I have a Taylor GS mini mahogany that I play casually a few times a week. I've had the guitar for about 5 years and always used Elixir nanoweb mediums on them. Those strings are very good, last long and stay in tune well. But the Elixirs sound VERY bright when they are new and take a little time to break in to a nice balanced guitar sound. These strings are just as comfortable and stay in tune great, as well, but didn't have that tinny-bright sound from the start. They were bright, but more balanced from the start, which I think is more the Taylor guitar's intended sound. These strings are holding up great at the 2 month mark. I think these are the better strings for my Taylor.

I tried some of these in lights last year at my luthiers recommendation. Sounded pretty good when I put them on but the tone changed after a couple weeks. I changed back to Elixir lights. Wasn't impressed. After that I bought a K26 Taylor! It plays like a dream but faded quicker than on my 2015 Taylor 614! I always seem to be on the edge between lights and mediums so I thought perhaps these in mediums would last longer on my K26! Well, they started out brighter but ok at first, but after two weeks they sounded horrible. These might look better than Elixer after four weeks but the sound is bad on my K26! Just switched back to Elixir lights! Now my K26 sounds better than my 614 as it should! I'm way more interested in sound the aesthetics!

Ive played for ages, used cheap strings and expensive strings, and these ones are just perfect.
Using them on a vintage acoustic, full step down tuning, and I'm in heaven

These strings are great easy on the fingers great sound on my Martin D 35 had them on over 30 days still sound great

it has been over 3 weeks since I received my set of XSAPB1356 and they feel and sound just like the day I put them on my guitar.

I'm not going to say these are better in terms of sound because that's just my opinion and there is no such thing as the "BEST SOUNDING STRINGS", it comes down to personal preference and for me these are the best... The best for me.

I have used Ernie balls, elixers, adamas, and other d'addario's but these new XS series strings have my original favorite EarthWoods beat.
They don't sound super tinny but they don't sound dull, they sound very balanced and have a nice punch to them when strumming.

As a working musician, EJ17s have been my go-to for years. The tone has always been outstanding, but the lifespan was not ideal. The EJ17s would NEVER last longer than a gig and, most times, would be dead after a 1-hr set.

These XS strings on the other hand, PHENOMENAL! One set of these strings has lasted through 2x 4-hr gigs AND a week of daily at-home playing and STILL sound great (they still have that fresh sound)! The plain steels will get dirty, but wiping them down with some 91% isopropyl will clean em up good as new. The wound strings have begun to look some-what worn (slight discoloration), but the sound (and feel) is still there.

If you love the tone of the EJs but wish they lasted longer, THESE are the answer!

Recently read about new D'Addario XS Phosphor Bronze strings, medium 13/56 for acoustics. I wanted to try it out on my three month old Martin D-18 LE 2020 acoustic/electric. Martin recommends their MA550T medium strings which are fine especially for heavy strumming but hard on the fingers. Powerful, resonant, fills the room. But my style and preference is mostly finger-picking pieces, compositions, classics. Tried D'Addario EXP17 strings first before the Martin MA550T set. Also phosphor bronze wound, medium 13/56. Very good for picking, sweet, nice action, easy to play.

The EXP17s held their tone quite well for close to a month. Same for the Martin MA550Ts. I decided to try the D'Addario XS medium 13/56 strings a couple of weeks ago. First impression, the XS strings didn't feel as loud, crisp and bouncy as the Martins but they were easier on the fingers and smoother when barring chords and stretching notes.

But after a week, remarkably, once the strings settled in, the strings, fingerboard, Martin D-18 tone came together magically like a serendipitous symphony. I can't explain it more than that. I find myself playing and practicing longer. XS strings: pros/cons ... Pro: playability, easy on the fingers, medium strings feel like lights. I expect this set to keep their tone for quite awhile. Con: Pricey at $... Are they worth it? I think so, especially for recording and performances.

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