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Based on price data from 5 merchants for "D'addario EXL116 Nickel Wound, Medium Top/Heavy Bottom, 11-52". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Elevate your guitar's performance with the D'Addario EXL116 Nickel Wound strings, a favorite among musicians for their vibrant tonal clarity and unmatched versatility. Crafted with nickel-plated steel, these strings are precision-wound on a hexagonal core, creating a balanced sound that shines in both standard and drop tunings. The medium top/heavy bottom gauge delivers punchy mids and highs while providing a robust low end, making them ideal for dynamic soloing and rhythmic depth. Whether you're jamming out in a rock band or exploring bluesy riffs, these strings offer the perfect blend of brightness and durability, ensuring you can rely on them gig after gig.
Key Features:
- Nickel-plated steel wrap for a bright, clear sound
- Medium top/heavy bottom gauges: 11-14-18-30-42-52
- Optimized for standard and drop tunings
- Precision-wound on a hexagonal core for excellent intonation
- Versatile tone ideal for various musical genres
Product specs
| Guitar Type | Electric Guitar |
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Coated | No |
| Gauges | .011, .014, .018, .030, .042, .052 |
| Core Material | High-carbon Steel |
| Winding Material | Nickel Plated Steel |
| Winding Type | Round Wound |
FAQs
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What does "Medium Top/Heavy Bottom" mean for D'Addario EXL116 strings?
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"Medium Top/Heavy Bottom" refers to the string gauges, with medium thickness for the higher strings (.011-.018) and heavier thickness for the lower strings (.030-.052). This setup provides a balance of easy bending on the treble strings and robust low-end tone on the bass strings.
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Are D'Addario EXL116 strings suitable for drop tuning?
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Yes, D'Addario EXL116 strings are well-suited for drop tuning due to their heavier bottom strings, which maintain tension and stability when tuned lower, providing a tight and defined tone.
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How do nickel wound strings like the D'Addario EXL116 affect tone?
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Nickel wound strings, such as the D'Addario EXL116, offer a bright and clear tone with strong mid-range presence, making them ideal for cutting through a mix and providing articulate sound for various playing styles.
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Are D'Addario EXL116 strings compatible with all electric guitars?
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D'Addario EXL116 strings are designed for standard 6-string electric guitars. They are compatible with most electric guitars, but it's important to ensure your guitar can accommodate the heavier gauges for optimal performance.
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How durable are the D'Addario EXL116 strings?
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D'Addario EXL116 strings are made from high-carbon steel and nickel-plated steel, offering reliable durability and consistent performance, making them a dependable choice for regular playing and gigging.
Videos
White Wolf Visions
JJRock Jam
Reviews
PROS
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High-quality, balanced tone suitable for blues to heavy metal
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Excellent durability and longevity, lasting through multiple gigs
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Reliable tuning stability, even after long periods of play
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Ideal for D Standard and Drop C tunings
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Consistent playability with smooth feel
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Well-suited for guitars with locking tuners and vintage tremolo systems
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Bright sound with a heavy low end, enhancing power chords
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Environmentally friendly packaging with recyclable materials
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Economical price point with performance rivaling more expensive brands
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American-made, supporting local manufacturing
CONS
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Slightly higher tension on G and C strings can affect feel
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Requires truss rod adjustments for optimal performance in lower tunings
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about D'addario EXL116 Nickel Wound, Medium Top/Heavy Bottom, 11-52.
Setup and maintenance
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When tuning to C Standard with D'Addario EXL116 strings, a truss rod adjustment, intonation, and nut/bridge adjustments are crucial for stability and playability.
Source
Use cases and applications
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EXL116 strings are favored by users for playing Dethklok songs in C Standard tuning, providing the necessary tension and tone.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 8 Ratings
567
Great for standard c# (step and a half down) and a whole step down tunning
I wanted to play some Limp Bizkit songs, so I designated one of my guitars, the one with the hottest pickup (Seymour Duncan Invader) and tune down a hole step already, but Wes Borland uses step and a half down, so from there is just a notch. They are tense enough to hold tight, but not like standard tunning, also take notice the type of guitar you're putting it into, mine has a vintage tremolo system, if you want to put these of a Floyd Rose, you should better go for 11-48 instead of 11-52, if you got a hardtail/tune o matic and like crunchiness, you can even go for 11-56
Artist usage
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In this interview from MusicRadar Edge's guitar tech reveals the strings used on the 360º tour by Edge.
Mark Tremonti endorses D'Addario EXL116 Nickel Wound, Medium Top/Heavy Bottom, 11-52 strings, stating, "D'Addario strings are the best I've ever used." This endorsement is featured on D'Addario's official artist page.
According to the source, Daniel Johns uses D'Addario EXL116 Nickel Wound strings, known for their medium top and heavy bottom gauge (11-52), as part of his guitar setup.
Erik Rutan, renowned guitarist, endorses D'Addario EXL116 Nickel Wound strings, praising their ability to maintain tonal brightness and playability. This endorsement is detailed on the D'Addario artist page.
According to the D'Addario/Planet Waves website LaMontagne is using these strings besides others of the same brand.
In the attached article, below Brandi's quote, it's includes that Brandi uses D'Addario's EXL116 Nickel Wound Electric strings (Medium Top / Heavy Bottom Set, 11-52).
"Last up is a modified Fender Mustang with a Duncan JB in the bridge, a stock neck pickup, and a Tune-o-matic-style bridge. DePoyster strings this bad boy with D’Addario EXL116s, and tunes it to dropped D," states Jeremy DePoyster's rig rundown.
In an Instagram DM conversation on December 12, 2024, Tarek Jafar of The Blue Stones confirmed his use of D'addario EXL116 Nickel Wound, Medium Top/Heavy Bottom, 11-52 by sharing a photo of the strings.
According to Premier Guitar, Chris Rubey uses EXL116 strings on one of his Ibanez ARZ guitars.
Album Usage
The D'addario EXL116 Nickel Wound, Medium Top/Heavy Bottom, 11-52 has been featured on the following albums:
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 EXL116 Nickel Wound, Medium Top/Heavy Bottom, 11-52, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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