What is the gauge of the D'Addario NW039?

The string has a gauge of .039 inches, which is typically used for the middle or lower strings of an electric guitar depending on the custom setup.

What materials are used in the construction of this string?

It is made with a high-carbon steel hexagonal core wrapped with nickel-plated steel wire.

Is the NW039 a round wound or flat wound string?

This is a round wound string, which provides a traditional textured feel and a brighter tone compared to flat wound alternatives.

What is the total length of the NW039 string?

The string measures 1065mm in total length, making it compatible with most standard electric guitars.

Can I use this string on an acoustic guitar?

While it can physically be attached, it is designed for electric guitars. Nickel-plated steel is optimized for magnetic pickups, whereas acoustic strings typically use phosphor bronze for natural resonance.

What is the purpose of the hexagonal core?

The hex core allows the wrap wire to grip the core more effectively, which improves tuning stability and prevents the winding from slipping.

Does the NW039 have a ball end or a loop end?

It features a ball-end design, which is the standard for most electric guitar bridges.

How does the sound of nickel-plated steel compare to pure nickel?

Nickel-plated steel is generally brighter and has a higher magnetic output than pure nickel, which tends to be warmer and more vintage-sounding.

Is this string sold as a set or individually?

The NW039 is sold as a single string, specifically intended for custom sets or as a replacement for broken strings.

What is the typical price for a single NW039 string?

The typical price is approximately GBP 3.00, though this may vary slightly by retailer.

How does this compare to Ernie Ball Slinky strings?

While both are high-quality nickel-wound strings, D'Addario focuses on the hex core design for stability, while Ernie Ball offers different alloy blends like those found in the M-Steel or Tim Henson series.

Is this string suitable for drop tunings?

Yes, a .039 gauge can be useful for players looking for slightly more tension in lower tunings where a standard light gauge string would be too loose.

Gear article

D'Addario NW039 Nickel Wound Electric Guitar Single String

The D'Addario NW039 is a nickel-plated steel single string with a .039-inch gauge, designed for use with electric guitars. It is part of the XL Nickel Wound series, featuring a carbon steel hexagonal core and a round wound construction for balanced tone and longevity.

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Overview and Construction

The D'Addario NW039 is a single replacement string belonging to the manufacturer's prominent XL Nickel Wound line. It is engineered with a high-carbon steel hexagonal core, which is designed to provide greater durability and precise intonation by allowing the wrap wire to grip the core securely. The outer winding consists of nickel-plated steel, a industry-standard choice for electric guitarists due to its magnetic properties and resistance to corrosion.

With a total length of 1065mm, the string is compatible with the vast majority of standard electric guitar scale lengths. It utilises a ball-end termination, ensuring it can be quickly and easily installed on bridge systems ranging from fixed hardtails to tremolo units.

Tonal Character and Feel

The NW039 provides a bright and articulate tonal profile, characteristic of nickel-plated steel. It offers a distinct magnetic output that interacts well with various pickup types, delivering a balanced frequency response. The round wound construction results in a slightly textured feel under the fingers, providing the grip necessary for controlled vibrato and string bending while maintaining a familiar tactile experience for established players.

Application and Gauge Utility

At a .039-inch gauge, this specific string is often utilised by guitarists looking to bridge the gap between standard medium and heavy sets. It is particularly useful for:

Custom Setups: Players who find standard sets too light or heavy in the middle registers can use the NW039 to create a 'hybrid' tension profile.
Replacement: It serves as a reliable single-string replacement for broken strings in existing sets, avoiding the need to purchase a full new pack.
Alternative Tunings: The .039 gauge offers sufficient tension for slightly lower tunings where a standard .036 or .038 may feel too slack.

Comparison to Alternatives

In the market for replacement strings, the D'Addario NW039 is positioned as a high-precision, affordable option at approximately £3. While competitors like Ernie Ball offer similar nickel-plated options, such as those found in their Regular Slinky or M-Steel sets, D'Addario's use of the hex core is a specific design hallmark aimed at tuning stability. Unlike specialist orchestral strings—such as the Larsen Cello D String or Thomastik Spirocore Viola strings which utilize chrome or gold plating for different resonance needs—the NW039 is strictly optimized for the magnetic requirements of the electric guitar.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the gauge of the D'Addario NW039?: The string has a gauge of .039 inches, which is typically used for the middle or lower strings of an electric guitar depending on the custom setup.
What materials are used in the construction of this string?: It is made with a high-carbon steel hexagonal core wrapped with nickel-plated steel wire.
Is the NW039 a round wound or flat wound string?: This is a round wound string, which provides a traditional textured feel and a brighter tone compared to flat wound alternatives.
What is the total length of the NW039 string?: The string measures 1065mm in total length, making it compatible with most standard electric guitars.
Can I use this string on an acoustic guitar?: While it can physically be attached, it is designed for electric guitars. Nickel-plated steel is optimized for magnetic pickups, whereas acoustic strings typically use phosphor bronze for natural resonance.
What is the purpose of the hexagonal core?: The hex core allows the wrap wire to grip the core more effectively, which improves tuning stability and prevents the winding from slipping.
Does the NW039 have a ball end or a loop end?: It features a ball-end design, which is the standard for most electric guitar bridges.
How does the sound of nickel-plated steel compare to pure nickel?: Nickel-plated steel is generally brighter and has a higher magnetic output than pure nickel, which tends to be warmer and more vintage-sounding.
Is this string sold as a set or individually?: The NW039 is sold as a single string, specifically intended for custom sets or as a replacement for broken strings.
What is the typical price for a single NW039 string?: The typical price is approximately GBP 3.00, though this may vary slightly by retailer.
How does this compare to Ernie Ball Slinky strings?: While both are high-quality nickel-wound strings, D'Addario focuses on the hex core design for stability, while Ernie Ball offers different alloy blends like those found in the M-Steel or Tim Henson series.
Is this string suitable for drop tunings?: Yes, a .039 gauge can be useful for players looking for slightly more tension in lower tunings where a standard light gauge string would be too loose.