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Thread: Have you EXP74 users switched to XT’s?

  1. #1

    Default Have you EXP74 users switched to XT’s?

    Sorry to bother you all with another string post... but...

    It’s getting increasing difficult to find EXP74s out there, my guess is they are phasing them out with the new XT line, have you die hard EXP74 fans made the switch to XT’s? Is there much difference if any? About to try some XT’s and see for myself...

  2. #2

    Default Re: Have you EXP74 users switched to XT’s?

    I was a EXP fan but switched to Monels.

    Was underwhelmed by XTs.

  3. #3
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    Default Re: Have you EXP74 users switched to XT’s?

    I did the switch to the Elixir nano-web and love them.

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    Registered User Aaron Bohnen's Avatar
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    Default Re: Have you EXP74 users switched to XT’s?

    I always preferred Elixirs over EXPs, and still prefer them over XTs. That being said, the Curt Mangan Monels have a ton going for them, not least of which is they sound great and last a long time. I found them well worth trying.

    Enjoy!
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  6. #5
    Registered User Eric Platt's Avatar
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    Default Re: Have you EXP74 users switched to XT’s?

    Xt's are definitely different sounding than EXP. Have only tried them on one mandolin (the Flatiron) and they work well on that instrument. Have not tried them on any other mandolins. They are stiffer feeling, IMO than regular J74's or EXP74's.

    Not sure they last as long as EXP's. But it also could be I was just practicing more and wore them out quicker.
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    Registered User Bob Buckingham's Avatar
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    Default Re: Have you EXP74 users switched to XT’s?

    I tried the XT's and switched to GHS A275. The XT's are too bright and the sound changed in a way I did not like.

  8. #7
    Registered User masa618's Avatar
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    Default Re: Have you EXP74 users switched to XT’s?

    I have been using EXP74s for 10 years. I am comparing XTs to the new mandolin. The XTs also has a stable sound quality, and at the moment there is not much difference.

  9. #8
    Registered User Jon Hall's Avatar
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    Default Re: Have you EXP74 users switched to XT’s?

    I was a fan of the EXPs but I made the change to XTs. Yes, they're different but I'm satisfied. My mandolin, a KM956, is making just as good music with the XT as it did with the EXP. Both last about 3 months.

  10. #9
    The Amateur Mandolinist Mark Gunter's Avatar
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    Default Re: Have you EXP74 users switched to XT’s?

    Quote Originally Posted by Denny Gies View Post
    I did the switch to the Elixir nano-web and love them.
    I’m thinking about trying their 11 - 40 set. Is that what you’re using in the Nanowebs?
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  11. #10

    Default Re: Have you EXP74 users switched to XT’s?

    regarding XTs, ironically it was the feel that left something to be desired. I've been playing guitar for most of my life but I'm younger so the lightly coated (elixir nanoweb, dd ext) string is my reference feel. I don't feel like the xts have the smooth feel, or don't hold it for as long. have a stash of exps but after those are done I'll have to get serious about finding a replacement.

    elixir PBs in nanoweb for mandolin would be great but they only do 80/20 as far as i know.

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