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Based on price data from 2 merchants for "D'Addario EXL120 Nickelwound Guitar Strings 9-42". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Looking to elevate your guitar's voice with a set of strings that are as versatile as they are durable? Meet the D'Addario EXL120 Nickelwound Guitar Strings 9-42, the perfect choice for guitarists who demand a dynamic and reliable performance every time they pick up their instrument. Known for their nickel-plated steel wrap wire, these strings deliver a bright, crisp tone with a focused midrange that cuts through the mix without sounding harsh. Whether you're shredding on a rock track, bending bluesy notes, or strumming a country ballad, the EXL120 strings offer the flexibility and tonal clarity to match any style.
The hexagonal steel core wire used in these strings ensures stability and superior intonation, making them easy to bend and play. Their roundwound construction provides a familiar feel under your fingers, while their balanced tension allows for comfortable playing across various genres. With a gauge range from 9-42, these strings are engineered to handle both delicate fingerpicking and intense strumming sessions. Plus, D'Addario's precision winding technique guarantees that every set feels just right, time and time again.
For those who demand strings that not only sound great but also last, the EXL120's corrosion-resistant packaging keeps them fresh and ready to rock, while the color-coded ball ends make restringing a breeze. Join the legion of guitarists who trust D'Addario for their signature tone and exceptional durability.
Key Features:
- Nickel-plated steel wrap wire for bright, dynamic tone
- Hexagonal steel core for stability and improved intonation
- Roundwound construction for a familiar playing feel
- Gauge range: 9-42, suitable for various playing styles
- Corrosion-resistant packaging for long-lasting freshness
- Color-coded ball ends for easy string changes
Product specs
| Guitar Type | Electric Guitar |
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Coated | No |
| Gauges | .009, .011, .016, .024, .032, .042 |
| Core Material | Steel |
| Winding Material | Nickel Plated Steel |
| Winding Type | Round Wound |
FAQs
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What genres are D'Addario EXL120 Nickelwound Guitar Strings 9-42 suitable for?
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These strings are ideal for genres requiring fast playing and expressive bends, such as rock, blues, jazz, and country, thanks to their super light gauge and bright tone.
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How do D'Addario EXL120 strings affect the playability of an electric guitar?
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The super light gauge (.009-.042) of D'Addario EXL120 strings offers easy bending and fast finger movement, enhancing playability for lead guitarists and those who prefer a lighter touch.
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What is the tonal characteristic of D'Addario EXL120 Nickelwound strings?
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D'Addario EXL120 strings provide a bright, lasting tone due to their nickel-plated steel winding, making them a popular choice for players seeking clarity and punch in their sound.
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Are D'Addario EXL120 strings coated?
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No, D'Addario EXL120 strings are not coated, allowing for a natural feel and bright tone, although they may require more frequent changes compared to coated strings.
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What is the composition of the D'Addario EXL120 strings?
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D'Addario EXL120 strings are made from a steel core with nickel-plated steel winding, providing a balanced combination of durability and bright sound.
Videos
La Carte Musique
Cordes D'Addario 9 42 pour guitare électrique. EXL 120.
Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 4 Reviews and 29 Ratings
150
Very nice feel.
Currently have these on my Les Paul, these strings has a very smooth feel and it sounds really great. However the last 3 strings rust really quickly and lost that smooth feel - though my fingers are very sweaty during plays or its either my place was just humid.
Artist usage
Add artist
Guitar.com: What brand and gauge of strings are you using?
King: D'Addario. I use different gauges, depending on the tuning. For D#, I use .009-.042. For C#, I use .010-.046 and if we drop-D, I put a .056 on the bottom, instead of the .046.
Used on Orchid and Morningrise, before switching to 10's on My Arms Your Hearse and onward.
Used for C'est Chic, particularly on "Le Freak", as stated by this February 3, 2020 Guitar World article.
The Neve console’s 31102 mic preamp/EQ channel strip generously reduces bass (to provide extra room for Bernard Edwards’ booty-shaking bass low-end thump), while a miked Deluxe Reverb recorded simultaneously on a second track mixed below the direct track preserves body.
(...) Original gear
Guitar: 1960 Fender Stratocaster with maple 1959 neck and hardtail bridge (neck pickup only), Master Volume: 10, Neck Tone: 10
Direct input: Neve 8068 console with 31102 channel strips (Mic Preamp Level: -30dB, High Frequency: 12kHz, HF Level: +6dB, Mid Frequency: 4.8kHz, MF level: +4dB, Hi Q: On, Low Frequency: 220Hz, LF Level: -6dB, High Pass Filter: 160Hz, Low Pass Filter: off)
Amp: c. 1968-77 Fender Deluxe Reverb (Normal Channel input 1, Volume: 4, Treble: 7, Bass: 5) with Oxford 12K5 12-inch speaker
Effects (outboard): Neve 33609 compressor (settings unknown), Pultec EQP 1A3 2-Band EQ (settings unknown)
Strings/Tuning: D’Addario XL120 .009-.042/Standard
Pick: Fender Thin
A user-uploaded photo of Jeff Hanneman's rig diagram shows he uses D'Addario EXL120 Nickelwound Guitar Strings (9-42), likely for tuning in E flat/D#.
In the article and the video, Scott says he switched back to using D'Addario 9-42 for standard tuning, as that's what he says in used back in the 80s.
In a Premier Guitar Rig Rundown featured on BraveWords, Russ Parrish, also known as Satchel from Steel Panther, discusses using D'Addario EXL120 Nickelwound Guitar Strings (9-42) for his setup.
According to Premier Guitar 2021 interview with James, he uses D'Addario 9-42 EXL120 string set. This set is signficantly lighter than James' previous gauges. James describes the switch to lighter gauge as follows:
Opting for a slim neck is just one of the ways James has adapted his rig to his carpal tunnel issues. He's also switched to lighter string gauges. "It's helped a lot," he says. "I broke strings a lot in the old days. Before I had a guitar tech, I had to use .011s so I would make it through the show. I went down to .010s for a long time. This tour, we went down to .009s, and it's been incredible—the ease of playing. I went to extra-light gauge on the acoustic, too. I also try to limber up and do stretches. I hope I don't have to have surgery. And I have braces I wear when I sleep."
You can see Mikio talking about strings in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4OZEc20DBg
On his official website, Jim Campilongo says, "D'Addario EXL120 strings for the Tele..."
Serge Tabachnikov, known for previously using Ernie Ball, Dunlop, and Rotosound strings in calibers 10-46 and 10-52, now prefers D'Addario EXL120 Nickelwound Guitar Strings in 9-42 gauge. In his YouTube video titled "Распаковка посылки от D'Addario," he shares that these lighter strings offer him greater comfort, despite his earlier reservations about using 9-gauge strings.
Album Usage
The D'Addario EXL120 Nickelwound Guitar Strings 9-42 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 EXL120 Nickelwound Guitar Strings 9-42, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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