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Based on price data from 5 merchants for "D'addario Xs Nickel Electric Guitar Strings 09 42". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Introducing the D'Addario XS Nickel Electric Guitar Strings 09 42, an upgrade for the dedicated guitarist. This set of strings is a stellar blend of D'Addario's innovative technology and premium materials, resulting in a game-changing guitar playing experience. These strings are not only built to last, but also designed to elevate your music.
Crafted meticulously, these strings are based on D'Addario's NY Steel hexagonal core, ensuring superior intonation and stability. The Fusion Twist wrap process gives the nickel-plated steel a tighter grip on the core, reducing slack and enhancing tuning stability for an extended string life. The XS Nickel strings offer a warm yet cutting tone, resonating with rich harmonics, clarity, and definition.
These strings are coated with an ultra-thin polymer that allows the wrap wire and core to vibrate freely, producing the warm, articulate tone XS Nickel strings are known for. This high-tech coating also helps prevent oxidation and corrosion, enabling the strings to last up to five times longer than uncoated strings.
The 09-46 gauge XS Nickel set delivers a wide range of tones, from bright and jangly to deep and distorted, accommodating to various playing styles. The super light E string allows for effortless bends, paired with a heavier low E string for full, punchy basslines.
Key Features:
- Premium nickel-plated steel wrap wire
- NY Steel hexagonal core for superior intonation and stability
- Fusion Twist wrap process for enhanced tuning stability and longer string life
- Ultra-thin polymer coating for preservation of tone and longevity
- 09-46 gauge for versatile tone
- Precision engineered and digitally controlled for quality and consistency
- Made in the USA
Videos
Guitar Center
D'Adarrio XS Electric Guitar Strings | The Story with Jim D'Addario | Demo with Alex Skolnick
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about D'addario Xs Nickel Electric Guitar Strings 09 42.
User experience
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Coated strings like D'Addario XS may feel stiffer and harder to bend, especially noticeable on high E and B strings, even after breaking in.
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Players report difficulty with bends over a full step on .009 gauge strings, with potential for string snapping, suggesting careful consideration of bending techniques.
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Setup and maintenance
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Breaking in D'Addario XS strings requires playing and retuning over a few days, as they're initially stiff due to being stored wrapped.
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Stretching strings by hand and gradually tuning up/down accelerates break-in, making them playable after a few days.
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Switching from a 24.75" to a 25.5" scale can unexpectedly increase perceived string tension, making XS strings feel stiffer despite a lighter gauge.
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Action height set at 1-1.25 mm with a straight neck can still result in stiff feel; adjusting trem setup or using a hybrid string set may help.
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Transitioning from D'Addario NYXL to XS doesn't alleviate stiffness; experimenting with different string brands or gauges may be necessary.
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Comparisons
Features and functionality
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The coating on D'Addario XS strings increases their slipperiness, which can impact bending on high strings.
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Genre Usage
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