Review: D'Addario Custom Strings

[FourT6and2]

After some trial and error with various brands and gauges, I settled on D'Addario 10.5-48. I like the feel of 10-46 in E Standard, but for my guitars tuned to Eb, the next gauge up is too heavy and 10s are too floppy. The XLs in this half size maintain almost the exact same tension when tuned a half-step down, which is perfect.

The only catch is D'Addario only offer this set in XL, but I prefer NYXL strings. Slightly less string/finger noise, better tuning stability, and they last a bit longer. So I tried their custom order option and I'm impressed.

The strings don't come with their usual color-coded ball ends and I'm not sure if it's because they're made on a different assembly line or because these strings are a non-standard size, so they're made "fresh" for custom orders. But they arrived in about 5 days without a hitch. And compared to another set of standard NYXL, they appear to be shinier and more "fresh", if that's possible. As if they were just wound.

If you want specific odd-ball string sizes, the custom order option seems great. The price is a bit higher though, that's the only drawback.

 

[thegame]

For someone so opposed to 10 gauge speaker wire, now you have the audacity to recommend a 10.5 gauge string set? The sheer hypocrisy is outrageous!

 

[Kagami]

I ordered some of those when they had a sale a few weeks ago but haven't tried them yet.

 

[FourT6and2]

For someone so opposed to 10 gauge speaker wire, now you have the audacity to recommend a 10.5 gauge string set? The sheer hypocrisy is outrageous!

lol use whatever string size you want. I know you're taking the piss but I'm recommending the service, not the gauge.

 

[BABMusic]

I've occasionally used D'Addario, but I've mainly stuck with GHS because those seem to break the least for me. Ernie Ball would also break super fast for me.

 

[FourT6and2]

I've occasionally used D'Addario, but I've mainly stuck with GHS because those seem to break the least for me. Ernie Ball would also break super fast for me.

Only boomers use Boomers.

 

[BABMusic]

I think that's the first time I've been mildly offended on this forum.

 

[Exo-metal]

Always loved D'Addario until DR strings!

 

[thegame]

lol use whatever string size you want. I know you're taking the piss but I'm recommending the service, not the gauge.

Well, now I’m really offended. I don’t “take the piss” out on people. I’m a bonafide shit poster.

 

[romanianreaper]

I love D'Addario and have been using them for years. I like any of their string choices and just feel right.

 

[tjnx]

I didnt know about this, its pretty reasonable for just regular nickles so I think I'm gonna try a few sets

 

[Speeddemon]

I seriously can't remember ever using D'addario for electric guitars and I've been playing for more than 30 years...
Now their nylon otoh...

Most of the time it's Ernie Ball for me, especially those in-between sizes after years of thicker strings, I now enjoy the Turbo Slinky 10-48 in Eb on Les Pauls, or Hybrid 9-46 on a Strat for instance.
For the guitars that I play less, I often go for Elixir Optiweb 10-46, as they seriously keep their tone better longer and don't have that nasty, slippery feel that the old Poliwebs used to have.
And Dunlop Heavy Core for chugs.
In the past, I used DR a lot, but they broke quickly. Good tone tho'.

 

[WizardAmpIphoneClip]

D'addario....for those of us who like the finer things in life.

 

[johnny q]

I was sold at "no color coded ball ends" I hate that crap! Great to hear a real world review on these custom strings, I may need to build a set of my own soon.

 

[Geo]

I would like a 10-42, do they do that?

 

[thegame]

NYXLs now available in custom sets!

https://www.daddario.com/en-ca/prod...lBnioPRH2sIthi_JOKKOpoFUkfhagYNPTw6hJ970DEkLO

 

[CrystalSky]

D'addario....for those of us who like the finer things in life.

Thomastik Power Brights you mean?

 

[romanianreaper]

I seriously can't remember ever using D'addario for electric guitars and I've been playing for more than 30 years...
Now their nylon otoh...

Most of the time it's Ernie Ball for me, especially those in-between sizes after years of thicker strings, I now enjoy the Turbo Slinky 10-48 in Eb on Les Pauls, or Hybrid 9-46 on a Strat for instance.
For the guitars that I play less, I often go for Elixir Optiweb 10-46, as they seriously keep their tone better longer and don't have that nasty, slippery feel that the old Poliwebs used to have.
And Dunlop Heavy Core for chugs.
In the past, I used DR a lot, but they broke quickly. Good tone tho'.

I used Ernie Ball in high school but don't remember what sizes. Didn't have the best luck with them, lol.

 

[Devin]

That's pimp

 

[Uzi Nein Millimetah]

After some trial and error with various brands and gauges, I settled on D'Addario 10.5-48. I like the feel of 10-46 in E Standard, but for my guitars tuned to Eb, the next gauge up is too heavy and 10s are too floppy. The XLs in this half size maintain almost the exact same tension when tuned a half-step down, which is perfect.

The only catch is D'Addario only offer this set in XL, but I prefer NYXL strings. Slightly less string/finger noise, better tuning stability, and they last a bit longer. So I tried their custom order option and I'm impressed.

The strings don't come with their usual color-coded ball ends and I'm not sure if it's because they're made on a different assembly line or because these strings are a non-standard size, so they're made "fresh" for custom orders. But they arrived in about 5 days without a hitch. And compared to another set of standard NYXL, they appear to be shinier and more "fresh", if that's possible. As if they were just wound.

If you want specific odd-ball string sizes, the custom order option seems great. The price is a bit higher though, that's the only drawback.

Almost all of my guitars have NYXLs these days, can't get enough of them.

Over the past couple of years, I've really warmed up to 9.5-44 for most of my Floyded shred guitars, although stuck with 10-46 for a few and for those with fixed bridges. I use 9-46 for traditional SSS Strats or anything with a D-Tuna. Ol' Yngwie uses 8-48 for his Strats; I may try 9.5-48 for some of my D-Tuna guitars......I didn't realize NYXL now comes in custom sets, so that's my next stop!