D&#39;Addario EXL160BT 50-120 Balanced Tension Medium / Long Scale Set

$23.99

4.8 (2324)

$21.99 New

$13.38 Used (Very Good)

5.0 (1)

$20.95 13 available New

5.0 (5)

$23.99

$21.99

4.7 (311)

$19.40 $18.90 $0.50 · All time low

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "D'Addario EXL160BT 50-120 Balanced Tension Medium / Long Scale Set". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Unlock the full potential of your bass with the D'Addario EXL160BT 50-120 Balanced Tension Medium/Long Scale Set. Engineered for exceptional control and playing comfort, these strings feature mathematically optimized gauge combinations that eliminate the tension disparities often found in traditional sets. This results in a consistent feel across all strings, making your transitions between bending, fretting, plucking, and slapping seamless and intuitive.

Crafted with precision, each string is wound with nickel-plated steel, renowned for its bright tone and excellent magnetic output. This gives you a dynamic and versatile sound that suits all playing styles, whether you're laying down a funky groove or powering through rock anthems. Moreover, D'Addario's advanced manufacturing techniques ensure each string offers clear intonation and unparalleled consistency, making them a favorite among bassists worldwide.

Sustainability meets quality with environmentally friendly, corrosion-resistant packaging that keeps your strings fresh and ready for action. Proudly made in the U.S.A., these strings embody a legacy of craftsmanship that dates back over 300 years, ensuring you get the highest quality and performance with every set.

Key Features:

Balanced Tension sets allow for evenly balanced bending, fretting, plucking, and slapping
Round wound with nickel-plated steel for distinctive bright tone
Environmentally friendly, corrosion-resistant packaging for fresh strings
Made in the U.S.A. for the highest quality and performance
String Gauges: Wound .050, .067, .090, .120

Product specs

Guitar Type	Electric Bass
Number of Strings	4
Coated	No
Gauges	.050, .067, .090, .120
Winding Type	Round Wound
Core Material	Hexagonal Steel
Winding Material	Nickel Plated Steel
Scale Length	Long, 36.875"

FAQs

What is the benefit of using D'Addario EXL160BT balanced tension strings for my bass guitar?: D'Addario EXL160BT strings offer balanced tension across all strings, providing a more even feel and consistent playability. This can enhance your control and precision, making them ideal for players who seek uniform tension for techniques like fingerstyle or slap bass.
Are these D'Addario EXL160BT strings suitable for long scale bass guitars?: Yes, the D'Addario EXL160BT strings are specifically designed for long scale bass guitars with a scale length of up to 36.875 inches, ensuring proper fit and performance.
What kind of sound can I expect from the D'Addario EXL160BT nickel wound strings?: These nickel wound strings provide a bright and punchy tone with excellent clarity and sustain, making them versatile for various music genres, from rock to funk.
Do the D'Addario EXL160BT strings have a coating for extended lifespan?: No, the D'Addario EXL160BT strings are not coated. They are made from nickel-plated steel, which offers a natural feel and sound, though they may require more frequent changes compared to coated strings.
What are the gauges of the D'Addario EXL160BT string set?: The D'Addario EXL160BT string set includes gauges .050, .067, .090, and .120, providing a medium tension setup for balanced playability and tone.

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Reviews

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PROS

Excellent for low tunings; maintains tension in C Standard and Drop C
Balanced tension enhances playability, especially for finger players
Fuller, richer sound transforms bass tone from muddy to bright
Strings fit snugly in the nut without popping out
Maintains excellent tone even after extended playing hours
Longevity and durability praised by seasoned musicians
Bright sound quality ideal for various musical styles
Suitable for both standard and alternate tunings without floppiness
Value for money, often cheaper than other premium strings
Quick tuning stability; settles into tune rapidly

CONS

Slightly less comfortable than flat wound strings
One instance of a string shipped with a mellow sound, possibly a shipping error

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about D'Addario EXL160BT 50-120 Balanced Tension Medium / Long Scale Set.

Setup and maintenance

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D'Addario EXL160BT 50-120 balanced tension strings are praised for maintaining tension in drop D, avoiding the floppiness seen with previous 45-105 sets.
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Users have found that the 50-120 set can be effective for C standard tuning, offering a deeper tone and cleaner overtones without excessive tension.
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A player using a 135-gauge string for A standard tuning suggests a looser setup for enhanced playability and tone.
Source

Mods and upgrades

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Switching to D'Addario EXL160BT may require nut work, although some users report they did not need any adjustments.
Source

Use cases and applications

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These strings are favored for genres like church music where a balance of brightness and low-end is desired, even when downtuning to drop C.
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The EXL160BT set is recommended for players who frequently tune down, as balanced tension ensures the low string isn't too slack.
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EXL160BT strings are favored for achieving a solid low C in CGCF tuning without floppiness, ideal for downtuned genres.
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User experience

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Owners find the balanced tension feature to be effective and not merely a marketing claim, improving playability and feel.
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Bassists using Ernie Ball Cobalt Flatwounds note similar tension to nickel roundwounds, simplifying transitions without major intonation adjustments.
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Owners with nickel allergies find Rotosound Swing Bass 66s to be the only suitable option, indicating hypoallergenic properties.
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Comparisons

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Some bassists prefer a 40-55-75-110 gauge set, finding it feels more balanced than D'Addario's BT set, especially for drop C# tuning.
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For those preferring D'Addario, the EXL170BT set (45-60-80-107) is another balanced option that avoids over-tight D and A strings.
Source
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Users frequently contrast D'Addario EXL160BT with Rotosound Swing Bass 66, noting the latter's brighter sound and suitability for rock and metal.
Source

Features and functionality

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The balanced tension of D'Addario EXL170BT is highlighted for its stability in standard tuning and its affordability as a workhorse set.
Source

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 2 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

antoinepf

109

about 5 years ago

Really good and balanced

This is a really great set to tune in Standard D or in Drop C. I use it as my main bass strings set and I never had any problem.

Roles:

Bassist Composer Music Producer

Genres:

Metal

thewolfman

145

over 6 years ago

BEST BASS STRINGS EVER!

Never thought I'd love these as much as I did but the 120 on the bottom E is something my bass has been missing for a long time, never going back!

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