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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
Videos
Jake Pool Music
D'Addario XLR8 String Lubricant Review
Reviews
PROS
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Convenient applicator allows quick, effortless cleaning and lubrication
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Large diameter pad covers the fretboard in just two wipes
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Helps preserve string life and feel, maintaining tone longer
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Minimizes finger noise and enhances smooth playability
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Compact tin doubles as storage for picks after use
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Effective at preventing finger grease buildup on strings
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Conditions fingertips, reducing callouses and enhancing comfort
CONS
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Dries out quickly, resulting in shorter lifespan than competitors
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Some users report an oily residue left on fingers
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Misleading packaging; can does not contain additional lubricant
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Higher cost relative to longevity and performance
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Cap does not seal tightly, contributing to drying out
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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
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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.
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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.
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Use cases and applications
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Some players use D'Addario Planet Waves XLR8 String Lubricant/Cleaner to reduce string noise, particularly beneficial when transitioning between fast riffs.
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Regular use of string cleaner after each session enhances longevity and maintains a slick feel, particularly beneficial for heavy string users.
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User experience
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Owners note that as finger calluses develop over time, the grip on strings lessens, reducing unwanted noise during finger lifts.
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Players with acidic sweat report D'Addario XLR8 helps prevent the rapid corrosion typical with uncoated strings, keeping them playable longer.
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Players with dry hands report less frequent string changes, finding string cleaners useful for extending string life between changes.
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Features and functionality
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D'Addario Planet Waves XLR8 is highlighted for its dual function as both a string lubricant and cleaner, aiding in smoother playability and maintenance.
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String cleaners primarily serve to maintain and lubricate strings, not to renew rusted ones; they help in preserving sound quality over time.
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Comparisons
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Users mention D'Addario XLR8 alongside Fast Fret and Dunlop UltraGlide, indicating similar performance in cleaning and maintaining strings for longevity.
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Fast Fret and D'Addario XLR8 are popular, but some consider switching to plain mineral oil once the cleaner runs out, suggesting similar performance.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings
Artist usage
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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...
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.
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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