• Company Name: D’Addario & Company, Inc.

• Founded: 1973

• Founders: Jim D’Addario and Janet D’Addario

• Headquarters: Farmingdale, New York, USA

• CEO: John D’Addario III

• Industry: Musical instrument accessories

• Ownership: Family-owned private company

• Employees: More than 1,100

• Markets: Worldwide [2]

The D’Addario family’s involvement in string making dates back several centuries. According to company history, the family’s origins in string craftsmanship can be traced to the 1600s in Italy, where generations of the D’Addario family handcrafted strings for musical instruments. [3]

After immigrating to the United States in the early 20th century, the family continued developing string manufacturing techniques. In 1973, Jim D’Addario and Janet D’Addario officially established D’Addario & Company in New York with the goal of producing consistently high-quality strings using modern manufacturing methods. [4]

Over the following decades, the company expanded beyond guitar strings through internal innovation and acquisitions, becoming one of the largest manufacturers of musical accessories in the world. [5]

D’Addario manufactures products for nearly every major category of musical instruments.

Guitar & Bass

• Acoustic guitar strings

• Electric guitar strings

• Classical guitar strings

• Bass strings

• Ukulele strings

• Mandolin strings

• Banjo strings

• Resonator strings

• Capos

• Guitar picks

• Guitar straps

• Tuners

• Instrument cables

• Humidifiers

• Maintenance tools

Popular string series include:

• XL Nickel Wound

• NYXL

• XS Coated Strings

• XT Strings

• EJ Phosphor Bronze

• EXP Series

• Chromes Flatwound

• ProSteels [6]

Orchestral

The company produces strings for:

• Violin

• Viola

• Cello

• Double bass

Its orchestral division supplies professional musicians, orchestras, and students worldwide. [7]

Woodwinds

Under the D’Addario Woodwinds division, the company manufactures:

• Clarinet reeds

• Saxophone reeds

• Mouthpieces

• Ligatures

• Reed storage accessories

The division includes well-known reed brands such as Rico, Reserve, Select Jazz, and Royal. [8]

Percussion

Through acquired brands, D’Addario manufactures:

• Drumsticks

• Drumheads

• Snare wires

• Percussion accessories [9]

D’Addario owns several major music accessory brands, including:

• D’Addario Strings

• Evans Drumheads

• ProMark Drumsticks

• D’Addario Accessories

• D’Addario Woodwinds

• D’Addario Orchestral

• Puresound Snare Wires [10]

One of D’Addario’s defining characteristics is its emphasis on vertical integration. Rather than relying heavily on outside suppliers, the company designs and manufactures much of its own equipment and raw materials.

This includes:

• Producing its own music wire

• Designing proprietary manufacturing machines

• Conducting in-house quality testing

• Using automated production systems

The company also operates its own wire manufacturing operation, known as WireWorks, allowing tighter quality control over the steel used in many of its strings. [11]

D’Addario has introduced numerous technologies aimed at improving string performance, including:

• Hex Core construction for improved tuning stability

• NY Steel high-carbon alloy for greater strength

• Fusion Twist technology for increased durability

• Advanced anti-corrosion coatings

• Precision winding technologies

• Environmentally improved packaging [12]

The company has invested in environmental initiatives that include:

• Playback String Recycling Program

• Reduced plastic packaging

• Waste reduction in manufacturing

• Energy efficiency improvements

• Sustainable sourcing of materials

These efforts are part of D’Addario’s broader goal of reducing environmental impact while maintaining product quality. [13]

The D’Addario Foundation is the company’s nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to music education, particularly in underserved communities. Established in the early 1980s, it supports hundreds of nonprofit organizations through grants, scholarships, instrument donations, and educational programs. [14]

D’Addario products are used by musicians across many genres, including rock, jazz, country, classical, metal, blues, and pop. Over the years, notable users have included:

• Pat Metheny

• John Oates

• Chris Stapleton

• Neil Peart (ProMark signature drumsticks) [15]

D’Addario is widely regarded for:

• Consistent manufacturing quality

• Long product lifespan

• Reliable tuning stability

• Broad product selection

• Strong research and development

• High manufacturing standards

Its strings are commonly recommended by music educators, retailers, touring professionals, and hobbyists alike, making the brand one of the most established names in musical accessories. [16]

D’Addario states that its mission is to create innovative musical accessories while fostering a culture centered on:

• Curiosity

• Passion

• Family

• Responsibility

• Candor

The company also emphasizes responsible manufacturing and long-term stewardship as a multi-generational family business. [17]

From a family tradition of string making that spans centuries to a modern global manufacturer, D’Addario has become one of the most influential companies in the musical instrument accessories industry. Its commitment to quality, innovation, education, and sustainability has helped establish it as a trusted brand among musicians at every level, from beginners to world-renowned professionals. [18]

1. D’Addario (manufacturer)

2. Our Company | D’Addario

3. John D’Addario | NAMM.org

4. Our Company – Quality – D’Addario

5. Wireworks History – D’Addario

6. Our Story

7. Inside a US guitar string maker’s strategy to navigate the trade war

8. D’Addario Celebrates 50 Years of Innovation with Special

9. The Torch is Passed at D’Addario

10. John D’Addario | Oral Histories | NAMM.org

11. John D’Addario | Oral Histories | NAMM.org

12. D’Addario & Co. | NAMM.org

13. D’Addario Strings Blog: 2013

14. J. D’Addario & Company, Inc. — Company History