D'Addario XS Phosphor Bronze Light 12-53 XSAPB1253
When you need acoustic sparkle that lasts, D'Addario XS Acoustic Phosphor Bronze Light strings (12-53) deliver. This set blends our most popular phosphor bronze alloy with the industry-leading XS coating technology to produce a bright, clear tone with a smooth, comfortable feel and rock-solid tuning stability — all while maximizing lifepan.
XS coatings are applied as an ultra-thin film on every wound string, paired with a unique polymer treatment on the plain steel strings. The result is exceptional protection without sacrificing the attack, brightness, or dynamics you expect from phosphor bronze. Add in the NY Steel high-carbon core and our exclusive Fusion Twist, and you get unparalleled break strength and tuning stability that you can trust, even during energetic performances or demanding practice sessions. Never Fade Away is more than a slogan—it's the promise of long-lasting tone.
What makes D'Addario XS Phosphor Bronze unique
- Ultra-thin coating on every wound string preserves brightness and response while delivering extended life.
- Polymer treatment on plain strings maintains smooth feel and consistent intonation across the set.
- NY Steel high-carbon core provides stiffness and resilience for stable pitch and strong sustain.
- Fusion Twist construction enhances break strength and tuning stability, reducing common string failures during gigs or sessions.
- Coated longevity without tonal compromise means you can play with confidence for longer, fewer string changes, and reliable performance.
Who should use XS Acoustic Phosphor Bronze 12-53
- Acoustic players who want the bright, rich voice of phosphor bronze but with extended life and less frequent restringing.
- Gigging musicians who depend on stable tuning and consistent feel across a set-heavy night.
- Studio players seeking a clear, articulate tone that records well and stays responsive after many takes.
- Players in varying environments who benefit from enhanced corrosion resistance and longer overall string life.
Use cases and practical benefits
Whether you strum lively folk progressions, pick delicate melodies, or lay down aggressive rhythm parts, XS 12-53 delivers a crisp top end, balanced midrange, and a warm bass response that stays articulate as the strings age. The ultra-thin coating ensures your highs remain lively while the polymer-treated plain strings retain a smooth feel—so you don’t have to sacrifice playability for durability.
How XS compares to traditional phosphor bronze sets
XS is engineered to outlast conventional coated and uncoated phosphor bronze sets. You get the familiar bright, dynamic voice of phosphor bronze with a dedicated coating system that resists sweat, oils, and atmospheric wear. The result is a predictable, reliable tone over a longer period, fewer adjustments, and less time restringing between sessions.
Care tips to maximize life and tone
- Wipe strings after playing to remove oils and sweat, helping the coating stay effective longer.
- Change all strings at once to preserve intonation and balance across the fretboard.
- Store your guitar in a stable environment; avoid extreme humidity and temperature swings which can stress the coating and core.
- Regularly check neck relief and intonation to ensure the best possible setup between string changes.
Specifications
Set type: Acoustic phosphor bronze, coated
Gauge: Light 12-53
Core/Material: NY Steel high-carbon core with phosphor bronze windings
Coating: Ultra-thin film on wound strings; polymer treatment on plain strings
