D&#39;Addario EXL165-6 Nickel Wound Long Scale Bass Strings (32-135)

5.0 (2)

$32.99

4.5 (163)

$31.99

$28.99 15 available New

$22.87 1 available Used

4.0 (7)

$32.99

4.8 (60)

$31.00 $30.00 $1.00 · All time low

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "D'addario EXL165-6 Nickel Wound Long Scale Bass Strings (32-135)". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

^* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

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Elevate your bass playing with the D'Addario EXL165-6 Nickel Wound Long Scale Bass Strings, a perfect blend of light and medium gauges tailored for 6-string basses. With a unique combination of lighter top strings and medium bottom strings, these strings deliver a bright, full-bodied sound that bassists crave. Whether you’re slapping, plucking, or fingerpicking, the EXL165-6 set offers exceptional playability and a consistent tone that cuts through the mix.

Crafted with a hex-shaped high carbon steel core and wrapped in nickel-plated steel, these strings provide a smooth, comfortable feel and a responsive touch. The nickel-plated steel wrap wire enhances magnetic output, ensuring your bass lines resonate with clarity and precision. Known for their unparalleled consistency, these strings are precision-wound on D'Addario's state-of-the-art computer-controlled machines, guaranteeing excellent intonation and a long-lasting performance.

Designed for the modern bassist, the D'Addario EXL165-6 strings are versatile enough to suit a wide range of musical genres, from jazz and blues to rock and metal. Plus, they come in environmentally friendly, corrosion-resistant packaging, reflecting D'Addario's commitment to sustainability without compromising quality.

Key Features:

Hybrid gauge set: Light top (.032, .045, .065) and Medium bottom (.085, .105, .135)
Long scale, suitable for 6-string bass guitars
Round wound with nickel-plated steel for bright tonality
Hex-shaped high carbon steel core for enhanced durability
Made in the U.S.A with eco-friendly packaging

Product specs

Guitar Type	Electric Bass
Number of Strings	6
Coated	No
Gauges	.032, .045, .065, .085, .105, .135
Winding Type	Round Wound
Core Material	Hexagonal Steel
Winding Material	Nickel Plated Steel
Scale Length	Long, 36.875"

FAQs

Are the D'Addario EXL165-6 strings suitable for a 6-string long scale bass?: Yes, the D'Addario EXL165-6 strings are designed specifically for 6-string long scale basses, with a scale length of 36.875 inches.
What are the gauges of the D'Addario EXL165-6 bass strings?: The D'Addario EXL165-6 bass strings have gauges of .032, .045, .065, .085, .105, and .135.
What is the winding type and material of the D'Addario EXL165-6 strings?: The D'Addario EXL165-6 strings are round wound with nickel-plated steel, offering a bright tone and good durability.
Do the D'Addario EXL165-6 bass strings have a coating?: No, the D'Addario EXL165-6 bass strings are not coated, providing a natural feel and traditional tone.
What core material is used in the D'Addario EXL165-6 bass strings?: The D'Addario EXL165-6 bass strings use a hexagonal steel core for enhanced tuning stability and intonation.

Reviews

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PROS

Excellent string-to-string tone consistency across the set
Balanced tension enhances playability and feel
Affordable price for high-quality performance
Long-lasting with solid construction
Great clarity in highs and punchy lows
Versatility in sound, suitable for various music genres
Consistent quality over many years of use
Retains bright sound longer than expected for nickel strings
Suitable for both fingerstyle and pick playing

CONS

.135 string may not fit all bass saddles
Initial "hardness" might cause finger sensitivity
Some users find the low B string lacks longevity
Brightness diminishes quicker than some competitors
Unusual string gauges may not suit all preferences

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about D'addario EXL165-6 Nickel Wound Long Scale Bass Strings (32-135).

Use cases and applications

0 0

D'Addario EXL165-6 strings are favored for heavier styles and occasional funk on 6-string basses, providing a punchy and bright tone.
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Comparisons

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D'Addario EXL165 strings are compared to the EXL170s, with users switching to NYXLs for extended lifespan and tonal preference after 6-7 months of use.
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User experience

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Owners report satisfaction using EXL165 strings across various genres, highlighting their versatility and balanced sound profile for rock, metal, and jazz.
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Artist usage

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Felipe Andreoli

Bassist, Composer

Angra

Verified via YouTube

In a video presented by Musical Express titled "Felipe Andreoli | Setup D'Addario para Baixo," bassist Felipe Andreoli confirms his use of D'Addario EXL165-6 Nickel Wound Long Scale Bass Strings (32-135). He discusses the strings and accessories he utilizes in his daily musical activities, highlighting his long-term endorsement and use of D'Addario products.

Humberto Gessinger

Singer, Guitarist

Engenheiros do Hawaii

Verified via Photo

The colors of D'Addario strings are visible on one of Humberto Gessinger's basses, confirming his use of D'Addario EXL165-6 Nickel Wound Long Scale Bass Strings (32-135). Additionally, Gessinger mentions in a video on his YouTube channel that he uses a 6-string set with an added 4th string from a guitar set so his basses are tuned E-E instead of B-C of a normal 6 string bass. The source image provides visual confirmation of this setup.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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