison video
Thanks for this video. Would it be too much to ask for you to say which strings you prefer and why?
i prefer the dadrio xt because the elixirs are sooooo unatural and slippery I play alot of difficult chet atkins jerry reed etc on my martin I need to be able to grip the strings...so the xt feel soo much better!
To my ears, the XT strings sound good new, but sound better after two months. The Elixirs sound great when new and seem to get really too mellow after two months.
So, if I could get the new sound of the Elixirs combined with the two month mellow sound of the XT strings in one string, it would be awesome. But, that's not possible, so my choice of the two in this video would be the Elixirs.
I've tried various coated strings in the past and Daddario EXP17 have been my favorite strings for years.I'm pretty sure that the EXP strings are being replaced by the XT strings.
With that being said and after watching this video, I need to get some more Elixirs and give them another try.
Thanks for this video!
Thanks for the comment Raymond!
Great comparison
But which strings did you personally prefer?
Of these two, I preferred the D'Addario
Used to play Elixirs but these Diadarrios XT are great. I prefer the brightness of 80/20 on my Rosewood and Mahogany. Seems the Phospor get dark and quiet quickly. Are the XTs the replacement for the EXP’s ?????
The XT seemed like they were a replacement for EXPs at the time. Since then though, D'Addario has released a new string called XS... those seem to be more of a replacement for the EXP
Elixir is my No.1 whatever other says!I try a lot of strings DR veritas,Dragon skin,Exp,Xt,everlast,but elixir is the best of all
Thanks for the comment John!
Elixirs were always choice when playing gigs every week or so
Thanks for the comment!
Thank you.
Thanks for the comment!
I've use Elixirs for several years... Over 15 years. I don't think you can beat them. Thanks for the vid!
I agree. I have a set on an acoustic in my lounge that have been on for years and I'm only just changing em now after the coating and whatnot is wearing off and they still sound good. They last far longer than my old D'Addario's used to.
Hi Tim, Elixir strings are same as Daddario coated, you must clean and wipe the strings after you playing, if Elixir whole coated string get dirty quickly after a month, then it will change sounds too like uncoated strings and become not beautiful sound.
And I heard out you play after 2 months, the wrap core strings will not have beautiful sweet sounds.
Many years ago I had tried Elixir Polywebs and really didn't care for how they felt. The coating was thick and tended to peel after a while from pick wear. Later I gave the Nanowebs a try and really likes them overall. I have tried the D'addario NYXL and XT's but I keep coming back to the Nanoweb. Haven't tried the Optiwebs yet but I do plan on giving them a try.
Optiwebs are well worth a try. Been using them for the past 4 years after trying pretty much everything out there. They obviously last ages but are just a great string tonally and tuning stability wise and I’ve never had a break. They still feel a little stiffer than uncoated strings, but I’ve never found it an issue. They are also extremely consistent
Maybe not related but I had just purchased Earny Ball's acoustic phosphor bronze strings. I normally play D'Addario XT's and I must say that the difference is really big. Just after two days the string started sounding dull and feel brittle. Great vid as usual Tim! love your channel man! 🤘
Thanks so much for the comment Etai!
What is the song at 2:10? Sounds so familiar but I cannot figure it out
Hey Kenneth, it’s just something I made up for the demo… it’s no song in particular but probably sounds similar to lots of other songs
Very nice comparison. I like the sound of the XTs over the Elixirs but the Elixirs kept their tone better over 2 months.
Uncoated D's lose their spark in a week for me with daily playing. Hot tired of changing strings all the time.
Put Martin Lifespans on my Alvarez MD60s a while back (yes i have 2) and was disappointed at the sound, they lack that booming Daddario sound.
I guess I'm a D' man.
Gonna go with D's next XS or XT
It’s just amazing to me how the strings lose their tone and vibrance over time.
I don’t think it matters which strings. Whatever you like.
I guess the lesson here is to change them!
Thanks for the comment George!
Well it sorta does though, if you watched the video, the XT sounded really dead while the Elixir has more life in it after 2 months.
@@kenz2756 not much more the xts sound3d great and warm
from my experience so far:
- For Sitkarosenwood: Elixir fits better than EJ16. I assump that XT is more like EJ16 than elixirs, but I will try it out.
- For Yamaha FG800: I really like daddario much more.
But even with EJ16 - its just dies to fast. But its so nice to play (feeling). Elixir are more consistent over time, but they are so slippery.... Just switched back from EJ16 and really can not feel that slipperiness. But the downside of EJ16, I played 1-2 hours a day and the sound died after 1 week of usage, sound became to be like from muddy wooden box.
Gonna try XT, hopefully they are somewhere between.
Do you find a difference in string squeak from old to new strings?
I think that the string squeak is definitely less on an aged string than a new string
@@TimGuitarLessons Thank you Tim for answering. Great video by the way.
Iv used Elixir for a few years, which I love. Im about to try the DAddario XT. I am getting too much string squeak on fretted chord slide parts. My strings are worn in. Do you ever like to use string lubricants? Do you think they shorten string life?
Fantastic comparison. The d'addarios sound totally different new vs old. They got darker but didn't sound dead to me. The elixirs sound less different, which I guess means they hold thier original tone longer. But irony is, I preferred the d'addarios new vs the elixirs new, and still preferred the d'addarios old vs the elixirs old. 😂
Thanks for the comment Matthias!
I preferred the D’addarios sound better also. They sound more, clear, expressive if you will.
I think it sounded different mostly because of picking hand position, when it was new he recorded slighly closer to the bridge, making a brighter sound, the old one was about 2 or 3cm closer to the neck, that's a HUGE difference considering his "picking" style
Elixir sounds the best after one week of usage. That's peak tone.
I agree.
I also agree, they come very slick and need to be worn in a bit.
Great playing to my 65 year old ears, both sound good, you play really good .I had a martin and traded it in for a Taylor 114ce..I really wish I kept my Martin. Taylor has more high end to me. I have to say that this test really confused me. I have been playing now for about a year since I put the strings down for 30 years. I have bought probably 20 sets of strings since playing..only to find out its me..I have to say elixir on this on..keep playing u r good 👍
Thanks so much for the comment and the positive feedback! And, I'm glad you decided to pick the guitar back up to begin playing again!
wow you did an amazing job of matching every single detail after 2 months! the lighting, the clothes, every single crease on your shirt, the camera position, everything reflecting off the guitar, it's amazing the level of detail in this totally fair comparison! Thank you so much!
How about actually listen to the video?
How´s the song call you play at min 3?
Hi Sebastian! The progression I was playing at 3 minutes is one I made up for the video, it doesn’t have a name
The D'Addarios seem to have lost more high end, but that said I think they still have more high end than the Elixirs after 2 months. In the case of the Elixirs, the loss of high end was actually more audible than I guessed it might be.
Thanks for the feedback!
Neither of the older sets exhibited the crispness of the new ones. That said, they all sounded great, the old ones were just more mellow. Surprisingly, I like the new D’Addario’s better than the new Elixer’s. Thanks much, Tim!
Sure thing! Thanks for the comment!
Elixirs seem to be the only strings that I have used that survived my sweaty hands. Currently using the XTs and they tend to rust and build up black residue on them in a matter of weeks, kind of a turn off to play.
same the XS coating seems to be dong much better given the strings are more sealed. Its so hard to decide!
Hi, I have sweaty hands, also, and ended up placing a polishing cloth over an index finger and placing the string on the cloth between my nail and meat of the finger and sliding it up and down to get the skin cells, sweat, and grime off each string after I play. If you try this just once...especially on the plain strings, you may see a black residue on the cloth. Getting that off I think would be critical in your situation and I recommend you try that. If you get grime on your cloth, that will let you know it's working. Just sliding a cloth over the top of the strings after playing just doesn't get the other 75% of the string cleaned. I discovered this totally by accident.
Strings sound differently on different guitars. To my ears, my old J50 likes d’addario, with elixirs too bright. But hey, in a few months I might be up for a change. Currently loving d’addario nickel bronze!
Good point Terry about how guitars take differently to guitar strings!
Agree 100% that the same strings on different guitars will sound and feel different. It takes a while to figure out which strings sound better on each but once you do you’ll know appreciate the difference. Haven’t tried the nickel bronze yet but I now will. Thank you!
When should I change strings
I usually change my strings when I can tell they’ve gotten dead. A lot of times you can see or smell oxidation on the strings or you can smell the oxidation really bad on your fingers after playing
the optiweb elixers coating is definitely more durable than the xt. i visably see fraying
My only wish is that both of these are more affordable though 😊😉
These Daddario XT’s last me only 1 month and funnily enough thats less then the regular Daddario phosphor bronze last. Elixirs i get 4 months outta a set
Thanks for the comment Chris!
Same for me. I AM changing 3 times a year Elixirs.
Always hard to tell when listening on You Tube. They both seemed to hold up well after 2 months. Thought the Elixir's sounded slightly more whispy to the fuller bodied sound of the XTs. So, again, if you're recording it depends on the effect you're after. I have never used Elixir's; I used to use the EXP's and I guess I have grown to trust D'Addario so from this showing slightly lean towards the XTs but hearing this comparision has made me think I do need to check out the Elixir's in the future. Thanks Tim!
Thanks for the comment Eric!
@@TimGuitarLessons which do you prefer?
Of these two, definitely D'Addario
@@TimGuitarLessons Are there others which you prefer to the XTs and if so why?
D'Addario XT seems to be a winner for my book.
Playing 6 nights a week 4 hours a night, ONLY, D'Addario stood the test, ANY other brand went dead by 3rd night I am on my 3rd set o XS at present and they are great, trying XT next.
Does anyone have dead G string problem with the Elixir Nanowebs?
To my untrained ear, the D’Addario lost some low end over time.
The D’Addario definitely lost some of the lows
Yes, exactly same with the cheap d'addario.. Good only when its new..
Pretty evenly matched in every way except the new elixirs have a little more twang
Thanks for commenting Joshua!
Cool, now I know I’ll buy elixirs. Time to buy a guitar！ 😂
Did you ever buy yourself a guitar?
5:05 what is the name of the song?
It’s no song specifically… I was just playing a general chord progression
My Elixir PB frays quite bad compared to XS but XS corrodes faster and dead sound..😁
new vs new daddario sounds better, but in terms on holding up elixir are unbeatable
Thanks for the comment!
Elixir all the way
Thanks for the comment!
Thanks TIm(
Thanks for the comment Sophie!
yeah I guess im going back to elixirs yet again
It's all preference thing. I have tried Elixirs 3 separate times, and they broke every single time. The 1st string twice and the 2nd string once. But that's just my experience. They're good strings, but just not for me.
Ive had the same experience with them breaking as well.
I also feel that they're coating is too thick which diminishes the true tone potential. They have a certain "chime" in their tone which I do not care for.
You played Green Day Time of your life
I loved that song back in ‘97... still a great song
To my ears, i can easilly listen to a difference between new and old daddario. Not so much in the case of elixirs.
see a ent doctor 🙏
@@nayandas3620 you need one
@@nayandas3620 elxir sound pretty much identical for months
@@gimpyjwilliams They sounded a little duller, though, but not by much.
👏👏👍🎉
Do the ones from Amazon come in fake ?
I’ve not ever received fake strings from Amazon... I have however gotten used strings by accident from Amazon though... was not pleased with that
Just ordered them hoping for the best but I don’t knowww
@@JC-ys2dc i've been looking on amazon for like 2 months but can't decide to buy because every each hast at least 3 or 4 reviews saying they fake or was opened
@@achis9734 I bought some and well I was scared at first because the ones I got from sweet water did not have the tip cut off a little and these did but I slapped them on my guitar and I mean everything seems to sound and work fine
@@achis9734 if I’m being honest I would risk it for the biscuit if worst comes to worst I mean try and return or make sure you could return before purchase
The Diadarios definitely have more brightness and high end zing than the Elixirs. For that reason I prefer the Elixirs.
Did you listen with headphones?? The Elixers are clearly brighter and lack the woody tone the Daddarios accentuate..
@@richieluckenbill1590 Yes I did and I just re-listened and still find the Diadario’s more bright.
Simply, these XT just turned to EJ, what's the problem? 😀
But seriously: even if Elixir didn't change itself, I choose D'Addario. More elegant, more warm and bright balance, country western on the porch, you know 🙂
Elixir strings all day over any on my acoustic.
Thanks for the comment Daniel!
d,addario or elixir best
If you buy in bulk the d'addarios are almost half the price
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I really love strings that give a metallic kind of sound, can anyone reccomended me strings like these?
Honestly elixirs can do that with certain guitars. The sound isn’t for everyone but it helps the guitar cut through the mix.
D'Addario good new but really lost a lot of brightness after two months. The Elixir strings seemed to stay brighter over the two months.
If I was changing strings every day for recording or live performances I'd go D'Addario. But as someone who owns 16 guitars and isn't playing them all a lot the Elixir strings are the better option for me.
That said I have 9.5-44 gauge on some of my electric guitars and for those I use Ernie Ball or D'Addario XL
Thanks for the comment!
D'addario are more snappy and defined. Elixir are brighter but overtones blends excessively.
Thanks for the comment!
So you're not comparing the sound of a particular set of strings over time; rather, you're comparing two separate sets for each brand/type. I'm surprised with how much the D'Addario XTs change in appearance and sound over time. This is disappointing given their claims that the XT lasts "at least 4 times longer" (whatever that even means). OTOH I cannot stand how much Elixir charges, nor their marketing, nor the obnoxious shilling for them that I constantly see, so I guess that I will stick with cheapo D'Addario strings. Thanks for the video.
01:18 04:16
Elixirs are not worth it, i say...
Dadario xt all the way jajaja
a little brigth
2:08 2:35 5:10 5:36
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6:02
Thanks for the comment!
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