This review delves into the experience of a guitarist who rarely changes strings, testing D'Addario XS coated guitar strings against his usual uncoated preference. The author, accustomed to the longevity of D'Addario XL strings, initially questioned the need for coated strings. However, intrigued by the opportunity, he installed the XS strings on his backup Telecaster, a guitar subject to frequent gig bag storage – a perfect test environment for assessing durability and corrosion resistance. The review focuses on a comparative analysis of playability, tone, and longevity, offering an insightful perspective from a user who doesn't subscribe to the common practice of frequent string changes.This unbiased assessment considers both the advantages and disadvantages of D'Addario XS coated strings, particularly for guitarists who prioritize extended string life. While acknowledging the slightly increased friction and a subtler initial tone compared to uncoated strings, the author provides an honest evaluation of the overall playing experience. Ultimately, the review aims to determine if the purported longevity and corrosion resistance of D'Addario XS strings justify the cost for infrequent string changers, offering valuable insights for players with varying string-changing habits.
Pros And Cons
- Extended life, resists rust and fading.
- Smooth feel.
- High carbon core and plain string wire.
- Strong tuning stability.
- More expensive than uncoated strings.
- May not have the same initial "snap" as new uncoated strings (though this effect is temporary).
Read more: Top 5 Elixir Guitar Strings: A Buyer's Guide
My String-Changing Habits (or Lack Thereof)
I'm not a frequent string changer. I typically leave my strings on until one breaks, which can be months or even a year. This isn't because I'm lazy, but simply my personal preference. I use D'Addario XL strings and they've always served me well.
My approach stands in contrast to many guitarists. Some change strings after every gig, or even weekly. This variance in string-changing habits highlights a key factor to consider when reviewing the longevity of different strings.
The D'Addario XS Coated Strings: First Impressions
When D'Addario offered to send me their XS coated strings for review, my initial thought was, 'Why bother?'. I didn't see the need for coated strings given my infrequent changes.
Upon receiving the strings, I examined them closely. They looked and felt like standard strings—no unusual stickiness or texture. My initial concerns about the feel of coated strings were immediately put to rest.
On-Guitar Experience and Initial Thoughts
I installed the D'Addario XS strings on my backup Telecaster, a guitar that frequently spends time in a gig bag. This made it the perfect candidate for testing the longevity claims of these strings.
After installation, I played the guitar extensively. I found no significant difference in playability compared to my usual uncoated strings. There was a slight increase in friction, but it wasn't a hindrance.
The sound was also very similar to what I was used to, though some players might miss that bright, initial ‘snap’ of a new uncoated string.
Long-Term Outlook and Conclusion
It's still early to provide a definitive verdict on the D'Addario XS strings' long-term performance. I'll revisit this review in a few weeks after gigging with them, to assess their durability and resistance to corrosion.
Based on my initial experiences, however, I'm inclined to recommend D'Addario XS coated strings, especially for players like me who infrequently change strings. The added longevity and corrosion resistance outweigh the minor increase in friction and the subtle difference in tone.
For players who frequently change strings, the added cost might not be justified. But for those seeking longer-lasting, more durable strings, the D'Addario XS may well be a worthwhile investment.