Daddario EXL160BT Balanced Tension Reviews

Lifted my new guitar

I recently built my own guitar using a DIY kit and the stock strings that came with it were so dull and dead. Once I put these on it was like playing a whole new instrument and I am happy to say that the sound has remained consistent since I put them on.

Bought to tune to C standard, but still sloppy

Bought these for a gig where I had to be tuned C F Bb Eb. Regular 4 string fender, the strings feel like spaghetti still. Very lose and clanky!

Marvelous

I wanted a C standard 4 string bass and i didn't want to to waste a 5 string pack. These strings are perfect for the job and they have beautiful sound. Highly recommended!

Nice strings for C standard

Perfect for drop tunings

Been using this particular set of strings quite a while now. Buying them in stacks because I cannot get them in local music store. I use it for live performances as well as recordings. Works beautifully with drop tunings. Maybe a bit too thick for Drop D, but still better than anything I've found before. Perfect for Drop C# or Drop C.

Perfectly Balanced

Using this as a light 5-string set with an added .035 G. These feel good and work for pretty much every genre. Quite bright out of the pack, but settle in nicely. D'Addario seems to have great quality control - I've used these regularly for years and have yet to get a dud string.

Excellent quality and good for lower tunings

These seem made to fit lower tunings, i currently have them in Drop C, but honestly i think they would be better in standard C: the higher strings still have quite a bit of tension!

Not to mention: having them in a "drop" style tuning kind of defeats the purpose of the "balanced tension", but the low C string still has good tension and sounds full.

Pros:

- good sound, as always from d'addario

- long lasting (at least when compared to other non coated strings)

- perfect for low tunings or if you just want higher tension and a balanced feel

Neutral:

- the "balanced" feel may take some getting used to

- overall tension of the strings is higher than i anticipated

Cons:

- you "may" need to check if your nut can fit the thicker gauge. I got lucky and did not need any adjustment.

Eb tuning

I like my bass in Eb standard tuning, this gets the job done with excellent tension. I like it a bit more tense then normal, so I needed the extra thickness of the low strings.

My go-to strings

Been using these strings since years now on my Fender Aerodyne, they just feel right. Nice balance between crisp sound and boomy low end, long-lasting, affordable.

Durable

Durable bass strings, great for slaping or drop tunings

Finally found perfect strings for drop C#!

I was searching for something like this. I play in a drop-C# tuning (C#-G#-C#-F#) and the lowest C# string was feeling very weak. The sound has no real punch and the overall feeling was off. With this set, I can finally play as aggressive as I like without going out of tune or losing the punchiness in the sound. Gonna buy these from now on!

using for cgcf tuning without problems

I play in C tuning and it was a challenge finding the appropriate strings so that they would not be too thick or too thin. I tried using 6-string strings but the tension was too much. These puppies saved the day and are now my go to strings for my down tuned bass. Sound quality is great , durability is great, lifespan is decent.

Very good for drop C

I use this set for my CGCF bass and it works very well, keeping enough tension on all strings. The low C sounds a little dull compared to the others, but I guess that's a trade-off when going to such heavy gauges and wanting to keep a decent tension.

Lovely

Bright sounding strings. Balanced tension makes it easier to set up and play.

I use these for D standard and drop C tunings on a standard 34" scale bass. Great tension, not too floppy (even when D is dropped to C), not too tight.

+) Very reliable, never broke one, don't think i ever will.

Even when the sound gets duller (as with all strings), still keeps a punchy and clear sound. Fresh out of the pack they have a "snappier" top end, but i don't mind the duller sound.

Big, stong, and clear!

If you play in drop tuning and want a to keep a pretty high tension. This is it. They are bright, durable and sound really good and work very well in several style of music. I would avoid it if you are a beguinner bass player as they really are big and strong and require a fair amount of finger strength.

Oherwise if you like high tension, clarity and avoiding spaghetti strings while drop tuning, these are IT.

Couldn't live without it for my drop C bass

These are the only set out there that imo are just right for a 4 string bass tuned to drop C.

Have been looking everywhere, from 5 string sets (and don't use one string) to separate strings (which aren't sold often and get expensive fast).

I hope Daddario never stops making these because I wouldn't know what to do :(

Super Nice Strings

Just that...

I find in them anything I need, tone and definition-wise, and I just couldn't be happier with their quality!!!

I like to play around with different tunings, and thet offer a wide range of gauges. Also, the fact that a huge range of singles of any gauge are available to customize sets, is brilliant!!!

From time to time I try other brands, and many are OK, but is just I have found my feel and tone with D'Addario, and I'm always going back to using them.

It's a matter of taste, as always when sound is involved.

For me they're PERFECT, I love them!!!

Super great idea... balanced tension!

I love this idea of balancing the tension between strings. It feels really great to have everything equal. Even for the best tone.

The 9s for a 25" scale may feel loose like a Gibson. I recommend using 10s. I drop mine to Eb and use 11s and it's the tension that I always wanted! It feels just right; tight and allows me to play better!

I really wish that D'Addario would make the same sets but all in stainless steel (not nickel wound)! That would be killer!