D'Addario Strings & Accessories
For half a century, D'Addario has been at the forefront of the music industry, setting the standard for quality and innovation in strings and musical accessories. From humble beginnings as a centuries-old family craft to becoming the world's largest and most respected musical accessories brand, our story is one of passion, dedication, and relentless pursuit of the perfect sound.
From Italy to New York: The D'Addario family has raised the bar in string making for generations. Our journey began in a small Italian town and has evolved into an innovative factory in New York, where we continue to push the boundaries of what's possible in string technology.
Creating the Modern Guitar String: In 1938, John D'Addario Sr. collaborated with renowned luthier John D'Angelico to develop the acoustic guitar string specifications that would define the sound of archtop guitars in big bands. This innovation laid the foundation for the modern guitar string.
The Rock Revolution: During the 1950s rock revolution, D'Addario strings became the go-to choice for iconic brands like Fender, Guild, and Gretsch, fueling a generation's sound.
1974: A New Beginning: Jim and Janet D'Addario convinced John Sr. and Jr. to leave Martin and start their own company - the birth of D'Addario as an official enterprise, with the family's name finally gracing their strings.
String Winding Technology: In 1980, Jim D'Addario revolutionized the industry with the first "closed-loop servo" string winding technology, significantly improving string quality and consistency.
Eco-Friendly Packaging: In 1992, D'Addario introduced award-winning eco-friendly packaging, reducing string set packaging materials by 75% and saving millions of tons of paper.
NYXL & XS Strings: In 2014, D'Addario launched NYXL premium electric guitar strings, instantly becoming the industry standard for tone and tuning stability. In 2021, we introduced XS Premium Coated strings, the longest-lasting strings on the market, favored by top guitarists and brands like Taylor Guitars.
D'Addario created the D'Addario Foundation in 1980, dedicating it to filling music education gaps in underserved communities, supporting young musicians, and fostering the next generation of talent.
D'Addario celebrates 50 Years in 2024 and stays committed to providing musicians with the best tools possible. Their legacy of innovation continues with innovative technologies and material advancements that set the industry standard. From strings to reeds, tuners, and drumheads, D'Addario is still dedicated to ensuring the future of music.