D&#39;Addario EXL 165-5

$28.99 $21.99 $7.00 · All time low

4.6 (338)

$21.99

$21.99 43 available New

$29.99 1 available Used

4.0 (3)

$28.99 $21.99 $7.00 · All time low

4.7 (196)

$28.00

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "D'Addario EXL 165-5". 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

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Elevate your bass play with the D'Addario EXL165-5 strings, the perfect blend for 5-string enthusiasts seeking hybrid-gauge versatility. These strings promise the ideal mix of comfortable playability and rich, resonant tones, making every note you play not just heard, but felt. Whether you're laying down the groove in a jazz ensemble or bringing the thunder in a rock setting, these strings ensure your bass sounds its best. Crafted for durability and performance, they stand up to rigorous practice sessions and performances alike. Experience the difference in your music with D'Addario EXL165-5.

Key Features:

Hybrid gauge for versatility in playability and sound
Gauges: .045, .065, .085, .105, .135, catering to a wide range of musical styles
Hex-shaped high carbon steel core for enhanced durability and tuning stability
Round wound with nickel-plated steel for a balance of bright tonality and deep, tight bass
Proudly made in the U.S.A, with environmentally friendly, corrosion-resistant packaging

Product specs

Guitar Type	Electric Bass
Number of Strings	5
Coated	No
Gauges	.045, .065, .085, .105, .135
Winding Type	Round Wound
Core Material	Hexagonal Steel
Winding Material	Nickel Plated Steel
Scale Length	Long, 36.875"

FAQs

Are the D'Addario EXL165-5 strings suitable for a 5-string bass guitar with a long scale?: Yes, the D'Addario EXL165-5 strings are designed specifically for 5-string bass guitars with a long scale length, measuring 36.875 inches.
What type of winding is used on the D'Addario EXL165-5 bass strings?: The D'Addario EXL165-5 strings feature a round wound construction, which provides a bright and punchy tone ideal for various musical styles.
What are the gauges of the D'Addario EXL165-5 bass strings?: The D'Addario EXL165-5 string set includes gauges .045, .065, .085, .105, and .135, offering a regular light top and medium bottom tension.
What material is used for the core of the D'Addario EXL165-5 strings?: The core of the D'Addario EXL165-5 strings is made from hexagonal steel, providing durability and stable tuning.
Do the D'Addario EXL165-5 strings have a coating?: No, the D'Addario EXL165-5 strings are not coated, which allows for a natural feel and tone.

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Reviews

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PROS

Fantastic sound quality for down tuning
Smooth feel and responsive touch
Long-lasting tone and durability
Consistent quality across various setups
Inexpensive compared to similar strings
Balanced tension enhances playability
Rich, bold sound with long sustain
Reliable fit on most 5-string basses

CONS

Not true long scale for some 35" basses
Unusual gauge jump from E to B string
.135 gauge may not suit all preferences

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about D'Addario EXL 165-5.

Setup and maintenance

0 0

A user found a .135 gauge ideal for a 35.5" scale for a tight low B, also suitable for drop A tuning without feeling floppy.
Source
0 0

Tuning to A standard requires a 5-string set, such as D'Addario EXL-165-5, to maintain string tension and avoid detection issues.
Source
0 0

Filing the nut and bridge is necessary for accommodating thicker strings, ensuring proper fit and avoiding premature string breakage.
Source

Mods and upgrades

0 0

Using a .135 gauge on a Bongo 4 in BEAD tuning required nut filling and bridge drilling for optimal performance.
Source
0 0

Some users suggest using a drop tune pedal like the Digitech Drop for low tuning songs instead of setting up the bass for lower tunings.
Source

Features and functionality

0 0

TI Jazz Flats offer a .136 gauge B string, providing a smooth feel and distinct tonal quality favored by some musicians.
Source
0 0

It's noted that Rocksmith 2014 struggles with low tunings below C, impacting bass detection accuracy.
Source

Comparisons

0 0

Kalium Strings are noted for offering any size, allowing customized sets like a "balanced" .142 gauge for specific tonal preferences.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

When playing Korn or Avatar songs, using a 5-string bass or thicker gauge strings is recommended for optimal performance and tuning stability.
Source

Software and compatibility

0 0

Custom songs at low tunings require a tuning fix for accurate bass detection, even on properly set up 5-string basses.
Source

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Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

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Michael League

Bassist, Music Producer

Snarky Puppy

Verified via BassPlayer.com

Strings D’Addario ECB81M Chromes (.045–.100); EXL 165-5 Nickel Wound (.045–.135)

Felipe Andreoli

Bassist, Composer

Angra

Verified via YouTube

Felipe Andreoli, a long-time D'Addario endorsee, confirms in a video by Musical Express titled "Felipe Andreoli | Setup D'Addario para Baixo" that he primarily uses the D'Addario EXL 165-5 strings on his five-string basses.

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 EXL 165-5, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

D'Addario ECB81 Strings

Markbass Minimark 802 Bass Combo Amplifiers

Markbass New York 804 Bass Amplifier Cabinets

Ampeg B-15 Bass Amplifier Stacks

Avalon U5 Direct Boxes

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