D’Addario, in collaboration with Taylor Guitars, announces the launch of the Jacob Collier Specialty XS Phosphor Bronze String Set, engineered specifically to support Collier’s custom 5-string acoustic guitars and signature symmetrical D-A-E-A-D tuning. Arriving alongside the new Jacob Collier Signature Vegan Strap, the release expands the ongoing partnership between D’Addario, Taylor Guitars, and one of modern music's most inventive multi instrumentalists.
To celebrate the launch, D’Addario has released an exclusive video interview exploring Collier’s creative process, his approach to reinterpreting traditional instruments, and the technical collaboration behind his custom gear.
“Instruments Are to Be Forever Reinterpreted”
Raised in a musical family in North London, Collier developed an early fascination with sound through experimentation across piano, drums, vocals, and guitar. Seeking a distinct creative voice, he routinely detuned and removed strings from traditional six string guitars, a process that eventually led to his signature five-string acoustic setup.
“An artist’s voice isn’t something you find; it’s already there, like the Michelangelo quote: 'Remove what's not the sculpture, and the sculpture was there all along,'" says Collier. “Trying to find my voice led me to fall in love with the five-string guitar. For me, it’s important that a string has a lot of life to it. D’Addario strings embody that—they are made with incredible care and attention to detail.”
“There is a miraculous tone and sublime feel to these D'Addario strings,” Collier adds. “This set was handpicked by Taylor's own Andy Powers to balance the tension, feel, and pitch accuracy of this symmetric 5-string tuning that forms the backbone of my custom Taylor guitar models.”
Product Specs & Availability
Jacob Collier Specialty XS Phosphor Bronze 5-String Set (12–53)
• Designed For: Taylor Jacob Collier GS Mini 5-String, Taylor Jacob Collier Academy 22e 5-String, and Taylor JCSM-5 Jacob Collier Signature 5-String • Gauges: Custom .012–.053 5-string configuration optimized for D-A-E-A-D tuning
• Technology: Ultra-thin XS film coating on wound strings with a unique polymer treatment on plain steel strings for maximum corrosion resistance and extended tone life
• Availability: Available globally via D’Addario authorized dealers and daddario.com
D’Addario & Jacob Collier Launch Specialty XS Guitar Strings + Signature Vegan Strap Jacob Collier Signature Vegan Strap
• Design: 2.5-inch printed vinyl featuring custom, vibrant geometric artwork reflecting Collier's colorful aesthetic
• Construction: Eco-conscious vegan strap designed for durability, comfort, and security
• Availability: Available globally via D’Addario authorized dealers and daddario.com
Explore the Launch
• Watch the Artist Spotlight Interview: https://ddar.io/collierinterview • Explore the Specialty XS 5-String Set: https://ddar.io/collier-xs • Explore the Signature Vegan Strap: https://ddar.io/collier-strap
What’s Next: Upcoming Giveaway & Educational Mini-Series
• Taylor x D’Addario Giveaway (Launching Soon): D’Addario will launch an exclusive sweepstakes featuring a massive prize bundle highlighted by the actual Taylor JCSM-5 5-String Acoustic played by Jacob Collier, along with specialty strings, the signature strap, and premium D’Addario accessories. Fans can bookmark daddario.com/pages/jacob-collier-taylor-giveaway to enter around the end of September.
• "Sounding It Out with Jacob Collier" Mini-Series (Launching Oct. 7): D’Addario will premiere a five-part video series on YouTube exploring the mechanics of the 5-string guitar, harmonic theory, rubato timing, and translating
piano concepts to guitar. Subscribe to D’Addario’s YouTube Channel to catch each weekly installment.
