D'Addario EXP 75 vs. EXPCM?

[FrDNicholas]

Is there a difference between these 2 sets of strings? I looked on Just Strings but didn't see the EXPs I like to put on my MT.

[Mark Seale]

EXPCM is a mixed set of 75 A and E courses and 74 D and G courses.

[FrDNicholas]

Thanks for that response. Why would someone use that combination? And, is D'Addario making the EXP75s any longer?

[Doug Brock]

Thanks for that response. Why would someone use that combination? And, is D'Addario making the EXP75s any longer?

I started using the EXP74CM with the heavier E and A strings on my Eastman in order to have a bit more kick in the trebles. I liked the balance a lot.

D'Addadario now seems to have the basic same options in the XT line. Custom Medium looks to be the replacement for the 74CM, while Medium Heavy looks to be the 75's. I have sets of each on order for when I run out of J75's (I thought I had another set of EXP74CM's but couldn't find it Saturday so used J75's on my MD315.)

[Mark Gunter]

Thanks for that response. Why would someone use that combination? And, is D'Addario making the EXP75s any longer?

The "CM" at the end means Custom Medium. That's because of the heavier E and A strings, as others have pointed out. The reason why is that some of us prefer the slightly heavier A and E, and the medium G and D. Maybe Chris Thile asked them to make that set? Anyway, why were you ordering them? I guess maybe previous owner used them? Or maybe you were using EXP75, thus your question ... it's not clear to me from what you wrote.

I've been using EXP74CM for a couple years and have liked them. FYI, D'Addario has now discontinued the EXP line altogether. They've switched to new coatings, and call the coated strings XT now. Also, the numbering systems have changed, but I think you can get the same gauges as before. Look for new names, as Doug Brock has mentioned.

I still haven't tried the XT line, because I recently ordered and found some EXP74CM in stock at Just Strings. I also bought a heavier set of EJ75 Phosphor Bronze to try.

Best of luck finding strings you like.

[Paul Statman]

...EXP no more. R.I.P.

Long live XT?

[Glassweb]

IX-NAY on the XTs.

I have a stash of 40 sets of the discontinued EXP74s for a reason!

I even favor the trusty old J74s (now EJ74) over the new XTs.

[Mark Seale]

Thanks for that response. Why would someone use that combination? And, is D'Addario making the EXP75s any longer?

There are still some EXP sets at various retailers, but they are no longer manufactured. They have been replaced by the XT. The mix in gauges is just about balancing the sound. While many people liked the D'A strings, some felt the stock gauge of the 74 A and E were too light to keep up with the D and G courses. Folks have been combining those sets for years and finally D'A came out with one pre-packaged as the CM.

[Paul Statman]

All mandolins are not created equal. The same goes for their (sets of) strings with their various gauges and materials.

[FrDNicholas]

I have been using the EXP 75s on my MT recently and love them. I will try the EXPCMs when I run out of the others. Do they seem to last as long as the 75s?

[Paul Statman]

I have been using the EXP 75s on my MT recently and love them. I will try the EXPCMs when I run out of the others. Do they seem to last as long as the 75s?

It's moot, as the EXP line is discontinued. They have been superseded by the new XT line of coated strings, so any dealer stock of EXP will not be replenished. If you're a die-hard fan, I say fill yer boots if you find any!

[mandroid]

With a digital caliper to measure the actual string to the 3rd decimal point the difference is much clearer, IMO

the difference between a medium 0.011" steel E string, and a heavy 0.115" string is obviously .005"



....

[FrDNicholas]

Has anyone tried the Dragon Skin Coated strings? And, if you have, how do they compare to the D'Addario EXP strings? I am looking for a replacement to the EXP 75 which I really love on my MT?

[Paul Statman]

Has anyone tried the Dragon Skin Coated strings? And, if you have, how do they compare to the D'Addario EXP strings? I am looking for a replacement to the EXP 75 which I really love on my MT?

Silly- dragons haven't been around since...who's doing their coating, anyway? Santa or the bunny?

Seriously, though, I imagine most EXP users will simply migrate to its replacement, the XT series. I am reluctant to go anywhere else, as I usually end up disappointed. It's D'Addario for me.

[V70416]

Yep. I'm a D'Addario snob, sort of. Monels do it for me.

I have some Curt Magnuns to try but they are Monel too.

Still have some old(er)EXP sets left over. May need them down this old road.

[Denny Gies]

I used to use them but found Elixir Nan Web mediums much more to my liking.

[Paul Statman]

Yep. I'm a D'Addario snob, sort of. Monels do it for me.

I have some Curt Mangans to try but they are Monel too.

I'm with you on the D'Addario snob thing, 'though I did prefer Mangan for their monel before returning (as I invariably do) to the D'Addario 74 series in their all their various prefixes.