Head to head
D'Addario EXL110 XL Nickel Wound Electric vs D'Addario NYXL1046 Nickel Wound Electric
The short answer is that they sit in different price brackets ($15 - $30 against Under $15). Below, every specification we hold for both is lined up, with the 11 rows that actually differ marked out.
EXL110 XL Nickel Wound Electric
Regular Light .010-.046, three sets
The electric string most guitars leave the factory wearing
NYXL1046 Nickel Wound Electric
Light .010-.046
The same gauge as an EXL110, with the tuning problem actually solved
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Score profile
The editorial axes for strings, overlaid. Where one shape sits outside the other, that is where it gains ground.
- D'Addario EXL110 XL Nickel Wound Electric7.7
- D'Addario NYXL1046 Nickel Wound Electric7.8
Scores are Fretline editorial ratings on a 1-10 scale. They are our own assessment and are not supplied or endorsed by Amazon or by any manufacturer.
Specification by specification
| EXL110 XL Nickel Wound Electric | NYXL1046 Nickel Wound Electric | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | D'Addario | D'Addario |
| Model | EXL110 XL Nickel Wound Electric | NYXL1046 Nickel Wound Electric |
| Type | Strings | Strings |
| Fretline score | 7.7 / 10 | 7.8 / 10 |
| Value for money | 9 / 10 | 7 / 10 |
| Amazon rating | 4.8 / 5 (20,994) | 4.8 / 5 (5,426) |
| Price | $15 - $30 | Under $15 |
| Gauges | .010, .013, .017, .026, .036, .046 | .010, .013, .017, .026, .036, .046 |
| Alloy | Nickel-plated steel | Nickel-plated steel |
| Winding | Roundwound | Roundwound |
| Core | Hexagonal high-carbon steel | High-carbon steel, drawn by a reformulated process |
| Coating | Uncoated | Uncoated |
| Strings in the set | 6 | 6 |
| Sets included | 3 | 1 |
| Brightness | 8 / 10 | 8 / 10 |
| Sustain | 7 / 10 | 8 / 10 |
| Durability | 6 / 10 | 7 / 10 |
| Feel | 8 / 10 | 8 / 10 |
| Tuning stability | 8 / 10 | 9 / 10 |
| Suits | Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Professional | Intermediate, Advanced, Professional |
A marked row is one where the two differ. A highlighted cell is the stronger figure where one can be judged objectively — which, for most accessory attributes, it cannot be. Empty cells are specifications the manufacturer does not publish, never estimates.
Which one should you buy?
Computed from our editorial scores for these two only. It is not a general ranking.
Best brightness
D'Addario EXL110 XL Nickel Wound ElectricHighest editorial brightness score of the 2 compared.
Best sustain
D'Addario NYXL1046 Nickel Wound ElectricHighest editorial sustain score of the 2 compared.
Best durability
D'Addario NYXL1046 Nickel Wound ElectricHighest editorial durability score of the 2 compared.
Best tuning stability
D'Addario NYXL1046 Nickel Wound ElectricHighest editorial tuning stability score of the 2 compared.
Best for beginners
D'Addario EXL110 XL Nickel Wound ElectricStrongest overall score among those we consider suitable for a first instrument.
Scores are Fretline editorial ratings on a 1-10 scale. They are our own assessment and are not supplied or endorsed by Amazon or by any manufacturer.