Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.resohangout.com/archive/55259
MattInOz - Posted - 05/19/2021: 21:48:32
Hi!
Reviving an old topic: resohangout.com/archive/52744
I see now that d'addario has started packaging reso sets of their XT strings (I'm kinda surprised we haven't had a thread about yet; maybe I missed it?). juststrings.com/dad-xtapb1656....619653537
I haven't tried them yet--EJ42s are really the only economic option for getting here in Australia. BUT I have tried the NB1656 set, and I have been very pleased with them, but for a different reason than usual.
The break-in / stretching stage of strings is so annoying anyway, but I have the doubleshot on my new guitar, and that thing takes the annoying break-in to a new level, at least for me, especially if you follow Hipshot's advice and only adjust typical tuning issues at the pegs while the doubleshot is open / lever up. With the NB1656, I had zero stretching issues. There was no period of 1-2 days of playing / stretching/tuning before everything stabilized--once the strings were up to pitch, that is where they stayed. Amazing! Furthermore, I'm on like day 6 (I play about 2 hours a night) of the NB set, and I haven't killed the 3rd string yet. On EJs, I'm usually getting 3rd string buzz after about 2 hours of paying--very, very disappointing.
Now, I also have noticed that the steel core on the NB1656 and the new XT line (and the EXP line for that matter) is apparently a different steel, the "NY Steel" as they call it. I'm wondering, wouldn't the core of the string have more to do with the break-in than the wrapping? If so, you would think that the new XT, with better core, perhaps better coating, and phosphor bronze wrapping, might be the best strings of all?
I'm eager--nay, EXCITED--for somebody else to find out :-)
Thoughts? Observations?
LukeL - Posted - 05/20/2021: 04:46:01
I’ve been using the XT strings on my Beard for a few weeks now, they sounds good and certainly last longer than the standard phosphor bronze. They are more expensive as well. I’d say the “stretching” period is about the same, but I can get that down to about 5 or ten minutes with some stretching and playing. They are good strings, but I’m ultimately hoping for the daddario XS to have a resophonic set soon.
MattInOz - Posted - 05/20/2021: 17:06:25
Do the XS strings have a better costing than the XTs?
MattInOz - Posted - 05/20/2021: 18:44:07
Coating, sorry. Not costing.
LukeL - Posted - 05/20/2021: 19:19:22
Daddario says they do. It’s supposed to be a new micro thin coating that sounds and lasts great… I have yet to try them though.
Oboe Cadobro - Posted - 05/21/2021: 09:56:27
I've been using the NB1656 for the last year or so, and they last twice as long as the EJ42s, so at twice the price I cut my restringing jobs in half. Pre-Covid, I was changing strings every other week. If the XTs last three times as long as the EJ42s, then they might be worth using at that price. I'm going to order a set to try. BTW, Sweetwater carries them with free shipping.
quote:
Originally posted by MattInOz
With the NB1656, I had zero stretching issues. There was no period of 1-2 days of playing / stretching/tuning before everything stabilized--once the strings were up to pitch, that is where they stayed. Amazing!
I have the Doubleshot on my Beard E Model, and I still have the stretching issues with the NB1656. It takes 3-4 days to stabilize when I leave it in the tight tuning (lever down)...after that, the strings sound and feel good for about 10 days before I have to change them again.
Edited by - Oboe Cadobro on 05/21/2021 09:58:52
gzerninplatz - Posted - 05/21/2021: 16:23:11
The XT set is the replacement (I believe) for the EXP42 coated set that is very similar to the EJ42...sound a little less bright to start, but maintains that tone for a VERY long time...I've been using them for years. At one point JD said he uses them, but I suspect he really uses the EJ42 - he has a tech to change them as often as he likes!
I don't see the EXP set on the D'Addario website any more, although there is a lot of it available in the supply chain still...and the XT set is there now on the site.
I use the nickel/bronze NB1656 on my road-o-phonic (that's what Beard puts on it) but haven't yet really figured out how it compares to regular phosphor bronze strings...the guitars are so different I can't tell.
I'd be curious to hear an evaluation of how the NB and XT and EXP strings stack up, with EJ42 tone as the comparison touchstone...
MattInOz - Posted - 05/21/2021: 17:19:47
The past 2 times I have changed strings, I have been working from home, so I took the opportunity to experiment and sloooowly bring the strings up to pitch over the coarse of an entire day, hoping that would accomplish all the stretching before I actually play. Results: no benefit with EJ, apparently good results with NB.
I just ordered a set of XT for my birthday. I’ll report here when I get them on.
'Bourbon Street Triolian' 5 days
'WTB Beard 2010 bar' 12 days
