Pricing and availability

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

Guitar Center
5.0 (4)
$38.99
Amazon
4.6 (46)
$35.93
Reverb
$28.99 13 available New
Musician's Friend
4.0 (4)
$38.99
Thomann
4.5 (4)
$41.00

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "D'Addario EXL170-8". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Unlock the full potential of your bass guitar with the D'Addario EXL170-8 nickel-wound electric bass strings. Tailored for the 8-string enthusiast, these strings offer a harmonious blend of a bright, articulate sound and long-lasting durability. Crafted from nickel-plated steel, each string is precision-wound using D'Addario's state-of-the-art computer-controlled machines. This ensures not only excellent magnetic output but also a smooth and comfortable playing surface that minimizes fret wear. Whether you're laying down grooves or exploring intricate solos, these strings maintain clear fundamentals and striking intonation across all styles.

The EXL170-8 set is meticulously designed for long-scale basses, making it an ideal choice for those who demand consistency and clarity in their sound. The distinct round-wound design contributes to the strings' characteristic bright tone, enhancing your music with vibrant resonance and depth. Experience the difference that comes from using strings engineered by the world's largest string manufacturer, dedicated to crafting some of the finest strings in the industry.

Key Features:

  • Regular light gauge 8-string bass guitar set
  • String gauges: .045, .018p, .065, .028, .080, .040, .100, .050
  • Roundwound with nickel-plated steel for a distinctive bright tone
  • Designed for long-scale basses (34 inches and above) with a taper at 36 7/8 inches

Product specs

Brand D'Addario
Model EXL170-8 8-String Nickel Wound Light Bass Guitar Strings, 32-130, Long Scale
Finish Nickel
Year 2000 - 2020
Categories Bass Guitar Strings

FAQs

What kind of tone can I expect from D'Addario EXL170-8 bass strings?

The D'Addario EXL170-8 strings offer a bright, punchy tone with excellent clarity and balanced low-end response, ideal for a variety of musical styles including rock, jazz, and funk.

Are the D'Addario EXL170-8 strings suitable for long-scale bass guitars?

Yes, the D'Addario EXL170-8 strings are designed for long-scale bass guitars, providing optimal tension and intonation for instruments with a scale length of up to 36 inches.

What is the gauge range for the D'Addario EXL170-8 string set?

The D'Addario EXL170-8 string set features a gauge range from .032 to .130, offering a balanced feel and versatility for both fingerstyle and pick playing.

Are the D'Addario EXL170-8 strings nickel-wound and what are the benefits?

Yes, the D'Addario EXL170-8 strings are nickel-wound, providing a smooth feel and enhanced magnetic response, which contributes to their bright and articulate sound.

How do the D'Addario EXL170-8 strings perform for slap bass techniques?

The D'Addario EXL170-8 strings perform well for slap bass techniques due to their bright tone and responsive feel, making them a popular choice for players who need clarity and punch.

bassilo

bassilo

D'addario Nickel Wound EXL 170 (Demo Test / Fresher Pbass)

Video thumbnail for D'addario Nickel Wound EXL 170 (Demo Test / Fresher Pbass) by bassilo

D'addario Nickel Wound EXL 170 (Demo Test / Fresher Pbass)

bassilo

bassilo

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional durability and long-lasting tone

  • Consistently high quality across different instruments

  • Balanced tension enhances playability and feel

  • Maintains brilliant tone over extended use

  • Great fit for both 34 and 35 scale basses

  • Inexpensive compared to similar quality strings

  • Easy tuning and reliable performance

  • Widely available and a trusted go-to brand

CONS

  • Unusual gauge progression between E and B strings

  • Limited competition for 8-string bass sets

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about D'Addario EXL170-8.

Features and functionality

  • The D'Addario EXL170-8 strings are ideal for an 8-string bass, where each standard bass string is paired with a guitar string tuned an octave up.

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Comparisons

  • Compared to D'Addario EXL170-8, GHS Boomers offer a lighter set with a .090 low E string, catering to different tonal preferences.

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  • GHS Boomers are noted for providing a thick low end suitable for heavier styles like djent, contrasting with the D'Addario EXL170-8.

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Use cases and applications

  • An 8-string bass can achieve a fuller sound by pairing standard strings with octave-up guitar strings, potentially replacing the need for an octave pedal.

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  • D'Addario EXL170-8 is frequently purchased for 8-string basses, as it effectively balances the thick and thin string requirements for diverse playing styles.

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  • Strings By Mail allows users to build and save custom string sets, making it convenient for repeat orders and specific tuning needs on multi-scale basses.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Owners can experiment by using standard bass strings along with a separate piccolo string set for custom tuning configurations.

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  • It's recommended to purchase strings online, as local stores often don't stock 8-string bass sets like the D'Addario EXL170-8.

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  • A suggested string gauge combination for an 8-string bass includes .050, .100, .040, .080, .060, .020, and .040 to achieve desired tuning balance.

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  • Curt Mangin Strings offers custom octave string gauges for 34" scale basses, enabling personalized setups that can be reordered easily.

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  • For an 8-string bass, pairing a standard set with a piccolo set and adding a single 0.065 gauge string for the octave B is a recommended approach.

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User experience

  • Owners have successfully used a combination of regular bass and guitar string sets for custom tuning on an 8-string bass.

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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2 star
1 star
skylinerr

Nice

they go on the hagstrom they sound and feel good

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