What gauges are included in the D'Addario EXL116 set?

The set includes gauges .011, .014, .018, .030, .042, and .052. This is classified as a 'Medium Top/Heavy Bottom' hybrid set.

What is the primary wrap material used for these strings?

The strings are wound with nickel-plated steel. This material is chosen for its balance of brightness, magnetic output, and comfortable feel.

How does the hexagonal core benefit the player?

The high-carbon steel hexagonal core allows the wrap wire to grip the core better than a round core. This results in improved intonation and long-lasting performance.

Are these strings suitable for down-tuning?

Yes, they are specifically described as perfect for down-tuning. The heavier bottom strings (.052) maintain tension when tuned below standard pitch.

What is the typical price for a set of EXL116 strings?

The typical price range for these strings is approximately GBP 7 per set. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.

How does D'Addario protect these strings from rust in the packaging?

D'Addario uses environmentally friendly packaging that is designed to protect the strings from corrosion. This ensures they remain fresh until the player is ready to install them.

What tonal qualities can I expect from the EXL116 set?

You can expect a bright, distinctive tone with a booming and tight low end. The nickel plating ensures the sound remains clear and articulated.

What does 'Medium Top/Heavy Bottom' mean in practice?

It means the high strings feel like a medium set (for easier bending), while the low strings are thicker than usual. This provides a 'booming' bass response and more resistance for heavy riffing.

Are these strings coated for long life?

No, the EXL116 are part of the XL Nickel Wound series, which are non-coated strings. They rely on high-quality materials and precision winding for their longevity.

Can these strings be used on an acoustic guitar?

While they will physically fit, they are designed for electric guitars with magnetic pickups. Their nickel-plated steel construction is not optimized for the natural resonance of an acoustic guitar.

How do these compare to the Ernie Ball Regular Slinky set?

The EXL116 is heavier than the Regular Slinky (which is 10-46). The EXL116 provides significantly more tension and a thicker low-end sound compared to the 10-46 gauge.

Is the G-string wound or plain in this set?

In the EXL116 set, the .018 G-string is a plain steel string. This maintains the 'moderate flexibility' mentioned for the high strings.

Gear article

D'Addario EXL116 Nickel Wound Strings (11-52)

The D'Addario EXL116 is a hybrid 'Medium Top/Heavy Bottom' electric guitar string set featuring gauges from .011 to .052. Part of the popular XL Nickel Wound series, these strings combine nickel-plated steel wrap wire with a hexagonal high-carbon steel core to provide a balance of bright tone and increased low-end tension.

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Overview and Construction

The D'Addario EXL116 belongs to the XL Nickel Wound range, which represents the manufacturer's most popular electric guitar string line. The construction process involves precision winding nickel-plated steel onto a carefully drawn, hexagonally shaped high-carbon steel core. This hexagonal core is a signature feature designed to ensure the wrap wire grips the core securely, resulting in improved durability and intonation stability.

Environmental considerations are also a factor in the product's delivery. D'Addario utilizes eco-friendly packaging designed to reduce waste while simultaneously protecting the strings from atmospheric corrosion before they are opened.

Hybrid Tension and Gauging

The EXL116 is a hybrid set, meaning it does not follow a traditional uniform tension curve. The gauges included are:

High E: .011
B: .014
G: .018
D: .030
A: .042
Low E: .052

This configuration offers 'Medium' gauge high strings for moderate flexibility during leads and bends, paired with 'Heavy' lower strings that provide a tighter, more substantial feel for rhythmic playing.

Tonal Character and Performance

The primary sonic characteristic of the EXL116 is its bright, distinctive tone. The nickel-plated steel wrap provides a magnetically active surface that interacts efficiently with guitar pickups, delivering a clear high-end response. Because of the heavier .052 low E string, the set is described as having a 'booming' and tight low end compared to standard light sets. This makes them particularly effective for players who require clarity in the bass frequencies.

Target Audience and Applications

These strings are specifically suited for two types of players. First, they serve guitarists who play in standard tuning but prefer more resistance and a 'thicker' sound than a standard 10-46 set provides. Second, they are ideal for players who down-tune their instruments (such as Drop D or D Standard). The increased mass of the heavy bottom strings helps maintain proper tension when the pitch is lowered, preventing the strings from becoming too loose or 'floppy'.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the D'Addario ecosystem, the EXL116 sits between the standard EXL115 (.011-.049) and heavier sets like the EXL148. Compared to competitors like the Ernie Ball 2921 M-Steel (10-46) or the Tim Henson Signature Slinky (9.5-46), the EXL116 offers significantly higher tension on the bass side. While orchestral strings like the D'Addario Zyex or Helicore series are designed for bowed instruments, the EXL116 is engineered strictly for the magnetic pickups and scale lengths of electric guitars.

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Frequently asked questions

What gauges are included in the D'Addario EXL116 set?: The set includes gauges .011, .014, .018, .030, .042, and .052. This is classified as a 'Medium Top/Heavy Bottom' hybrid set.
What is the primary wrap material used for these strings?: The strings are wound with nickel-plated steel. This material is chosen for its balance of brightness, magnetic output, and comfortable feel.
How does the hexagonal core benefit the player?: The high-carbon steel hexagonal core allows the wrap wire to grip the core better than a round core. This results in improved intonation and long-lasting performance.
Are these strings suitable for down-tuning?: Yes, they are specifically described as perfect for down-tuning. The heavier bottom strings (.052) maintain tension when tuned below standard pitch.
What is the typical price for a set of EXL116 strings?: The typical price range for these strings is approximately GBP 7 per set. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.
How does D'Addario protect these strings from rust in the packaging?: D'Addario uses environmentally friendly packaging that is designed to protect the strings from corrosion. This ensures they remain fresh until the player is ready to install them.
What tonal qualities can I expect from the EXL116 set?: You can expect a bright, distinctive tone with a booming and tight low end. The nickel plating ensures the sound remains clear and articulated.
What does 'Medium Top/Heavy Bottom' mean in practice?: It means the high strings feel like a medium set (for easier bending), while the low strings are thicker than usual. This provides a 'booming' bass response and more resistance for heavy riffing.
Are these strings coated for long life?: No, the EXL116 are part of the XL Nickel Wound series, which are non-coated strings. They rely on high-quality materials and precision winding for their longevity.
Can these strings be used on an acoustic guitar?: While they will physically fit, they are designed for electric guitars with magnetic pickups. Their nickel-plated steel construction is not optimized for the natural resonance of an acoustic guitar.
How do these compare to the Ernie Ball Regular Slinky set?: The EXL116 is heavier than the Regular Slinky (which is 10-46). The EXL116 provides significantly more tension and a thicker low-end sound compared to the 10-46 gauge.
Is the G-string wound or plain in this set?: In the EXL116 set, the .018 G-string is a plain steel string. This maintains the 'moderate flexibility' mentioned for the high strings.