Pricing and availability

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

Sweetwater
3.5 (3)
$23.99
Guitar Center
5.0 (24)
$23.99 $22.82 $1.17 · All time low
Amazon
4.7 (1404)
$21.99
Amazon Prime
Musician's Friend
5.0 (9)
$23.99
Thomann
4.7 (535)
$19.50 $19.40 $0.10 · All time low

Price History

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

What type of bass guitar is the D'Addario EXL165 Nickel Wound 45-105 designed for?

The D'Addario EXL165 Nickel Wound 45-105 strings are designed for electric bass guitars with a long scale length, specifically 36.875 inches.

What is the tonal characteristic of D'Addario EXL165 Nickel Wound bass strings?

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.

Are the D'Addario EXL165 strings suitable for slap bass techniques?

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.

What gauges are included in the D'Addario EXL165 Nickel Wound set?

The D'Addario EXL165 set includes gauges .045, .065, .085, and .105, offering a regular light top and medium bottom tension for balanced playability.

How does the hexagonal steel core affect the performance of D'Addario EXL165 strings?

The hexagonal steel core in D'Addario EXL165 strings provides excellent tuning stability and consistent intonation, ensuring reliable performance during playing sessions.

Arrow Productions

Arrow Productions

Jazz Review: D’Addario EXL165 Bass Strings

Video thumbnail for Jazz Review: D’Addario EXL165 Bass Strings by Arrow Productions

Jazz Review: D’Addario EXL165 Bass Strings

Arrow Productions

Arrow Productions

Reviews

PROS

  • Well balanced tone suitable for multiple music genres

  • Color-coded ball ends for easy string changes

  • Durable with long lifespan even under heavy use

  • Consistent quality and reliable performance

  • Affordable without compromising sound quality

  • Excellent playability with ideal tension balance

  • Smooth feel and responsive to touch

  • Fits well on various bass guitar setups

  • Great for players transitioning from higher-end strings

  • Fresh tone lasts a significant time with regular care

CONS

  • Some users find the E and B string gauges unconventional

  • 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

  • Users recommend a setup check for neck relief and action height when using 45-105 gauge strings on a Fender Precision Bass.

    Source
  • Users note that switching to flatwound strings may require a truss rod adjustment due to increased tension.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • EXL165 strings are noted for being standard on many factory basses, providing a good starting point for beginners.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • EXL165 strings are versatile for E standard tuning and can handle Eb and Drop D, making them suitable for a range of music styles.

    Source
  • D'Addario Flex Steels Round Wound strings are praised for their bright 'twang' and ease in bending, making them ideal for slap bass techniques.

    Source

Comparisons

  • 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

User experience

  • Some players report that Ernie Ball strings tend to lose their tone quickly, with noticeable dullness within a week of moderate use.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 13 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
skylinerr

Great

Havent been using them long but i think I prefer them to rotos

Genres:
luwioness

Excellent strings!

I'd marry this strings if I could. And that says all.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Rudy Sarzo uses D'Addario EXL165 Nickel Wound 45-105

Rudy Sarzo

Bassist

Ozzy Osbourne

...
Verified via Daddario

According to D'Addario strings website he uses these for recording and touring.

See how Bobby Vega uses D'Addario EXL165 Nickel Wound 45-105

Bobby Vega

Bassist

Don't Push The Clown

...
Verified via Bassplayer

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

See how Humberto Gessinger uses D'Addario EXL165 Nickel Wound 45-105

Humberto Gessinger

Singer, Guitarist

Engenheiros do Hawaii

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Blu DeTiger uses D'Addario EXL165 Nickel Wound 45-105

Blu DeTiger

Bassist

Kitten

...
Verified

According to the D'Addario website, Blu DeTiger uses D'Addario EXL165 Nickel Wound 45-105 bass strings.

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

Show yours
johnny_t

johnny_t

Gear IQ 207

1 alternative for D'Addario EXL165 Nickel Wound 45-105, curated by the Equipboard community.

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