D'Addario Nickel Bronze strings on my D50

[roadbiker]

I always play D'Addario strings all of my guitars. I like trying different strings to experience the different tones that my guitars can produce. My go to strings have been EJ16's and EXP16's (now discontinued), both Phosphor Bronze strings. Lately I have tried D'Addario XS strings and something completely different: Nickel Bronze strings. I tried the NB strings on my Taylor 814 first. They sounded good, but not what I had hoped for. But I thought that they might sound good on my 1981 Guild D50. The previous strings on my Guild were D'Addario XT strings and I have really liked them. Today I put a set of Nickel Bronze custom light strings (0.11-0.52) on my D50 and wow! I play a mix of fingerstyle and strumming, and the strings sound wonderful. They have a full, clear, well-balanced tone and I am really glad that I gave them a try. Next I will try XS strings, but for now I am very impressed.

 

[GGJaguar]

What's the difference between the XS and XT strings?

 

[fronobulax]

What's the difference between the XS and XT strings?

One.

 

[Stuball48]

You are quick Frono - same answer for XR?

 

[Guildedagain]

I need to try some of these because you should try as many as you can ;]

Right now I've got some GHS Brite Flats on my favorite acoustic and very pleased, loud bassy fundamental notes, very smooth gliding.

In the winter when wife/I are both indoors a lot, I always gravitate to the flats because of the inherent silence in the house. We don't have TV or kids, or traffic beyond the USAF overhead occasionally and the UPS truck, mailman. Winter traffic here is really at a standstill. I heard a car crunching ice the other day and was actually surprised by the sound of an automobile.

I do a lot of slidy bits with chords, chord sliding, appropriately changing from minors to majors and vice versa as needed, and the slickness and quietness of the flatwound strings makes for a completely different playing experience and sound. The sound is very 60's.

 

[roadbiker]

What's the difference between the XS and XT strings?

They are both coated strings. Aside from the price, the XS strings have a smoother feel and according to D'Addario, a longer life. I think that XT strings are more similar to EXP strings in the way they feel. They both sound outstanding to me. I am playing XS strings on my Taylor 814 right now.

 

[West R Lee]

I've been playing XT's for a while now and love them.

West

 

[Brucebubs]

I liked D'Addario NB's on my F-412 and they are one of my favourites on my SJ-200.