What is the primary tuning intended for D'Addario EXL117 strings?

The EXL117 set is optimally designed for tuning down a whole step to D-Standard. This ensures the tension remains balanced across the neck despite the lower pitch.

What are the specific gauges included in the EXL117 set?

The set includes gauges .011, .014, .019, .032, .044, and .056. This configuration is referred to as Medium Top/Extra Heavy Bottom.

What materials are used to construct these strings?

They feature a high-carbon steel core that is hexagonally shaped. The outer winding consists of nickel-plated steel.

What kind of tone can I expect from the D'Addario XL Nickel Wound range?

These strings are known for a long-lasting, distinctive, and bright tone. The nickel plating provides a balance between magnetic output and a smooth feel.

Are these strings suitable for standard E-to-E tuning?

While possible, the .056 low string will have very high tension in standard E tuning. They are better suited for Drop C or D-Standard tunings.

How does the packaging protect the strings?

D'Addario uses environmentally friendly packaging that is specially designed to reduce waste. It also acts as a barrier to protect the strings from corrosion during storage.

What playing styles do these strings support?

The manufacturer states they can handle all playing styles. This includes heavy strumming, aggressive picking, intricate fretting, and technical bending.

Why is the core of the string hexagonally shaped?

The hexagonal core is carefully drawn to allow the wrap wire to grip the core more securely. This improves durability and ensures consistent intonation.

How much do these strings typically cost?

The typical price range for a single set of D'Addario EXL117 strings is approximately £7.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.

What makes this an 'extreme hybrid' set?

It is considered 'extreme' because it combines the lighter top strings of a medium set with the significantly heavier bottom strings of an extra-heavy set. This creates a specific tension profile not found in traditional sets.

How do these compare to Ernie Ball M-Steel strings?

The EXL117 focuses on a specific hybrid gauge for down-tuning, whereas M-Steel strings like the 2921 set use a different alloy for high output. The EXL117 is specifically designed for the tension requirements of D-Standard tuning.

Who is the ideal user for the EXL117 set?

These strings best suit guitarists who perform in lower tunings but still want to be able to play lead parts with ease. They are ideal for players who value a bright, clear sound and long string life.

Gear article

D'Addario EXL117 Nickel Wound 11-56 Electric Guitar Strings

The D'Addario EXL117 is an extreme hybrid nickel-wound string set featuring a medium top and extra-heavy bottom gauge (11-56). Designed specifically for drop-tuning applications, particularly tuning down a whole step to D-standard, these strings provide increased tension on the lower strings to maintain clarity and stability.

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Overview and Design

The D'Addario EXL117 is part of the XL Nickel Wound series, which remains one of the most popular string lines in the guitar industry. These strings are constructed with a high-carbon steel hexagonal core, which is precision-wound with nickel-plated steel. This design is intended to provide a balance of comfort, durability, and a distinctive bright tone.

To address environmental concerns, D'Addario uses eco-friendly packaging for these sets. This packaging serves a dual purpose: reducing waste while simultaneously sealing the strings to protect them from corrosion before they are installed on the instrument.

Tuning and Tension

The EXL117 is marketed as an 'extreme hybrid' set. While standard sets typically follow a linear progression of tension, the 11-56 gauge is specifically optimised for tuning a guitar down a full step to D-Standard (D, G, C, F, A, D). The heavier bottom strings (.056, .044, and .032) prevent the 'floppiness' often associated with using standard light strings in lower tunings, while the medium top strings allow for expressive lead work and bending.

Performance and Tonal Character

These strings are designed to handle a wide variety of playing techniques, including bending, strumming, picking, and plucking. The nickel-plated steel wrap provides a bright, biting character that is suited for many musical genres. Because of the increased mass of the lower strings, the EXL117 set offers a tighter low-end response, which is particularly useful for players who require precision during heavy riffing or complex fretting.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to standard gauge sets like the Ernie Ball 2921 Regular Slinky (10-46), the EXL117 offers significantly more tension on the lower strings to facilitate lower tunings. While specialized sets like the Ernie Ball 3826 Tim Henson Signature (9.5-46) target players looking for specific playability in standard tuning, the EXL117 targets the down-tuned market. For orchestral players, D'Addario also offers specialised strings such as the Helicore or Zyex violin strings, though these serve entirely different instrument categories.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary tuning intended for D'Addario EXL117 strings?: The EXL117 set is optimally designed for tuning down a whole step to D-Standard. This ensures the tension remains balanced across the neck despite the lower pitch.
What are the specific gauges included in the EXL117 set?: The set includes gauges .011, .014, .019, .032, .044, and .056. This configuration is referred to as Medium Top/Extra Heavy Bottom.
What materials are used to construct these strings?: They feature a high-carbon steel core that is hexagonally shaped. The outer winding consists of nickel-plated steel.
What kind of tone can I expect from the D'Addario XL Nickel Wound range?: These strings are known for a long-lasting, distinctive, and bright tone. The nickel plating provides a balance between magnetic output and a smooth feel.
Are these strings suitable for standard E-to-E tuning?: While possible, the .056 low string will have very high tension in standard E tuning. They are better suited for Drop C or D-Standard tunings.
How does the packaging protect the strings?: D'Addario uses environmentally friendly packaging that is specially designed to reduce waste. It also acts as a barrier to protect the strings from corrosion during storage.
What playing styles do these strings support?: The manufacturer states they can handle all playing styles. This includes heavy strumming, aggressive picking, intricate fretting, and technical bending.
Why is the core of the string hexagonally shaped?: The hexagonal core is carefully drawn to allow the wrap wire to grip the core more securely. This improves durability and ensures consistent intonation.
How much do these strings typically cost?: The typical price range for a single set of D'Addario EXL117 strings is approximately £7.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.
What makes this an 'extreme hybrid' set?: It is considered 'extreme' because it combines the lighter top strings of a medium set with the significantly heavier bottom strings of an extra-heavy set. This creates a specific tension profile not found in traditional sets.
How do these compare to Ernie Ball M-Steel strings?: The EXL117 focuses on a specific hybrid gauge for down-tuning, whereas M-Steel strings like the 2921 set use a different alloy for high output. The EXL117 is specifically designed for the tension requirements of D-Standard tuning.
Who is the ideal user for the EXL117 set?: These strings best suit guitarists who perform in lower tunings but still want to be able to play lead parts with ease. They are ideal for players who value a bright, clear sound and long string life.