D'Addario EXL170BT

These strings are just great. I've tried DRs, La Bellas, SIT, slinkies, rotos, at 45 - 105 , 50 - 110, but one way or another I'll always come back to d'addario! I used to use 45 65 85 105 but have always found the middle to be louder and stiffer. With these being lighter it's not as stiff and loud in the middle and cuts without being overpowering the E string. The E string is great and very contained in the low end. Would recommend this set to anyone.

I've been using the light-gauge balanced set EXL220BT (40, 55, 70, 95) for several years but decided to change to the medium gauge EXL170BT (45, 60, 80, 107). I also made a very casual video to compare the two sets.



The lighter set is very fast to play and easy on your fingers, even ready for a full step bend. The strings respond very quickly, and the tone is crisper, brighter, thinner with less overtone, more articulate and sweeter on the higher register. A no-brainer for solo player. (Con: The A string is so thin that it rattles in the nut slot without padding.)

The medium set feels stiffer and harder to press right away, entailing a half round adjustment of the truss rod to compensate for the increased tension, a worthwhile hurt for power—the strings sound fuller and deeper, with stronger bites when slapped. A preferred choice for "sideman" players, yet balanced enough to be useful in soloing. (Con: The E string is slightly thicker at .107 vs. more common gauge .105, making it hard to fit in the nut slot.)

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