NYXL Balanced Strings...?

[JimmyDee]

So, I was about to grab a set of D'addario EXL strings today (my old standby)...

Then I started looking at their NYXL strings... anyone comment on these?
Would I notice an appreciable difference over my usual EXL's?

Taking it one step further... I was also looking at a BALANCED SET of NYXL strings.
Anyone use balanced strings? Better? Worse? Comments?

 

[Alnus Rubra]

Check out Rob Chapmans documentary of the D’******io factory.

 

[Casi1]

So, I was about to grab a set of D'addario EXL strings today (my old standby)...

Then I started looking at their NYXL strings... anyone comment on these?
Would I notice an appreciable difference over my usual EXL's?

Taking it one step further... I was also looking at a BALANCED SET of NYXL strings.
Anyone use balanced strings? Better? Worse? Comments?

Honestly, I can't hear a significant difference between the EXLs and the NYXLs but they do seem brighter on certain guitars. The big difference for me was that the NYXLs feel 'bendier'. I dont know if the brighter + bendier justifies the price increase though.

I do use them on all my maple necked stratty guitars. If you do a lot of bending, I'd say that they are definitely worth a try.

I havent tried the balanced set yet.

 

[BWV548]

I’m use and like nyxl. I’ve not done a side by side sound comp, but I do find that they hold their tone longer. Clearly not a scientific observation, however

 

[Collywobbles]

NYXLs on two PRS at the moment, one 9-40 balanced tension, the other regular 8-38.

The main thing I notice is they must be pre-stretched so they've held tune very well without much (if any) stretching. Normally it takes a fair bit of stretching and re-tuning before new strings become stable. These were pretty much fit and forget.

Tone differences - no comments as I adjusted pickup height after fitting, which makes before and after comparisons harder. They're obviously brighter than pure nickel if you're currently using that, the NYXLs are nickel wrapped (nickel plated steel windings).

Balanced tension - the 9-40s feel just like a regular set of 9-42s to me. The balanced tension 9-40s are also noticeably stiffer than the regular NYXL 8-38s.

What I really like about the D'addario site is they have a lot of info on string tension so you can pick what you think will suit your style/ preferences.

Final thoughts - they're still pretty cheap so not a huge investment to try other than a bit of guitar tweaking if they have a different tension to your current strings.

 

[flux]

Check out Rob Chapmans documentary of the D’******io factory.

That was time well spent, thanks for the heads-up!

 

[n24re]

I use the NYXL and I second the fact they don't need anywhere near the breaking in or stretching time to get settled. I really like how they tend to change less with age and I tend to change them when the high E starts sounding twangy. That happens all depending on how much I bend them....but I get a lot of life out them versus other brands I have tried.

 

[dmatthews]

NYXL user here. They seem to last longer for me as I am a hard hitter.
Great tone, no issues.

 

[Screamingdaisy]

I've tried NYXLs a few times and generally don't like them as much as the regular D'Addario's. I find them too bright and maybe a little lacking in the midrange. I also found they didn't last any longer than the regular strings, which for me is about a month.

 

[Deleted member 5962]

That was time well spent, thanks for the heads-up!

Indeed! Long video that is more than worth the time. I haven't experimented with strings in a long time. There are way more truly different types of strings now than ever before and it appears, more opportunities to find something different that may be perfect for you. Or, one perfect for one guitar, another perfect for another guitar...

 

[flux]

Indeed! Long video that is more than worth the time. I haven't experimented with strings in a long time. There are way more truly different types of strings now than ever before and it appears, more opportunities to find something different that may be perfect for you. Or, one perfect for one guitar, another perfect for another guitar...

For sure, I need to experiment more. (That being said, I'm very happy with regular NYXLs for now, original .010s. Big fan of the response, and I'll have to try a balanced set at some point just to evaluate the feel.)

Blind testing gets my attention every time, I'm a big advocate (where possible). It was fun seeing Chappers be challenged despite loads of specialized demo experience.