What gauges are included in the D'Addario EXL115 set?

The gauges in this set range from .011, .014, and .018 for the plain steel strings to .028, .038, and .049 for the wound strings. This is commonly referred to as a 'Medium' or 'Blues/Jazz Rock' gauge.

How many individual sets are in the EXL115-10P package?

The '10P' suffix indicates that this product is a bulk pack containing ten individual sets of strings. This is designed for players who change strings frequently and wish to reduce the cost per set.

What is the primary material used in these strings?

These strings are made of nickel-plated steel wound around a high-carbon steel hex core. This combination is chosen for its magnetic properties and balanced tonal output.

Are these strings suitable for jazz music?

Yes, the .011–.049 gauge is often used by jazz players who want more tension and a fuller tone than lighter rock sets provide. However, they are round-wound rather than flat-wound, so they retain more brightness.

Can I use the EXL115 set for drop tuning?

Yes, many players use 11-49 sets for Drop D or D Standard tuning. The slightly heavier gauges provide enough tension to prevent the strings from becoming too 'floppy' when tuned down.

What does 'round wound' mean in the context of these strings?

Round wound means the outer wire wrapped around the core has a circular profile. This creates a textured feel on the fingers and produces a brighter, more harmonically rich sound compared to flat-wound strings.

How do these compare to the Ernie Ball 2921 M-Steel sets?

The EXL115 is a traditional nickel-plated steel string with a heavier 11-49 gauge, whereas the M-Steel 2921 uses a high-output cobalt alloy and a lighter 10-46 gauge. The EXL115 will feel stiffer but provide a more classic tone.

Are D'Addario EXL strings coated for longevity?

No, the EXL series are non-coated strings. For a coated version with a similar gauge, one would typically look at D'Addario's XS or XT ranges.

Will these strings fit a standard electric guitar bridge?

Yes, these are standard ball-end strings designed to fit almost all electric guitars, including those with tremolo systems or hardtail bridges. The .049 low E string fits through standard tuning peg holes without modification.

What is the typical price for the 10-pack in the UK?

The typical retail price for the EXL115-10P is approximately £55.00. This offers a significant saving compared to buying ten individual sets at standard retail prices.

Do these strings work with magnetic pickups?

Yes, the nickel-plated steel construction is highly ferromagnetic. This ensures they interact efficiently with electric guitar pickups to produce a strong signal.

How does the tone of EXL115 compare to pure nickel strings?

Nickel-plated steel strings like the EXL115 are generally brighter and have more 'edge' than pure nickel strings. Pure nickel strings are typically warmer and preferred for vintage-style blues and rock.

Gear article

D'Addario EXL115-10P Nickel Wound Electric Guitar Strings

The D'Addario EXL115-10P is a value-orientated bulk pack containing ten sets of 'Blues/Jazz Rock' gauge nickel-plated steel electric guitar strings. These strings are characterised by their round-wound construction and a gauge range of .011 to .049, designed to provide a full-bodied tone and increased resistance for players who prefer a heavier feel.

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Overview

The D'Addario EXL115-10P provides guitarists with a bulk-supply solution for the brand's popular XL Nickel Wound series. The 'EXL115' designation refers to the specific .011–.049 gauge set, often marketed as 'Blues/Jazz Rock' gauge. By offering these in a 10-pack, D'Addario caters to high-frequency players, touring musicians, and technicians who require a consistent supply of strings at a competitive price point, typically retailing around £55.

Construction and Materials

The strings are manufactured using a high-carbon steel hex core, which is precision-wound with nickel-plated steel. This round-wound construction is the industry standard for electric guitars, providing a textured surface that contributes to the string's harmonic content. The nickel plating is intended to balance the bright, magnetic properties of the steel core with a smoother feel and a slightly warmer tonal output than pure stainless steel strings.

Tonal Character and Playability

The EXL115 set is noted for its full and distinctive tone. Because the gauges are slightly heavier than the standard 'Regular Slinky' 10-46 sets, they offer increased tension and a thicker sonic profile. This makes them particularly effective for:

Down-tuning: The higher tension helps maintain string stability when tuning below E-standard.
Resonance: The increased mass of the .011–.049 gauges often results in more sustain and a 'fatter' midrange.
Resistance: Players with a heavy picking hand often prefer the resistance provided by the 11-gauge high E string.

Market Comparison

Within the D'Addario ecosystem, the EXL115 sits alongside specialised orchestral products such as the Zyex or Helicore violin strings, but serves the mainstream electric guitar market. Compared to Ernie Ball's M-Steel 10-46 or Tim Henson Signature sets, the EXL115 offers a more traditional nickel-wound feel and a slightly heavier gauge profile. While the M-Steel series focuses on high-output alloy technology, the EXL series remains a classic choice for players seeking a reliable, standard-material string.

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Frequently asked questions

What gauges are included in the D'Addario EXL115 set?: The gauges in this set range from .011, .014, and .018 for the plain steel strings to .028, .038, and .049 for the wound strings. This is commonly referred to as a 'Medium' or 'Blues/Jazz Rock' gauge.
How many individual sets are in the EXL115-10P package?: The '10P' suffix indicates that this product is a bulk pack containing ten individual sets of strings. This is designed for players who change strings frequently and wish to reduce the cost per set.
What is the primary material used in these strings?: These strings are made of nickel-plated steel wound around a high-carbon steel hex core. This combination is chosen for its magnetic properties and balanced tonal output.
Are these strings suitable for jazz music?: Yes, the .011–.049 gauge is often used by jazz players who want more tension and a fuller tone than lighter rock sets provide. However, they are round-wound rather than flat-wound, so they retain more brightness.
Can I use the EXL115 set for drop tuning?: Yes, many players use 11-49 sets for Drop D or D Standard tuning. The slightly heavier gauges provide enough tension to prevent the strings from becoming too 'floppy' when tuned down.
What does 'round wound' mean in the context of these strings?: Round wound means the outer wire wrapped around the core has a circular profile. This creates a textured feel on the fingers and produces a brighter, more harmonically rich sound compared to flat-wound strings.
How do these compare to the Ernie Ball 2921 M-Steel sets?: The EXL115 is a traditional nickel-plated steel string with a heavier 11-49 gauge, whereas the M-Steel 2921 uses a high-output cobalt alloy and a lighter 10-46 gauge. The EXL115 will feel stiffer but provide a more classic tone.
Are D'Addario EXL strings coated for longevity?: No, the EXL series are non-coated strings. For a coated version with a similar gauge, one would typically look at D'Addario's XS or XT ranges.
Will these strings fit a standard electric guitar bridge?: Yes, these are standard ball-end strings designed to fit almost all electric guitars, including those with tremolo systems or hardtail bridges. The .049 low E string fits through standard tuning peg holes without modification.
What is the typical price for the 10-pack in the UK?: The typical retail price for the EXL115-10P is approximately £55.00. This offers a significant saving compared to buying ten individual sets at standard retail prices.
Do these strings work with magnetic pickups?: Yes, the nickel-plated steel construction is highly ferromagnetic. This ensures they interact efficiently with electric guitar pickups to produce a strong signal.
How does the tone of EXL115 compare to pure nickel strings?: Nickel-plated steel strings like the EXL115 are generally brighter and have more 'edge' than pure nickel strings. Pure nickel strings are typically warmer and preferred for vintage-style blues and rock.