What is the gauge range for the D'Addario EXL120-8 set?

The set ranges from a .009 high E string to a .065 low F# string. The full gauges are .009, .011, .016, .024, .032, .042, .054, and .065.

What tuning is this string set designed for?

This set is specifically designed for 8-string guitars with a standard low F# tuning (F#, B, E, A, D, G, B, E). The gauges provide balanced tension for this specific pitch range.

What materials are used in the construction of these strings?

They feature a high-carbon steel hexagonal core wire wrapped with nickel-plated steel. This combination is chosen for its magnetic response and bright tonal character.

Are these strings suitable for 6-string or 7-string guitars?

While the first six or seven strings are similar to standard sets, these are packaged specifically for 8-string guitars. Using them on a 6-string would result in two unused extra-thick strings.

How does the 'Super Light' tension affect playability?

The lighter gauges allow for easier string bending and less finger fatigue. This is particularly beneficial for players who perform fast lead lines or complex technical passages.

What is the benefit of the hexagonal core?

The hex core allows the outer wrap wire to bite into the core's edges. This creates a mechanical bond that prevents the wrap from slipping, leading to better tuning stability.

How are these strings protected against rust before use?

They are shipped in D'Addario's corrosion-resistant packaging. This sealed environment keeps moisture out, ensuring the strings are fresh when opened.

Will a .065 gauge string fit in a standard guitar nut?

The .065 string is significantly thicker than standard guitar strings. Most 8-string guitars are factory-cut for this size, but players converting a custom instrument may need to widen the nut slot.

How do nickel-wound strings sound compared to stainless steel?

Nickel-plated steel strings generally sound brighter and have a smoother feel than pure stainless steel. They offer a balanced magnetic output that works well with most electric guitar pickups.

Is this set suitable for drop tuning?

While designed for standard F#, they can be used for slight drop tunings. However, because these are 'Super Light' gauges, tension may become too loose if tuned significantly lower than F#.

Where are D'Addario EXL strings manufactured?

D'Addario manufactures these strings in the United States, specifically in their New York facilities. This allows for strict quality control over the winding and drawing processes.

What is the typical price for a single pack of EXL120-8 strings?

The typical price for this 8-string set is approximately £10.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and regional taxes.

Gear article

D'Addario EXL120-8 8-String Super Light Electric Guitar Strings

The D'Addario EXL120-8 is a specialized set of nickel-wound electric guitar strings designed for 8-string instruments. Featuring a gauge range of .009 to .065, these strings are engineered to provide a bright, responsive tone and stable intonation for extended-range guitars tuned down to low F#.

Daddario Exl120-8 8-string Nickel Wound Electric Guitar Strings Super Light 9-65

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Background and Design

The EXL120-8 is part of D'Addario's XL Nickel Wound series, which has served as a global industry standard for electric guitar strings for decades. As the popularity of extended-range guitars (ERGs) grew within modern metal and progressive genres, D'Addario developed this specific set to address the unique tension requirements of 8-string instruments.

Structurally, the set builds upon the architecture of the EXL120-7 seven-string set. By adding a dedicated .065 wound string for the eighth position, D'Addario enables players to reach low F# pitches without the excessive bulk or stiffness found in heavier gauge sets, maintaining a 'Super Light' feel across the upper register.

Materials and Construction

The strings utilize two primary components to achieve their characteristic performance:

High Carbon Steel Hex Core: The foundation of each string is a hexagonal-shaped core wire. This geometry allows the wrap wire to grip the core more securely, which improves tuning stability and ensures consistent intonation across the fretboard.
Nickel-Plated Steel Wrap: The wound strings are finished with nickel-plated steel. This material is preferred by many players for its magnetic properties and its ability to produce a bright, biting high-end while maintaining durability against corrosion.

Larsen Strings Larsen Cello D String 1/8 Size Medium

Tonal Characteristics

The EXL120-8 is characterized by a bright and responsive tonal profile. Because the gauges are relatively light (.009 to .065), the strings offer significant flexibility, making them suitable for lead techniques such as legato and wide vibrato. The .065 low string is designed specifically to provide clarity in the low-end frequency spectrum, preventing the 'muddy' or muffled sound that can sometimes plague extended-range instruments when using inappropriate tension.

Environmental Packaging

D'Addario employs a specific packaging technology designed to reduce environmental impact while protecting the product. The strings are sealed in a corrosion-resistant poly bag, which prevents the metal from reacting with oxygen and moisture before the player opens the pack. This ensures the strings remain fresh and 'new' regardless of how long they have been in storage or on a shop shelf.

Comparative Analysis

When compared to alternatives like the Ernie Ball 2921 M-Steel (10-46) or the Tim Henson Signature Slinky (9.5-46), the EXL120-8 is distinct in its specific focus on the 8-string format. While standard sets are designed for 6-string utility, the EXL120-8 accounts for the extra low-end depth required for modern styles. It differs from orchestral strings, such as the Larsen Cello D or Thomastik Spirocore Viola strings, in its magnetic construction and ball-end design tailored specifically for electric guitar pickups.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the gauge range for the D'Addario EXL120-8 set?: The set ranges from a .009 high E string to a .065 low F# string. The full gauges are .009, .011, .016, .024, .032, .042, .054, and .065.
What tuning is this string set designed for?: This set is specifically designed for 8-string guitars with a standard low F# tuning (F#, B, E, A, D, G, B, E). The gauges provide balanced tension for this specific pitch range.
What materials are used in the construction of these strings?: They feature a high-carbon steel hexagonal core wire wrapped with nickel-plated steel. This combination is chosen for its magnetic response and bright tonal character.
Are these strings suitable for 6-string or 7-string guitars?: While the first six or seven strings are similar to standard sets, these are packaged specifically for 8-string guitars. Using them on a 6-string would result in two unused extra-thick strings.
How does the 'Super Light' tension affect playability?: The lighter gauges allow for easier string bending and less finger fatigue. This is particularly beneficial for players who perform fast lead lines or complex technical passages.
What is the benefit of the hexagonal core?: The hex core allows the outer wrap wire to bite into the core's edges. This creates a mechanical bond that prevents the wrap from slipping, leading to better tuning stability.
How are these strings protected against rust before use?: They are shipped in D'Addario's corrosion-resistant packaging. This sealed environment keeps moisture out, ensuring the strings are fresh when opened.
Will a .065 gauge string fit in a standard guitar nut?: The .065 string is significantly thicker than standard guitar strings. Most 8-string guitars are factory-cut for this size, but players converting a custom instrument may need to widen the nut slot.
How do nickel-wound strings sound compared to stainless steel?: Nickel-plated steel strings generally sound brighter and have a smoother feel than pure stainless steel. They offer a balanced magnetic output that works well with most electric guitar pickups.
Is this set suitable for drop tuning?: While designed for standard F#, they can be used for slight drop tunings. However, because these are 'Super Light' gauges, tension may become too loose if tuned significantly lower than F#.
Where are D'Addario EXL strings manufactured?: D'Addario manufactures these strings in the United States, specifically in their New York facilities. This allows for strict quality control over the winding and drawing processes.
What is the typical price for a single pack of EXL120-8 strings?: The typical price for this 8-string set is approximately £10.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and regional taxes.