D'Addario XLB040 Bass guitar strings

D'Addario XLB040 — A Single Long-Scale Bass String for Bright, Articulate Tone

The D'Addario XLB040 is a single replacement bass guitar string designed for long-scale instruments. As part of the XL Nickel Wound Bass Singles lineup, this string is round wound with nickel-plated steel to deliver a distinctive bright tone with clear fundamentals. Bassists reach for individual XL singles when one string in their set wears out before the others, or when they want to mix gauges to build a custom set tailored to their playing style. The .040 gauge is a balanced mid-range thickness that works well as a D-string replacement on standard four-string basses. Made in D'Addario's New York production facility, this string is engineered to the same standards as the full XL bass string sets that have been a studio and stage staple for decades.

Technical Specifications

• Number of Strings: 1 — single replacement string
• Gauge: .040" / 1.02 mm — mid-range thickness for D-string replacement or custom sets
• Wrap Material — nickel-plated steel wrap delivers a bright, articulate tone with clear fundamentals
• Round Wound Construction — classic roundwound feel with crisp attack
• Coating: Uncoated — natural string feel and response
• Scale Length: Long scale (34") — fits standard long-scale bass guitars

Who It's For

The XLB040 is the right choice for bassists who need a reliable replacement string for a long-scale bass guitar. Players who prefer the bright, cutting tone of nickel-plated steel roundwound strings will appreciate the clear fundamentals and crisp attack this string delivers. It suits genres ranging from rock and pop to funk and country, where a defined top-end presence helps the bass sit forward in the mix. Whether replacing a single worn D-string or assembling a custom gauge set, this string offers the same quality and consistency found in D'Addario's full XL bass string sets.