{"product_id":"daddario-electric-bass-guitar-strings-xl-nickel-exl170-8-review","title":"D'Addario XL Nickel Electric Bass Strings EXL170-8 - Bright, Tight","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review the D'Addario XL Nickel EXL170-8 8-string bass set is presented as a reliable choice for long-scale players seeking a bright, tight tone with strong fundamentals. The single biggest reason to consider these strings is their consistent, punchy sound and durable construction that suits live performance and studio work alike. They are clearly aimed at bassists who want octave pairs on a long-scale instrument without sacrificing clarity or playability, and the review focuses on real-world feel and tonal character rather than marketing claims.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNickel-plated wrap:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provides a bright, focused bass voice that cuts through mixes while keeping lows tight and defined.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHex-core construction:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ensures stable intonation and a consistent feel across all eight strings for accurate fretting and tuning stability.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRegular light gauge 45-100:\u003c\/strong\u003e Balances playability with tension so players can articulate fast runs and maintain solid low-end presence.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLong scale fit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Designed to fit basses with scale lengths up to 36 1\/4 in, so it suits many standard long-scale instruments.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMade in the USA:\u003c\/strong\u003e Manufactured to exacting specifications at D'Addario's New York facility, offering build consistency and quality control.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlayers Circle code:\u003c\/strong\u003e Includes a registration code on the recyclable bag for earning reward points, adding small extra value for regular buyers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese strings are best for long-scale bassists who want the classic XL Nickel sound with the added harmonic richness of octave strings on an 8-string set. They suit gigging players, studio musicians, and anyone who values bright, sustained fundamentals with reliable intonation and a comfortable feel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlayers who rely on very heavy gauges for extreme low tunings or those who prefer coated strings for extended corrosion resistance may want to look elsewhere; these are uncoated nickel-plated strings tuned for balanced brightness rather than maximum longevity in hostile sweat or humidity conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBright, tight tone that works across genres and helps notes cut in a mix.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConsistent feel and intonation thanks to the Hex-core design.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGood value and durability for regular gig use, with customers reporting maintained brightness over multiple shows.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUncoated nickel finish may show wear faster than coated options in high-sweat environments.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSet type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8-string electric bass set\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGauge\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRegular Light 45-100\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScale length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLong scale, fits up to 36 1\/4 in\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaterial\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHigh carbon steel core, nickel-plated steel wrap\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eConstruction\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProprietary Hex-core\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCountry of origin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMade in the USA\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe D'Addario XL Nickel EXL170-8 is an excellent choice for long-scale players who want a classic, bright 8-string sound with dependable intonation and comfortable playability. It represents good value for gigging and studio use and will appeal to bassists who prioritize clarity and consistent feel over the extended corrosion resistance of coated string options.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill these strings fit my long-scale bass?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, the EXL170-8 is designed for long-scale instruments and fits scale lengths up to 36 1\/4 in.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre these strings coated for extra life?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo, these are nickel-plated steel strings without a protective coating, so they offer classic tone but may show wear sooner than coated variants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo these include octave strings?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, this 8-string version adds octave strings to the standard bass courses for a fuller, chiming sound.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"D'Addario","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48164845551835,"sku":"B000OR8BBO","price":34.87,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/811aaK81iEL._AC_SL1500.jpg?v=1769247255","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/daddario-electric-bass-guitar-strings-xl-nickel-exl170-8-review","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}