What is the gauge of the XLB070 string?

The string has a gauge of .070 inches. This measurement refers to the thickness of the string, placing it in the medium thickness range for individual bass strings.

What scale length is this string designed for?

The XLB070 is a 'Long Scale' string. It is designed to fit bass guitars with a standard scale length of up to 34 inches, though it can often accommodate slightly longer lengths depending on the bridge and tuner layout.

What material is used in its construction?

It is made from nickel-plated steel wound around a high-carbon steel core. The nickel plating provides a smooth feel and a balanced magnetic response for the pickups.

Is the XLB070 a round wound or flatwound string?

It is a round wound string. This design features a circular wrap wire that provides a brighter tone and a more textured feel compared to flatwound strings.

Where is this string manufactured?

The D'Addario XLB070 is manufactured in the United States. Specifically, it is produced at D'Addario's primary production facility located in New York.

Can I use this string for a custom bass set?

Yes, this string is specifically sold as a single unit to facilitate custom set building. It allows players to choose exact gauges for specialized tunings or specific tension preferences.

What is the typical price for a single XLB070 string?

In the UK market, this single string typically retails for approximately GBP 5. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current stock levels.

How does nickel-plated steel affect the sound?

Nickel-plated steel offers a 'punchy' and bright sound. It provides a compromise between the extreme brightness of stainless steel and the warm, mellow tone of pure nickel.

Is this string suitable for slapping technique?

Yes, the round wound nickel-plated steel design is highly suitable for slapping. It provides the necessary clarity and 'snap' required for modern percussive bass styles.

How long will the XLB070 last before needing replacement?

Longevity depends on playing frequency and hand acidity, but D'Addario designs the XL series for high reliability. The nickel plating helps maintain tonal consistency over a standard performance cycle.

Will this string fit a short-scale bass?

While it can be physically cut to length, the taper of a long-scale string may not align correctly with the tuning pegs of a short-scale bass. It is specifically designed for long-scale instruments.

Does this string come with a ball end?

Yes, the XLB070 features a standard ball end. This makes it compatible with most bridge designs found on modern electric bass guitars.

Gear article

D'Addario XLB070 Nickel Wound Bass Guitar Single String

The D'Addario XLB070 is a nickel-plated steel single string designed for long-scale electric bass guitars. Part of the manufacturer's foundational XL Nickel Wound series, this .070 gauge string is typically used by players building custom sets or replacing individual components of a standard set.

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Overview

The D'Addario XLB070 is a precision-engineered single string intended for electric bass guitar applications. As a member of the XL Nickel Wound family, it serves as a versatile utility string for musicians who require specific tension profiles or replacement parts. The string features a high-carbon steel core wrapped in nickel-plated steel, striking a balance between magnetic response and physical durability. It is manufactured at D'Addario's dedicated facility in New York, ensuring high standards of quality control and consistency across batches.

Construction and Design

The XLB070 utilises a round wound design, which is the industry standard for modern bass tone. The exterior wrap of nickel-plated steel provides a textured surface that facilitates various playing techniques, from fingerstyle and picking to slapping. The .070 gauge is considered a medium-heavy gauge when used as a D string or a medium-light gauge when used as an A string, depending on the specific tuning and set configuration chosen by the player. Its long-scale design ensures it fits the majority of standard 34-inch scale bass guitars.

Tonal Character

This string is engineered to deliver a punchy, bright sound that is characteristic of the XL Nickel range. The nickel plating offers a distinctive tonal clarity that is less aggressive than pure stainless steel but more vibrant than pure nickel strings. Key tonal features include:

Bright Top End: Clear harmonic content suitable for modern genres.
Punchy Mids: Focused fundamental frequencies that help the bass sit well in a mix.
Consistent Intonation: Precise manufacturing leads to reliable pitch stability across the length of the fretboard.

Suitability and Use Cases

The XLB070 is primarily suited for bassists who move away from pre-packaged 'off-the-shelf' string sets. It is ideal for players who experiment with drop-tunings or those who prefer a non-linear tension across the neck. Because it is sold as a single unit, it is also a cost-effective solution for replacing a single broken or worn-out string without having to discard a full set of four or five strings.

Market Context

Within the wider market of instrument strings, D'Addario competes with other major manufacturers such as Ernie Ball and Thomastik-Infeld. While Ernie Ball offers products like the Regular Slinky M-Steel, D'Addario's XL Nickel series is often viewed as the 'industry standard' reference point for its neutral, versatile character and high availability. Compared to specialized orchestral strings like the Larsen Cello or Thomastik Spirocore Viola ranges, the XLB070 is a high-volume, performance-oriented component for electric instruments.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the gauge of the XLB070 string?: The string has a gauge of .070 inches. This measurement refers to the thickness of the string, placing it in the medium thickness range for individual bass strings.
What scale length is this string designed for?: The XLB070 is a 'Long Scale' string. It is designed to fit bass guitars with a standard scale length of up to 34 inches, though it can often accommodate slightly longer lengths depending on the bridge and tuner layout.
What material is used in its construction?: It is made from nickel-plated steel wound around a high-carbon steel core. The nickel plating provides a smooth feel and a balanced magnetic response for the pickups.
Is the XLB070 a round wound or flatwound string?: It is a round wound string. This design features a circular wrap wire that provides a brighter tone and a more textured feel compared to flatwound strings.
Where is this string manufactured?: The D'Addario XLB070 is manufactured in the United States. Specifically, it is produced at D'Addario's primary production facility located in New York.
Can I use this string for a custom bass set?: Yes, this string is specifically sold as a single unit to facilitate custom set building. It allows players to choose exact gauges for specialized tunings or specific tension preferences.
What is the typical price for a single XLB070 string?: In the UK market, this single string typically retails for approximately GBP 5. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current stock levels.
How does nickel-plated steel affect the sound?: Nickel-plated steel offers a 'punchy' and bright sound. It provides a compromise between the extreme brightness of stainless steel and the warm, mellow tone of pure nickel.
Is this string suitable for slapping technique?: Yes, the round wound nickel-plated steel design is highly suitable for slapping. It provides the necessary clarity and 'snap' required for modern percussive bass styles.
How long will the XLB070 last before needing replacement?: Longevity depends on playing frequency and hand acidity, but D'Addario designs the XL series for high reliability. The nickel plating helps maintain tonal consistency over a standard performance cycle.
Will this string fit a short-scale bass?: While it can be physically cut to length, the taper of a long-scale string may not align correctly with the tuning pegs of a short-scale bass. It is specifically designed for long-scale instruments.
Does this string come with a ball end?: Yes, the XLB070 features a standard ball end. This makes it compatible with most bridge designs found on modern electric bass guitars.