D&#39;Addario EXL 170-5SL

4.5 (7)

$27.00

4.8 (1251)

$21.99

$27.88 24 available New

$22.87 2 available Used

5.0 (12)

$27.00

4.6 (77)

$28.00

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "D'Addario EXL 170-5SL". 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 playing experience with the D'Addario EXL 170-5SL, a set of strings designed specifically for the discerning 5-string bass guitarist. Precision-engineered to enhance playability, these nickel round wound strings offer a harmonious blend of bright tonality and tactile comfort, making them a top choice for bassists across genres. Whether you're laying down the groove in a jazz ensemble or anchoring the low end in a rock power trio, the EXL 170-5SL brings clarity and consistency to your sound.

Crafted using D'Addario's state-of-the-art winding technology, these strings ensure a magnetic output that captures the true essence of your bass. The nickel-plated steel wrap not only contributes to their vibrant sound but also offers a smooth playing surface that minimizes fret wear. This set's balanced tension and flexible feel facilitate dynamic playing styles, from fingerstyle to slap, without compromising on durability. Embrace the legacy of over three centuries of string-making craftsmanship with D'Addario and make the EXL 170-5SL the heartbeat of your bass guitar.

Key Features:

Gauges: .045, .065, .080, .100, .130 for a versatile setup
Precision wound with nickel-plated steel for a bright, clear tone
Designed for 5-string bass guitars, accommodating a wide range of instruments
Offers a comfortable playing feel, reducing premature fret wear
Suitable for various musical styles thanks to their balanced and natural sound
Super Long Scale length for enhanced playability on larger instruments

Product specs

Guitar Type	Electric Bass
Number of Strings	5
Coated	No
Gauges	.045, .065, .080, .100, .130
Winding Type	Round Wound
Core Material	Hexagonal Steel
Winding Material	Nickel Plated Steel
Scale Length	Super Long, 38" at taper

FAQs

What is the scale length of the D'Addario EXL 170-5SL bass strings?: The D'Addario EXL 170-5SL bass strings are designed for a super long scale, measuring 38 inches at the taper.
Are the D'Addario EXL 170-5SL strings suitable for a 5-string bass?: Yes, the D'Addario EXL 170-5SL strings are specifically designed for 5-string bass guitars.
What materials are used in the D'Addario EXL 170-5SL bass strings?: These strings are made with a hexagonal steel core and nickel-plated steel winding, providing a bright tone and excellent durability.
What are the gauge sizes for the D'Addario EXL 170-5SL string set?: The gauge sizes for the D'Addario EXL 170-5SL string set are .045, .065, .080, .100, and .130.
Are the D'Addario EXL 170-5SL strings coated?: No, the D'Addario EXL 170-5SL strings are not coated, which allows for a natural feel and sound.

Videos

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Reviews

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PROS

Excellent fit for 34" to 35" scale basses, even with a 5-string setup
Smooth feel for roundwound strings, easy on fingers during extended play
Provides a deeper, richer sound compared to steel strings
Maintains "new" tone longer than comparable brands like Ernie Ball
Balanced tension offers improved playability and feel
Consistent quality with minimal dead-on-arrival issues over many years
Inexpensive compared to other high-quality string sets

CONS

Gauge transition from E to B string may feel unconventional for some users
"Super long" designation may not fit all extended scale basses, like 37" basses

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about D'Addario EXL 170-5SL.

Use cases and applications

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The D'Addario EXL170-5SL set can be used on a 34/37 multiscale Dingwall, with the B string tapering slightly before the nut without affecting sound or playability.
Source
0 0

The D'Addario EXL170-5SL set fits a Dingwall Z2 5-String with the B string's taper starting 1mm before the nut, ensuring sound quality is unaffected.
Source

User experience

0 0

Owners report that the D'Addario super long .170 string tapers exactly at the nut on a 37" Dingwall, maintaining good sound quality.
Source
0 0

Players report frustration with limited multiscale string options, impacting their purchasing decisions despite the appeal of multiscale basses.
Source

Comparisons

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Compared to Newtone, D'Addario strings are noted for their ease of use on multiscale basses, without needing custom orders despite slight taper issues.
Source
0 0

Dingwall strings, OEMed by D'Addario, offer a viable alternative to D'Addario NYXL for multiscale basses, maintaining similar quality and fit.
Source

Setup and maintenance

0 0

Owners of the Ibanez BTB806MS face challenges finding a suitable D'Addario NYXL set due to single-string availability, driving up costs significantly.
Source

Value and pricing

0 0

Purchasing single D'Addario NYXL strings for custom sets can cost over $50, making Dingwall or alternative sets more cost-effective.
Source

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3.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Genre Usage

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

Metal

Pop

Rock

Folk, World, & Country

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