Anonymous
Mar 21, 2026
Rating: 5/5
Best longevity I've found
These strings last three times longer than my usual uncoated set. The tone is bright and clear right out of the box, and they haven't lost their sparkle after two weeks of daily playing.
Description
Reviews
| Brand | - |
| Category | Musical Instruments/Guitars/Pianos/Accessories / Electric Guitar Strings |
| Origin | - |
| Brand | D'Addario |
| Model Number | XSE1046 |
| String Gauge | Light (10-46) |
| Coating Type | XS Ultra-Thin Coating |
| Core Material | High-Carbon Steel |
| Winding Material | Nickel Plated Steel |
| Ball End Type | Standard Ball End |
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Corrosion Resistance | Yes, Rust-Resistant |
| Country of Origin | USA |
Anonymous
Mar 21, 2026
Rating: 5/5
Best longevity I've found
These strings last three times longer than my usual uncoated set. The tone is bright and clear right out of the box, and they haven't lost their sparkle after two weeks of daily playing.
Anonymous
Mar 17, 2026
Rating: 5/5
Perfect for sweaty hands
I have acidic sweat that kills regular strings in a few days. These D'Addario XS strings are a game changer; no rust or dead spots even after intense gigging sessions.
Anonymous
Mar 16, 2026
Rating: 5/5
Consistent tone across the neck
The balance between the wound and plain strings is excellent. High notes ring out clearly without being too shrill, and the low E has a nice punch without getting muddy.
Anonymous
Mar 08, 2026
Rating: 4/5
Great feel, slightly different texture
The coating makes them feel very smooth under the fingers, which is great for bending. It took a day to get used to the slight texture difference compared to plain steel, but now I love them.
Anonymous
Mar 07, 2026
Rating: 5/5
Stay in tune remarkably well
After the initial stretch, these strings hold their tuning incredibly well. I can go through a whole practice session without needing to tweak the pegs constantly.
Anonymous
Mar 07, 2026
Rating: 4/5
Good value for money
They are a bit more expensive than standard sets, but considering they last much longer, the cost per hour of play is actually lower. Will definitely buy again.
Q: Are these strings compatible with a Stratocaster style guitar?
A: Yes, these are standard ball-end electric guitar strings and are fully compatible with Stratocaster, Telecaster, Les Paul, and most other solid-body electric guitars.
Q: Can I use these on an acoustic-electric guitar?
A: While they will physically fit, these are designed specifically for electric guitars using nickel-plated steel. For acoustic-electrics, we recommend our acoustic-specific coated strings for optimal sound projection.
Q: What is the shelf life of these strings if left unopened?
A: Unopened D'Addario XS strings have an indefinite shelf life thanks to our Elementâ„¢ protection packaging, which seals out humidity and corrosion until you are ready to open them.
Q: How does the gauge 10-46 compare to 9-42?
A: The 10-46 set is slightly heavier than a 9-42 set. You will feel a bit more tension, which can provide better tuning stability and a fuller tone, though it may require a slight setup adjustment.
Q: Does the coating affect the magnetic pickup output?
A: No, the XS ultra-thin coating is non-magnetic and does not interfere with the magnetic field of your pickups. The output and tone remain authentic to high-carbon steel strings.