XSAPB1356 Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings - .013-.056 Medium Review

Finest strings on the market

Ive played for ages, used cheap strings and expensive strings, and these ones are just perfect. Using them on a vintage acoustic, full step down tuning, and I'm in heaven

---

Cancel Comment

Great strings

These strings are great easy on the fingers great sound on my Martin D 35 had them on over 30 days still sound great

---

Cancel Comment

New favorite strings

it has been over 3 weeks since I received my set of XSAPB1356 and they feel and sound just like the day I put them on my guitar. I'm not going to say these are better in terms of sound because that's just my opinion and there is no such thing as the "BEST SOUNDING STRINGS", it comes down to personal preference and for me these are the best... The best for me. I have used Ernie… read more balls, elixers, adamas, and other d'addario's but these new XS series strings have my original favorite EarthWoods beat. They don't sound super tinny but they don't sound dull, they sound very balanced and have a nice punch to them when strumming.

---

Cancel Comment

Blown Away!

As a working musician, EJ17s have been my go-to for years. The tone has always been outstanding, but the lifespan was not ideal. The EJ17s would NEVER last longer than a gig and, most times, would be dead after a 1-hr set. These XS strings on the other hand, PHENOMENAL! One set of these strings has lasted through 2x 4-hr gigs AND a week of daily at-home playing and STILL sound… read more great (they still have that fresh sound)! The plain steels will get dirty, but wiping them down with some 91% isopropyl will clean em up good as new. The wound strings have begun to look some-what worn (slight discoloration), but the sound (and feel) is still there. If you love the tone of the EJs but wish they lasted longer, THESE are the answer!

---

Cancel Comment

Impressive Strings

Recently read about new D'Addario XS Phosphor Bronze strings, medium 13/56 for acoustics. I wanted to try it out on my three month old Martin D-18 LE 2020 acoustic/electric. Martin recommends their MA550T medium strings which are fine especially for heavy strumming but hard on the fingers. Powerful, resonant, fills the room. But my style and preference is mostly finger-picking… read more pieces, compositions, classics. Tried D'Addario EXP17 strings first before the Martin MA550T set. Also phosphor bronze wound, medium 13/56. Very good for picking, sweet, nice action, easy to play. The EXP17s held their tone quite well for close to a month. Same for the Martin MA550Ts. I decided to try the D'Addario XS medium 13/56 strings a couple of weeks ago. First impression, the XS strings didn't feel as loud, crisp and bouncy as the Martins but they were easier on the fingers and smoother when barring chords and stretching notes.But after a week, remarkably, once the strings settled in, the strings, fingerboard, Martin D-18 tone came together magically like a serendipitous symphony. I can't explain it more than that. I find myself playing and practicing longer. XS strings: pros/cons ... Pro: playability, easy on the fingers, medium strings feel like lights. I expect this set to keep their tone for quite awhile. Con: Pricey at $... Are they worth it? I think so, especially for recording and performances.

---

Cancel Comment