Manufactured using New York high-carbon steel for outstanding break strength, with an innovative ultra-thin polymer coating, the D'Addario XSE0946 strings offer – alongside the characteristics typical of nickel guitar strings – an extremely long lifespan and reliable tuning stability, too. This set of strings (with the gauges .009, .011, .016, .026, .036 and .046) is perfect for guitarists who love to play solos on their instrument, but also like to attack the bass strings with a bit more punch and power. When it comes to the sound they make, these strings don't differ from D'Addario's uncoated nickel strings in the slightest – the only difference is that they'll last considerably longer, while sounding fresh the entire time.
D'Addario's XS film coating is ten times finer than human hair, while still reliably protecting the strings from residue and changing temperatures over a long period of time. The coating is imperceptible to the touch, with a play-feel that is incredibly natural and a sound that's typical for strings with a nickel alloy wrap. The polymer coating also reduces the strings' finger noise, which is great for studio recordings in particular. The steel core's hexagonal shape, which is another D'Addario innovation and also used in these XSE0946 strings, means the contact between core and wrap wire is almost seamless, giving the strings great tuning stability and precise intonation.
With their phenomenal durability, their powerful sound, their extraordinary break strength, and their great tuning stability, the D'Addario XSE0946 strings are a reliable accessory for guitarists who play plenty of solos, but who also want more tension and more power on the bass strings than the regular .090 gauge set can offer. Over time, the seemingly high price – compared to D'Addario's untreated options – will prove to have been excellent value for money, because the innovative polymer coating means XS strings simply last much, much longer – while still sounding fresh, brilliant, and balanced for every second of their long life.
In the world of stringed instruments, D'Addario is one of the largest manufacturers of strings themselves. The origins of the brand date back to 17th century Italy, but production was moved to New York in 1905 and even today, the brand's strings are still made and further developed in the USA. D'Addario now offers something for every need, from simple and low-priced strings to coated models and Hex-core strings. Apart from strings, the range has been expanded to include various accessories for guitarists, and other brands such as Planet Waves, Evans, Rico, and Pro Mark, which manufacture accessories for various groups of instruments, now also belong to D’Addario.
The D'Addario XSE0946 strings offer great tuning stability, extraordinary break strength, and an ultra-long lifespan, thanks to D'Addario's innovative coating. Of course, they also produce that typical nickel-string sound, with the vintage twang that all good nickel strings have: The strings' balanced weight profile lends itself well to soloists' bends and vibrato, while not lacking any punch in the low end thanks to the heavier bass strings. Finally, a quick Thomann tip: The D'Addario XSE strings are available in a immense range of very finely graded different weights right here in our online shop, so that every guitarist of every ability level will be able to find something for every guitar and every playing style.