Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.0 (13)
$6.49
Guitar Center
4.0 (10)
$6.49
Amazon
4.3 (3976)
$6.17
Reverb
4.0 (6)
$5.99 New
$12.53 Used
Musician's Friend
3.0 (27)
$6.49
zZounds
5.0 (2)
$6.79
Thomann
4.2 (478)
$9.60

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "D'Addario Planet Waves XLR8 String Lubricant/Cleaner". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Elevate your playing experience with the D'Addario Planet Waves XLR8 String Lubricant/Cleaner, a must-have for every guitarist and bassist seeking enhanced performance and longevity for their strings. This dual-action formula not only reduces friction, allowing for faster and more nimble playing, but it also cleans and conditions your strings and fretboard, extending their life and keeping them sounding fresh.

The XLR8's ergonomic applicator makes it incredibly easy to use—simply glide it along your strings and let the magic happen. Designed to minimize annoying finger noise, this lubricant ensures your music is as smooth as your playing. Plus, it comes in a convenient airtight metal tin that prevents it from drying out, so it's always ready for your next gig or studio session.

Key Features:

  • Reduces friction for faster, smoother playing
  • Prolongs string life and maintains fresh tone
  • Minimizes finger noise
  • Ergonomic applicator for easy use
  • Includes airtight metal tin to prevent drying out
Jake Pool Music

Jake Pool Music

D'Addario XLR8 String Lubricant Review

Video thumbnail for D'Addario XLR8 String Lubricant Review by Jake Pool Music

D'Addario XLR8 String Lubricant Review

Jake Pool Music

Jake Pool Music

Video thumbnail for Daddario XLR8 - Make your strings last longer, feel nicer by patdavidmusic

Daddario XLR8 - Make your strings last longer, feel nicer

patdavidmusic

patdavidmusic

Video thumbnail for Proper string maintenance with D'addario XLR8 by EytschPi42

Proper string maintenance with D'addario XLR8

EytschPi42

EytschPi42

Video thumbnail for Planet Waves XLR8 - String Lubricant and Cleaner by Mike Smale

Planet Waves XLR8 - String Lubricant and Cleaner

Mike Smale

Mike Smale

Video thumbnail for D'Addario XLR8 String Lubricant and Cleaner - First Impression by Randy Reviews

D'Addario XLR8 String Lubricant and Cleaner - First Impression

Randy Reviews

Randy Reviews

Video thumbnail for Refill the D'Addario XLR8 String Lubricant & Cleaner with Dunlop 65 String Cleaner & Conditioner by Babap Awan (Adman Maliawan)

Refill the D'Addario XLR8 String Lubricant & Cleaner with Dunlop 65 String Cleaner & Conditioner

Babap Awan (Adman Maliawan)

Babap Awan (Adman Maliawan)

Reviews

PROS

  • Convenient applicator allows quick, effortless cleaning and lubrication

  • Large diameter pad covers the fretboard in just two wipes

  • Helps preserve string life and feel, maintaining tone longer

  • Minimizes finger noise and enhances smooth playability

  • Compact tin doubles as storage for picks after use

  • Effective at preventing finger grease buildup on strings

  • Conditions fingertips, reducing callouses and enhancing comfort

CONS

  • Dries out quickly, resulting in shorter lifespan than competitors

  • Some users report an oily residue left on fingers

  • Misleading packaging; can does not contain additional lubricant

  • Higher cost relative to longevity and performance

  • Cap does not seal tightly, contributing to drying out

  • Some users receive empty or dried-out product on purchase

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about D'Addario Planet Waves XLR8 String Lubricant/Cleaner.

Setup and maintenance

  • Users recommend minimizing finger pressure to reduce noise, suggesting gradual pressure increases until strings just play, optimizing speed and endurance while reducing noise on release.

    Source
  • D'Addario XLR8 can extend string life, especially for players with sweaty hands, by cleaning both the top and bottom of strings after each session.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Some players use D'Addario Planet Waves XLR8 String Lubricant/Cleaner to reduce string noise, particularly beneficial when transitioning between fast riffs.

    Source
  • Regular use of string cleaner after each session enhances longevity and maintains a slick feel, particularly beneficial for heavy string users.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners note that as finger calluses develop over time, the grip on strings lessens, reducing unwanted noise during finger lifts.

    Source
  • Players with acidic sweat report D'Addario XLR8 helps prevent the rapid corrosion typical with uncoated strings, keeping them playable longer.

    Source
  • Players with dry hands report less frequent string changes, finding string cleaners useful for extending string life between changes.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • D'Addario Planet Waves XLR8 is highlighted for its dual function as both a string lubricant and cleaner, aiding in smoother playability and maintenance.

    Source
  • String cleaners primarily serve to maintain and lubricate strings, not to renew rusted ones; they help in preserving sound quality over time.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Users mention D'Addario XLR8 alongside Fast Fret and Dunlop UltraGlide, indicating similar performance in cleaning and maintaining strings for longevity.

    Source
  • Fast Fret and D'Addario XLR8 are popular, but some consider switching to plain mineral oil once the cleaner runs out, suggesting similar performance.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Some users find string cleaners expensive for what is essentially a mix of mineral or natural oil with additives, questioning its value compared to just changing strings.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Phil Collen uses D'Addario Planet Waves XLR8 String Lubricant/Cleaner

Phil Collen

Guitarist

Def Leppard

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video at 4:00, Collen's Guitar Tech John Zocco states:

"...And because he plays heavy strings we don't have any issues with breakage... He doesn't have toxic sweat, so they don't get like completly corroded after a show which is nice, and I do hit 'em with a little cleaner, I'll either use the D'Addario stuff or now I've been using a lot of Music Nomads products, and they got a cool thing, so I'll like wipe it down, it kinda slicks 'em up a little bit, keeps 'em fresh so...

See how Sithu Aye uses D'Addario Planet Waves XLR8 String Lubricant/Cleaner

Sithu Aye

Guitarist, Bassist

...
Verified via Photo

Sithu Aye demonstrates his use of the D'Addario Planet Waves XLR8 String Lubricant/Cleaner in an Instagram post dated April 10, 2017. In the post, he expresses gratitude to the UK D'Addario team for a care package, highlighting his preference for D'Addario products.

Y

Yiannis Papadopoulos

Guitarist

...
Verified via Yiannis Papadopoulos

On his official website, Yiannis Papadopoulos confirms that he uses the D'Addario Planet Waves XLR8 String Lubricant/Cleaner.

I use this lubricant every day for live, practice and studio time. It helps keeping the strings fresh and prolong their life. It makes them feel like new.

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 Planet Waves XLR8 String Lubricant/Cleaner, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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