Which Coated Strings Should You Choose?
When it comes to coated guitar strings, two names rise to the top: Elixir and D’Addario. Both brands have spent years perfecting their technology to offer guitarists long-lasting tone and excellent playability. But if you’re looking for the most natural feel and sound with the added benefit of extended string life, D’Addario’s XS range is making a serious mark.
The Science of Coating: How They Differ
Elixir uses a full-string coating (like Nanoweb, Polyweb, or Optiweb) that covers the entire string — both the core and the windings. This creates a slick feel and excellent protection from sweat and grime, but some players say it slightly affects tone and dynamics.
D’Addario XS takes a more modern approach. The XS range uses an ultra-thin film coating on the wrap wire only, preserving the natural sound and feel of the string. In addition, D’Addario applies a polymer treatment to the plain steels — something most competitors overlook.
What that means for you:
- More natural feel under the fingers
- Less tone loss compared to fully coated strings
- Full corrosion protection on all strings
Tone: Bright, Balanced and Expressive
Elixir strings are known for their consistent tone, especially for acoustic players seeking warmth. However, some find them a little too mellow or compressed.
In contrast, D’Addario XS strings retain the brightness and clarity you’d expect from uncoated strings. Built on the foundation of D’Addario’s best-selling NYXL and EXP series, XS strings feel lively, dynamic, and don’t suffer from the “blanket-over-the-speakers” effect some coated strings are known for.
Expect a crisp, balanced tone that cuts through without sacrificing warmth.
Durability That Doesn’t Get in the Way
One of the biggest concerns when switching to coated strings is longevity vs. tone. With XS, you don’t have to compromise. The advanced coating process and high-carbon NY Steel core deliver:
- Long-lasting performance
- Stable tuning
- Reduced friction and string noise
These strings are built to survive gigs, rehearsals, studio sessions, and everything in between — without going dead halfway through a set.
Feel: Just Like Uncoated Strings
Let’s be honest — coated strings have traditionally felt different. Slick, plasticky, or overly smooth. But D’Addario XS is engineered to feel just like regular strings, with only a subtle improvement in smoothness and less finger squeak.
Whether you’re a heavy picker, a fingerstyle player, or a shredder, you’ll appreciate how the coating stays out of your way and lets you play naturally.
Why We Recommend D’Addario XS
At Northwest Guitars, we stock both Elixir and D’Addario — and while both are excellent, we’re particularly impressed by what D’Addario has achieved with the XS range. For players who want the feel and sound of premium uncoated strings with the longevity of a coated set, XS hits the sweet spot.
Benefits of D’Addario XS at a Glance:
- Ultra-thin coating = natural tone and feel
- Treated plain strings = complete corrosion protection
- NY Steel core = excellent tuning stability and strength
- Designed and made in the USA
Special Offer: Get a Free Gift
For a limited time, we’re including a FREE D’Addario Pro-Winder with every purchase of XS Strings. This all-in-one tool makes changing your strings quicker, cleaner, and easier.
