The First Quality Music Blog

Love the tone and sound of D’Addario’s famous XL Electric Guitar strings, but wish they would last longer? At Winter NAMM, D’Addario offered an answer: the new EXP 110, 115, 120, 125 and 140 strings. D’Addario is so confident in the lasting ability of these strings that they are including a free extra 1st string – the string most susceptible to breakage. No need to replace the entire set should you break a string!

D’Addario EXPs deliver the most natural-sounding, longest-lasting coated strings available. Through our advanced EXP Coated Technology, we have perfected the art and science of coated string-making to deliver extended play strings that sound identical to our world famous XLs. Plus, we’ve dramatically improved the corrosion resistance, longevity and durability of plain steel strings through an exclusive compound tin-plating process. Finally…coated electric strings that deliver longer life, completely natural tone and the feel of uncoated strings. You won’t believe they are coated!

You can learn more about the D’Addario at http://daddario.com, and be sure to check out our entire selection of D’Addario EXP strings!

Every now and then, we receive a “letter of endorsement” from a Sullivan owner that overwhelms our hearts with joy, and affirms the sense of pride and enjoyment we get in making our own line of high-quality banjos. We’d like to share this one from Mark, serving our Country in Kabul Afghanistan, with you.

Greetings from Kabul Afghanistan!

Just to let you know that Bluegrass is alive and well on the other side of the world – and in the midst of the Taliban! I am getting great service from my Sullivan banjo. It has been across the globe three times all in baggage compartments of foreign airlines. It went with me to Kuwait (2008)(in 140 degree heat!), crossed by air over the Persian gulf, over Iran and down to Kabul (10,000 feet). Then it survived the unload by Afghani handlers and its still going strong! In fact tonight we were just finishing a rehearsal and whooooooosh! BANG! “Hit the Bunkers!” We had a rocket attack. So you can say my Sullivan has been baptized by hostile fire.

I have enclosed some shots from performances we’ve done here in Kabul (church and on New Years) (note all the Mongol soldiers we had there celebrating with us). We (Four Horsemen) have been invited by the MWR department (Morale Welfare and Recreation) to provide two more performances in February here on post and across town. Note the hat I’m wearing in the shots.

Best wishes!
-Mark

Mark asked us to let everyone know that if they just happen to be in town, they are having an open jam every Monday night in downtown Kabul. In Mark’s own words: “Second floor Ciano’s building, Camp Eggers, downtown Kabul right across the street from Karzai’s house“.

Thanks for the note, Mark, and we’re glad you are enjoying your Sullivan Banjo!