The right bass strings will provide comfort for a bass player. Whether it's a 4-string, 5-string, or even 6-string bass, you need the best bass strings. Good bass strings will give you a good feel and quality sound.
For that, this time we will explain how to choose best bass strings, then share product recommendations for you. There are several brands of bass strings to choose from, such as Fender, D'addario, Orphee, and Elixir. Each of these brands has its own characteristics and advantages. Therefore, read our review to the end.
How to choose bass strings?
We'll explain some of the important things you need to know before choosing the best bass strings. Read each of the following points carefully so you can choose the bass strings that suit your needs.
Adjust the number of strings with bass bridges
Based on the number of strings (strings), there are 3 types of bass that are commonly used, namely 4 string bass, 5 string, and 6 string. Choose a product with the same number of strings as your bass will be attached to. If you are using a 4 string bass, choose a 4 string bass as well.
A 4 string bass string can be used on a 6 string bass, but there are parts of the string that cannot be replaced. It is not suitable for you who will replace the bass strings entirely. On the other hand, a 6 string bass can be used for a 4 string bass. However, it would be a waste because the more strings in the product, the more expensive it will be.
Make sure the scale length of the strings matches the length of the bass
The shape of the different bass indicates that the bass has a varying scale length as well. The scale length is the distance from the nut to the bridge on a bass guitar. The scale length affects the playability when the bass is played. A long scale length means the bass has more frets as well.
In general, there are 4 kinds of scale length, namely short (30 inches), medium (32 inches), long scale (34 inches), and extra long scale (35 inches).
If you use a product with an inappropriate scale length, the strings might be too long or too long. If this is the case, the bass strings cannot be used or the bass display becomes untidy. So, choose the strings with the appropriate scale length, yes.
Check the material used for bass strings
There are 3 string materials that you can find on the market, namely nickel, stainless steel, and nickel-plated steel. Each of these materials has its own characteristic sound. Let's see the description from us below.
Nickel
This material has less magnetic attraction than steel. These characteristics make the nickel strings present a warmer tone. These bass strings are perfect for playing pop, jazz, and country music.
Stainless steel
Strings of stainless steel are more resistant to corrosion so they are not easy to rust. These bass strings produce a clear tone that is perfect for playing loud music, such as rock and metal.
Nickel-plated steel
This is the most popular string material. Nickel-plated steel is made of steel, then nickel plated. These bass strings are capable of producing a clean tone, making them suitable for playing various genres of music.
Pay attention to the shape of the coil on the surface of the bass strings
The type of winding that surrounds the core of the bass string will also affect the tone of the sound and comfort in playing. There are at least 3 types of windings that are commonly used, namely roundwound, flatwound, and tapewound. Come on, see the details below.
Roundwound, sound is brighter and louder to play many genres
The roundwound is a type of coil found on many bass strings. These bass strings are made of nickel or stainless steel with a more serrated surface.
The sound produced by these strings is brighter and feels louder. No wonder this string is popular among rock and funk genre bass players. Over time, bass players of the jazz, country, and blues genres, also used this string a lot.
Flatwound, produces a sound with a soft and rounded jazzy character
Flatwound is a steel core wrapped in flat wire so that the surface is smoother. Therefore, these strings give off a softer and more rounded tone.
These bass strings are often used to play jazz and old-school soul music. The smooth flatwound surface helps reduce wear on the fretboard.
Tapewound, provides a soft touch so it is comfortable in the hand
Tapewound is a metal wire wrapped around nylon. One of the characteristics of tapewound is the black strings.
The tone produced by these strings is a mix of dark and soft. These bass strings are very soft when plucked. Therefore, these strings are suitable for those of you who play bass with complicated techniques.
Check the string coating for more durable use
For those of you who prioritize the durability of your bass strings for extended use, check for coatings. Coating is a thin layer that serves to protect the strings from dirt and acid substances from hand sweat. Thanks to the coating, the use of bass strings is even more durable.
However, coated strings produce a different sound from ordinary strings. Therefore, choose bass strings with a thin coating. You can choose a coating with a thickness of only nanometers. In addition to providing protection, the sound produced by the product is not much different from ordinary strings.
Choose bass string tension based on your playing style
There are 3 types of string sizes on the bass, namely light, medium, and heavy. This size will affect the tension of the bass strings when played. The larger the size of the bass string, the tension will also be louder. You also need to spend more energy when playing these strings.
The small size of the strings is easier to play, but the sound power is less. Strings with a small tension are suitable for beginners who are just learning to play bass. Therefore, first understand the level of your game. Next, decide which bass string size is right for you.
Top 10 recommended bass strings
Next, we'll recommend ten of the best bass string products that we've selected based on how to choose above. These products are carefully selected by considering product quality, buyer reviews, and the level of trust in the seller. Our products are sorted by popularity in the marketplace.
1. D'Addario. Regular Light Long Scale 6-String Bass Strings NYXL32130
Do you use a bass with 6 strings? If so, you can consider this D'Addario product. 6 string bass strings are indeed quite difficult to find. Therefore, there is nothing wrong with using this product.
The low-end sound character of this D'Addario bass string is so powerful that you can do more exploration. Both the high-pitched and low-pitched strings provide a consistent sound frequency. That way, playing on any note becomes more enjoyable.
- Number of strings: 6
- Scale length: Long scale
- Material: Nickel-plated steel
- Winding type: Roundwound
- String size: .032, .045, .065, .080, .100, .130
- Tension: Light
2. Fenders. 7250 Bass Strings (5-String) 0737250453
These Fender bass strings combine the dynamic sound of steel and smooth nickel with a roundwound twist. The strings are capable of producing bright and punchy tones.
So, this product is great for those of you who play music genres with punchy bass, such as rock and blues. The quality of this product is unquestionable. This 5 string bass string is produced by a well-known music company.
- Number of strings: 5
- Scale length: Long scale
- Material: Nickel-plated steel
- Winding type: Roundwound
- String size: .040, .060, .080, .100, .115
- Tension: Light–medium
3. GHS Strings. 4-String Bass Boomers L3045
These GHS Strings bass strings have a steady low-mid sound to balance the clear and soft high-end sound. Therefore, this product is suitable for those of you who are looking for bass strings for various musical needs.
With a balanced sound frequency, you can use this product from performing on stage to recording in the studio. You can use it just for practice too. Handy 4 string bass string, right?
- Number of strings: 4
- Scale length: Not mentioned
- Material: Nickel-plated steel
- Winding type: Roundwound
- String size: 040–095
- Tension: Light
4. Ernie Ball. Super Slinky Flatwound Electric Bass Strings P02814
Ernie Ball produces bass strings with a flatwound type coil, you know! In addition to their smooth surface, these strings produce a round and soft jazzy tone. For those of you who like to play jazz music, choose this product.
The core-to-wrap ratio makes the playability of this product even better. Your fingers can also nimbly play bass keys without hurting. You can also feel a more comfortable playing feel with this 4 string bass string.
- Number of strings: 4
- Scale length: Not mentioned
- Material: Cobalt alloy
- Winding type: Flatwound
- String size: .045, .065, .080, .100
- Tension: Not mentioned
5. La Bella. Black Nylon Tape Wound
For those of you who use bass without frets (fretless), we recommend this product. This La Bella bass string loop is a tapewound type with a smooth black nylon outer layer.
The tension of this product is also soft so it is suitable to be paired with the fretless bass. This 5 string bass string has a warm vintage tone character with long sustain sound. This product can also work well on acoustic bass guitars.
- Number of strings: 5
- Scale length: Long scale
- Material: American Wire
- Winding type: Tapewound
- String size: .050, .065, .085, .105, .135
- Tension: :Light
6. DR Strings. Fat-Beams FB5-45
This product is a handmade string made manually. Because it is made without using a machine, the quality of the DR Strings bass strings is also maintained.
If you are looking for a premium quality product, this 4 string bass string is the best choice. This product produces a sound with a fatter and brighter mid so that it gives its own sensation to the player.
- Number of strings: 4
- Scale length: 37 3/4"
- Material: Stainless steel
- Winding type: Roundwound
- String size: .045, .065, .085, .105
- Tension: Medium
7. Jim Dunlop. Super Bright Nickel Wound Bass Strings 40-120 DBSBN40120
If you're a bass performer, we recommend these Jim Dunlop bass strings. This product has a small tension so you can easily play a variety of bass playing techniques.
You can play complex techniques with this 5-string bass, such as tapping and harmonics. In addition, your game becomes more expressive without having to spend a lot of power. The stored energy also becomes more so that you don't get tired quickly when you are on stage.
- Number of strings: 5
- Scale length: Long scale
- Material: Nickel
- Winding type: Roundwound
- String size: .040, .060, .080, .100, .120
- Tension: Super light
8. Esper. EXB-57 Nickel Alloy
Many bass players who play rock and metal music detune the E to D strings. Well, some bass strings with low tension have problems detuning. However, this is not the case with this product.
Esper EXB-57 Nickel Alloy has a high tension so that the tone of the strings remains optimal when detuning. If you often play bass with drop D notes, this 4 string bass string is the product for you.
- Number of strings: 4
- Scale length: Long scale
- Material: 8% Nickel alloy
- Winding type: Not mentioned
- String size: .040, .060, .080, .100
- Tension: High
9. Orphee. QB Electric Bass Strings QB295
These Orphee bass strings can be an option for those of you who are looking for products at affordable prices. Although it has an affordable price, this product can last a long time.
This 5 string bass string is nanocoated on the surface. Nanocoating serves to prevent corrosion which is the cause of rusty strings. The layer also keeps the bass playing feel comfortable.
- Number of strings: 5
- Scale length: Not mentioned
- Material: Austrian steel
- Winding type: Not mentioned
- String size: .040, .060, .080, .100, .125
- Tension: Normal light
10. Elixir. Electric Bass Nickel Plated Steel with Nanoweb Coating 14077
If you want long lasting bass strings, we recommend this product. These Elixir bass strings have an extra thin NANOWEB coating. This coating makes the strings protected from corrosion so they can be used longer. The extra thin NANOWEB also makes the playability of this product even better.
This 4 string bass string produces a rich sound with excellent clarity. You can use it when performing on stage. The tone of the sound released by this product is very consistent, you know. The sound quality is still good even though it has been used many times.
- Number of strings: 4
- Scale length: Long scale
- Material: Nickel-plated steel
- Winding type: Not mentioned
- String size: .045 .065 .085 .105
- Tension: Light–medium
Conclusion
We have reviewed some important points that you can use as a reference in choosing the best bass strings. Not only that, we also recommend ten products that you can consider.
Have you found the bass strings that fit your needs? There are many types of bass strings that you can find in the market. Therefore, choose a product that suits your bass characteristics and playing style. Happy choosing!
