Manufactured using New York high-carbon steel for outstanding break strength, and coated with an ultra-thin polymer, the D'Addario XSE09544 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 .009.5, .011.5, .016, .024, .034 and .044) is an interesting alternative to D'Addario's regular .009-gauge Super Light strings, in that they are only very slightly heavier. And 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 playing feel that is incredibly smooth 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) means the contact between core and wrap wire is almost seamless, giving the D'Addario XSE09544 strings great tuning stability and precise intonation from the first fret to the last.
With their phenomenal durability, their powerful sound, their extraordinary break strength, and their great tuning stability, the D'Addario XSE09544 strings are a solid compromise between comfortable playability on the one hand and powerful sound on the other. 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 over their entire lifespan. This will save money on new strings and time spent restringing a guitar.
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 XSE09544 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; their Super Light Plus gauge make bends, slides, and vibrato all a breeze. Finally, a quick Thomann tip: The D'Addario XSE strings are available in an immense range of very finely graded different gauges 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.