Detail 01
Nickel wound (roundwound)
Textured wrap that gives brightness and growl, but grinds against frets and creates finger noise.
Product detailSKU #1274034478152
D'AddarioEXL160 Gauge Nickel Wound Electric Bass Strings
1/9
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
Nickel wound electric bass strings from D'Addario's EXL line. A standard roundwound set for players who want bright, familiar bass tone.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Rock, funk, and pop bass where finger and pick attack should cut
- Replacing worn factory strings on a 4-string electric bass
- Players who slap and want top-end zing
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Upright or acoustic bass guitar — these are electric bass only
- Players wanting the thumpy, muted feel of flatwounds
- 5- and 6-string basses — this set won't cover the extra strings
What matters in use
The specifications, translated
Catalog numbers tell only part of the story. These are the details most likely to change how this product feels, sounds, or fits into a setup.
Detail 02
Nickel plating over steel
Brighter and higher output than pure nickel. The standard modern bass sound most recordings are built on.
Detail 03
Bass string length
Bass sets are cut for specific scale lengths. Check yours matches before installing — short-scale basses need different strings.
Detail 04
Electric bass strings
Steel core works with magnetic pickups. Won't produce sound on an instrument without them.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Check your bass's scale length and whether it strings through the body
- 02New strings usually need a fresh intonation and a stretch-in period
- 03No winder, cutters, or setup tools included
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Will these fit a 5-string bass?
No. This is a 4-string set. A 5-string needs a set that includes the low B.
02How do nickel wound compare to flatwounds?
Roundwounds like these are brighter with more sustain and growl. Flatwounds are smoother under the fingers, darker, and thumpier — closer to a vintage or Motown sound.
03Do these work on a bass with active electronics?
Yes. Active or passive only affects the preamp; the strings work the same either way. Active basses often make the brightness more pronounced.
04Why do my new bass strings go out of tune at first?
New strings stretch. Tune up, pull each string gently away from the fretboard, and retune. Repeat until they hold pitch.
