Pricing and availability

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

Sweetwater
5.0 (11)
$12.99
Guitar Center
5.0 (21)
$12.99
Amazon
4.8 (334)
$11.69
Musician's Friend
5.0 (4)
$12.99
zZounds
5.0 (6)
$9.99
Thomann
4.8 (256)
$14.40 $14.30 $0.10 · All time low

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "D'Addario NYXL Nickel Wound Medium Top/Extra-Heavy Bottom Electric Guitar Strings (11-56)". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Elevate your guitar playing experience with the D'Addario NYXL Nickel Wound Medium Top/Extra-Heavy Bottom Electric Guitar Strings (11-56). These strings are perfect for those who demand durability and versatility, especially when tuning down a step to D. Featuring a revolutionary high-carbon steel core, these strings are designed to withstand the rigors of intense playing without sacrificing tone or tuning stability. The reformulated nickel-plated wire offers a vibrant mid-range frequency boost, ensuring your sound cuts through any mix with more presence and crunch.

What sets the NYXL1156 apart is its ability to maintain a comfortable playing tension similar to lighter gauge sets, while still providing the extra heft required for heavier styles. This makes them an ideal choice for guitarists who desire a robust tone without compromising on playability. Engineered with D'Addario's proprietary "fusion twist" process, these strings boast up to 131% greater tuning stability over traditional nickel wound strings, allowing you to play with confidence and precision.

Beyond their technical prowess, these strings come in environmentally friendly, corrosion-resistant packaging, ensuring they remain fresh and ready for your next session. Whether you are a studio musician or a touring artist, the NYXL1156 strings will deliver the performance you need to take your music to the next level.

Key Features:

  • Exclusive high-carbon steel core for enhanced durability and flexibility
  • Designed for tuning down a whole step to D with optimal tension
  • Enhanced mid-range frequency response for increased presence
  • Up to 131% greater tuning stability compared to traditional strings
  • Environmentally friendly, corrosion-resistant packaging for freshness

Product specs

Guitar Type Electric Guitar
Number of Strings 6
Coated No
Gauges .011, .014, .019, .032, .044, .056
Core Material Steel
Winding Material Nickel Plated Steel
Winding Type Round Wound

FAQs

What are the benefits of using D'Addario NYXL Nickel Wound Medium Top/Extra-Heavy Bottom strings?

D'Addario NYXL strings offer enhanced tuning stability and increased mid-range presence. The medium top and extra-heavy bottom gauges provide a balanced feel ideal for players who need robust low-end response without sacrificing playability on the higher strings.

Are D'Addario NYXL 11-56 strings suitable for drop tuning?

Yes, the D'Addario NYXL 11-56 set is well-suited for drop tunings. The extra-heavy bottom strings provide the tension needed to maintain clarity and definition in lower tunings, making them a great choice for genres like metal and hard rock.

How do D'Addario NYXL strings compare to other nickel wound strings?

D'Addario NYXL strings are known for their superior tuning stability and enhanced mid-range response compared to standard nickel wound strings. They offer a bright, crisp tone with strong projection, making them a preferred choice for many professional guitarists.

Do D'Addario NYXL strings require a break-in period?

D'Addario NYXL strings are designed to settle quickly, providing stable tuning and consistent tone right from the start. While some players may notice a slight initial adjustment period, these strings generally reach optimal performance faster than many other brands.

Are D'Addario NYXL strings suitable for all playing styles?

D'Addario NYXL strings, particularly the 11-56 gauge, are versatile and cater well to various playing styles, especially those requiring dynamic range and powerful low-end. They are ideal for rock, metal, and blues players who appreciate a strong, expressive tone.

WEBB

WEBB

D'Addario | NYXL | 11-56 | Play Fearlessly |

Video thumbnail for D'Addario | NYXL | 11-56 | Play Fearlessly | by WEBB

D'Addario | NYXL | 11-56 | Play Fearlessly |

WEBB

WEBB

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional durability; rarely break even under intense playing

  • Retain bright, crisp sound much longer than other strings

  • Ideal tension for drop tunings like Drop C and D standard

  • Strong midrange presence enhances guitar's tonal quality

  • Require minimal pre-stretching; stay in tune exceptionally well

  • Unique premium feel with slightly waxy texture

  • Long-lasting, maintaining fresh sound and appearance

  • Excellent for both rhythm playing and expressive bends

  • Versatile, suitable for various tunings and playing styles

  • Consistently praised for quality by long-time users

CONS

  • Premium price may not justify perceived benefits for some users

  • Initial break-in period can be time-consuming

  • Not ideal for players preferring lighter tension for frequent bends

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about D'Addario NYXL Nickel Wound Medium Top/Extra-Heavy Bottom Electric Guitar Strings (11-56).

Comparisons

  • D'Addario NYXL strings are noted for a brighter, janglier tone with better harmonic response, ideal for tube clean and edge-of-breakup sounds.

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  • D'Addario strings tend to offer more mids, while Ernie Ball strings are perceived to have more bass, suitable for different tonal preferences.

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  • Compared to Ernie Ball, NYXLs reportedly provide better tuning stability right out of the box, preferred for drop tuning scenarios.

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  • Stringjoy offers custom gauge options but doesn't match the quality of D'Addario NYXL, despite higher pricing.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Some users report needing to "wear in" D'Addario strings for a day before gigging, unlike Ernie Ball which are ready out of the packet.

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  • Some players with corrosive hands find NYXLs effective when combined with wiping down the strings, avoiding the need for coated strings like Elixirs.

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  • Replacing the .018 gauge string with a .020w in the 11-56 set enhances stability, particularly in lower tunings like Drop C.

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User experience

  • D'Addario strings are praised for lasting longer and maintaining tuning stability better than Ernie Ball, especially beneficial for players with oily skin.

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  • D'Addario's color-coded strings and sealed packaging are appreciated for ease of string identification and protection from corrosion.

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  • Multiple owners emphasize the longevity of D'Addario NYXL strings, noting they maintain a 'like new' sound longer than other brands, even with frequent playing.

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  • Players transitioning from Ernie Ball to NYXLs notice a smoother feel and reduced string noise, enhancing playability.

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Use cases and applications

  • Users frequently choose NYXLs for heavy sweat conditions, as they reportedly hold their tone and tuning better than other strings.

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  • For recording in Drop A#, users recommend thicker gauges to maintain tuning stability and reduce fret buzz, especially without a locking bridge.

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Features and functionality

  • D’Addario NYXL strings are available in specific gauges, including 11-56, which suit various tunings from D Standard to Drop C.

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