What is the gauge of the D'Addario NW059?

The string has a thickness of .059 inches. This is considered a heavy gauge, typically used for low-tuning applications.

What materials are used in the NW059 construction?

It features a high-carbon steel hexagonal core wrapped with nickel-plated steel. This combination is designed for durability and a bright magnetic response.

What is the total length of the string?

The string measures 1065mm in length. This is sufficient to fit most standard electric guitars, including those with longer scale lengths.

Can this string be used on a baritone guitar?

Yes, the .059 gauge is well-suited for baritone setups. It provides the necessary tension for lower tunings such as B or C.

Is the NW059 a round wound or flat wound string?

It is a round wound string. This design provides a balanced feel and a punchy, bright tone compared to flat wound alternatives.

What kind of core does the D'Addario NW059 have?

It uses a hexagonal core construction. This shape helps the wrap wire grip the core more securely, which enhances tuning stability.

What is the primary benefit of nickel-plated steel?

Nickel-plated steel offers a balance of bright tone and a comfortable feel. It also interacts well with magnetic pickups for a strong output.

Does this string come with a ball-end or loop-end?

The NW059 features a standard ball-end. This makes it compatible with most electric guitar bridge types, including through-body designs.

Can this be used as a replacement for a 7-string guitar set?

Yes, it is often used as a replacement or custom addition for the low B string on a 7-string guitar. The .059 gauge provides a firm feel for that register.

What is the typical price for a single NW059 string?

The typical price is approximately GBP 3. This allows players to replace single broken strings or build custom sets economically.

Is this string suitable for standard E tuning?

While possible, a .059 string would exert very high tension in standard E tuning. It is generally intended for lower pitches like D, C, or B.

How does the NW059 compare to D'Addario orchestral strings?

Unlike the Zyex or Helicore series which are for violin or viola, the NW059 is specifically for electric guitar. It is designed for magnetic pickups rather than acoustic resonance.

Gear article

D'Addario NW059 Nickel Wound Electric Guitar Single String

The D'Addario NW059 is a .059-inch gauge nickel-plated steel electric guitar string sold as a single unit. It is engineered with a high-carbon steel hex core and round winding, specifically designed for custom sets, extended-range instruments, or drop-tuned configurations.

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Overview and Construction

The D'Addario NW059 belongs to the manufacturer's XL Nickel Wound series, which serves as a standard for electric guitar strings worldwide. The construction features a precision-drawn, hexagonal high-carbon steel core, which provides the foundation for the outer winding. This 'hex core' design is critical for maintaining tuning stability and ensuring the wrap wire remains tightly secured to the core.

The outer wrap is made from nickel-plated steel, a material chosen for its magnetic properties and durability. The string is finished with a standard ball-end, making it compatible with the majority of electric guitar bridges, including stop-bar, through-body, and tremolo systems.

Tone and Performance

The NW059 is characterised by a bright and punchy tonal profile. The nickel plating provides a distinctive high-end presence that allows the string to cut through a mix, while the substantial .059 gauge ensures a solid low-end response. This combination makes it effective for percussive playing styles and genres that require clear articulation in lower registers.

The round wound texture offers a familiar feel to the fingers, balancing grip with smooth movement across the fretboard. Despite its thickness, the string is designed to maintain harmonic clarity without becoming overly 'muddy' or losing definition.

Applications and Tuning

With a gauge of .059, this string is significantly heavier than standard low E strings found in light or medium sets. It is primarily utilised by guitarists for specific applications:

Extended Range: Serving as a low B or C string on 7-string or 8-string guitars.
Baritone Guitars: Providing the necessary tension for B-to-B or A-to-A tunings.
Drop Tunings: Allowing 6-string players to achieve stable tension when tuning down to Drop C or lower.
Custom Sets: Enabling players to create 'hybrid' sets that combine light top strings with heavy bottom strings.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the D'Addario catalogue, the NW059 sits alongside specialised orchestral strings like the Helicore or Zyex series, though it is strictly for electric guitar. Compared to standard sets like the Ernie Ball Regular Slinky (10-46), the NW059 is designed for much higher tension and lower pitches. While sets like the Ernie Ball Tim Henson Signature offer specific balanced tensions (9.5-46), the NW059 allows for more extreme customisation that pre-packaged sets may not provide.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the gauge of the D'Addario NW059?: The string has a thickness of .059 inches. This is considered a heavy gauge, typically used for low-tuning applications.
What materials are used in the NW059 construction?: It features a high-carbon steel hexagonal core wrapped with nickel-plated steel. This combination is designed for durability and a bright magnetic response.
What is the total length of the string?: The string measures 1065mm in length. This is sufficient to fit most standard electric guitars, including those with longer scale lengths.
Can this string be used on a baritone guitar?: Yes, the .059 gauge is well-suited for baritone setups. It provides the necessary tension for lower tunings such as B or C.
Is the NW059 a round wound or flat wound string?: It is a round wound string. This design provides a balanced feel and a punchy, bright tone compared to flat wound alternatives.
What kind of core does the D'Addario NW059 have?: It uses a hexagonal core construction. This shape helps the wrap wire grip the core more securely, which enhances tuning stability.
What is the primary benefit of nickel-plated steel?: Nickel-plated steel offers a balance of bright tone and a comfortable feel. It also interacts well with magnetic pickups for a strong output.
Does this string come with a ball-end or loop-end?: The NW059 features a standard ball-end. This makes it compatible with most electric guitar bridge types, including through-body designs.
Can this be used as a replacement for a 7-string guitar set?: Yes, it is often used as a replacement or custom addition for the low B string on a 7-string guitar. The .059 gauge provides a firm feel for that register.
What is the typical price for a single NW059 string?: The typical price is approximately GBP 3. This allows players to replace single broken strings or build custom sets economically.
Is this string suitable for standard E tuning?: While possible, a .059 string would exert very high tension in standard E tuning. It is generally intended for lower pitches like D, C, or B.
How does the NW059 compare to D'Addario orchestral strings?: Unlike the Zyex or Helicore series which are for violin or viola, the NW059 is specifically for electric guitar. It is designed for magnetic pickups rather than acoustic resonance.