D&#39;Addario EXL160BT Balanced Tension Bass Strings

$23.99

4.8 (2324)

$21.99

5.0 (1)

$20.95 13 available New

5.0 (5)

$23.99

$21.99

4.7 (311)

$19.50 $19.40 $0.10 · All time low

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "D'Addario EXL160BT Balanced Tension Bass Strings". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Discover a new level of playing precision with the D'Addario EXL160BT Balanced Tension Bass Strings. These strings are designed for bass players who crave consistency across their instrument. Each string is crafted with mathematically optimized gauge combinations, ensuring that every note you play is met with evenly balanced tension. This ensures greater control and comfort as you move seamlessly from bending to plucking, fretting, and slapping.

The strings are round wound with nickel-plated steel, producing a bright, clear tone that cuts through any mix, making them ideal for a versatile range of styles and genres. Whether you're in the studio or on stage, these strings promise a dynamic response and excellent magnetic output, delivering a sound that's both powerful and nuanced.

Engineered with precision and wrapped on digitally-controlled machines, the D'Addario EXL160BT strings offer excellent intonation and unparalleled consistency. Plus, they come in environmentally friendly, corrosion-resistant packaging, ensuring that your strings remain fresh. Proudly made in the U.S.A., these strings embody over 300 years of string-making tradition, offering both quality and innovation to musicians everywhere.

Key Features:

Balanced tension for consistent feel and control
Round wound with nickel-plated steel for bright tone
Gauges: .050, .067, .090, .120
Long scale, medium gauge
Environmentally friendly, corrosion-resistant packaging
Made in the U.S.A. for superior quality and performance

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 Bass Strings?: The D'Addario EXL160BT Balanced Tension Bass Strings offer a consistent feel across all strings, providing improved playability and even response. This balance helps bassists achieve more accurate dynamics and articulation.
Are the D'Addario EXL160BT strings suitable for all playing styles?: Yes, these strings are versatile and suitable for various playing styles, including fingerstyle, slap, and pick playing. The nickel-plated steel provides a bright, punchy tone that fits well in many musical genres.
What is the gauge range for the D'Addario EXL160BT strings?: The D'Addario EXL160BT strings have a gauge range of .050 to .120, making them medium gauge strings that offer a balanced tension ideal for most 4-string bass guitars.
Do D'Addario EXL160BT strings fit long-scale bass guitars?: Yes, these strings are designed for long-scale bass guitars with a scale length of up to 36.875 inches, ensuring proper fit and optimal performance.
What type of winding is used in D'Addario EXL160BT strings?: The D'Addario EXL160BT strings feature round wound winding with nickel-plated steel, which delivers a bright and clear tone with excellent sustain and intonation.

Reviews

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PROS

Ideal for low tunings like C Standard or Drop C
Balanced tension enhances playability and fingerstyle riffs
Fuller, richer sound with exceptional clarity and resonance
Long-lasting with excellent tone retention over time
Wide range of gauges available for customization
Great for various genres and playing styles
Bright sound that enhances bass's tonal character
Consistent high-quality with few reports of dud strings
Good value for money compared to other brands

CONS

Some may need to file the nut for thicker strings to fit
Higher tension might take some getting used to
Not optimal for players who want a softer, mellower sound

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about D'Addario EXL160BT Balanced Tension Bass Strings.

Use cases and applications

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The D'Addario EXL160BT strings perform well in Drop C tuning (CGCF), maintaining a firm low C without being floppy.
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Although some prefer custom gauges for specific tunings, the EXL160BT is a preferred choice for maintaining standard and drop tunings without needing additional string tension adjustments.
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Players using a P-bass knockoff for BEAD tuning report the D'Addario EXL160BT as a suitable choice for maintaining tension without requiring modifications to the nut.
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Some users replace the 120 gauge with a 135 for Drop A# tuning, adapting the set for heavier styles.
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User experience

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Owners appreciate the balanced tension of the EXL160BT, particularly enjoying the even feel across all strings during play.
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These strings are favored for their affordability and reliability, serving as a solid workhorse option for various playing styles.
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Some users prefer the lighter feel of a 60-120 set for BEAD tuning, noting it preserves the playability and ease of vibrato similar to lighter standard tuning setups.
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Players who transition to the EXL160BT for C Standard tuning appreciate its suitability across various subgenres of metal.
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Comparisons

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Users transitioning from other sets note that the EXL160BT provides a more consistent string-to-string balance than traditional 5-string sets used for drop tunings.
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The EXL160BT's .120 gauge string is highlighted as a cost-effective option compared to heavier 130 gauge strings typically found in 5-string sets.
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Compared to DR DDT sets, the EXL160BT is noted for its balanced feel without the need for custom gauges or extended scale lengths.
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Setup and maintenance

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Owners note that using a .120 gauge string in BEAD tuning offers balanced tension without needing a long scale bass, counter to the typical 130 or 135 gauge in standard 5-string sets.
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Owners using the EXL160BT for Drop C report minimal adjustments needed for nut and action, highlighting its ease of setup.
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Features and functionality

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The EXL160BT is praised for its ability to maintain tension without requiring a long scale bass, especially in lower tunings like Drop B or C#.
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5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

brandon_bolderoff

770

about 11 years ago

thick E string

i'm probably never going to try a non-balanced set of strings again. every bassist should try a balance set of strings. i had to file down the nut for the E string to fit, so you may have to too. I'd like the E and A string to have a little more tension, even though they are a major improvement from my last set. the E string is so metal.

update: im playing swing 66 rotosounds at the moment. i'm missing the thicker e string.

Artist usage

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Nick Cageao

Bassist

Mutoid Man

Verified via Premierguitar

Nick Cageao uses D'Addario EXL160BT Balanced Tension Bass Strings, as detailed in the Premier Guitar article "Mutoid Man’s Stephen Brodsky and Nick Cageao: Prog Punk Alchemists."

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 EXL160BT Balanced Tension Bass Strings, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Moog EP-3 Expression Pedal Expression Effects Pedals

Fuzzrocious Pedals Custom A/B/Y Splitter Switch Effects Pedals

First Act Custom Bass Electric Basses

Ampeg V-4B Bass Amplifier Heads

MXR M85 Bass Distortion Bass Effects Pedals

Dunlop Jazz III Picks Picks & Pick Holders

Peavey Mark IV Series 400 Bass Amp Bass Amplifier Heads

Boss TU-2 Chromatic Tuner Pedal Tuners

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