Detail 01
Roundwound construction
Textured outer wrap gives bright attack and sustain, plus audible finger squeak and more fret wear than flats.
Product detailSKU #1274034478226
D'AddarioEXL165 XL Nickel Round Wound Soft/Regular Bass Strings
1/7
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
Nickel roundwound bass strings in a soft/regular hybrid gauge. For four-string players who want light top strings without a floppy low E.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Players who bend and slide on the G and D strings
- Fingerstyle and pick playing where a defined low end matters
- Anyone restringing a standard-scale four-string on a budget
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Five- and six-string basses — this is a four-string set
- Players who want flatwound smoothness and no finger squeak
- Fretless players worried about roundwound wear on the fingerboard
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 wrap wire
Warmer and less abrasive on frets than pure stainless steel, with a softer top-end than steel roundwounds.
Detail 03
Soft/regular hybrid gauge
Lighter top strings for easier bending, heavier bottom strings so the E stays tight and articulate.
Detail 04
XL series
D'Addario's standard nickel-wound line, the reference point most bass players compare other roundwounds against.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Strings only — no tools, winder, or cutters included
- 02New strings shift neck tension; check relief and intonation after settling
- 03Confirm your bass takes standard long-scale strings before ordering
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 four-string set. You would need a dedicated five-string set to cover the low B.
02How bright are they?
Bright when new, as roundwounds are. Nickel wrap keeps the top end from getting as sharp as stainless steel.
03Are these good for slap?
Roundwounds are the usual choice for slap because of the attack and sustain. The lighter top strings pop easily.
04Can I use these on a fretless bass?
You can, but roundwounds wear grooves into an uncoated fingerboard over time. Flatwounds are the safer fretless choice.
