XL Nickel Wound electric guitar strings are the standard against which all other strings are measured. Our best-belling electric set, XL Nickel has been revered by players everywhere since 1974. Made with a high carbon steel core and nickel-plated steel wrap wire, XL Nickel strings have a bright, versatile tone, ideal for a wide variety of musical styles. This 10-74 Light Top/Heavy Bottom 8-String set combines the high strings from a Regular Light set with additional heavier low strings, delivering powerful lows and smooth bending.