Pricing and availability

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

Sweetwater
4.5 (10)
$7.35
Guitar Center
4.0 (9)
$7.35
Amazon
4.7 (790)
$7.00
Reverb
2.0 (1)
$5.50 New
$5.89 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (13)
$7.35
Thomann
4.5 (160)
$7.80 $7.70 $0.10 · All time low

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Dunlop Heavy Core Guitar Strings". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Unleash your guitar's potential with the Dunlop Heavy Core Guitar Strings. These strings are engineered with Dunlop's unique core-to-wrap ratios, enabling you to exert your strength and "dig in" without compromising on the fundamental sound quality. Ideal for drop tunings, these strings demonstrate a perfect blend of aggressive pick attack, a well-defined low end, a focused midrange, and a smooth high end, irrespective of whether you're playing clean or distorted.

These strings are more than just a tool for your music; they're a product of meticulous design and craftsmanship. Manufactured with the highest-quality materials at Dunlop's Benicia, California factory, every set of these strings is triple-sealed for moisture protection and packed in a Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor bag to ensure longevity and maintain optimum performance.

Key Features:

  • Unique Dunlop core-to-wrap ratios for enhanced sound quality
  • Ideal for drop tunings
  • Aggressive pick attack with well-defined low end and focused midrange
  • Smooth high end for both clean and distorted playing
  • High-quality materials for superior tone, balance, and feel
  • Triple moisture protection and Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor packaging for longevity
  • String gauges: .010, .013, .017, .028, .038, .048
  • Made in Benicia, CA

Product specs

Guitar Type Electric Guitar
Number of Strings 6
Coated No
Gauges .010, .013, .017, .028, .038, .048
Core Material Steel
Winding Material Nickel Plated Steel
Winding Type Round Wound

FAQs

What are the benefits of using Dunlop Heavy Core Guitar Strings for low tunings?

Dunlop Heavy Core Guitar Strings are designed to provide enhanced tuning stability and resonance, making them ideal for low tunings. Their heavier gauge offers greater tension, which helps maintain pitch and clarity during aggressive playing styles.

Are Dunlop Heavy Core Guitar Strings suitable for metal or rock genres?

Yes, Dunlop Heavy Core Guitar Strings are well-suited for metal and rock music due to their robust construction and ability to handle high tension. They deliver powerful tones and sustain that complement the aggressive playing styles typical of these genres.

How do Dunlop Heavy Core Guitar Strings compare to standard gauge strings?

Dunlop Heavy Core Guitar Strings offer a heavier gauge, providing more tension and stability compared to standard gauge strings. This results in improved tuning stability and a fuller tone, especially beneficial for players who prefer lower tunings or more aggressive playing techniques.

Are Dunlop Heavy Core Guitar Strings round wound?

Yes, Dunlop Heavy Core Guitar Strings are round wound, which contributes to their bright tone and textured feel. This winding style is popular for electric guitar players seeking a balanced sound with clear articulation.

What materials are used in Dunlop Heavy Core Guitar Strings?

Dunlop Heavy Core Guitar Strings are made with a steel core and nickel-plated steel winding. This combination provides durability, corrosion resistance, and a balanced tonal output suitable for various playing styles.

jimdunlopusa

jimdunlopusa

Dunlop Strings: The Rehearsal

Video thumbnail for Dunlop Strings: The Rehearsal by jimdunlopusa

Dunlop Strings: The Rehearsal

jimdunlopusa

jimdunlopusa

Video thumbnail for Jim Dunlop Heavy Core Strings Review by Nick Donaldson

Jim Dunlop Heavy Core Strings Review

Nick Donaldson

Nick Donaldson

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Dunlop Heavy Core Guitar Strings.

Features and functionality

  • Heavy Core strings are designed for downtunings like CGCFAD, offering a snappy and thick feel without significantly increasing tension or affecting playability.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Dunlop Heavy Core strings sound crisper when new compared to Ernie Ball and D'Addario, but this new-string sound diminishes quickly after a few hours of playing.

    Source
  • Compared to Korn signature sets, Dunlop Heavy Core strings offer a slightly thinner gauge option that some players prefer for better playability in low tunings.

    Source
  • Users compare the texture to DR DDT strings, implying possible similarities in feel and potential quality assurance concerns.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • They may have kinks and twists due to packaging, similar to D'Addario, which could affect initial stringing and setup.

    Source
  • On multiscale guitars (25.4"-27"), these strings are favored by users for their ability to maintain tension and punchiness without needing thicker gauges.

    Source
  • Mention of ball ends breaking off on a 6-string set suggests a potential durability issue affecting string longevity and reliability.

    Source

User experience

  • The plain strings on Dunlop Heavy Cores don't darken as quickly as those from Ernie Ball or D'Addario, potentially maintaining a fresher appearance longer.

    Source
  • Users switching from Ernie Ball report a subjective preference for the feel of Dunlop Heavy Core strings, noting they feel great during play.

    Source
  • Some players report initial string noise challenges, requiring more precise playing technique, particularly when performing fast, tight muted picking.

    Source
  • An owner experienced discomfort despite having calloused hands, indicating these strings may be rougher than typical, affecting playability for some.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • While not explicitly priced twice as high as D'Addarios, perception of value varies by retailer; some users question if the slight tension increase justifies a higher price.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Dunlop Heavy Core strings are favored for Drop A and Bb standard tunings, providing a punchy sound on a 25.5" or longer scale guitar.

    Source
  • The strings are used on a multi-scale 27-25" guitar, compatible with complex setups, though rough texture could impact extended play.

    Source

Build quality

  • Reports of Dunlop Heavy Core strings feeling unusually rough, similar to "shark skin," suggest potential quality control issues in texture or finish.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Dunlop Heavy Core DHCN1048 Heavy gauge guitar strings – review – Lone Phantom

lonephantom.com

Dunlop Heavy Core Guitar Strings deliver on their promise of offering a punchier and fuller tone, making them a perfect choice for heavy music enthusiasts. The thicker core design ensures stable tuning, especially when combined with drop tunings, while providing enhanced sustain and vibrant harmonics. Users will appreciate the robust, aggressive sound both acoustically and plugged in. However, the added tension requires more effort for string bending, which might not appeal to everyone. Despite this, the benefit in tonal richness and durability makes the extra work worthwhile, with the strings maintaining their freshness and sound quality over time.

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 11 Reviews and 24 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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2

(“Heavier” 11-50 set) Great for D Standard, good for Drop C

I recently ordered these strings to try on my spare guitar in D Standard. They feel perfect in that tuning and I wouldn’t change anything about them, but I’ve been playing more in Drop C and they can pull that off too. The low C is a little bit floppy but still sounds good and will do the job if you’re gentle with it. The strings are cheap, made very well, and last long. Now I have another set in Drop C on my main guitar and will probably use them for years to come.

liam_082

Great strings

Great strings, last a very long time in my experience compared to the Daddario 12-60 gauge strings they replaced.

Sound good but tone does dull down after awhile like with all strings. I'm yet to break a single string in my two years of using these on my Les Paul tuned to E standard and have great tuning stability but I think that's more down to my Les Pauls hardware than anything as I've never had any issues with tuning stability ever on that guitar compared to other past and present. All in all for £5 they're a bargain.

Also they have decent corrosion resistance and have I guess a "heavy" tone to them when distorted. Perfect for powerchords. Also have good clarity and definition.

kairu

Can't live without them.

For downtuned 7 string the 10-60 set is a life saver, I do not want the strings to be super huge but these strings giving greater tension while being a reasonable size solve that problem. Long lasting and amazing quality as Dunlop is well known for.

From Gear Setup
arywindu24

good for drop tuning

i use that string 10-60 that very good on drop A# and very well when use 1 2 3 string for lead

ivan_castaneda

Awesome strings

The heavy sound in these strings are just what your average metal player needs to get the tone they want. Definitely recommend.

cpt1776

Dunlop heavy core

I'm a metal guy. I've been using these heavy cores since I started guitar. I've used the 12-54 primarily. When they're new, they're great. After several months in South Carolina's humidity, they die and go flat. More so than Ernie Ball paradigms. But they're worth the price. I use dunlop.

jakenunez

Heavy Strings

I have used the .11-.50 set for Eb and the .12-.54 for C#. Very thick strings, and very full. Would recommend for metal players or people who just like the thicker tone.

indowinftw

Used on all my guitars

I use these strings on most of my guitars since i play a "chuggy" metalcore style

daniel_kreger

can't beat em

tried a load of other stuff, these ones are amazing

trymtheguitarist

Guitar Strings For dropped Tuning

guages i've played on 11-50 10-60(7string)

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Stephen Carpenter uses Dunlop Heavy Core Guitar Strings

Stephen Carpenter

Guitarist

Deftones

...
Verified via Premierguitar

Stephen uses the Dunlop Heavy Core .011–.069 gauge on his 8 string guitars and uses .011–.050 with an additional .11 on all his 7 string guitars.

See how Gary Holt uses Dunlop Heavy Core Guitar Strings

Gary Holt

Guitarist

Slayer

...
Verified via YouTube

At minute 5:42 Gary, who is explaining his gear says "Dunlop Strings. For Exodus I use a custom set 10-50 Heavy Core...."

See how Mark Morton uses Dunlop Heavy Core Guitar Strings

Mark Morton

Guitarist

Lamb of God

...
Verified via YouTube

About seven minutes in Mark's guitar tech says the strings he uses are Dunlop Heavy Cores, 10-48 for drop D and 10-50 for drop C#.

See how James "Munky" Shaffer uses Dunlop Heavy Core Guitar Strings

James "Munky" Shaffer

Guitarist

Korn

...
Verified via Photo

It is stated in included rig rundown video that Munky is using Dunlop Heavy Core 10-60 7 string set.

See how Rob Barrett uses Dunlop Heavy Core Guitar Strings

Rob Barrett

Singer, Guitarist

Cannibal Corpse

...
Verified via Photo

Dunlop website lists both Cannibal Corpse players as using their new Heavy Core series of strings.

See how Robb Flynn uses Dunlop Heavy Core Guitar Strings

Robb Flynn

Singer, Guitarist

Machine Head

...
Verified via Jimdunlop

“I’m a tone freak, and these strings are without question, the heaviest sounding strings I’ve played.” – Robb Flynn

See how Steve Turner uses Dunlop Heavy Core Guitar Strings

Steve Turner

Guitarist

Mudhoney

...
Verified via YouTube

In this rig rundown Steve talks about using these slightly thinner strings nowadays at 2:50.

See how Phil Demmel uses Dunlop Heavy Core Guitar Strings

Phil Demmel

Guitarist

Slayer

...
Verified via Jimdunlop

Phil Demmel of Machine Head uses Dunlop Heavy Core Guitar Strings, as listed on the Dunlop Manufacturing artist page.

See how David Sullivan uses Dunlop Heavy Core Guitar Strings

David Sullivan

Guitarist

Red Fang

...
Verified via Premierguitar

According to Premier Guitar's article, Sullivan uses the Dunlop Core guitar strings (gauged .10 to .48 and .11 to .50)

See how Bryan Giles uses Dunlop Heavy Core Guitar Strings

Bryan Giles

Guitarist

Red Fang

...
Verified via Premierguitar

According to Premier Guitar's rig rundown, Giles uses Dunlop Heavy Core strings, gauged .14 to .48, with .51 on bottom for Drop C tuning.

See how Jhay ar catapang uses Dunlop Heavy Core Guitar Strings

Jhay ar catapang

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Jhay Ar Catapang of Reverseage uses Dunlop Heavy Core Guitar Strings, gauge 12-54, as seen in his Instagram post.

Album Usage

The Dunlop Heavy Core Guitar Strings has been featured on the following albums:

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Dunlop Heavy Core Guitar Strings, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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kairu

kairu

Gear IQ 405

1 alternative for Dunlop Heavy Core Guitar Strings, curated by the Equipboard community.

GHS Boomers 7-String - Medium Heavy

$7.99 - $23.99

similar sound

I do not want the strings to be super huge but these strings giving greater tension while being a reasonable size solve that problem.

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