D’Addario announces a new series of premium single strings, designed specifically for extended-range instruments: NYXL HD for electric and XT Dynacore HD for classical guitars. Developed in D’Addario’s R&D lab in Farmingdale, NY, these high-density designs address long-standing challenges in feel, intonation, and tonal balance for players of 7-, 8-, and 9-string instruments.
Eliminating the Extended-Range Compromise
As extended-range instruments continue to evolve, traditional string designs have struggled to keep pace. Players are often forced to substitute bass strings or mix gauges in ways that compromise tension, clarity, and playability, especially in lower tunings. D’Addario’s latest innovation aims to eliminate those tradeoffs.
“Extended-range players across both electric and classical guitar have had to make compromises between tone, tension, and feel, particularly the lower they tune,” said Gabe Sebastian, Fretted Strings Product Manager.
“We took this on as an exciting technical challenge, driven by a simple question: what if these players didn’t have to compromise?”
At the core of this launch is a new approach to core-to-wrap ratios, utilizing high-density materials and a smaller outer wrap wire. This allows D’Addario engineers to deliver optimized tension, enhanced clarity, and reduced low-end dampening tailored to each instrument type.
A New Approach to Innovation
“At D’Addario, continuous improvement is part of our DNA. Alpha and beta testing have always been central to our development cycles,” said Jim D’Addario.
“With these new string designs, we’re also exploring a more open and collaborative approach to innovation, bringing players closer to the process and helping shape what comes next.”
Key Features
- Optimized tension on lower-range strings
- Improved playability in extended tunings
- Better intonation across the neck
- Enhanced harmonic alignment at lower frequencies
- Greater tonal balance from fundamental to overtone
- More projection and bloom for classical guitars
Availability & Price
Both lines are available now through authorized D’Addario dealers worldwide and online at daddario.com
NYXL HD Electric Singles: Available for 7-, 8-, and 9-string guitars in Long Scale (up to 28" scale lengths) and Super Long / SL formats (up to 30" scale lengths). Starting at $14.99
XT Dynacore HD Classical Singles: Available in individual gauges (including .052 and .066) optimized for 7- and 8-string classical setups. Starting at $24.99
