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Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "D'Addario EXL220-5 XL Nickel Wound Bass Guitar Strings - .040-.125, Super Light, Long Scale, 5-string". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Introducing the D'Addario EXL220-5 XL Nickel Wound Bass Guitar Strings, a perfect blend of comfort, durability, and a bright, true sound. These super light, long scale, 5-string bass guitar strings are the preferred choice of many top guitarists around the world, thanks to D'Addario's meticulous attention to quality and performance.

D'Addario, a brand with over 300 years of string-making experience, has crafted these nickel-plated steel wrap wires to ensure excellent magnetic output and reduced fret wear. Precision wound on their exclusive computer-controlled machines, the strings ensure clear fundamentals and unparalleled consistency in sound, making them ideal for all playing styles.

Whether you're a professional musician or an enthusiastic beginner, these strings will not only enhance your bass guitar's tone but also provide a smooth, comfortable playing surface. With D'Addario's EXL220-5 XL Nickel Wound Bass Guitar Strings, you're all set to strike the perfect chord every time!

Key Features:

  • Super light gauge for high flexibility without compromising on fundamental tone
  • Long scale, round-wound nickel-plated steel wrap wires
  • Bright, true sound
  • Precision wound on D'Addario's exclusive computer-controlled machines
  • Gauges: .040, .060, .075, .095, .125
  • 5-string set
  • Excellent magnetic output
  • Reduced fret wear
  • Suitable for all playing styles
  • Made by D'Addario, the world's largest manufacturer of strings for musical instruments

Product specs

Guitar Type Electric Bass
Number of Strings 5
Coated No
Gauges .040, .060, .075, .095, .125
Winding Type Round Wound
Core Material Hexagonal Steel
Winding Material Nickel Plated Steel
Scale Length Long, 36.875"

FAQs

Are the D'Addario EXL220-5 strings suitable for a 5-string bass with a long scale?

Yes, the D'Addario EXL220-5 strings are designed specifically for 5-string bass guitars with a long scale length, ensuring optimal tension and playability.

What is the tone characteristic of the D'Addario EXL220-5 nickel wound strings?

These strings offer a bright and punchy tone with excellent clarity, making them versatile for various music genres from rock to jazz.

How do the D'Addario EXL220-5 strings compare to flatwound strings?

The EXL220-5 strings are roundwound, providing a brighter sound and more sustain compared to the smoother, mellower tone of flatwound strings.

What is the string gauge of the D'Addario EXL220-5 set?

The D'Addario EXL220-5 set includes gauges .040, .060, .075, .095, and .125, offering a super light feel for ease of playability.

Are the D'Addario EXL220-5 strings coated?

No, the D'Addario EXL220-5 strings are not coated, which contributes to their natural feel and bright tone.

Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent tone for both low and high frequencies, great for diverse music genres

  • Smooth and flexible feel enhances playability for slapping and popping

  • Stable tuning and perfect for drop tuning on a variety of basses

  • Durable strings with long lifespan, even with heavy use

  • Balanced tension improves overall playing experience, especially for slappers

  • Crisp and clear sound maintains quality over time, minimizing the need for frequent replacements

  • Versatile fit, suitable for different bass setups and scales

  • Affordable compared to other brands, offering great value for money

  • Maintains solid tone and tension in alternate tunings like C Standard

  • Reliable brand reputation, trusted by musicians for decades

CONS

  • Some players may find the B and E string gauges unconventional

  • Preference for ProSteel steel-strings not met in similar gauge options

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about D'Addario EXL220-5 XL Nickel Wound Bass Guitar Strings - .040-.125, Super Light, Long Scale, 5-string.

Setup and maintenance

  • Using a 40-55-75-110 gauge set works well for drop C# tuning and can accommodate standard or half-step down tunings with balanced tension.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Ernie Ball Cobalt Flatwounds offer similar tension to nickel roundwounds, minimizing the need for significant intonation adjustments when using the same gauges.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Lower tension strings, like a 55-110 set, deliver a deeper tone and cleaner overtones due to increased string excursion in lower tunings like C standard.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • D'Addario EXL220-5 set is recommended for BEAD tuning by dropping the top string, providing flexibility in setup for 5-string basses.

    Source

User experience

  • Some players find that lighter gauge strings, like 35-90, are easier to play without compromising sound in a mix, especially for solo performances.

    Source

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Marcelo Corvalán uses D'Addario EXL220-5 XL Nickel Wound Bass Guitar Strings - .040-.125, Super Light, Long Scale, 5-string

Marcelo Corvalán

Singer, Bassist

Carajo

...
Verified via YouTube

In a 2021 Rig Rundown video by Doble Bobina, Marcelo Corvalán mentioned that while he experimented with custom gauges, he specifically uses D'Addario EXL220-5 XL Nickel Wound Bass Guitar Strings - .040-.125, Super Light, Long Scale, 5-string, for B flat tuning on his 5-string basses.

Genre Usage

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Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use D'Addario EXL220-5 XL Nickel Wound Bass Guitar Strings - .040-.125, Super Light, Long Scale, 5-string, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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