Manufactured using New York high-carbon steel for outstanding break strength, and coated with an ultra-thin polymer, the D'Addario XSE1156 strings offer – alongside the characteristics typical of nickel guitar strings – an extremely long lifespan and reliable tuning stability, too. This medium top/extra heavy bottom set of strings (with the gauges .011, .014, .019, .032, .044 and .056) is perfect for guitarists who really want to get the most out of their instrument. When it comes to the sound they make, these strings don't differ from D'Addario's uncoated 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 playing residue, changing temperatures, and any passing showers of beer. The coating is imperceptible to the touch, with a playing feel that is incredibly smoothand 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 these D'Addario XSE1156 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 XSE1156 strings are an excellent compromise between the playability of the top three strings and the percussive, high-tension sound of the bass strings, for riffs with real power. 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, bright, and balanced over their entire lifespan. Guitarists will end up saving money on new strings, as well as the time and effort on restringing their 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 XSE1156 strings offer great tuning stability, extraordinary break strength, and an ultra-long lifespan, thanks to D'Addario's innovative coating. Of course, they're also extremely playable, and produce that typical nickel-string sound, with the vintage twang that all good nickel strings have; the three heavyweight bass strings also make sure there's plenty of punch and power. 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.