D&#39;Addario EXL120 XL Nickel Wound Electric Guitar Strings - .009-.042 Super Light

5.0 (68)

$8.49 $6.49 $2.00 · All time low

4.8 (9715)

Used

5.0 (21)

$8.49 $6.49 $2.00 · All time low

5.0 (11)

$8.49

4.7 (1909)

$6.70 $6.60 $0.10 · All time low

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "D'Addario EXL120 XL Nickel Wound Electric Guitar Strings - .009-.042 Super Light". 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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Step up your guitar playing experience with the D'Addario EXL120 XL Nickel Wound Electric Guitar Strings - .009-.042 Super Light. Renowned as a "player's choice" amongst musicians of all genres, these strings are the perfect blend of versatility, durability and dynamic tone.

Crafted with a high carbon steel core and nickel-plated steel wrap wire, the EXL120 strings output a distinct bright, balanced sound with excellent intonation. They are designed to be flexible and easy to bend, making them ideal for a wide range of musical applications and playing styles. Whether you're into rock, blues, jazz, or country, these strings can adapt to your needs.

These strings are not just about providing great sound, they are built to last. Manufactured by D'Addario, the world's largest string manufacturer, they are precision wound and highly polished to reduce premature fret wear. Their corrosion resistance helps to avoid tone dulling and with proper care, they can deliver dynamic tone and playability for an extended period.

From practicing and recording to performing, the D'Addario EXL120 Nickel Super Light Electric Guitar Strings are your go-to choice for an all-around performing string set.

Key Features:

High carbon steel core and nickel-plated steel wrap wire for bright and well-balanced sound
Super light gauge (.009-.042) for versatility in various musical applications and playing styles
Precision wound and highly polished for reduced fret wear
Corrosion-resistant for long-lasting performance
Produced by D'Addario, a leading name in the string manufacturing industry
Ideal for a range of genres like rock, blues, jazz, country, and more
Easy to bend and flexible for comfortable playing experience
Bright tone with excellent intonation
Durable and long-lasting with proper care and maintenance

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

What is the gauge of the D'Addario EXL120 XL Nickel Wound Electric Guitar Strings?: The D'Addario EXL120 XL strings have a super light gauge of .009, .011, .016, .024, .032, and .042, making them ideal for easy bending and fast playing styles.
Are D'Addario EXL120 XL strings suitable for beginners?: Yes, the super light gauge of the D'Addario EXL120 XL strings makes them easier to play, reducing finger fatigue and making them a good choice for beginners.
What type of winding is used in D'Addario EXL120 XL strings?: The D'Addario EXL120 XL strings use a round wound construction with nickel-plated steel, providing a bright tone and excellent intonation.
How do D'Addario EXL120 XL strings affect playability?: The super light gauge of the D'Addario EXL120 XL strings enhances playability by allowing easier bending and faster finger movements, which can be beneficial for lead guitar playing and intricate solos.
Are D'Addario EXL120 XL strings coated?: No, the D'Addario EXL120 XL strings are not coated, which means they offer a traditional feel and tone but may require more frequent changes to maintain optimal sound quality.

Reviews

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PROS

Consistent sound and tuning stability over time
Easy bending, suitable for varied playing styles
Great tone and feel, especially for lead and shred
Bright sound that can be manipulated with EQ and pedals
Reliable and durable, lasting longer than many competitors
Hexagonal core design enhances string wrap and durability
Suitable for both long and short scale guitars
Good value, especially in bulk purchases
Minimal break-in time for quick playability
Soft and neutral touch, comfortable for extended playing

CONS

High E string may lack fatness for some genres
Requires adjustment for players accustomed to thicker gauges
Potential nickel allergy concerns for sensitive users
Slightly worn feel compared to higher gauge strings
May not be punchy enough for rhythm-focused players

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about D'Addario EXL120 XL Nickel Wound Electric Guitar Strings - .009-.042 Super Light.

User experience

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D'Addario XL strings are noted for their tuning stability and longevity, but when they degrade, they reportedly do so rapidly, requiring immediate replacement.
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Owners using D'Addario EXL120 nickel wound strings highlight them as the best for achieving optimal tone.
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Users with oily skin report D'Addario strings last significantly longer than Ernie Ball, maintaining a nearly new condition even after extended use.
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Players who perform frequently find D'Addario strings need changing every four weeks on live guitars due to their durability, with no breakage reported even with heavy use.
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Features and functionality

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Users appreciate D'Addario XL strings for their ability to maintain tuning well, even with heavy use of tremolos and bending.
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Value and pricing

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Buying D'Addario EXL120 strings in bulk (25-pack) is a cost-effective strategy for those with multiple guitars, offering significant savings per set.
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Comparisons

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Some players report that D'Addario strings provide a clearer, 'cleaner' sound compared to Ernie Ball, which has a grittier tone, likened to a barroom vibe.
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Dunlop strings are noted to maintain a bright, new sound three times longer than D'Addario strings.
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Rotosound 9's are favored for personal hard-tail guitars, while Paradigm strings are recommended for floating bridges and Evertune systems.
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Fender Bullets in a 9-42 gauge are suggested as an alternative for those seeking a different tone than D'Addario EXL120.
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D'Addario strings are praised for their brighter and janglier tone compared to Ernie Ball, which are noted for a more consistent feel during bends.
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Ernie Ball strings reportedly have a lower nickel content, contributing to a brighter initial sound but faster corrosion compared to D'Addario XL strings.
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Use cases and applications

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D'Addario XL strings are favored for their ability to withstand rigorous play without frequent retuning, making them suitable for live performances and frequent practice.
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Setup and maintenance

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Bulk packs of D'Addario XL strings are preferred in shops for their convenience and ease of use.
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D'Addario strings are said to require a break-in period before gigging, while Ernie Ball strings are ready to use straight from the packet.
Source

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4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

marcoiv

310

over 1 year ago

If you're a rythm guitarist get some Ernie Ball Power Slinky's.

These are very good strings for lead stuff and shred, but I am a rythm guitarist and these strings aren't that punchy*

Preferred Settings + Usage:

Just for leads or shred.

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Bassist

Genres:

Rock Metal old school thrash

Genre Usage

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

Folk, World, & Country

Hard Rock

Indie Rock

Swedish Death Metal

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