D&#39;Addario EXL140-8 Nickel Wound, 8-String, Light Top/Heavy Bottom, 10-74

4.5 (3)

$14.99

4.5 (217)

$12.99

5.0 (1)

$9.99 33 available New

3.0 (7)

$14.99

4.6 (137)

$14.90 $14.60 $0.30 · All time low

£14.26

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "D'Addario EXL140-8 Nickel Wound, 8-String, Light Top/Heavy Bottom, 10-74". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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The D'Addario EXL140-8 strings are a musician's dream. Crafted meticulously for 8-string guitars, these strings are made to sing in low F#, bringing out a unique, bright sound that's sure to take your music to the next level. They have been engineered for an extended lifespan, so you can count on a consistently superior performance.

With a hex-shaped high carbon steel core, these strings offer unmatched tone and durability. They're round wound with nickel-plated steel for the kind of bright tonality that makes every note pop. Additionally, you can feel good about your purchase knowing they're made in the U.S.A in environmentally friendly, corrosion-resistant packing.

Key Features:

Sizes - .010, .013, .017, .030, .042, .054, .064, .074
Hex-shaped high carbon steel core
Round wound with nickel-plated steel for bright tonality
Made in the U.S.A in environmentally friendly, corrosion-resistant packing.

Product specs

Guitar Type	8-string Electric Guitar
Number of Strings	8
Coated	No
Gauges	.010, .013, .017p, .030w, .042, .054, .064, .074
Core Material	Steel
Winding Material	Nickel Plated Steel
Winding Type	Round Wound

FAQs

What is the gauge range for the D'Addario EXL140-8 strings?: The D'Addario EXL140-8 strings have a gauge range from .010 to .074, offering a light top and heavy bottom configuration ideal for 8-string electric guitars.
Are D'Addario EXL140-8 strings suitable for drop tuning?: Yes, the light top/heavy bottom design of the D'Addario EXL140-8 strings makes them well-suited for drop tuning, providing a balanced tension and powerful low-end response.
What is the core material of the D'Addario EXL140-8 strings?: The D'Addario EXL140-8 strings feature a steel core, which contributes to their strength and durability.
How does the nickel-plated steel winding affect the tone of the D'Addario EXL140-8 strings?: The nickel-plated steel winding on the D'Addario EXL140-8 strings delivers a bright, articulate tone with excellent sustain, making them ideal for a variety of playing styles.
Are the D'Addario EXL140-8 strings coated?: No, the D'Addario EXL140-8 strings are not coated, which allows for a natural feel and traditional tone.

Reviews

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PROS

Crisp, clear tone enhances 8-string sound quality.
Ideal tension for heavy rhythm playing.
Great fit for shorter scale lengths, like 25.5" and 26".
Bright sound due to nickel-wound construction.
Good interaction with passive pickups, enhancing clarity.
Rarely break when properly installed and stretched.
Consistent sound even after visible tarnishing.
Excellent for djent and metal genres.
Highly recommended for live performances due to clarity.
Well-regarded in the ERG community.

CONS

Unbalanced tension, especially noticeable on longer scales.
Quick oxidation compared to competitors.
Not durable on 28" scale; taper issues on low strings.
High tension can be too much for some players.
Light top strings may feel too tight on 27" scale.
More effort required for long playing sessions.
Some players experience frequent string breakage.
Less longevity compared to coated alternatives.
Not suitable for players preferring lighter strings.
Heavy bottom not ideal for all genres.

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about D'Addario EXL140-8 Nickel Wound, 8-String, Light Top/Heavy Bottom, 10-74.

Features and functionality

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D'Addario EXL140-8 strings offer reliable tuning stability and longevity, even for those who don't play in bands or change strings frequently.
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The 74-gauge string provides more bass and less attack, suitable for those who prefer a deeper tone in lower tunings.
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Use cases and applications

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The light top/heavy bottom gauge (10-74) is ideal for players who switch between heavy rhythm sections and intricate solos, providing a versatile playing experience.
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The set is favored for Drop F# and G# tunings on multi-scale guitars, especially for those who utilize digital pitch shifting.
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User experience

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Owners appreciate the strings' ability to resist oxidation, making them suitable for extended use without frequent changes.
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Owners have experienced a darker tone with the 74-gauge string, which may not suit those who prefer a brighter, more twangy sound.
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Comparisons

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Compared to other brands like Ernie Ball, D'Addario strings are praised for not breaking easily and maintaining their quality over time.
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In comparison to Ernie Ball 10-62, the D'Addario set offers better tension for Drop G tuning, although personal preference plays a significant role.
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Ernie Ball strings are noted for losing brightness after a week, whereas D'Addario strings maintain tonal quality longer, according to user experiences.
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Setup and maintenance

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Users have noted that using a 74-gauge string might require nut filing for proper fit, particularly if switching back from lighter strings.
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Mods and upgrades

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Some users recommend upgrading pickups like Lundgren Black Heaven and M7 for enhanced clarity in low tunings with the D'Addario set.
Source

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4.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings

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Artist usage

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Tosin Abasi

Guitarist

Animals as Leaders

Verified via Daddario

Tosin is partners with D'addario, who gives information on the strings Tosin uses. He's used two types of string from D'Addario, the EXL 128, and EXL 140 strings.

Mike Stringer

Guitarist

Spiritbox

Verified via Photo

In this Instagram story post from 9/2/2022 his preferred string gauge is used. Mike says he removes .64 from the set.

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 EXL140-8 Nickel Wound, 8-String, Light Top/Heavy Bottom, 10-74, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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