You may not know the best bass guitar strings for your bass, especially if you’re a new player. This guide will help you find a great set of strings for your bass.
I’ve played guitar for many years and even bass from time to time. I know how hard it can be to find good strings since there are so many choices out there. You’ll find great strings in this guide, so you can get back to playing.
Quick Look: Best Bass Guitar Strings
★ #1 Best Bass Guitar String Overall: Elixir Nanoweb ★
- Best Cheap Bass Guitar Strings: Fender Nickel Roundwound Bass
- Best Bass Guitar Strings for Beginners: Ernie Ball Regular Slinky
- Best Coated Bass Bass Guitar Strings: Elixir Nanoweb
- Best Nickel Plated Bass Guitar Strings: D’Addario EXL Bass Strings
- Best Steel Bass Guitar Strings: Jim Dunlop Lemmy Kilmister Signature
- Best Bass Guitar Strings for Blues/Rock/Country: Ernie Ball Regular
Take your time and experiment with bass strings until you find something that works best for your needs. You may have to try several sets until you find the perfect strings for your bass.
What Is a Bass Guitar String?
A bass guitar won’t function without strings. The deep bass sound of your instrument relies on a good set of them.
They’re made up of a core and windings around the string. The type you buy can determine your sound.
Types of Bass Guitar Strings
You need to be aware of a few types of bass guitar strings before you settle on one set. This is because different materials and winding can produce a different tone.
The type of bass you have, the wood, and the amplifier that you use can also play a role in how your individual tone sounds. Here are the basics that you need to know about bass strings.
Steel Bass Strings
Steel bass strings are quite common, but not used as much as a nickel alloy. They have a bright tone and last a long time.
Steel/Nickel Alloy Strings
This is another type of bass string with a long life and bright tone. Bass players tend to prefer nickel alloy strings over pure steel strings.
Pure Nickel Strings
These strings have a warmer sound, and they sound like you’ve been playing them for a longer time. Many bassists prefer the sound of nickel strings for early 50s and 60s sounds.
Copper Strings
Some players prefer the sound of copper strings as they produce a bright response. They have a thin copper coating over top of the string.
Coated Strings
These strings have a special coating, and it extends the life of the string. Some players prefer coated strings, while others do not like them due to the feel. If long life is what you want, coated strings are ideal.
Things to Consider When Choosing Bass Guitar Strings
Before you buy the best bass guitar strings, here are a few points to consider.
Gauge
Strings have various thicknesses that we refer to as a gauge. You need to experiment with different gauges until you find one that works best for your needs.
Sound
The sound of your strings is important. This comes down to the materials that the string is made of. It’s important to try several materials until you find one you like the best.
Scale Length
The scale length of your bass is important. Not all sets may fit your scale length, so get a set that will match. Scale lengths include long, extra long, medium, and short.
Price
You’ll want to examine the price of the strings before you buy. Bass strings are considerably more expensive than guitar strings. A set will run between $20-$40 or more. $20 sets are the cheapest and are ideal for beginners.
How Often You Play
If you play a lot, you’ll want a decent set of strings. Make sure you get something that will last and give you the tone that you’re looking for.
10 Best Bass Guitar Strings
This guide covers the top 1o best strings for bass guitars. These sets should help you get the sound you’re looking for out for your bass. Make sure you experiment to get the best set that matches your needs.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with bass strings. We all have a sound that we like, and it can take time to find strings that match the sound you have in your head. Experiment and have fun with strings.
1. Elixir Nanoweb Bass Strings
- Gauge: Light/medium
- Material: Nickel plated
- Coated: Yes
- Best for: Bass players that want a long string life
Elixir Strings is the only coated string brand to protect the whole string with an ultra-thin coating, keeping gunk out of the gaps between the windings. The Elixir Nanoweb Bass Strings is constructed with nickel-plated steel wrap wire which also provides a smooth, natural feel that enhances grip.
✅ Long life
✅ Good tone
✅ Less corrosion
✅ Easy playing
❌Expensive
❌ Slippery
Why I Recommend It
I consider Elixir to be the best bass guitar string. You’ll spend more on them, but you’ll get a long life out of them thanks to the coating. They have a solid tone and the reliability that you want out of bass strings.
The smooth feel is easier to hold on to, although some players may not like this feeling at first, as it takes time to get used to. Overall, this is one of the better sets of bass strings for most players.
2. DR Black Beauties
- Gauge: Medium
- Material: Steel
- Coated: Yes
- Best for: Those that need low-cost coated strings
For players on a budget, the DR Black Beauties Bass Guitar Strings are ideal. This set is low cost yet has a special coating, so the set will last longer than regular strings. You’ll get a crisp and clear tone out of the set.
✅ Budget-friendly
✅ Coated
✅ Long life
✅ Easy to play
❌ May not last as long as some
❌ Some may not like the color
Why I Recommend It
For beginner bass players on a budget, these strings by DR are ideal. You get a nice crisp tone and the clarity that you want out of your strings.
They are coated, and while they may not last as long as some coated strings, they do a decent job. You will save a lot on the set as they are some of the lowest-cost coated bass strings out there.
3. Ernie Ball Regular Slinky Bass
- Gauge: Regular
- Material: Nickel plated
- Coated: No
- Best for: Those that need an all-round good set
Ernie Ball makes some great sets of strings. The Ernie Ball Regular Slinky Bass Strings are ideal for any bass player. You get a long life and the tone you want out of the set. These are low priced, so you will save money yet have a quality set of strings.
✅Low cost
✅ Nickel wound
✅Good tone
✅ Corrosion packaging
❌ No coating
❌ May not last as long
Why I Recommend It
I’m a fan of Ernie Ball strings as they make affordable sets for average players. Not all of us have $50 to buy coated bass strings. The Regular Slinky strings are reliable for the average user.
These are nickel wounds, so you’ll get a warm bass tone out of them. The packaging has corrosion resistance, so the set will be fresh when you are ready to use them.
4. D’Addario EXL Nickel Wound
- Gauge: Medium
- Material: Nickel
- Coated: No
- Best for: Those that need low-cost strings
D’Addario Nickel Wound Bass Strings is a nice low-cost set. These come in various scale lengths to fit your bass, as well as gauges. They have a nice warm tone and a long life.
✅ Good tone
✅ Long life
✅ Nickel plated
✅ Low cost
❌May not last as long
❌ No coating
Why I Recommend It
D’Addario is my second favorite string brand. These bass strings sound great and have a nice price point for beginners. They have nickel plating for the solid and reliable tone that you want.
EXL has a nice consistency to them, and they tend not to break as long as you allow them to settle in properly before playing heavily. I like the tone you get out of this set. It’s a good choice for a beginner or intermediate player.
5. Dunlop Lemmy Kilmister Steel Bass Strings
- Gauge: Custom
- Material: Steel
- Coated: No
- Best for: Those that play hard rock
For fans of Motorhead and Lemmy Kilmister, this set will have you wanting more. They are clear and will cut through the mix, so your bass tone is solid and sounds great. This is Lemmy’s custom gauge of 0.50, 075, 085, 105.
✅ Custom set
✅ Signature series
✅ Good price
✅ Long life
❌ Some may not like the tone
❌ Some may not like the gauge
Why I Recommend It
Lemmy Signature Jim Dunlop Strings are a must for hard rock and metal bass players. They have a great tone, and they are a custom gauge. This set is stainless steel for great crunch and power when playing.
I have used many different Jim Dunlop products, and their strings are just as good as their other accessories. These bass strings are a good buy and will give you all you need for harder rock bass playing.
6. GHS Precision Flats
- Gauge: Custom medium
- Material: Stainless steel
- Coated: No
- Best for: Those that want a smooth-playing string
GHS Precision Flats give you the time and reliability that you want out of your bass strings. This set is a custom gauge, and they feel great thanks to the smooth feel of the string. This is the ideal set for any bass player.
✅ Good tone
✅ Long durability
✅ Custom gauge
✅ Quality string
❌ A bit expensive
❌ Some may not like the finish
Why I Recommend It
I have used GHS strings before, and I was always happy with them. These have a nice percussive attack thanks to the steel flatwood winding. They have a smooth satin finish, so the strings are easy to play.
This set will last you a long time, and I like the fact that they are a custom medium gauge, which is 045-105. They are developed to a high quality and will give you a great tone night after night.
7. Fender Nickel Roundwound Bass Strings
- Gauge: Custom Medium
- Material: Nickel
- Coated: No
- Best for: Those that have a low budget
For those that have a limited budget, the Fender Nickel Roundwound Bass Strings are the ideal choice. They have a great tone and will last a long time. They come in various gauges and scale lengths for today’s players.
✅ Low price
✅ Good tone
✅ Long life
✅ Great for many styles
❌ May not last as long
❌ Some quality issues
Why I Recommend It
I like Fender Roundwound Nickel bass strings for beginner bass players. This set costs about the same as some electric guitar sets, yet you get a good tone and a decent life out of the string.
This set may not appeal to better players, but this set is one of the best for beginners. They are perfect for most bass guitar styles and will leave you with more cash for other accessories.
8. Rotosound Nexus Bass Strings
- Gauge: Medium
- Material: Nickel
- Coated: Yes
- Best for: Those that have a moderate budget
Rotosound Bass Strings helped create the styles of many famous players. This set is ideal thanks to the polymer coating, which helps the string last longer than other brands.
✅ Good tone
✅ Long life
✅ Low noise
✅ Easy to play
❌ Some may not like the feel
❌A bit expensive
Why I Recommend It
Rotosound is well known in the industry for making quality bass guitar strings. This set has a polymer coating, so it’ll last you a long time without the need for frequent string changes.
They’re easy on your fingers and resistant to sweat and debris. They stay clean and bright and provide you with a great tone night after night. They produce less string noise, so this set is ideal in the studio.
9. DR Neon Green Bass Strings
- Gauge: Medium
- Material: Steel/Nickel
- Coated: Yes
- Best for: Those that want bright strings or play in dark environments
DR Neon Green Strings are ideal if you play in dark environments or want fun bass guitar strings. This medium set is ready to go when you need them, and they have a nice tone and long life.
✅ Other colors available
✅ Good tone
✅ Long life
✅ Shows up in a dark environment
❌ May be gimmicky for some
❌ A bit expensive
Why I Recommend It
DR Neon Strings is a great set to own if you want to have fun with your bass or play in darker clubs. The neon color really shines, and you can get other colors, too.
You get great articulation and clarity with this bass guitar set, and you will have great stage presence when you play as the strings stand out thanks to their bright colors.
10. Rotosound Steve Harris Flatwound
- Gauge: Custom
- Material: Steel/nickel
- Coated: No
- Best for: Those that want a high-quality tone
Rotosound makes high-quality bass strings, and their Steve Harris signature set has all you need to play great rock bass guitar. These strings have a long life, good volume, and the tone you need to rock out.
✅Good tone
✅ Long life
✅ Superior volume
✅ Great for rock styles
❌ A bit expensive
❌ Not coated
Why I Recommend It
Rotosound strings are ideal for almost any player. They have years of experience making strings, and these Steve Harris Signature strings have a great tone and long life.
This is a custom set at 50, 75, 90, 110. This set is on the heavy side, so make sure you are comfortable with this type of setup. They are ideal for hard rock and metal styles due to the added thickness of the string.
Best Bass Guitar String Brands
Here are some of the top bass guitar string brands that you should be aware of. All of these companies make quality strings and would be a great choice.
D’Addario
This company makes a wide range of different bass strings. They are well-known and one of my favorite companies to buy strings from. They have nice corrosion-resistant packaging, so your strings last a long time.
Fender
Fender makes a wide range of strings to complement their musical instruments. Their sets are ideal for beginners as their strings tend to be lower cost on average when compared to other major brands.
Ernie Ball
These strings are well-known in the industry thanks to their Slinky brand, which is ideal for many playing situations. These strings are low cost yet produce the tones you need for your bass.
Rotosound
Rotosound has been around since the 1950s and is responsible for some famous bass guitar tones. They make great strings and are an ideal choice for any player that wants a quality bass guitar sound.
Elixir
One of the top strings for bass guitars belongs to Elixir. I use these strings all the time because they have a great coating that extends the life of the strings. They are more expensive, but an excellent company to buy from.
Bass Guitar String Aesthetics & Build
Here is what you need to know about bass guitar strings before you buy your next set. Bear in mind that you need to experiment a bit with string sets to find your ideal preferences.
Material
There are several materials used to make bass guitar strings. Steel and nickel are the most common types of materials. Some prefer nickel while others like steel. This is a personal preference you need to figure out for yourself.
Gauge
Make sure you try several gauges to determine what you need. Medium is ideal, but some players like lighter sets as they won’t hurt the fingers as much. You can mix and match to find your ideal set of strings.
Winding
There are several windings to be aware of. Here is a rundown of each one.
- Roundwound: Popular winding for slapping and most bass styles. A bit noisy when compared to other windings
- Flatwound: Great for jazz and similar styles. Often used on fretless instruments. These have a rounder tone when compared to roundwound and aren’t suitable for some styles.
- Roundwound: These are often called half round. These have less finger noise and don’t wear down the frets as much as roundwounds.
- Tapewound: These have a soft tone to them due to having nylon wrapped around a metal wire. If you have a softer touch while playing, these are ideal for you.
Coated vs. Non-Coated
A coated string may be an option as they last a lot longer. You could get several months of life out of coated strings. The downside is that some players don’t like the feel of coated strings and prefer non-coated ones.
Bass Guitar String Brands to Avoid
Try to buy from major companies. Avoid all no-name strings or ones that are low in price as you won’t get anything of quality.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Here are some basic questions that people ask about bass guitar strings. Here is what you need to know before you buy your set.
What Is String Scale Length?
Your bass has a certain scale length, and bass strings are set for that length. There are typically several scale lengths available for bass guitars. By knowing the scale length of your bass, you can match the right scale length strings.
Basics:
- Short 32″ Scale Length
- Medium 32-34″ Scale Length
- Long: 34-36″ Scale Length
- Extra Long: 36-38″ Scale Length
What Is the Ideal Gauge for Me?
Bass guitar strings are heavier than normal acoustic guitar strings and electric guitar strings. It’s ideal to use medium strings as these give you the best tone. If these hurt your fingers, try a custom set or lighter. Experiment with gauges.
Do I Need Coated Strings?
Coated bass guitar strings last longer than regular strings but cost more. If you play all the time, this can save you money. Some don’t like the feel of them, so use what you like.
You should experiment with coated strings to see if they work for you. If you don’t like strings that have coating on them, you can always try regular bass strings. There are many different sets of both coated and non-coated strings.
How Much Do Bass Guitar Strings Cost?
Bass guitar strings have a wide range of prices. You need to try various sets to determine what you like. Here is what you should expect in terms of price:
- Beginner $15-$20
- Intermediate: $20+
- Advanced: $20+
What Are the Best Bass Guitar Strings?
Here are my top picks for the best bass guitar strings. Try these sets, and I’m sure that you will enjoy a better tone out of your bass guitar than ever before.
Elixir Nanoweb Bass Strings: Best for Professionals
The Elixir Nanoweb Bass Strings last forever, thanks to this special coating. You save money on strings and always have a great tone night after night when you use these strings.
Jim Dunlop Lemmy Signature: Best for Intermediate Players
Rock players will love the Jim Dunlop Lemmy Kilmister Signature bass strings. They have a good tone and a long life. They are ideal for most rock styles.
Ernie Ball Regular Slinky Bass: Best for Beginners
Ernie Ball Regular Slinky Bass is ideal for beginners and those looking for all-purpose bass guitar strings. They are low cost and sound great, so you will always have a set ready to go.
Where Are the Best Bass Guitar Strings Made?
The major manufacturers make most bass guitar strings in the USA.
Where to Buy Bass Guitar Strings
There are several places where you may want to purchase your bass guitar strings. It’s important to shop around to get the best deals. Many online retailers have sales, so you can save money. Here is what you need to know before you buy.
Amazon
My main choice is Amazon as they always have a great selection, good prices, and you can read reviews before you order. They have good customer services, and strings arrive fast and well packaged.
Online Music Retailers
Sweetwater and Guitar Center are two other locations where you will probably want to pick up some bass guitar strings. They have excellent selection, good customer service, and fast shipping.
Your Local Music Store
You can also find bass guitar strings at your local music store. Bear in mind that they may not have every set that you’re looking for, so you may have to go with something that you don’t like.
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Table of Contents
- Bass Guitar Accessories
- What Is a Bass Guitar String?
- Types of Bass Guitar Strings
- Things to Consider When Choosing Bass Guitar Strings
- 10 Best Bass Guitar Strings
- Best Bass Guitar String Brands
- Bass Guitar String Aesthetics & Build
- Bass Guitar String Brands to Avoid
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- In Conclusion
In Conclusion
Thank you for reading this guide to the best bass guitar strings. It’s important to try several different sets of bass strings until you find one that meets your needs.
Please like, share, and leave a comment on this article. We always look forward to hearing from you. Now, go string up your bass, and start playing some great bass lines.