D'Addario EXL165-5 XL Nickel Bass Strings (.045-.135 Custom Light, 5-String Long Scale)

The D'Addario EXL165-5 XL Nickel Wound Bass String Set is the definitive choice for 5-string bassists seeking a versatile, bright, and harmonically rich tone in a comfortable Custom Light gauge. As D'Addario's best-selling bass set, EXL strings utilize a standard nickel-plated steel winding over a high-carbon steel hex core, delivering a signature bright tone, excellent intonation, and superior magnetic output across the extended low-end range.

Key Performance Features

XL Nickel Wound Construction: Features nickel-plated steel wound strings known for their distinctive bright tone and superb magnetic output. This classic construction offers a familiar feel and a wide frequency range suitable for slap, fingerstyle, and pick playing.

5-String Custom Light Gauge (.045-.135): This set is gauged for 5-string basses (.045, .065, .085, .105, .135). The gauges provide balanced tension across all five strings, with a Custom Light feel on the upper strings and a focused, authoritative Low B (.135) for a clear, tight bottom end.

Long Scale Optimization: Designed for standard Long Scale basses (up to 36 3/4 inches winding length), ensuring proper fit, intonation, and tension on the majority of 34-inch scale instruments.

Hex Core for Stability: Built on a proprietary high-carbon steel Hexagonal Core, these strings provide increased core-to-wrap adhesion, resulting in superior tuning stability, exceptional durability, and accurate intonation across the fretboard.

Tone and Versatility: The EXL series provides a crisp, clear top-end and a tight, focused bottom-end, making them highly versatile for rock, jazz, funk, metal, and blues.

In the Box

The D'Addario EXL165-5 XL Nickel Bass String Set includes:

• 1x G String (.045)
• 1x D String (.065)
• 1x A String (.085)
• 1x E String (.105)
• 1x Low B String (.135)

Specifications

Rely on the global standard for bass strings. The EXL165-5 offers the perfect combination of classic tone, reliable performance, and balanced custom light tension, extended to the low B string.

Upgrade to D'Addario EXL165-5 and get the brightness your 5-string bass deserves!