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Based on price data from 5 merchants for "D'Addario EXL165 Nickel Wound 45-105". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Discover a new dimension of tone with the D'Addario EXL165 Nickel Wound 45-105 bass strings, a favorite among bassists seeking that perfect blend of brightness and smooth playability. These strings are precision-engineered to deliver exceptional intonation and a distinctive bright tone, making them a versatile choice for players of all styles. The nickel-plated steel wrap wire not only offers superior sound but also minimizes fret wear, ensuring longevity for your instrument.
Crafted with D'Addario's renowned craftsmanship, these round-wound strings are made using cutting-edge computer-controlled winding machines, guaranteeing consistent quality and a well-balanced sonic output. Their unique Soft Top/Regular Bottom design provides a comfortable feel, enhancing playability while maintaining a robust bottom end that’s essential for any bass player. Perfect for long-scale bass guitars, these strings resonate with a rich, full-bodied sound that is both dynamic and articulate.
Whether you're laying down funky grooves, rocking out with heavy riffs, or exploring intricate jazz lines, the D'Addario EXL165 strings will elevate your playing experience. Join the ranks of musicians who trust D'Addario for their signature sound and make these strings your go-to choice for any performance.
Key Features:
- Gauges: .045, .065, .085, .105
- Nickel-plated steel for a bright tone
- Round wound for a smooth feel
- Soft Top / Regular Bottom design
- Long scale for versatile use
- Well-balanced and suitable for all music styles
Product specs
| Guitar Type | Electric Bass |
| Number of Strings | 4 |
| Coated | No |
| Gauges | .045, .065, .085, .105 |
| Winding Type | Round Wound |
| Core Material | Hexagonal Steel |
| Winding Material | Nickel Plated Steel |
| Scale Length | Long, 36.875" |
FAQs
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What type of bass guitar is the D'Addario EXL165 Nickel Wound 45-105 designed for?
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The D'Addario EXL165 Nickel Wound 45-105 strings are designed for electric bass guitars with a long scale length, specifically 36.875 inches.
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What is the tonal characteristic of D'Addario EXL165 Nickel Wound bass strings?
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These strings offer a bright, punchy tone with a balanced feel, thanks to their nickel-plated steel winding, which provides clarity and warmth suitable for various music genres.
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Are the D'Addario EXL165 strings suitable for slap bass techniques?
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Yes, the D'Addario EXL165 strings are well-suited for slap bass due to their bright and responsive tone, which enhances the percussive quality of slap playing.
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What gauges are included in the D'Addario EXL165 Nickel Wound set?
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The D'Addario EXL165 set includes gauges .045, .065, .085, and .105, offering a regular light top and medium bottom tension for balanced playability.
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How does the hexagonal steel core affect the performance of D'Addario EXL165 strings?
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The hexagonal steel core in D'Addario EXL165 strings provides excellent tuning stability and consistent intonation, ensuring reliable performance during playing sessions.
Videos
Arrow Productions
Jazz Review: D’Addario EXL165 Bass Strings
Reviews
PROS
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Well balanced tone suitable for multiple music genres
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Color-coded ball ends for easy string changes
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Durable with long lifespan even under heavy use
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Consistent quality and reliable performance
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Affordable without compromising sound quality
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Excellent playability with ideal tension balance
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Smooth feel and responsive to touch
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Fits well on various bass guitar setups
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Great for players transitioning from higher-end strings
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Fresh tone lasts a significant time with regular care
CONS
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Some users find the E and B string gauges unconventional
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Occasional quality control issues reported with dual tone problems
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about D'Addario EXL165 Nickel Wound 45-105.
Setup and maintenance
Features and functionality
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EXL165 strings are noted for being standard on many factory basses, providing a good starting point for beginners.
Source
Use cases and applications
Comparisons
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D'Addario EXL165s are compared to Ernie Ball Slinkies, with some users preferring the latter for their tone and cost-effectiveness despite not lasting as long.
Source -
D'Addario strings are noted for their smoother feel compared to Ernie Ball strings, which some users describe as feeling like sandpaper.
Source
4.5 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 13 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
According to D'Addario strings website he uses these for recording and touring.
If you scroll down to the bottom of the page it shows Bobby's gear and you can see that it says he uses D'addario EXL 165 nickel strings
In a YouTube video titled "Humberto Gessinger - 33 anos em 21 baixos," Humberto Gessinger can be seen using D'Addario EXL165 Nickel Wound 45-105 strings on his Warwick Fortress. This is evidenced by the distinctive colors of the ball ends of the strings, which are clearly visible at the 5:28 mark.
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 EXL165 Nickel Wound 45-105, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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