Pricing and availability

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

Sweetwater
5.0 (3)
$15.99
Guitar Center
5.0 (72)
$15.99
Amazon
4.7 (213)
$15.75
Musician's Friend
5.0 (7)
$15.99
Thomann
4.8 (32)
$14.50 $14.30 $0.20 · All time low

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "D'addario Xs Nickel Electric Guitar Strings 10 52". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Introducing the D'Addario XS Nickel Electric Guitar Strings, a blend of premium quality and innovative technology, designed for the discerning guitarist in mind. Our strings are crafted from D'Addario's premium nickel-plated steel wrap wire, fused with an ultra-thin polymer coating. This unique blend provides maximum tone, playability, and the longest lifespan of any D'Addario electric guitar string.

Our XS Nickel strings are created for guitarists aspiring for rich harmonics, clarity, and definition in their music. The reformulated nickel-plated steel provides a warm, yet sharp tone, while the high-tech coating allows the strings to age gracefully, maintaining tone and tuning stability.

At the heart of each XS Nickel string lies D'Addario's NY Steel hexagonal core. This provides superior intonation and stability. The Fusion Twist wrap process allows the nickel-plated steel to grip the core more tightly, reducing slack for enhanced tuning stability and prolonged string life.

Unlike other coated strings, D'Addario's innovative XS coating technology allows for a smooth playing surface without compromising the strings' acoustic properties. The micro-thin polymer coating allows the wrap wire and core to vibrate freely, producing the warm, articulate tone XS Nickel strings are renowned for. This coating also helps prevent oxidation and corrosion, enabling the strings to last up to five times longer than uncoated strings.

Key Features:

  • Made with D'Addario's premium nickel-plated steel wrap wire
  • Ultra-thin polymer coating for maximum tone and playability
  • NY Steel hexagonal core for superior intonation and stability
  • Fusion Twist technology enhances tuning stability
  • Engineered for graceful aging with high-tech coating
  • Light top/heavy bottom set for a balanced depth and versatility
  • Smooth, sleek feel on the fingers
  • Digitally controlled winding ensures consistency from set to set
  • Produced in the USA.

Product specs

Guitar Type Electric Guitar
Number of Strings 6
Coated Yes
Gauges .010, .013, .017, .030, .042, .052
Core Material Steel
Winding Material Nickel Plated Steel
Winding Type Round Wound

FAQs

What are the benefits of using D'Addario XS Nickel Electric Guitar Strings 10-52?

These strings offer a blend of a light top and heavy bottom gauge, providing a balanced tone with enhanced low-end depth. The nickel-plated steel and coating deliver a smooth feel and extended lifespan, making them suitable for various musical styles.

Are D'Addario XS Nickel Electric Guitar Strings 10-52 suitable for drop tunings?

Yes, the light top/heavy bottom gauge (.010-.052) is ideal for drop tunings, offering stability and maintaining tension on the lower strings for a fuller sound.

How does the coating on D'Addario XS Nickel Electric Guitar Strings affect their performance?

The XS coating provides a smooth feel while extending the string life significantly. It helps in maintaining the strings' tone and playability over longer periods compared to uncoated strings.

Can beginners use D'Addario XS Nickel Electric Guitar Strings 10-52 effectively?

While these strings are suitable for various skill levels, the heavier bottom gauge may require more finger strength. Beginners interested in genres like metal or rock may find them beneficial for their tonal depth.

Do D'Addario XS Nickel Electric Guitar Strings 10-52 affect the guitar's tone?

Yes, the nickel-plated steel contributes to a bright and versatile tone, while the coated design ensures consistency and longevity, making them ideal for diverse musical genres.

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

D'Addario XS Electric Guitar Strings — All Playing, No Talking

Video thumbnail for D'Addario XS Electric Guitar Strings — All Playing, No Talking by Musician's Friend

D'Addario XS Electric Guitar Strings — All Playing, No Talking

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Video thumbnail for NEW D'Addario XS Coated Electric Guitar Strings | Super Slow Restringing DEMO by TomoFujitaMusic

NEW D'Addario XS Coated Electric Guitar Strings | Super Slow Restringing DEMO

TomoFujitaMusic

TomoFujitaMusic

Video thumbnail for D'Addario XS Coated Electric Strings review and bench test by Telluride Music Co.

D'Addario XS Coated Electric Strings review and bench test

Telluride Music Co.

Telluride Music Co.

Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent tuning stability, minimal retuning needed

  • Long-lasting lifespan, even in harsh environments

  • Smooth, sleek feel that enhances playability

  • Versatile for various playing styles and genres

  • Coating feels natural, not like typical coated strings

  • Maintains a balanced tone with good highs and lows

  • Available in a wide range of gauges

  • Made in the USA with high-quality materials

  • Retains sound quality over time without much discoloration

  • Gentle on fingertips, great for extended playing sessions

CONS

  • Coating can shred with heavy pick use, creating visible wear

  • May lack a bit of crispness and sparkle for some players

  • Can feel gunky after a couple of days of play

  • More expensive compared to other string options

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 10 52.

User experience

  • D'Addario XS strings are perceived to have higher tension, likened to 11.5 gauge even when using 10s, affecting bending ability.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Breaking in coated strings requires more effort; tuning, playing, and retuning multiple times to reduce stiffness.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The coating on D'Addario XS includes plain strings, making them slippery and potentially affecting playability.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Users report switching back to Ernie Ball Super Slinkys due to XS strings' higher tension and playability challenges.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
agusspollito

The Perfect balance in strings

These strings are perfect to have a good balance of highs and lows, I generally play more acoustic guitar, where I use 13-56 gauge, obviously, on electric guitar, to have a better versatility and not losing the body of acoustic strings, these strings are the best and the perfect ones in my opinion.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Paul Masvidal uses D'addario Xs Nickel Electric Guitar Strings 10 52

Paul Masvidal

Guitarist

Death (Metal Band)

...
Verified

According to D'Addario's website, guitarist Paul Masvidal uses D'Addario XS Nickel Electric Guitar Strings 10-52.

See how Deathcult uses D'addario Xs Nickel Electric Guitar Strings 10 52

Deathcult

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Deathcult uses D'addario Xs Nickel Electric Guitar Strings 10 52 on his Squier by Fender Jim Root RW Telecaster, as evidenced by the image provided.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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