Corrections/Additions: - The right guitar at 15:35 is strung with Elixir Optiweb, instead of the labeled Nanoweb. My dearest apologies! - We concluded that 4/5 strings in the semi's where coated. But neither the Rotosound Roto Yellows, nor the D'addario NYXL's are coated which makes it 3 out of 5.

@TheVoiceofUnreason

Жыл бұрын

So you should, how dare you! Now do it all again correctly! 😋😆😎

@onbedoeldekut1515

Жыл бұрын

How about trying a lighter set of the paradigm strings to be closer to the others, I think maybe the added mass altered things a little.

@PetraKann

Жыл бұрын

Great stuff Paul. (Who did all the string changing? Torture)

@yasirayala

Жыл бұрын

what do you normally use? were they in the finals?

@zykify

Жыл бұрын

Well, they sounded like Nano's so you'll have to do it all again :) But I have still not seen the final and if the Roto's win, the nano/opti does not matter. I use nano's but, regardless of the result here, next strings I buy will be Rotosound, there is something pleasant extra in the sound they help create. Great video, must have been a ton of work and I appreciate that a lot. Millions of us guitar nerds get answers to questions we have asked ourselves for years :)

Very interesting. Would love to see an acoustic strings test.

@m1nnefr3d

Жыл бұрын

Yesssss, pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeze!

@richter_ow

Жыл бұрын

yeees 😁

@MarkNealon

Жыл бұрын

The best I've found -by far- are Martin silk and steel silver plated

@ltvniks

Жыл бұрын

ong i need to know what are the best strings for acoustic

@andydixi

Жыл бұрын

I guess D'Adarrio XS vs Elixir Nanoweb will be like France vs Argentina in the Final WC 2022

Shout out to the person changing the strings for you. An absolute legend in my books! I really despise changing strings but to think they had to keep swapping out the strings and then keeping track of which were which etc... what an incredible job!

@charycourt

9 ай бұрын

I somehow don't think he would've hired someone to change strings for him... Edit:nevermind, sorry

@chriswebb383

9 ай бұрын

Its like a 3 minute job .. its so easy..

@Majerly_Annoyed

9 ай бұрын

@@chriswebb383 You’re my hero. 🙄

@maynardtl8

8 ай бұрын

And pulling curled strings through a string-through strat body no less! Imagine how a big a pain that would be

@Iamthesun314

7 ай бұрын

@@chriswebb383starts crying in Floyd rose

Wow! Thanks for featuring us!

@retrakor

2 ай бұрын

its incredibely impressive how round and complete your strings sound despite being so cheap, amazing work harley benton!

@italooliveira5574

Ай бұрын

Whatta great sound!

I was absolutely not expecting the tone differences to be this significant!

@datutturugang666

11 ай бұрын

me, a bass player: what? 60 bucks is expensive?

@danieldesouza3874

10 ай бұрын

Plus this is just one player. Pick choice, attack also will factor in.

@mariaeortiz

9 ай бұрын

Me niether

I bet the video took an enormous amount of work. It was fun to watch, and I watched through the end. Thank you.

I played ernie ball slinkies for so long, but when I tried the NYXLs I just fell in love. Many times I find myself just playing unplugged when they're new since they sound great even by themselves

@ogmakefirefiregood

Жыл бұрын

I have been using the super slinkies for um... ever. Watched the video and decided to go on a " comment hunt." you are the winner! Imma give em a try.

@Postdotfuzz

Жыл бұрын

I play the NYXLs too, even though it's hard to find the light top/heavy bottom gauge sometimes. I even liked how they sounded better than the others in this video!

@Balin_James

Жыл бұрын

I was so happy to see my precious NYXLs make the semis, only to be taken out by their slightly more expensive brother from d’Adarrio. If they were to lose, that’s how I would’ve wanted it 😂 though I might have to check out the XSs next time I feel like doing a setup 😅

@niclastname

Жыл бұрын

I used to play EB's and then went to NYXL's and loved them, then I tried the XT because I was told that the coating is very minimal and they're my new standard. They feel just like regular strings, just a TINY bit more slick. And they seem to last a very long time before they get dull or start to peel or anything. I've had some on one of my guitars for a year or more without any sign of corrosion.

@moardinarcanis

Жыл бұрын

I stand firm with my choice of strings, NYXL’s are some of my favorite strings out there and I use D’Addario for both my electric and acoustic guitar. They’re a bit more expensive, but I change my strings maybe twice a year and they’ve never given me a problem. In the end, they’re super durable and great quality. They actually save you money since you don’t have to change them often if you don’t want to.

Interesting that the low budget Harley Benton strings did not get kicked out straight away. They did a great job for that price point. In the end the winner is also very affordable. You could also repeat that shoot out in a mixing context, how the strings help to cut through the mix and sit well :-)

@SpaceCattttt

8 ай бұрын

I've never understood how something that's not so good, but is considered great for a low price, is a good thing? That just reconfirms the fact that cheap stuff sucks.

@pge10

7 ай бұрын

​@@SpaceCatttttthis is the dumbest thing ive ever read, the 3,90€ strings, holded up, and in this case he liked them better than the Gibson 10€ ones, so for 4 €, are really good for their price, they can charge you more for the strings if you want but, this shows you that cheap things arent always trash, in this case, the cheap ones holded up very well and won against more expensive ones, so, some "expensive shit" ones, were trashier than the "cheaper shit" ones, telling you, that cheaper, does not mean worse.

@Pierfra007

7 ай бұрын

I have Harleys on different guitars, and except for the 1€ set, the HQ and coated sets are top notch

@paulnieuwkamp8067

5 ай бұрын

@@SpaceCatttttGood enough is good enough. I don't play concerts, I don't hear the difference myself all that well, I'm just plucking away in the privacy of my own room. So why pay 10x as much when there's no perceived difference?

@SpaceCattttt

5 ай бұрын

@@paulnieuwkamp8067 If you don't hear or feel the difference, then no, there's no reason why you should buy good strings...

I love the way you performed this test. Not an easy thing to pull off. Thank you!!

@DaveTaste

Жыл бұрын

Or hammer on.

This video is insane… SUPER useful, especially for someone like me that has a very basic untrained ear/just a casual with guitar. Major props to you and your team on all the strings swapping and planning that went into this! I’d love to see an acoustic version sometime in the future as well

@nirhershkovitz2416

Жыл бұрын

Why is it useful if you cant tell the difference? Just buy the cheapest strings and change when it doesn’t sound good or breaks.

@Oreologyst

Жыл бұрын

@@nirhershkovitz2416 Because he’s describing different qualities to the sounds from each string, which is great ear training for me. At the current moment I can tell if I like or don’t like a sound, but it’s hard for me to pinpoint why - with his descriptions I’m learning a bit more about what makes up the sounds I enjoy in reference to guitar (and their strings) Also, the vid is just useful in general as a mini encyclopedia of different guitar string sounds

Thanks for putting in all the work. The way you talked about the different strings was really helpful because in the end it was all about how they played.

Every guitarist watching this is gonna be massively grateful to you! Would take some of us years to reach these kind of conclusions. Never heard the XS before and soon as I heard them in this video thought they'd win, but the rotos do sound fuller with really nice low end

Could you please do this video again but for acoustic strings? Keep up the awesome work Paul!

@brockmann4815

Жыл бұрын

Oh that'd be great. Im so insecure what strings I should get next (which is probably soon xD).

@m.vonhollen6673

Жыл бұрын

@@brockmann4815 : Depends on what kind of music you play… I like D’Addario Phosphor Bronze and D’Addario Nickel Wound for electric.

@ericmojave6061

Жыл бұрын

@@brockmann4815my two cents, I am a big fan of Martin Retro 12’s and Ernie Ball Aluminum Bronze

@user-tu6pw6gh9p

9 ай бұрын

for acoustic elixir nanowebs last forever

While not my favorites, I am extremely surprised and impressed about the harley benton coated strings. For the price, they are phenomenal

@brianmincher716

Жыл бұрын

Yeah, that company seems to be a screaming deal across the board relative to the $$$

@RSProduxx

Жыл бұрын

Jup, thought the same. I quite like them.

@johanneschristopherstahle3395

Жыл бұрын

Exactly what I thought as well. Don't know how long they last, but I guess I'm gonna try them out next time I need a new set.

@KnightyDev_

Жыл бұрын

Definitely gonna try those next

@Rheaded

Жыл бұрын

Yeah

Thanks Paul for validating me being a Rotosound yellow guy for years :) They last long as well. I used to use them in a hard rock band and they also work great today for my post-rock/space rock project I'm in.

@a.c.7541

5 ай бұрын

The Edge uses rotosound

@eternalvernal1286

3 ай бұрын

I'm in on the Yellows...great to hear your input on durability. Sold me 👊👍😎

@stonemanguitars

2 ай бұрын

My main strings are the Roto Ultramags, 10-46 on some guitar and 9-42 on others. They are super bright and stay bright for a long time which makes them perfect for the music I play (60's and 70's rock eg. Rush, The Who, Iron Butterfly).

I switched to DR strings a couple years ago, and I love how they sound and how they age. More presence without being too harsh. Brings out overtones in the guitars and inspires my playing. Especially in acoustic. I'll have to try the roto strings

We feel like Messi felt yesterday 🏆 Cheers for the hard work and scrutiny that you put into the creation of this tournament, Paul.

@glennscottharris

Жыл бұрын

They sound spicy! Gonna buy some! (hope they last as long as the nyxls.. we'll see! ;)

@paigehammond6975

Жыл бұрын

Congratulations on the big win Rotosound!

@endezeichengrimm

Жыл бұрын

England didn't win the football but they won the strings.

@18JR78

Жыл бұрын

My personal favorite bass strings Rotosound RS66LDN Swing Bass 66 Nickel Roundwound

@adolfoherrerat

Жыл бұрын

I'll always remember that one I used a set of Roto Yellows on a guitar for 4 years straight, 1 single set, never broke any of the strings and ok the sound did change but... 4 years... that alone makes Rotosound an absolute winner to me, I gotta find more of these here in FL definitely

They way you describe the different strings is so brilliant. True professional.

I use the Rotos and can say they are great strings! Used them back in the 70's for a bit until they became too hard to get! I have picked them back up again and love them! They feel good and last a fairly long time!

I greatly enjoyed this journey. Thank you so much! I need more reviews like this on KZread in general. Amazing! You are amazing. Lovely and genuinely pleasant.

Was pleased to see my two brands (D'Addario and Elixir) fared very well. Also surprised to see how well the Harley Benton strings performed at such a low price. Great video my friend!

@78tag

Жыл бұрын

Low prices = China. That's all I need to hear. When is the guitar community going to wake up and reject the idea of supporting the CCP? They hate us and want to destroy us - what else do you need to know?

@RussClarkRocks

Жыл бұрын

@@78tag Attempting to parse my purchases into what's built where is something I have neither the time nor the inclination to do. I seriously doubt that the Chinese are attempting take over the world via budget guitar strings. Lol. Have a great day!

That was interesting. Thank you for taking the time to do all that work! I would love to see this again with humbuckers (particularly on your SG).

@TomGrubbe

Жыл бұрын

Yeah, and compare the overdriven sounds straight into the amp.

Love my D'addarios! Glad to see them represent in this shootout with multiple versions!

Very interesting video Paul, thanks for taking the time to make it. I really liked the Rotos myself so I plan to try a set in the near future.

Been rocking the DR Pure Blues for over 10 years now. I just found what I liked and never looked back.

@dimitrishart5611

Жыл бұрын

What is that black tape on his guitar ?

Жыл бұрын

Same. I had an es-335 with a naturally mellow, warm sound and wanted that in my other guitars. I added them to a goldtop p90 and it sounded incredible. Now they are my go-to strings.

Incredible work! I would love to see also the same thing but for the acoustic guitar! Awesome as always Paul

Clearly a ton of unglamorous work went into doing this comparison and it's so greatly appreciated. Great video!

An interesting extra test would be playing them after 1 week or 2 weeks. Because the XS is sort of coated (less but some coating) and the RotoSound is not coated so we gotta take that into consideration when talking about the price of each as well

Fantastic video! Can't imagine how much time and labor went into this one. Such fun results. I love hearing how much a set of strings can affect a tone - and now I can gravitate towards the ones that gave me a tone I liked!

Great video! Very pleased to see Rotosound the winner… I’ve always recognised these strings as my favourite. They really bring out the ‘woodiness’ of my Strat. Though, I have to say, I only get one or two gigs out of them before they sound quite dull. I’ve always steered away from coated strings too… but this video has encouraged me to try some out.🎸🔥

@bertbregdenz2756

Жыл бұрын

Rotosound Jumbo King for Acoustic Guitar 👌👍💪

@noname1st139

Жыл бұрын

They didn't last long on my Jumbo, corroded and Went sticky and ergh! After 10wks with me

@pharmerdavid1432

Жыл бұрын

@@noname1st139 10 weeks isn't long enough....?

Great Effort man...👍

Finally.. there's someone actually put lots of effort to create content like this. Lovin' it..and I've been using roto sound strings as well, never let me down...Thanks

I actually loved the wackiness of the DR Pure Blue strings. Might have to try a pair myself

@j_freed

Жыл бұрын

DR have an impressive ‘squish’ so you can hit them hard but they don’t feel stiff. The magnetic core of the nickel wound string is round not hexagon shape. Fat sounding.

@misterreality

Жыл бұрын

DR blues in my case have been very defective. I don’t recommend them at all.

@elmadouf

Жыл бұрын

These have been my go-to for years. The winding is pure Nickel instead of nickel plating. I feel it makes them more springy, also more heavy, and they don't corrode as quickly as Nickel-plated strings IME.

@alkaatz4597

Жыл бұрын

@@misterreality I haven't tried the Blues - I had some quality control issues with DR Tite Fits a few years ago, but the recent sets I've had have been great. For the money the Tite-Fits are very good IMO but they are darker so I generally use them with single-coils.

@MrSmiley1964

Жыл бұрын

@@misterreality +1 on that. I used them for years on my Strat. I loved the sound and the way they felt, but they were unreliable and let me down too many times in a live situation. That's been 20 years ago, and I hear that things have improved. Watching this has tempted me to pick up another set, but once bitten twice shy. I'm currently playing NYXLs but I'm going to try the Roto-Yellows.

Great work and a large undertaking. I really liked the sound of the Rotosound strings as well.

Highly entertaining, and your guitar playing is superb. Would love to see such a comparison for acoustic guitar strings. Bravo!

That Roto's sounds magnificent!❤

The guitar with the "X" wins A LOT of the time. I wonder if it's just the nicer sounding guitar? I know they're identical production models, but there are differences in weight, resonance and sustain between factory examples

Well this was interesting, Paul. A lot of time went into this production, no doubt. This is a really unique comparison, I'd never have thought anyone would be able to pick up the difference between guitar strings. Very eye opening, well done!

@robinbebbington7063

Жыл бұрын

Well I suggest you try out a few different strings. Feel and sound can be very different. Especially on acoustic.

So well done Paul! Really enjoyed it. I have been using the Gibson Vintage Reissue 8's for as long as I can remember....they sound so good on my Les Paul and my Gretsch. I have always changed strings before every show. IF they're not too dead after, I'll use them for rehearsals but ALWAYS new strings the morning of a show. Keep up the great content!

Paul, thank you for a wonderful video. It was truly pleasant going on this journey with you. My usual strings didn't go so far...lol. So it seems I should get new brands. 😃

I think all of us appreciate the huge amount of work this represents. Thanks so much for the dedication to the craft!

Actually never thought the difference would be this big and I can see how you’d choose different strings depending on the session at hand. Thank you for taking the time.

Great video! You did all the work for us. You’ve shown me some strings I’ve never thought of or heard of. I think I’m going to try those yellows! Thanks again 🤘🏻

Man, this was amazing! You should do an acoustic string test next. Thank you for doing these vids!

Thanks for doing the systematic work for us! Would live to see the same for acoustic strings. I also get lost on deciding between different types of coating materials (long term comparison? )

I don't know what hurt my fingers more.... just watching you totally own the guitar as you play it, or thinking about all of the different strings and how they feel to fingertips, or... the pain of making that many string changes! Fantastic comparison, and one of the very few times that anyone just lets us listen to the tone of what they are playing long enough to feel it! GLORIOUS!!!

Thank you! Never heard of the Roto Yellows. Loved them. Ordering next string change 👊👍

This is a really great tone comparison Paul! Thanks for making it. I noticed that the terms you used for almost all the tests had some unique words for each set of strings. "Screamy", "heavy transients" etc. I also noticed that I liked some strings you didn't. Will rewatch to choose my next set of strings to experience!

I’ve been using the XS’s on both my electrics and acoustics for a while and I absolutely love them. The best part is they actually last a lot longer than uncoated strings. Would love to see an acoustic video!

Ok, that was pretty awesome! I just ordered the three that made it in the top three, plus the DR Pure Blues. Thank you for doing that! I’ve been watching your channel for a few years and the content you have here is absolutely fantastic. Thanks from all of us poor souls in search of good information from someone trustworthy on the internet 👍

I was very impressed with the Harley Benton strings considering the price.

Great comparison, this must have been exhausting Paul. Pure Blues DR are a very musical string with great feel and I’d like to try some of the other top picks. We have it so good as guitar players, such an easy upgrade!

Quite interesting, thanks for putting the time in for this! I’ve always loved NYXLs since I first tried them, I wasn’t as into the XS but for the exact opposite reason you picked the XS over the NYXL. I’ve also always liked the sound of Rotosound strings, but found they just don’t last me very long, whereas I also found NYXLs last me an absolute age! Nice to hear it in a test like this where I still preferred them! Super surprised by the Elixirs sounding this good though, I found I didn’t particularly like the electric versions but I love the acoustic ones

Incredible work man, definitely some super interesting results!!! 👊🏻

I really loved this video and found the information super useful! I would love it if you did the same thing for acoustic strings.

What I could hear is that, at the end, doesn't matter that much which strings you are using if you are good enough at guitar...which is definitely your case! great video btw!! keep going!

Enjoyed this tournament and just after the World Cup. What timing!! Paul, could you do this with acoustic guitar - stings?

Very interesting video! I'm surprised there's not more comments on the Rotosounds. The strings that stuck out to me were the Rotosounds, D'Addario NYXL, Elixir Optiweb, and Harley Benton Coated strings. I've been playing Elixir's exclusively for about 8 years, but the lack of gauges they offer is forcing me to branch out to other brands. This video is a really helpful reference tool. Thanks so much!

A very interesting way of testing strings. I can only imagine that took a lot of time and effort. I hope you have been rewarded for that. It was very informative to see so many strings so close together in a sound test. Thank you!

An interesting comparison! I bought a multi-pack of Rotosounds a while ago and found them to be really decent and very well-priced strings. At the moment I'm trying Nanowebs on several of my guitars after my Yamaha Revstar came fitted with them and I loved the feel. So far they're working well, and I'm erring towards feel in my choice, because I can find the tone I want between the guitar and amp.

I've actually been using the rotos for about a year and a half now after a store clerk said that I should try them. In fact I like them the most when they're a bit worn in. I used to change elixir coated ones on every gig (and sometimes practice) when I was gigging regularly. Now I just record mainly and somehow old rotos give me the most joy and bring something nice out of my guitars.

Okay so you have blown my mind with this, you went through so many strings that I have been trying out and my favourites did well. What I can't believe is that the UK Rotosounds won! They are the chosen strings by my luthier. He doesn't put anything else on guitars. They are great too. Enjoy the festive period and keep up with the awesome content.

After watching this video, I really enjoyed seeing the difference strings make. And I love this kind of test. I would like to see more of this.

I’ve been using Ernie Ball strings forever, and the last time I broke one was 1993 and those were 8’s. I switched to EB 9 Colbalts 15 years ago. Love the Ernie Ball strings and the Colbalts seem to last longer. ✌️😎🎸🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶

Great ear and feel for each of the strings. It shows that ultimately you should choose the strings that work for you, that you like, and that you feel give the best tone and feel, regardless of the label. I'd love to see an acoustic version

I’ve been running elixir strings for over 15 years now on my electric and acoustic guitars. Although they may not sound the best out of the box, they really just last forever and the sound quality after weeks or months is still fantastic (to me). I tried buying cheaper non-coated strings many times with hopes of finding something better, but always am let down when I find myself changing strings in less than a month (I live close to the beach). Very cool video!

@devinsinderwitcz9134

Жыл бұрын

Elixir Strings come in 2 very different flavors. d'addarios or GHS Boomers. No way to know which ones you have. I worked at the company and later the plant when these were developed and manufactured (17 years). Yes, this is 100% fact!

@biohazard8295

Жыл бұрын

@@devinsinderwitcz9134 please elaborate

@Hickalum

Жыл бұрын

I second that … They do last extremely well. Usefully Elixir sell three different levels of ‘brightness’; Nanoewb, Polyweb and Optiweb. If you have a particularly bright guitar you can calm it down with the duller strings and visa versa.

@williammorgan3050

Жыл бұрын

As someone who also lives near the beach, absolutely agree, havent had any strings last as long 👍

@TheBcoolGuy

Жыл бұрын

So far, I've been lucky. My current acoustic guitar has the same factory strings that it came with late in 2017.

Thanks for the amount of work that you put into making that video

First album I worked on the producer took me down to a music store in Austin. We bought a wide range of bass strings tested them all and ended up with the root sound swing bass set. They’ve been in the game quite a time and it shows.

Great video. Would love to see them tested with an EQ pallet display to get a visual of the tones.

I have never ever heard of the winning strings, yet they were (to my great surprise) the clear favorite from the get go. Just found myself new strings to try, great video, thank you!

Thank you for such a nice Video! I was string hopping for quite some time until I played the NYXL strings. Love them.

I've been using Rotosound Hybrids (Orange) for years. They sound great, don't cost a fortune and you also get a spare high E, which is always appreciated!

@J.C...

Жыл бұрын

Seriously? Wish I had known they give an extra high E. My Tele was breaking high e's every few days a little while back. Turns out the set of five single 10s I got from D'addario must have been bad. If I used a normal set of 10s, high E lasted forever. As soon as I put one of the singles on, it'd break in 3 days tops. They sent me 10 free .010 strings as a replacement. 👌 No questions asked except for me to send a picture of the packaging.

@xgreenjacket

Жыл бұрын

How do you find them for staying in tune? I didn’t like rotisounds because compared to other brands they never seemed to hold their tuning well. And I don’t mean leaving it for a day and coming back. I mean while playing

@Fret-knot

Жыл бұрын

@@xgreenjacket I've always stretched them in when new and had no problems at all with tuning after that. I use the hybrids on my 3 electrics and they play really well. I recently tried their acoustic strings as well, and I like those. I've not come across the tuning issue, but maybe you got some duff strings. I've used quite a few sets over the years and all have been fine.

Wow, nice comparison. I've been stuck with roto yellows 10-46 for ages. Since the first time I tried them, noticed they play so well, responsive, they last a really good while for uncoateds and have a good price. I could live with only these. Another nice one is the ones from Dunlop, black package.

Paul, thank you! 🙏 Have seen many videos of yours, but this was such a helpful one. I really enjoyed this video and noticed we almost always agreed. As a result, I ordered for the first time other strings than the ones I usually used to purchase. Would be helpful to many guitarists if you would do something similar for acoustic guitars.🙂

That was really fun! I agreed with every very tough decision along the way. Keeping in mind, that there is no ‘correct answer’ and yes a lot depends on one’s guitar and personal taste. You do have an excellent ear. Cheers.

Impressed to see good old Rotosounds doing well. They've always been cheap here in the UK, been through tons of them!

Would absolutely love the same video but for acoustic strings. Never know what to buy.

@IAM_Reedy

Жыл бұрын

The acoustic test would be much more difficult. So many variations in wood and tones it would be nearly impossible to find a clear winner. Rosewood, maple, mahogany and walnut sound different… as does the numerous spruce variations. And let’s not even talk about body shape. 😂

@PhilipBrady

Жыл бұрын

@@IAM_Reedy Test would simply be to find his preferred set of strings for whatever standard acoustic he chose. Would be impossible to actually say what is best but enough to separate good from bad, or identify certain characteristics at least.

very interesting . Very enjoyable , great playing paul

Amazing tests and its very important for us,, thank you!

I've been playing RotoSound strings for years (reds 0.11 and whites 0.11-0.54). I was just wandering if I should change. They do sound the best to me, but you need to keep them fresh, they loose the tonal spark relatively fast (3-4 weeks), their life span is medium compared to other popular sets I've tried. But this video confirms what I've been thinking for years, definitely the best sounding strings around. Not overpriced and somewhat underrated (most players I talk to are not familiar with them). There's definitely a followup to do here on the 4-5 top sets and how they progress over a month. Thanks for this great comparison!

Wow love this video! I Play the Daddario XT since 2020, but the sound of the XS and NXXL impressed me! Definitely my next buy

@michaelshannon6558

Жыл бұрын

I was using the XS, on my acoustic guitars, but a friend told me about the Martin Retros, a nickel-copper alloy. They are cheaper than the XS, a bit brighter, and last almost as long as the XS.

Wow...excellent video Paul. Thanks for doing this...very informative ;)

EXCELLENT VIDEO!!! This really gave me some good ideas and turned me in to some strings that I probably would have never bought. Loved the D’Addario NYXLs, and surprisingly, the Harley Benton’s (blue package). Great idea for a video!

What a production! And I dare say, I actually heard some of those differences through my laptop speakers. I think you picked well. Seems, if it's for a recording, you might as well buy a set of Roto Yellows and open them 2 weeks prior. On that guitar at least :)

This was very interesting. I’ve tried most of the strings you tested. Not back to back like this. But the NYXL have been my favorite. I got a bunch of the EB Cobalts for Xmas from my nephew. So that’ll be my next trial.

@easye9-21

Жыл бұрын

Me too, tho I'm using Elixir optiwounds alot too, but NYXL have been my favorite for a while now.

@bmoneybby

9 ай бұрын

How did you like the Cobalt's?

@jonkerr2050

9 ай бұрын

@@bmoneybby wasn’t really a big fan actually. Hard to explain why. But they just didn’t really feel good. Almost like they’re heavier and higher tension than the same .010 gauge NYXLs.

Really appreciate the string review, but it was just as good of a treat listening to you play all those different rhythm parts and licks. Very nice. 😄

These tests are SUPER FUN to listen to Paul, the surprise and a little confusion at the end gave me a giggle. I have tried a few different strings on my guitars over the years and always seem to fall back on D'addarios. Hard test to do because there are many many factors that can impede the testing/listening or even the tone with a particular setup and the pickups. A small ohm difference, the length of the wire, the amount of solder can have a change internally which can alter what you hear. Still interesting and fun. Many thanks.

I have switched to Rotosound pinks 42-9 . They are reasonably priced, and they are incredibly durable, plus they stay in tune. I also put Rotosounds on my 7 String. Very happy with them. They are the best strings I have used.

@slimturnpike

Жыл бұрын

I think they're also the best sounding strings in this video. I'll have to try em

Really interesting idea. I’ve used Daddario NYXL for many years, always was perfect for me. But now I’m really interested to try Roto. thanks for the video!

@mikewolfe4222

Жыл бұрын

All I can say is me too. Definitely will try a set of the Rotos next change.

Thank you for all your work on this video and even all the others. The most decision i agree absolutely, although i think especially in the semi finals it depends on what you're willing to play. I would also prefer this kind of video with acoustic strings. My personal favor are the Elixir strings, but now i heard a lot of other strings and it was for me super satisfying to watch. Keep on, you make a great work and i love to see your gentle issues and profounded explanations. Thank you Paul Davids. 😀

Much more interesting than I thought this was going to be Paul! I'm sure the strings would fare differently on different guitars, but as a Strat player, this was a really interesting test. I did quite like those Harley Benton strings going for £3.44/set at the time of writing (not the HQS ones), although my favourite were the Rotosounds. Who knew?

Great video Paul! I play the NYXL and honestly they still come out as a winner. But I’m not feeling that bad anymore paying a lot for strings 😂

@robertaquatic

Жыл бұрын

Sameeee I was sitting here literally cheering them on haha

@ccelik97

Жыл бұрын

- I read that D'Addario did something like "domestication of resources" with the NYXL model and they achieved better quality, more control & durability at a lower cost or something like that. And at the time I bought my 1st NYXL set they were "cheaper than Elixir, similarly priced to Ernie Ball Slinky's" etc at the local (non US) guitar shop here a few years ago. To me they last longer than the similarly priced/more expensive Ernie Ball's (and not to mention the more common D'Addario ones) while having a texture that's slightly easier on my fingers. As in the 10-46 NYXL set kinda feels like 9-46 Ernie Ball Slinky Hybrids here but sounds better than the 10-46 ones by both their own regular/olds and also Ernie Ball's 10-46 ones too... - I guess NYXL is the real winner here for most people for as long as they can keep the pricing under control and not let it fluctuate too much towards the higher side. - Btw did I say that they last a lot longer than both regular/classic D'Addarios and also the similarly priced Ernie Ball's? The real competition they may have with is the Elixir and tone-wise I feel like NYXL is the slightly more versatile of the two, for the price anyway (which I don't feel like going any higher than that).

@robertaquatic

Жыл бұрын

@@ccelik97 Awesome information! Of course I started with Super Slinky’s and went directly to D’Addario XS, but they were entirely too expensive for me at the time. I have been using NYXL’s for years and I’m so glad to see them get the respect they deserve

@Brotelho

Жыл бұрын

Same here. But they're also coated so they'll last longer.

I've been using Elixir for a few years now just because I just need a set that lasts longer (and they do). It's a bit expensive but at least I don't buy them as often as other non-coated strings. I'm glad to see the brand go up to the semi's in this test. 🤩

@zublacus

Жыл бұрын

Yeah..they sound great and last quite nicely. I always play a gig with a new set and with sweat and more aggressive picking...they're pretty wasted. But reheasing and practicing? They last and last....which is really where they shine...since most strings are toast after a gig.

@jamaisdirei

Жыл бұрын

Cleartone sounds more natural and maintained the tone for a long long time, specially if you clean it with a flannel after playing

@ponzo1967

Жыл бұрын

Stringing an Ibanez RG 550 with the Edge tremolo so durability is a factor. RG+ rarely needs tuned RG- a bitch to string

@zublacus

Жыл бұрын

@@ponzo1967 I don't have that guitar, but I just re-strung 7 of my guitars. I don't care how "easy" it is, it's still not exactly fun to restring 7 guitars. haha.

@trendkill3333

Жыл бұрын

Always used Elixirs because any uncoated string just rusty out within a week with my hand sweat even if I clean the strings after playing. Elixirs last like 6-7 months before they even start rusting bad with my playing routine. They’re more expensive outright but they save me so much money in the long run because I’d be spending £5 every couple weeks on strings if I used uncoated.

I've used those Daddarios that made your finals for a few years now and really do love em. So happy to see them make it to the end.

Man this was sooo much fun to watch. Thank you.

I’ve been using NYXL 11’s for a few years now. I was expecting to find something I liked far more but they held up really well. Fantastic shootout, Paul!

@MALisBAD

Жыл бұрын

Exactly my take. Using the 9.5s 7string though. The scream he didn’t like in them is part of why I love them and has become part of my sound. Total taste issue

@zublacus

Жыл бұрын

Yeah..I love them. I was playing the Elixers on my Malcolm Young sig in my AC/DC band and I would break the D string with regularity...odd, I know. But when I switched to the NYXL's, I've never broken a string no matter how hard I smash the strings, and they sound great.

@CerealDust-nStuff

Жыл бұрын

I love NYXL string, but String Joy strings better.

@zublacus

Жыл бұрын

@@CerealDust-nStuff Never seen them in a store in California.

@CerealDust-nStuff

Жыл бұрын

@@zublacus- online order only.

I’d be interested in you trying the Ernie Ball Classic (pure nickel), Curt Mangans and Stringjoy. The DR Pure Blues sounded really good and those black packet DR NYXLs surprised me (as did the price!) Think the video also showed that while there’s some small differences in sound, a good player will sound great no matter the string and a bad player can’t be saved by his strings. Feel is probably a big factor for most which is hard/impossible to get across on a video!

Terrific test. Thank you. 👍

Excellent video Paul, I'm personally a big fan of NY-XL strings as they can really take a lot of bending and punishment while sounding very consistent.

@zublacus

Жыл бұрын

I have never broken a string literally smashing them as "Malcolm" in an AC/DC band.

I was playing Roto Blues, but I liked how those Yellows sounded. I'm going to try some

@greham

Жыл бұрын

Bare knuckle sends you a free set for each pickup ordered there. So now I've got a few Yellows sitting somewhere. Should try them on.