EXL160BT Balanced Tension Nickel Wound Bass Guitar Strings - .050-.120 Medium Long Scale Review

GCFA#D#

Got these, as well as the respective D'Addario .160 gauge, for GCFA#D# on an ESP Ltd F-415FM 35". I use these strings on a bass that's used in a Black Metal project, and a D/S Blackened Deathcore project, and they SLAY! Because of the lower tuning, I don't need a heavy touch. So far,mtheyve been holding up like the typical lifespan of strings. I know they're just strings, but ya… read more don't need to hesitate if you're on the fence about' everyone! Unfortunately, I didn't get'em here, as I had a gift card to the "prime-A" online store, but I'll definitely be ordering here for restringing!

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Great for dropped tuning

FINALLY a set that tunes down to DGCF without too floppy a bottom or too tight a top! Tone is great as well and evenly balanced between strings. Hope they keep making these!

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Bright, loud and punchy

I wanted to try out these XL bass strings after seeing a bunch of ads for D'Addarios NYXL guitar strings. I thought perhaps the bass XL would have something to offer us lowenders. This is after I have used one specific brand and gauge of bass strings for over 2 decades. I was not disappointed. It didn't take long for these strings to settle into tune and they STAYED there. I put… read more these XLs on my bass Friday at lunch and I was ready by early Saturday afternoon at sound check for a gig that night. I typically change my strings every 8-10 weeks before they get dull so I'm accustomed to my strings sounding punchy and feeling tight. Even before plugging into my rig, these strings were loud and resonant. My bass almost could double as an acoustic, it was that clear. These strings blend very well to my style of playing. I typically play very percussive tight riffs with finger or plectrum. I've never gotten into the slap and pop technique. The XLs are perfect for me and I didn't have to adjust my playing style and flavor to accommodate the strings. It was good not to have to fight them to get a feel for them. These are great strings. My 4.5 stars are mainly because these are the first time I've used something different than my go to brand that I've been loyal to for 27 years and I simply have to use these more before I determine that they are of a consistent quality. Thus far I've only played one set of these but I would like to see if they are just as good on my other basses. But something tells me they'll do just fine. So now my only dilemma is that I may have TWO favorite go to brands of strings. I'm glad that I was willing to try something different. See? Us old dogs can learn new tricks.

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