Choosing Guitar Strings? See Our Blind Test Comparison Before You Buy!

With so many options available, finding the right guitar strings can be a daunting task. That's why we're here to help! In this comprehensive comparison, we'll take an in-depth look at four popular string brands and evaluate their performance across various criteria. We're looking at some of John's favorite strings: D'Addario XS, EJ17's, Stringjoy Foxwoods, and GHS Americana strings.

We'll individually rank each string on their Tone, Feel, Durability, and Overall Value. From crisp highs to warm lows, we'll carefully assess every aspect of the strings' performance to provide you with the most accurate and helpful insights. Then we'll give a blind test where you can decide for yourself if one string stood out over the others!

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00:00 - Intro
00:24 - Strings We're Comparing
01:28 - D'Addario EJ17's
05:37 - GHS Americanas
09:50 - Stringjoy Foxwood
15:30 - D'Addario XS
21:33 - Back To Back Comparison
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[BulldoggerJK]

However many likes this comment gets is how many sets of strings I’ll buy from TAS.

[BenAdam-omhr]

This was great, John. Now - let's have Jeremy do the same for mandolin strings, please (and thank you).

[Darltornjacket]

One of the best reasons to use Stringjoy. Is you can order a single pack of custom sets
That are very easy to deal with!
Thanks for doing this

[robmiller]

XS are simply the best. Great evaluation and yes I’ve tried them all. He is correct.

[cynthiaziegler]

When I was first learning to play in the early 1970s I bought Black Diamond strings my first guitar came from the Sears catalog and I paid my aunt 5.00 a week for lessons. I’m 53 now❤

[williss]

Elixirs in lights are a first choice for me and many of the guitar players I know.

[SibeDad]

I like the GHS Americanas and play them on a number of my guitars. Biggest problem is they are very hard to find here in Canada, so I usually end up ordering them from the states. Also, play the XS on my two Boucher guitars.

[carole]

Super interesting. Would also be very interested in hearing comparison of light strings on a smaller body guitar with both strumming and fingerpicking. 🙂

[AlexA]

Very interesting. I prefer the GHS and good ol' EJ17s. Can't wait for the big mandolin string video. #hereforthemandos

[rosewoodsteel]

I just ordered a 3 pack of XS strings. I haven't liked coated strings, at all, and love my D'Addario PB, but I'll give them a shot. Thanks for the video!

[pensive_]

Blind-test, the GHS was the best for me.

[luvbgrass]

I agree with you 100% on everything you said John. I have never played the GHS strings on my guitar, but I have all the others. I heard so many good things about the Stringjoys that I bought a couple sets of Foxwood phos bronze to try. I too prefer XS strings and as soon as I put the Foxwoods on I immediately thought they sounded duller. Almost like XS I had played for several month. I left them on two days and put the XS back on it. They may be for some people but not for me. I play multiple instruments in our group and a set of XS usually last me around 5 months or so. Everyone has their on favorite, that's what makes the world go round. This was a great video. 😊😊

[texhaines]

I tried the Americana GHS after SBS, and found they sound great on my Eastman E22SS-V-sb and other guitars. They don't last long, maybe a week playing 20-35 hours a wee and weekly favorite in the blind test. Even folks listening to me noticed. Closest set for tone has been Santa Cruz medium or low tension strings that last longer. Foxwoods sound okay. Tommy Emmanuel Martin Phosphor Bronze strings feel and sound great on some of my 00 and 000 guitars. I have tried D'Addario XS strings, but those above all sound better. I know Taylor guitars have gone to them from Elixir strings.

[ronniecraft]

Great show, great info, well done❗️🕊🎶

[billdedrick]

Great video demo well done...XS is the winner here to my ears The XS sound like they have more volume than the others.

[howabouthetruth]

Thanks for doing this video. Very helpful & useful information. I've been using the D'Addario XS strings since I first tried them, and really like them on all 3 of my acoustics. The high price is well worth the incredible longevity of these strings. But I was really impressed with the sound of those GHS Americana's. I may have to try those. If they disappoint me in any way, I can always go back to the tried & true XS's.

[AaronFriendandtheEnemies]

Nice detailed review. Thanks for going through each string. Some strings the low E and G seem really flat. Thanks!

[robzagar]

Good job, honest sounding comparison. Still can’t decide though!

[JPM-NM]

I defer to the wisdom of Tommy Emmanuel—go with what your guitar likes. Ive tried Elixirs, Martin, Santa Cruz, and D’Addario. My SC TR works great with Martin Retros and defying conventional wisdom my D-18 sounds best with phosphor bronze. I settled on a brand called Woodtone but I may try out the D’Addario XS and see how they go.

[WysteriaGuitar]

Been using D'Addario EJ-17 strings for 42+ years - the best in my opinion. Non coated only.