D'Addario Users: Describe tone?

pedalinbob · #1 05-12-2005, 04:06 PM

I know...string brand is like beer, totally subjective.

I have been a long time user of Ernie Ball strings, but recently tried GHS. Not bad...but I think I like the EB's better.
I just got a set of D'Addario 9's (EXL120) for my RG...but have to wear out the EB's before trying them.

How would you describe the feel/tone of the D'Addarios on Ibanez/RG style guitars?

I think it will be interesting to read the descriptives before trying them.

Bob

Tom Gilroy · #2 05-12-2005, 04:42 PM

I'm not a D'addario expert but try Rotosound afterwards. The Pinks or the Oranges since you use 9s

knotty · #3 05-12-2005, 04:53 PM

what do you prefer, the standard Rotos or the hybrids? I like the standard but have not tried the H's

fettouhi · #4 05-12-2005, 04:54 PM

Warm and rich

!

Regards

André

Tom Gilroy · #5 05-12-2005, 05:49 PM

knotty I prefer the hybrid 10s/11s. Blues. Perfect for me. But when I get a Jem I'll probably put oranges on it. I like the hybrids you can play quick lead on the high strings and nice deep power chords and bass notes on the low strings.

pedalinbob · #6 05-12-2005, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fettouhi

Warm and rich

!

Regards

André

Sounds TASTY!

Bob

Joe77fp`89 · #7 05-12-2005, 06:55 PM

I used to use d`addario exl120 and found the plain strings to be dead sounding from new. I`ve been using Ernie Ball 9`s for a few years now and they have an even bright tone.

evil_k666 · #8 05-12-2005, 07:01 PM

d'addarios seem to have less tension then the ernie balls of the same gauge.... at least that's what i experienced.....
tone is bright

lyconxero · #9 05-12-2005, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by evil_k666

d'addarios seem to have less tension then the ernie balls of the same gauge.... at least that's what i experienced.....
tone is bright

I agree that the D'Addario 9's seem to have less tension and so are well-suited to players who like to bend their strings a lot. As far as brightness, I'd say they're about equal with the Ernie Balls. Neither are as bright as GHS, but both will last longer.

Flobanez · #10 05-12-2005, 07:58 PM

I never thought about using D'Addarios. I always used Ernie Balls. When I got my PWH from Rich, He put D'Addarios on it and I have to say that I was very impressed with them. I've played the guitar almost 2 months and they are still clean and sound great. He also threw in some extra sets. Im all set now. Love 'em.

Allen Garrow · #11 05-12-2005, 08:16 PM

They have a very bright harmonically rich tone when brand new. The feel like they were made for my fingers. It's like I'm playing a note and not a string. If that makes any sense? My favorite time with D'Addarios is when they have broken in,,, you know when the nickle coating is wearing nicely off the E,B &G. For me the XL120/7's 9-54 have a life line as I play them. They are very bright in the beginning and quickly become warm, then there is that awesome sweet spot where they are just perfect, then they start to fade but have great quality as they near busting. Sort of like a dying star. LOL. I generally end up changing mine not because of breakage, but more out of feel,,,, after many hours they like any string will corrode and turn black.
My favorite all time strings, been playing them exclusively for about 20 years now. Matt Sweeney at D'Addario is a top notch dude as well. They appreciate they customers....
~A

dragsternj · #12 05-12-2005, 09:15 PM

Play D'Addario exclusive since i live in the US, they are very nice and have a nice tone. My faves, but i have never seen them in the US, are Maxima Gold Strings.

AirGuitarHero · #13 05-12-2005, 10:07 PM

Totally agree with Allen's review: bright at first, warm and smooth later. They feel 'soft' to the finger, if that makes sense, but they last forever.

Plus... they're cheap!

Allen Garrow · #14 05-12-2005, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dragsternj

Play D'Addario exclusive since i live in the US, they are very nice and have a nice tone. My faves, but i have never seen them in the US, are Maxima Gold Strings.

I used to use Maxima golds everyonce in awhile,,,for video's and stuff on my Black and Gold ESP. Those strings were cool,,, then the gold would wear off and they looked like crap then later would start to sound funky.

Those would look sweet on a Jem7VWH
~A

frankfalbo · #15 05-12-2005, 11:21 PM

D'Addario is by far my favorite. I think they're the most consistent and "true". They feel and sound the same from set to set. With every other brand I've had some good luck and some disappointment across the same models.

My hands do not make strings corrode. Having 30-40 guitars, I can have strings that are 1-4 years old on a guitar at any given time. The D'Addarios sound fresh and new, even when I go back to a guitar 6 months later after playing it awhile. The other brands deteriorate. And while my strings do break at the saddles, I find that it's not brought about with age at all with the D'Addarios. In other words, I'll break a string when it's been played for a number of hours. But it doesn't matter if those playing hours are spread across a month or 3 years. Every time I try GHS or Slinkys they age regardless of playing time.

Because my hands don't corrode strings, and because I don't play any one particular guitar constantly, perhaps I'm not the best judge of how a string stands up to corrosion and wear. But for a nickel wrap string, I'll always take D'Addarios whenever I can.

The same goes for their Acoustic strings by the way, and I use the Pro Arte on my classical, too.