What is the specific gauge of the XTE0946 set?

The XTE0946 set uses a hybrid gauge of .009, .011, .016, .026, .036, and .046. This provides light tension for high-note lead work and heavier tension for low-end rhythm playing.

How does the XT coating differ from older coated strings?

The XT series uses a microscopic coating process that is applied to the wire before it is wound. This makes the coating thinner than traditional polymer sleeves, preserving the natural feel of the string.

NY Steel is a high-carbon steel alloy manufactured by D'Addario in New York. It is designed to be stronger and more break-resistant than the standard steel used in most guitar strings.

How much more break-resistant are these strings?

D'Addario states that the XT strings are up to 42% stronger than regular strings, which helps prevent snapping during bends or aggressive strumming.

How do these strings improve tuning stability?

The strings stay in tune 131% better than standard strings due to the high-carbon steel core and the 'Fusion Twist' process at the ball end, which prevents the string from slipping.

Are the plain strings in this set also coated?

Yes, the XT microscopic treatment is applied to all strings in the set, including the plain steel high strings, to provide consistent protection against corrosion.

What is the typical price for a set of XTE0946?

A single set typically retails for approximately £13.00 in the UK, reflecting its premium construction and extended lifespan.

What genre of music is this gauge best suited for?

The 9-46 gauge is versatile but is particularly popular for rock and metal, where players want easy-to-bend solos but require a punchy, tight sound for power chords.

Do these strings feel slippery like other coated brands?

No, the microscopic coating is designed to be virtually unnoticeable. It maintains the natural grip and texture of nickel-plated steel rather than feeling like plastic.

Will these strings work on a guitar with a Floyd Rose?

Yes, the increased strength and tuning stability of the NY Steel core make them an excellent choice for guitars with tremolo systems.

How does the tone compare to standard D'Addario XL strings?

The tone is designed to be identical to the classic XL Nickel Wound series, but it stays 'fresh' for a much longer period because the coating prevents dirt and sweat from deadening the sound.

Is this set suitable for down-tuning?

While the 46-gauge low E offers more tension than a standard 9-42 set, it is generally best for E Standard or Drop D tuning rather than significant down-tuning.

Gear article

D'Addario XTE0946 XT Nickel Plated Steel Electric Guitar Strings

The D'Addario XTE0946 is a hybrid-gauge set of coated electric guitar strings featuring a high carbon NY steel core for enhanced durability and pitch stability. These strings utilise a microscopic coating process to extend lifespan while maintaining the natural feel and tonal characteristics of uncoated nickel-plated steel.

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Overview and Construction

The D'Addario XTE0946 XT series represents a significant advancement in string technology, designed to provide the longevity of a coated string without the typical loss of brightness or tactile 'slickness' associated with older coating methods. The '0946' designation refers to the hybrid gauge, often called 'Light Top/Heavy Bottom', which combines .009 to .016 high strings for easy bending with .026 to .046 low strings for a tighter, more resonant bass response.

The foundation of the XT range is the NY Steel core. This high-carbon steel alloy is engineered to offer superior strength compared to standard stainless or tin-plated carbon steel cores. According to the manufacturer, these strings are up to 42% stronger than regular strings, significantly reducing the likelihood of breakage during aggressive playing or heavy tremolo use.

Key Performance Features

A primary feature of the XTE0946 is its tuning stability. The combination of the NY Steel core and D'Addario's Fusion Twist technology allows these strings to stay in tune 131% better than standard sets. This makes them particularly suitable for guitars with non-locking vibrato systems or for players who frequently travel between different climates.

The XT series employs a microscopic coating process applied to every string in the set, not just the wound ones. This treatment serves as a barrier against moisture and oils, preventing corrosion and ensuring the strings retain a 'fresh' tone for a longer duration than uncoated alternatives.

Tonal Character and Feel

Despite the protective coating, the XTE0946 is designed to deliver a sharp, crisp tonal profile. The nickel-plated steel wrap provides the classic magnetic response required for electric guitar pickups, offering a balanced output with a clear mid-range and bright top end.

In terms of feel, the microscopic nature of the coating is intended to be imperceptible to the player. Unlike traditional heavy polymer coatings that can feel slippery or damped, the XT strings aim to preserve the natural texture of the wire, ensuring that riffs sound defined and the player maintains a direct connection to the instrument.

Comparison to Market Alternatives

When compared to other high-performance strings, the XTE0946 occupies a middle ground between traditional nickel sets and specialised treated sets.

VS Ernie Ball M-Steel: While the Ernie Ball 2921 M-Steel focuses on high output via a cobalt alloy, the XT focuses on longevity and tuning stability through its core and coating.
VS Ernie Ball Tim Henson Signature: The 3826 set uses a 9.5-46 gauge, whereas the XTE0946 uses a 9-46, making the XT slightly easier to bend on the high strings.
VS Uncoated Strings: Compared to standard nickel-plated sets, the XTE0946 carries a price premium (typically around £13) but offers significantly higher resistance to breakage and environmental degradation.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the specific gauge of the XTE0946 set?: The XTE0946 set uses a hybrid gauge of .009, .011, .016, .026, .036, and .046. This provides light tension for high-note lead work and heavier tension for low-end rhythm playing.
How does the XT coating differ from older coated strings?: The XT series uses a microscopic coating process that is applied to the wire before it is wound. This makes the coating thinner than traditional polymer sleeves, preserving the natural feel of the string.
What is NY Steel?: NY Steel is a high-carbon steel alloy manufactured by D'Addario in New York. It is designed to be stronger and more break-resistant than the standard steel used in most guitar strings.
How much more break-resistant are these strings?: D'Addario states that the XT strings are up to 42% stronger than regular strings, which helps prevent snapping during bends or aggressive strumming.
How do these strings improve tuning stability?: The strings stay in tune 131% better than standard strings due to the high-carbon steel core and the 'Fusion Twist' process at the ball end, which prevents the string from slipping.
Are the plain strings in this set also coated?: Yes, the XT microscopic treatment is applied to all strings in the set, including the plain steel high strings, to provide consistent protection against corrosion.
What is the typical price for a set of XTE0946?: A single set typically retails for approximately £13.00 in the UK, reflecting its premium construction and extended lifespan.
What genre of music is this gauge best suited for?: The 9-46 gauge is versatile but is particularly popular for rock and metal, where players want easy-to-bend solos but require a punchy, tight sound for power chords.
Do these strings feel slippery like other coated brands?: No, the microscopic coating is designed to be virtually unnoticeable. It maintains the natural grip and texture of nickel-plated steel rather than feeling like plastic.
Will these strings work on a guitar with a Floyd Rose?: Yes, the increased strength and tuning stability of the NY Steel core make them an excellent choice for guitars with tremolo systems.
How does the tone compare to standard D'Addario XL strings?: The tone is designed to be identical to the classic XL Nickel Wound series, but it stays 'fresh' for a much longer period because the coating prevents dirt and sweat from deadening the sound.
Is this set suitable for down-tuning?: While the 46-gauge low E offers more tension than a standard 9-42 set, it is generally best for E Standard or Drop D tuning rather than significant down-tuning.