D'Addario Strings
One of the world’s most trusted string brands for guitar and bass.
D'Addario has been producing high-quality instrument strings for over 100 years and is now one of the most widely used string brands among professional musicians, recording artists and everyday players.
Known for consistency, tone and durability, D'Addario strings are used on millions of guitars worldwide. Whether you're playing electric guitar, acoustic guitar, bass, mandolin or banjo, D'Addario offers a wide range of string types designed for different playing styles and tonal preferences.
At Colemans Music in South Melbourne, we stock a large range of D'Addario strings for electric guitar, acoustic guitar and bass, with options suited to beginners, gigging players and professional musicians.
Why Players Choose D'Addario Strings
D'Addario has built its reputation on reliable performance and innovative string technology.
Players choose D'Addario because they offer:
• consistent tone from set to set
• excellent tuning stability
• long string life
• wide range of gauges and materials
• trusted quality used by professional musicians
D'Addario strings are also widely respected for their manufacturing precision and quality control.
Popular D'Addario Electric Guitar Strings
XL Nickel Wound
The XL Nickel Wound series is one of the most popular electric guitar string sets in the world.
These strings deliver a balanced tone that works well for:
• rock
• blues
• pop
• indie
• general electric guitar playing
They are a go-to choice for players who want classic electric guitar tone.
NYXL Electric Strings
NYXL strings are designed for players who want increased strength, tuning stability and expressive feel.
Compared to traditional strings, NYXL sets offer:
• stronger core wire
• improved tuning stability
• enhanced harmonic response
• greater resistance to breakage
These strings are popular with players who bend aggressively or perform regularly.
XT Coated Electric Strings
XT strings feature a lightweight coating that helps extend string life without significantly affecting tone or feel.
They are a great option for players who want longer-lasting strings while maintaining a natural playing experience.
Popular D'Addario Acoustic Guitar Strings
Phosphor Bronze
The Phosphor Bronze series is one of the most widely used acoustic guitar strings available.
They offer a warm, balanced tone that suits a wide range of acoustic playing styles including:
• singer-songwriter
• folk
• country
• fingerstyle
• strumming
XS Coated Acoustic Strings
XS coated strings are designed for maximum longevity.
These strings feature an ultra-thin coating that protects against corrosion while maintaining strong tone and feel.
Many players choose XS strings when they want acoustic strings that last significantly longer between changes.
Artists Who Use D'Addario Strings
D'Addario strings are used by many well-known musicians across different genres.
Notable players include:
• Eric Clapton
• John Mayer
• Dave Matthews
• Joe Bonamassa
• Mark Tremonti
• Flea
These artists rely on D'Addario strings for their consistent tone and performance.
D'Addario Strings in Australia
At Colemans Music we stock a wide selection of D'Addario strings for guitar and bass, making it easy to find the right gauge and string type for your instrument.
Whether you're changing strings for the first time or experimenting with different tones, our team can help you choose the best option for your guitar and playing style.
What Gauge Guitar Strings Should I Use?
Choosing the right string gauge can make a big difference to the feel, tone and playability of your guitar. String gauge refers to the thickness of the strings, usually measured in thousandths of an inch.
Different gauges suit different playing styles and instruments.
Light Gauge Electric Strings (9–42)
Often called “nines”, these are one of the most common string gauges for electric guitar.
They are popular because they offer:
• easy string bending
• lighter tension
• comfortable playability for beginners
• fast lead playing
Many modern rock and pop guitarists prefer lighter strings for expressive bending and vibrato.
Regular Gauge Electric Strings (10–46)
Often called “tens”, this is another extremely popular electric guitar string gauge.
Compared to lighter strings, tens provide:
• slightly fuller tone
• stronger string tension
• more stability when strumming
• balanced feel for rhythm and lead playing
Many guitarists move from 9s to 10s as their playing develops.
Heavy Gauge Electric Strings
Heavier string gauges such as 11–49 or 12–54 are sometimes used by players who want stronger tension or lower tunings.
These strings can provide:
• thicker tone
• improved tuning stability
• better performance for drop tunings
• stronger rhythm playing
However, they require more finger strength and may feel stiff for beginners.
Acoustic Guitar String Gauges
Acoustic guitars also come in several common gauges.
Light Gauge (12–53)
The most common acoustic string set. Offers a balanced tone and comfortable playability.
Extra Light (10–47 or 11–52)
Slightly easier to play and often preferred by beginners or players who want a lighter feel.
Medium Gauge (13–56)
Produces stronger volume and projection but requires more finger strength.
Finding the Right Strings
The best string gauge ultimately depends on your playing style, guitar setup and personal preference.
Many players experiment with different gauges before settling on their favourite feel and tone.
If you're unsure which strings to choose, our team at Colemans Music can help you find the right D'Addario string set for your guitar.
How Often Should You Change Guitar Strings?
How often you should change your guitar strings depends on how frequently you play, your playing style and the type of strings you use.
Fresh strings generally provide better tone, tuning stability and playability, so regular changes can make a noticeable difference to how your guitar sounds and feels.
For Regular Players
If you play guitar several times a week, many players change their strings every 3–4 weeks.
Over time strings collect sweat, oils and dirt from your hands, which can cause them to sound dull and lose brightness.
Changing them regularly helps maintain:
• clearer tone
• stable tuning
• better tuning response
• improved playing feel
For Gigging Musicians
Players who perform regularly often change strings before important shows or recording sessions.
Fresh strings provide:
• maximum brightness and clarity
• reliable tuning stability
• reduced risk of breakage during performances
Many professional musicians change strings much more frequently for this reason.
For Casual Players
If you play occasionally at home, strings may last several months before needing replacement.
However, if your strings start to feel rough, sound dull or struggle to stay in tune, it’s usually a good sign that they’re ready to be changed.
How Coated Strings Can Last Longer
Some string types are designed to last longer than traditional strings.
For example, coated strings like D'Addario XS or XT feature protective coatings that help resist corrosion and extend string life.
These can be a great option for players who want to change strings less frequently while maintaining consistent tone.
Signs Your Strings Need Changing
Common signs that it’s time for a new set of strings include:
• dull or lifeless tone
• difficulty staying in tune
• visible corrosion or discoloration
• rough feel when sliding on the strings
• strings breaking more easily
Regular string changes are one of the easiest ways to keep your guitar sounding its best.
Do Coated Guitar Strings Sound Different?
Yes, coated guitar strings can sound slightly different from traditional uncoated strings, although modern coatings are designed to minimise this difference.
Coated strings feature a very thin protective layer that helps prevent corrosion caused by sweat, dirt and humidity. This protective layer allows the strings to maintain their tone for longer compared to standard strings.
Traditional (Uncoated) Guitar Strings
Standard strings such as D'Addario XL Nickel Wound or Phosphor Bronze acoustic strings are known for their natural feel and bright tone when freshly installed.
Players often choose traditional strings because they offer:
• a natural playing feel
• bright initial tone
• classic response for bending and vibrato
However, traditional strings tend to lose their brightness more quickly as they collect dirt and oils from your hands.
Coated Guitar Strings
Coated strings such as D'Addario XS and XT are designed to extend string life while maintaining a natural playing feel.
Modern coatings are extremely thin, meaning most players experience very little difference in tone or response compared to traditional strings.
Benefits of coated strings include:
• longer string life
• resistance to corrosion
• more consistent tone over time
• smoother feel for some players
For players who want strings that last longer between changes, coated strings can be a very practical choice.
Which Type of Strings Should You Choose?
Both coated and uncoated strings have their advantages.
Many players prefer:
• traditional strings for their bright fresh tone
• coated strings for their longevity and consistency
Ultimately, the best choice depends on how often you play and how frequently you want to change your strings.
If you're unsure which strings are right for your guitar, our team at Colemans Music can help you choose the best D'Addario string set for your instrument and playing style.
D'Addario Accessories
In addition to strings, D'Addario also produces a wide range of guitar accessories designed to help musicians maintain and get the most from their instruments.
Many players choose D'Addario accessories because they offer the same reliability and thoughtful design found in their strings.
Popular D'Addario accessories include:
• Guitar picks – available in a wide range of materials and thicknesses
• Capos – designed for accurate tuning and quick changes on stage
• Clip-on tuners – simple and reliable tuning for guitar, bass and other instruments
• Guitar straps – comfortable and durable options for stage and rehearsal
• Instrument cables – dependable signal quality for live performance and recording
• String winders and maintenance tools – useful for quick string changes and guitar care
These accessories are designed to work alongside D'Addario strings and help keep your instrument playing and sounding its best.
If you're changing strings, it's also a great time to check your picks, tuner and capo, as these small tools can make a big difference to your playing experience.
Looking to buy D'Addario strings and accessories? They’re available now at Coleman's Music in South Melbourne or online with fast shipping Australia-wide. We're a proudly independent, family owned Australian music store that knows gear and backs it with great service.
