Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (4)
$8.49 $6.49 $2.00 · All time low
Guitar Center
5.0 (23)
$8.49 $6.49 $2.00 · All time low
Amazon
4.8 (2228)
$6.49
Musician's Friend
5.0 (29)
$8.49 $6.49 $2.00 · All time low
Thomann
4.7 (771)
$7.40

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "D'Addario EXL140". 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

Looking for a set of strings that hits the sweet spot between light and heavy? The D'Addario EXL140 Nickel Wound Electric Guitar Strings are your new best friend. Crafted with precision, these strings offer a light top and heavy bottom gauge, providing the perfect blend of brightness and depth for versatile playing across genres. Whether you're bending out bluesy solos or laying down heavy riffs, these strings deliver consistent tone and exceptional playability.

Constructed with a nickel-plated steel wrap around a hexagonal steel core, the EXL140s boast a snappy attack and smooth sustain that guitarists worldwide trust. The roundwound construction ensures a familiar feel under your fingers, making them ideal for those who crave a classic touch. Plus, their corrosion-resistant packaging keeps them fresh until you're ready to rock.

D'Addario's meticulous winding technique guarantees uniform feel and sound in every set, while the color-coded ball ends simplify string changes. With over 300 years of string-making expertise, D'Addario continues to be a leader in innovation and quality, and the EXL140 is a testament to their legacy.

Key Features:

  • Light top/heavy bottom gauge (10-52)
  • Nickel-plated steel wrap wire for bright, versatile tone
  • Hexagonal steel core for enhanced stability and intonation
  • Roundwound construction for a traditional playing experience
  • 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 .010, .013, .017, .030, .042, .052
Core Material Steel
Winding Material Nickel Plated Steel
Winding Type Round Wound

FAQs

What are the benefits of the D'Addario EXL140 Light Top/Heavy Bottom string set?

The D'Addario EXL140 strings offer a unique combination of light gauge strings for the treble side and heavier gauge strings for the bass side, providing a balance of easy bending and solid low-end power. This setup is ideal for players who want versatility in both lead and rhythm playing.

Are D'Addario EXL140 strings suitable for drop tuning?

Yes, the heavier bottom strings in the D'Addario EXL140 set make them well-suited for drop tunings, providing better tension and stability for lower tunings without sacrificing playability on the higher strings.

What type of tone can I expect from D'Addario EXL140 strings?

D'Addario EXL140 strings are made with nickel-plated steel, offering a bright, clear tone with excellent intonation and a smooth feel. The round wound construction enhances sustain and harmonic richness, making them versatile for various musical styles.

How does the gauge of D'Addario EXL140 strings affect playability?

The light top strings (.010, .013, .017) offer easier bending and faster playability for solos, while the heavier bottom strings (.030, .042, .052) provide a robust tone and stable tuning for power chords and rhythm playing.

Are D'Addario EXL140 strings suitable for beginners?

Yes, D'Addario EXL140 strings are suitable for beginners who want to explore a range of playing styles. The light top/heavy bottom configuration offers a comfortable balance between ease of play and tonal depth, making them a good choice for learning various techniques.

Rob Chapman

Rob Chapman

D'Addario String Gauge Shoot Out - Can You Tell The Difference??

Video thumbnail for D'Addario String Gauge Shoot Out - Can You Tell The Difference?? by Rob Chapman

D'Addario String Gauge Shoot Out - Can You Tell The Difference??

Rob Chapman

Rob Chapman

Video thumbnail for Heavy Vs Light guitar strings - featuring D'Addario NYXL and XL by Adam Steel

Heavy Vs Light guitar strings - featuring D'Addario NYXL and XL

Adam Steel

Adam Steel

Video thumbnail for Customer Review D'addario EXL140 Electric Guitar Strings by Strings ie

Customer Review D'addario EXL140 Electric Guitar Strings

Strings ie

Strings ie

Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent balance for hard riffs and fast solos

  • Retains bright tone for longer

  • Strings are durable and break-resistant

  • Airtight packaging prevents corrosion

  • Maintains intonation accuracy across sets

  • Ideal for Drop D tuning with tight low end

  • Consistent performance preferred by many guitarists

  • Does not stretch excessively, maintaining tuning stability

  • Offers a "zing" that lasts longer than competitors

CONS

  • Colored ball ends may not aesthetically suit all guitars

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about D'Addario EXL140.

Comparisons

  • It's noted that Ernie Ball Paradigms are compared to D'Addario EXL140s despite being premium vs. regular; the NYXL series is considered a more direct comparison.

    Source
  • Users who switched from Ernie Ball to D'Addario report fewer issues with rust and longer string life.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report that Paradigm strings endure extensive use, maintaining performance for about 150 hours even with heavy whammy bar use.

    Source
  • D'Addario EXL140 strings are preferred for guitars with a 25.5" scale length or greater.

    Source
  • Owners consistently choose D'Addario strings for their durability, noting they don't break as easily as other brands.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Balanced tension strings are highlighted for smoother playability and more consistent tension across strings, beneficial for techniques like bending and tapping.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Switching to heavier gauge strings for drop tuning on a Floyd Rose bridge requires a setup adjustment due to the guitar's sensitivity to gauge changes.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • D'Addario EXL140 10-52 strings are favored for open C tuning by fans of Devin Townsend and Led Zeppelin.

    Source
  • D'Addario 12-60 strings are used for Drop B, B standard, and Bb standard tunings, though they may be too floppy for some preferences.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 7 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
caio_r_santos

Qualidade e durabilidade

Além de qualidade e durabilidade, é parte importante do som de grandes guitarristas consagrados.

temporality

My favorite electric guitar strings

Simple as the title really. Not too heavy, easy to play, but they still sound good

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Dave Mustaine uses D'Addario EXL140

Dave Mustaine

Singer, Guitarist

Metallica

...
Verified via Photo

In this D'Addario magazine, Dave and David recommend D'Addario strings.

See how Bill Kelliher uses D'Addario EXL140

Bill Kelliher

Singer, Guitarist

Mastodon

...
Verified via YouTube

At 6:17 in this rig rundown, Bill says that he uses 10-52 D'Addario strings.

See how Devin Townsend uses D'Addario EXL140

Devin Townsend

Singer, Guitarist

The Wildhearts

...
Verified via YouTube

As of 5:24 in this video, a 10-pack of D'Addario EXL140 can be seen while Devin gives a demonstration of his rig.

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 EXL140, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

More D'Addario Strings

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    jcb333
    jcb333

    Gear IQ 88