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Based on price data from 4 merchants for "D'Addario EXL140 Nickelwound Guitar Strings 10-52". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Unlock the sonic potential of your electric guitar with the D’Addario EXL140 Nickelwound Guitar Strings 10-52. Known for their remarkable versatility, these strings are crafted to elevate your musical expression, whether you're riffing in a garage or gracing a grand stage. Their nickel-plated steel wrap wire is meticulously wound around a hexagonal steel core, offering a bright, punchy tone with exceptional clarity and dynamic range. This unique construction ensures a stable tuning and a smooth playing experience, especially when executing those intricate bends and slides. The light top/heavy bottom gauge (10-52) strikes a perfect balance, offering the ideal mix of comfort and depth, making it a favorite among guitarists who need to bridge between rhythm and lead with ease.
D'Addario has been synonymous with quality and innovation in string-making for centuries, and their XL Nickel Wound series is no exception. The precision winding technique guarantees consistency, ensuring every set feels just right. Plus, the corrosion-resistant packaging and color-coded ball ends simplify string changes and maintain freshness. Join the community of musicians who trust D'Addario for their string needs and experience the difference in your sound.
Key Features:
- Nickel-plated steel wrap wire for bright, versatile tone
- Hexagonal steel core for stability and improved intonation
- Light top/heavy bottom gauge (10-52) for balanced playability
- Roundwound construction for a familiar feel
- Precision winding for consistent quality
- 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
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What is the gauge range of the D'Addario EXL140 Nickelwound Guitar Strings?
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The D'Addario EXL140 strings have a gauge range of .010 to .052, featuring a light top and heavy bottom setup, which is ideal for players seeking a balance between comfortable lead playing and powerful rhythm tones.
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Are D'Addario EXL140 strings suitable for drop tuning?
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Yes, the heavy bottom strings (.052) of the D'Addario EXL140 set provide increased tension, making them suitable for drop tunings while maintaining stable intonation and clear tone.
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What type of winding is used on the D'Addario EXL140 strings?
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The D'Addario EXL140 strings use nickel-plated steel round wound winding, offering a bright, articulate tone with excellent magnetic output, perfect for a variety of musical styles.
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Are the D'Addario EXL140 strings coated?
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No, the D'Addario EXL140 strings are not coated, which allows for a more natural feel and traditional tone compared to coated strings.
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What is the core material of the D'Addario EXL140 strings?
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The core material of the D'Addario EXL140 strings is steel, providing durability and a strong, consistent tone across all six strings.
Videos
Rob Chapman
D'Addario String Gauge Shoot Out - Can You Tell The Difference??
Reviews
PROS
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Excellent balance for hard riffs and fast solos
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Long-lasting strings with consistent intonation
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Retain bright tone and zing longer
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Airtight packaging prevents corrosion
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Ideal for Drop D and other dropped tunings
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Strong bottom end, perfect for power chords
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Tight feel compared to other brands
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High fidelity sound suitable for various styles
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Do not break as quickly as some competitors
CONS
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Colored ball ends may not suit all guitar aesthetics
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about D'Addario EXL140 Nickelwound Guitar Strings 10-52.
Comparisons
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Owners compare D'Addario EXL140 to Ernie Ball Paradigm, noting Paradigm's durability under heavy tremolo use but similar sound longevity to regular Ernie Balls.
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D'Addario NYXL strings are noted for their balanced tension, offering smoother playability compared to regular sets, important for tremolo systems.
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Setup and maintenance
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Floyd Rose users find balanced tension strings beneficial for smoother playing, affecting techniques like bending and tapping.
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The 10-52 gauge may require a truss rod adjustment for increased tension and nut modifications to accommodate the larger diameter strings.
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Some users experience string snapping on the low strings due to lack of flexibility between the saddle and bridge plate under aggressive playing.
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Use cases and applications
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For Drop D tuning on Floyd Rose systems, heavier gauge strings are recommended to maintain tension, as lighter gauges like 9s may require setup adjustments.
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The 52 gauge low E string is beneficial for Drop D tuning, although some are not fans of the increased tension on the D and A strings.
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Owners with a heavy touch notice that the 10-52 strings offer greater resistance, which can be ideal for aggressive playing styles.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 4 Reviews and 27 Ratings
1562
Feel nice
I prefer Exl 115 but this is what was there at the time and it’s better than I thought it would be
Artist usage
Add artist
As you can see in this interview, Edge's tech, Dalas Schoo, gives detailed info on the gear used by the guitarist during the 360º tour.
Q : Do you also stick to specific picks and strings?
Yes, absolutely. I’ve been using D’Addario .010–.052 XLs for 40 years. They sent me the New York ones, and I went back to the old ones. In every tuning, too! Open C, open B, standard—it’s all .010–.052s.
Mentions using heavy bottom strings on the Ghost Reveries tour, and the band had D'addario on the inside of the Roundhouse Tapes cd.
Tuned down a half-step and strung with D’Addario EXL140s (.010-.052), Myles Kennedy’s No. 1 is this PRS SC 245
According to Premier Guitar's rig rundown, Brubaker uses D'Addario strings on his Ibanez RG121.
EXL140 Nickel Wound are my go-to strings for my "D" tune Teles. Lots of pop and snap
In a Google Docs document titled "Grensan Setup/Gear," Glen Thomas mentions using D'Addario EXL140 Nickelwound Guitar Strings (10-52) for his guitar setup.
Album Usage
The D'Addario EXL140 Nickelwound Guitar Strings 10-52 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 EXL140 Nickelwound Guitar Strings 10-52, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Similar
Add recommendation1 alternative for D'Addario EXL140 Nickelwound Guitar Strings 10-52, curated by the Equipboard community.
$4.99 - $8.99
Same gauge strings just different brands. And the d‘addarios tend to cost less
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