Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (11)
$9.49 $7.49 $2.00 · All time low
Guitar Center
4.5 (15)
$9.49 $7.49 $2.00 · All time low
Amazon
4.7 (297)
$7.49
Reverb
5.0 (3)
$5.00 New
$7.89 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (29)
$9.49 $7.49 $2.00 · All time low
Thomann
4.7 (190)
$9.30 $9.00 $0.30 · All time low

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "D'Addario EJ21 XL Nickel Jazz Light Electric Guitar Strings". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Elevate your guitar's performance with the D'Addario EJ21 XL Nickel Jazz Light Electric Guitar Strings, a favorite among musicians for their dynamic range and tonal versatility. Crafted for the eclectic player, these strings blend precision and durability, ensuring a consistent, bright sound that resonates whether you're riffing through jazz melodies or exploring other genres. Their unique composition supports a variety of playing styles, making them a versatile choice for guitarists looking to push their musical boundaries.

Key Features:

  • Nickel-plated steel winding for a bright, lively tone
  • Hex-core construction for longer lifespan
  • Ideal for a wide range of musical styles
  • Wound 3rd string perfect for down-tuning
  • Popular choice among diverse musicians

Product specs

Available since March 2000
String gauge 012 - 052
Strength of the strings 0,012" – 0,052"
Material Nickel Plated Steel

FAQs

What is the gauge of the D'Addario EJ21 XL Nickel Jazz Light Electric Guitar Strings?

The D'Addario EJ21 XL strings have a gauge of .012 to .052, which is commonly used for jazz music due to its balanced tension and rich tone.

Are D'Addario EJ21 strings suitable for jazz guitar?

Yes, the D'Addario EJ21 strings are specifically designed for jazz guitarists, offering a warm and full-bodied tone that complements jazz styles well.

What material are the D'Addario EJ21 strings made from?

The D'Addario EJ21 strings are made from nickel-plated steel, providing a bright, clear sound with excellent intonation and durability.

Can I use D'Addario EJ21 strings for other music genres besides jazz?

While designed for jazz, the D'Addario EJ21 strings can also be used for other genres that benefit from a thicker gauge and a warm, mellow tone, such as blues or rock.

How do the D'Addario EJ21 strings affect playability?

The .012 to .052 gauge offers a slightly heavier tension, providing a robust feel that can enhance sustain and tone, though it may require more finger strength compared to lighter gauge strings.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about D'Addario EJ21 XL Nickel Jazz Light Electric Guitar Strings.

Use cases and applications

  • Nickel-wound 12s like the EJ21s enhance the "chime" of Strats and Teles while providing a warm, bassy tone ideal for jazz.

    Source
  • These strings can be more demanding on the fingers, yet they deliver the best tone for jazz when used on Strats and Teles.

    Source
  • Players often use unwound G strings on guitars for blues, rock, and jazz gigs, avoiding wound Gs for genres requiring frequent bends.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The EJ21 strings offer a balance between clarity and warmth, making them especially suitable for solo jazz performances.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Unlike flatwounds, nickel-wound 12s like the EJ21s maintain the unique tonal qualities of Fender Strats and Teles while adding jazz-friendly warmth.

    Source
  • Flatwounds on a Telecaster offer a different experience from using them on an archtop, where they truly show their potential.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Replacing the wound G with a plain one (.018 recommended for 10s) can improve bending ease for versatile playing across genres.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners note that flatwound strings, including D'Addario, roll under fingers rather than stretch, impacting playstyle when bending.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Mark Knopfler uses D'Addario EJ21 XL Nickel Jazz Light Electric Guitar Strings

Mark Knopfler

Singer, Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Guitar World

Mark Knopfler uses D'Addario EJ21 XL Nickel Jazz Light Electric Guitar Strings on his Danelectro 59 DC guitar, as reported by Michael Astley-Brown in Guitar World's article titled "Mark Knopfler’s 2019 guitar rig has been revealed."

See how Julian Lage uses D'Addario EJ21 XL Nickel Jazz Light Electric Guitar Strings

Julian Lage

Guitarist

The Nels Cline 4

...
Verified via GuitarPlayer.com

In this April 2016 article by Guitar Player magazine, Julian states "For a month or so I have been using D’Addario .011s with a wound third. For the longest time it was .012s."

See how Alex Skolnick uses D'Addario EJ21 XL Nickel Jazz Light Electric Guitar Strings

Alex Skolnick

Guitarist

Ozzy Osbourne

...
Verified via MetalSucks

In this Metalsucks.net article, Alex Skolnick of Testament, discusses a few pieces of gear, mentioning his D'Addario EJ21 XL strings. At the end of the page he says, ''My strings, D’addario 12-52".

See how D. Boon uses D'Addario EJ21 XL Nickel Jazz Light Electric Guitar Strings

D. Boon

Guitarist, Singer

Minutemen

...
Verified via Premier Guitar

Boon favored heavy gauge strings—usually D’Addario .012’s—and gray .88 mm Dunlop picks.

See how Chris Carrabba uses D'Addario EJ21 XL Nickel Jazz Light Electric Guitar Strings

Chris Carrabba

Guitarist

Dashboard Confessional

...
Verified via Photo

According to this rig rundown, Chris Carrabba uses EJ21 strings on his Jaguar and LP Junior.

See how Douglass McComb uses D'Addario EJ21 XL Nickel Jazz Light Electric Guitar Strings

Douglass McComb

Guitarist, Bassist

Tortoise

...
Verified via Premierguitar

In an interview with Premier Guitar, Douglass McComb mentions using D'Addario EJ21 XL Nickel Jazz Light Electric Guitar Strings (.012–.052, with a wound G) on his Jazzmaster guitar.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use D'Addario EJ21 XL Nickel Jazz Light Electric Guitar Strings, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

More D'Addario Strings

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides