What are the exact gauges in the NYXL1156 set?

The set includes gauges .011, .014, .019, .032, .044, and .056. This is categorized as a Medium Top / Extra-Heavy Bottom hybrid configuration.

Which tuning is this set specifically designed for?

The NYXL1156 is optimally designed for tuning a guitar down a whole step to D Standard. The heavier gauges ensure that the tension feels similar to a standard set tuned to E.

What is the primary benefit of the high-carbon steel alloy?

The high-carbon steel alloy provides excellent break strength and enhanced tuning stability. It allows players to perform more aggressively without the strings going out of tune as easily as traditional nickel strings.

How does the sound of NYXL strings differ from standard D'Addario XL strings?

NYXL strings feature a reformulated nickel winding that provides a higher output. They also have an enhanced mid-range frequency response for better presence and crunch.

Are these strings suitable for standard E tuning?

While they can be tuned to E, the tension on the lower strings (specifically the .056) will be extremely high. This may require a nut adjustment and could put significant stress on the guitar neck.

Do NYXL1156 strings last longer than standard strings?

Yes, due to the high-carbon steel core and specialized winding, they are designed to be more durable and maintain their 'new string' tone for a longer period than traditional nickel-wound sets.

What is the typical price for a set of NYXL1156 strings?

The typical price for this set is approximately £14.00 in the UK market. This reflects their position as a premium performance string.

Are the plain strings in this set also different from standard sets?

Yes, the plain steel strings in the NYXL set utilize the same high-carbon steel as the cores of the wound strings. This ensures consistent strength and stability across the entire set.

Will I need to modify my guitar's nut for these strings?

If you are moving from a light gauge set (like 9s or 10s), the .056 low string may be too wide for the existing nut slot. A minor widening of the slot by a technician may be necessary.

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

While both are premium high-output strings, the NYXL1156 is specifically gauged for down-tuning (11-56), whereas the M-Steel 2921 set is a standard 10-46 gauge. The NYXL focuses on tuning stability through carbon steel.

What does 'Medium Top / Ex-Heavy Bottom' mean?

It refers to the hybrid nature of the set, where the higher (thinner) strings are from a medium set, and the lower (thicker) strings are from an extra-heavy set to balance tension.

Can these strings be used for Drop C tuning?

Yes, the .056 low string is well-suited for Drop C tuning. It provides enough tension to maintain clarity and prevents the string from rattling against the frets when tuned down.

Gear article

D'Addario NYXL1156 Nickel Wound Guitar Strings

The D'Addario NYXL1156 is a hybrid gauge electric guitar string set featuring a 'Medium Top / Extra-Heavy Bottom' configuration (11-56). Engineered for increased strength and tuning stability, these strings are specifically designed to maintain optimal tension when tuning down a whole step to D standard.

DAddario NYXL1156 Nickel Wound Medium Top / Ex-Heavy Bottom 11-56

See live prices

Overview

The D'Addario NYXL1156 is a specialised set of electric guitar strings within the NYXL product line. It utilizes a hybrid gauge profile, pairing medium-gauge high strings with extra-heavy low strings. This specific combination (11, 14, 19, 32, 44, 56) is engineered to solve the common issue of 'slack' or low string tension when a guitar is tuned below standard E tuning.

Design and Material Science

The primary innovation of the NYXL series lies in the use of a high-carbon steel alloy for the core and plain steel strings. This material provides significantly higher break strength compared to traditional nickel-wound strings. The wound strings feature a reformulated nickel-plated wrap wire which D'Addario claims increases the magnetic properties of the string, interacting more efficiently with guitar pickups.

Larsen Strings Larsen Cello D String 1/8 Size Medium

Sound Character and Performance

The NYXL1156 is voiced for a modern sonic profile. The reformulated nickel plating results in a higher output and an enhanced mid-range frequency response. This characteristic provides additional 'presence' and 'crunch,' making them particularly suitable for genres requiring clarity through distortion. Furthermore, the high-carbon steel core offers superior tuning stability, allowing the strings to reach pitch faster and remain stable even under aggressive playing techniques.

User Suitability

This set is primarily aimed at guitarists who tune their instruments down a whole step (D, G, C, F, A, D). The .056 gauge low-E string provides the necessary resistance for rhythmic precision in lower tunings, while the .011 gauge high-E maintains playability for lead work. It is an ideal choice for players who find standard light or medium sets too loose or 'floppy' when drop-tuning.

Market Comparison

When compared to traditional nickel-wound strings, the NYXL1156 offers improved longevity and pitch consistency. While alternative products like the Ernie Ball M-Steel (10-46) or the Tim Henson Signature Slinky (9.5-46) offer different tension profiles and alloy compositions, the NYXL1156 occupies a specific niche for players needing a heavier bottom end for down-tuned stability at a mid-range price point of approximately £14.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What are the exact gauges in the NYXL1156 set?: The set includes gauges .011, .014, .019, .032, .044, and .056. This is categorized as a Medium Top / Extra-Heavy Bottom hybrid configuration.
Which tuning is this set specifically designed for?: The NYXL1156 is optimally designed for tuning a guitar down a whole step to D Standard. The heavier gauges ensure that the tension feels similar to a standard set tuned to E.
What is the primary benefit of the high-carbon steel alloy?: The high-carbon steel alloy provides excellent break strength and enhanced tuning stability. It allows players to perform more aggressively without the strings going out of tune as easily as traditional nickel strings.
How does the sound of NYXL strings differ from standard D'Addario XL strings?: NYXL strings feature a reformulated nickel winding that provides a higher output. They also have an enhanced mid-range frequency response for better presence and crunch.
Are these strings suitable for standard E tuning?: While they can be tuned to E, the tension on the lower strings (specifically the .056) will be extremely high. This may require a nut adjustment and could put significant stress on the guitar neck.
Do NYXL1156 strings last longer than standard strings?: Yes, due to the high-carbon steel core and specialized winding, they are designed to be more durable and maintain their 'new string' tone for a longer period than traditional nickel-wound sets.
What is the typical price for a set of NYXL1156 strings?: The typical price for this set is approximately £14.00 in the UK market. This reflects their position as a premium performance string.
Are the plain strings in this set also different from standard sets?: Yes, the plain steel strings in the NYXL set utilize the same high-carbon steel as the cores of the wound strings. This ensures consistent strength and stability across the entire set.
Will I need to modify my guitar's nut for these strings?: If you are moving from a light gauge set (like 9s or 10s), the .056 low string may be too wide for the existing nut slot. A minor widening of the slot by a technician may be necessary.
How do these compare to Ernie Ball M-Steel strings?: While both are premium high-output strings, the NYXL1156 is specifically gauged for down-tuning (11-56), whereas the M-Steel 2921 set is a standard 10-46 gauge. The NYXL focuses on tuning stability through carbon steel.
What does 'Medium Top / Ex-Heavy Bottom' mean?: It refers to the hybrid nature of the set, where the higher (thinner) strings are from a medium set, and the lower (thicker) strings are from an extra-heavy set to balance tension.
Can these strings be used for Drop C tuning?: Yes, the .056 low string is well-suited for Drop C tuning. It provides enough tension to maintain clarity and prevents the string from rattling against the frets when tuned down.