Pricing and availability

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

Sweetwater
3.5 (3)
$15.99
Guitar Center
5.0 (3)
$23.99
Amazon
4.7 (1559)
$15.99
Reverb
5.0 (5)
$18.98 25 available New
Musician's Friend
5.0 (4)
$23.99
Thomann
4.7 (70)
$21.40 $20.90 $0.50 · All time low

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "D'Addario EXL160S Nickel Wound Bass Guitar Strings, Medium, 50-105, Short Scale". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Elevate your groove with the D'Addario EXL160S Nickel Wound Bass Guitar Strings, tailored for the short-scale bassist seeking a blend of bright attack and thunderous low-end. These medium gauge strings are perfect for basses up to 32" in scale length, offering unmatched consistency and tone for your musical explorations. Designed with the discerning musician in mind, they bring life to your bass, ensuring every note is heard in full, vibrant detail.

Key Features:

  • Gauge sizes: .050, .070, .085, .105 for versatile playing styles
  • Crafted with a hex-shaped high carbon steel core for enhanced durability
  • Round wound with nickel-plated steel, striking a balance between brightness and deep bass
  • Proudly made in the U.S.A., featuring eco-friendly, corrosion-resistant packaging

Product specs

Guitar Type Electric Bass
Number of Strings 4
Coated No
Gauges .050, .070, .085, .105
Winding Type Round Wound
Core Material Hexagonal Steel
Winding Material Nickel Plated Steel
Scale Length Short, 32"

FAQs

Are D'Addario EXL160S strings suitable for short scale bass guitars?

Yes, the D'Addario EXL160S strings are specifically designed for short scale bass guitars, providing optimal tension and playability for instruments with a 32" scale length.

What tone characteristics can I expect from D'Addario EXL160S Nickel Wound Bass Strings?

These strings offer a bright and punchy tone with excellent clarity, thanks to their nickel-plated steel winding. They are ideal for genres requiring a strong midrange presence and articulate sound.

What is the gauge of D'Addario EXL160S strings, and how does it affect playability?

The D'Addario EXL160S strings have a medium gauge of .050, .070, .085, .105. This gauge provides a balanced tension, making them versatile for various playing styles while delivering a robust tone.

Are these D'Addario EXL160S strings coated?

No, the D'Addario EXL160S strings are not coated. They are round wound with nickel-plated steel, offering a traditional feel and sound without the added longevity of coated strings.

How do D'Addario EXL160S strings differ from other round wound bass strings?

The EXL160S strings use a hexagonal steel core and nickel-plated steel winding, providing a consistent feel and reliable intonation. They are tailored for short scale basses, unlike many standard round wound strings.

Reviews

PROS

  • High gauge solves floppy string problem for short scale basses

  • Consistent, bright, and growly tone as needed

  • Excellent match for Fender Mustang short scale bass

  • Long-lasting and solid construction

  • Smooth feel with reduced finger noise compared to other round wounds

  • Balanced tension improves bass feel and playability

  • Affordable pricing compared to other brands

  • Versatile across various short and full-scale bass guitars

  • Deep tone with great magnetic quality

CONS

  • E string taper issues on some basses, causing fit problems

4.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings

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Artist usage

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See how Mike Kerr uses D'Addario EXL160S Nickel Wound Bass Guitar Strings, Medium, 50-105, Short Scale

Mike Kerr

Singer, Bassist

Royal Blood

...
Verified via Daddario

Mike Kerr has said on the D'addario website "We love D'Addario - they really helped us out from day 1", and if you look closely at his Gretsch or Fender bass on there Reading live 2015 concert, if you look closely at the bridge, the ball end of his strings are clearly D'addario strings.

See how Wolfgang Van Halen uses D'Addario EXL160S Nickel Wound Bass Guitar Strings, Medium, 50-105, Short Scale

Wolfgang Van Halen

Singer, Guitarist

Van Halen

...
Verified via Daddario

Wolfgang Van Halen states he uses these strings on the D'addario website

See how James Eller uses D'Addario EXL160S Nickel Wound Bass Guitar Strings, Medium, 50-105, Short Scale

James Eller

Bassist, Composer

The The

...
Verified via Nordstrand Audio

I exclusively use D’Addario strings, EXL170s and 160s, with ECB80 Chromes on my fretless basses.

See how Owen McMahon uses D'Addario EXL160S Nickel Wound Bass Guitar Strings, Medium, 50-105, Short Scale

Owen McMahon

Bassist

Cherubs

...
Verified via YouTube

In the GEAR MASTERS Episode 338 on Digital Tour Bus, Owen McMahon of Cherubs discusses using D'Addario EXL160S Nickel Wound Bass Guitar Strings, Medium, 50-105, Short Scale. At 1:04 in the video, he mentions their early adoption of recycled materials, which he found impressive.

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 EXL160S Nickel Wound Bass Guitar Strings, Medium, 50-105, Short Scale, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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