NYXL strings by D'Addario are the brand's top-of-the-range, uncoated, electric-guitar strings. Let's see if they live up to their promise.
Technical characteristics of the D’Addario NYXL (high-carbon steel core, nickel spun, Fusion Twist)
With the NYXL, D’Addario offers strings with enticing characteristics. They’re made with a carbon-enriched steel core and nickel-coated steel threads. To ensure greater strength and resistance to breakage, D’Addario has developed a threading technique called Fusion Twist that ensures stability and versatility. According to a study carried out by the manufacturer, these strings are 131 percent more stable than traditional strings. The new threading formula boosts the output level of frequencies between 1 and 3.5 kHz. NYXLs, therefore, promise a more modern sound without compromising touch. Their excellent solidity allows the guitarist to make larger bends without the risk of breakage. They are 20 to 40 percent more resistant to breakage, according to another study by D’Addario.
Packaging and color-coding
For this test, D’Addario sent me two sets of strings NYXL: .008 – .038 for my Fender Telecaster and its 25.5-inch scale and .009 – .046 for my Jackson King V and its 24.75-inch pitch. The strings are packaged in cardboard, and the plastic bag is accessed by tearing open a pre-cut section. The resealable bag protects the strings from corrosion and keeps them “factory fresh.” This plastic bag carries important information, such as the color coding of the strings. D’Addario is famous for using different colored ball-ends for each string. For the NYXL strings, the code is as follows :
- E (1st) Silver
- B (2nd) Purple
- G (3rd) Green
- D (4th) Black
- A (5th): Red
- E (6th): Brass
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Tuning assembly and stabilization (procedure and time constants)
Being used to Ernie Ball strings, the string-changing experience took me longer with the NYXLs. You quickly get used to the color coding, 
In fact, the string stabilization stage that follows installation was very quick. While it takes an average of twenty minutes and several repeated stretching and retuning procedures to stabilize Ernie Ball strings, the NYXLs were stable in seven minutes with just three stretches and retunings. This is a real improvement over conventional nickel strings. What’s more, they remain more stable over time. I played my two guitars the day after changing strings to assess their stability, and the strings’ pitches had hardly moved at all. In contrast, a further stage of stretching and retuning is sometimes necessary with other string models.
Sound tests and playing feelings (clean, crunch, lead, Tele, and humbuckers)
From the very first notes played, I noticed that the glide on the NYXL strings was better than on conventional nickel strings. Big unwinds are effortless, and the texture of the thread feels good under the fingers. The same applies to the hand holding the pick: the feel of the strings on the pick is equally pleasant. In terms of sound, I didn’t notice any real improvement with no load. You can hear the typical sound of new strings, but the volume released is the same as with standard strings.
I started with my Telecaster, testing the NYXLs on clean, crunch and lead sounds. On clean, a slight gain was perceptible in terms of volume and the clarity was impressive compared to conventional strings. On a crunch sound provided by my trusty Analog Man King of Tone pedal, on the other hand, the sound was drastically more precise with the NYXLs. Notes seemed more defined and chords richer. I could hear each string clearly when playing complex chords, whereas the sound was messier with traditional strings. The same is true of a lead sound, where the overall tone was more precise. A slight boost in the midrange was perceptible, and I noticed a very musical openness at the top of the spectrum.
- Telecaster Clean Ernie Ball01:28
- Telecaster Clean D’Addario NYXL01:08
- Telecaster Crunch Ernie Ball01:23
- Telecaster Crunch D’Addario NYXL01:34
- Telecaster Lead Ernie Ball00:57
- Telecaster Lead D’Addario NYXL01:19
I put down my Telecaster and picked up my Jackson King V to listen to the NYXL rendering with Humbuckers pickups. On a clean tone, an improvement was immediately noticeable. The sound seemed slightly more saturated, with the strings pushing a little more in the midrange, as explained by the manufacturer. Once again, I noticed this very musical openness between 1 and 3.5 kHz, and a significant gain in volume. The same applied to the crunch and lead settings, where the sound was immediately more present and precise. This zone of slight boost between 1 kHz and 3.5 kHz allowed the bass to be well tightened, even with a high saturation level.
- King V Clean Ernie Ball01:02
- King V Clean D’Addario NYXL01:19
- King V Crunch Ernie Ball01:25
- King V Crunch D’Addario NYXL01:50
- King V Lead Ernie Ball01:27
- King V Lead D’Addario NYXL02:03
Specifications:
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Type: electric guitar strings, uncoated.
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Materials: high-carbon steel core; nickel-plated steel wire.
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Fastening/weaving technology: Fusion Twist (advertised for improved stability and strength).
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Advertised sound signature: enhanced response in the 1–3.5 kHz range.
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Sets tested: .008-.038 and .009-.046.
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Packaging: cardboard sleeve plus a resealable plastic bag with markers; strings grouped by two.
FAQ
Do D’Addario NYXLs have a corrosion-resistant coating?
No. These are uncoated strings. They rely on materials and design that offer stability and durability, without the sometimes “plasticky” feel of coated strings.
How do they differ from “classic” D’Addario XL Nickel?
The NYXLs use a high-carbon steel core and Fusion Twist technology, with a claimed response more present between 1 and 3.5 kHz. In use, you can perceive more definition, especially with crunch/lead tones.
Is tuning stability really better?
During the test, stabilization was very quick (about seven minutes with three stretches/re-tunings), and the tuning hardly moved the next day. This is a notable, practical gain.
What gauge is preferable for a Telecaster in standard tuning?
The .009-.046 is a common compromise; the .008-.038 will give a softer feel and more effortless bends, at the cost of a slightly less firm attack. Both were tried in the article.
Are NYXLs suitable for high saturation and humbuckers?
Yes. The test highlighted tighter bass and better chord legibility in high saturation on a Jackson with humbuckers.
Are they suitable for lowered tunings?
Yes, as long as you use a heavier string gauge if necessary. The appeal of NYXL lies above all in the tuning stability and retained definition.
How long do they last compared to standard strings?
Exact durability depends on how much you sweat and how often you play. The article notes a good holdover time and increased stability; D’Addario also advertises better resistance to breakage.
Is the price justified compared to conventional strings?
They cost significantly more, but offer rapid stabilization, superior playing comfort and perceived better definition in saturated sounds. It’s up to each individual to weigh these gains against the budget.