Electric bass guitar stringscan last quite a while but when is the right time to change them? There’s also so much to choose from: single strings, full packs, thick, thin, roundwound, or flatwound. If you’re having trouble finding the best strings for your bass, we offer a tailor-made guide to help you find what you need. If you can’t find the answer to your question here, feel free to contactus!
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1. When Should I Change My Bass Guitar Strings?
Bass guitar strings do last much longer than standard guitar strings. After a long period of playing, you’ll definitely notice that they start to sound more dull, produce more unintended noises or just don’t feel so nice any more. Changing the strings of your bass will freshen up the sound and improve the playability.
It might seem like an unnecessary or simple question but the number of strings your bass has is the first thing you need to check. Most basses will have a standard 4-string set up. But, we also have packs of strings available for 5-string, 6-string, and even 8-string basses. If you’re just looking for a single string rather than a full pack, then you can also find these. In most cases, it’s best to change all of the strings at once so that you get a balanced, fully refreshed sound and playing feel.
3. What’s the Best Bass Guitar String Gauge (Thickness)?
If you don’t have any preference, then a medium gauge (thickness) set of strings are always a good choice. Most 4-string basses comes from the manufacturer with a set of medium gauge strings installed. These strings have a thickness ranging .045 or .050 to .100 or .105inches.The first number indicates the thinnest (highest pitched) string included in the set, and the second number indicates the thickest (lowest pitch) string included in the set.
Bassists who like a more flexible, smooth playing feel are likely to prefer a lighter gauge set of strings. If you want an extra-full tone and don’t mind working a little harder, or want to use a lower tuning, then a heavier gauge set of strings are likely to suit you better. Do you need more than four strings? The fifth string included in a 5-pack of medium gauge strings is usually a low B with a .130 or .135 inch gauge.
Tip: When browsing all of our bass guitar strings, you can use the filters found on the left of the page to specify what gauge you’re looking for and how many strings you need in the pack.
In terms of length, most standard basses will take a set of long scale strings.
If the scale length of your bass (this is the measurement between the string nut and bridge saddles) is longer than standard, or if the strings are thread through the body, then you might need extra long scale strings. For shorter basses, you can use a set of medium or short scale strings.
5. What Material Should My Bass Guitar Strings Be Made of?
Most strings have a steel core, and the difference between them lies in the material used for the winding. The most popular strings are nickel wound, but for a brighter, more outspoken sound, you might prefer a set of steel wound strings. If you want something that sounds a little more vintage and warm, then a set of strings wound with pure nickel provide this.
6. What’s the Difference Between Roundwound and Flatwound?
Most bassists go for strings with round winding (roundwound). These feel a little more rough beneath the fingers, but offer a brighter sound. Since they’re the most common strings, they’re also the cheapest.
If you want a more classic, ‘dull’ sound, then you might like flatwound or half-wound strings. Often referred to as ‘polished strings’, flatwounds have a completely flattened winding while with half-wounds, only the outer surface has been flattened. The flatter the winding, the more round or ‘dull’ the sound. If the sound isn’t round enough for you, then you could also try a set of tapewound strings with nylon winding (not to be confused with taper-wound!).
7. What Are the Advantages of Using Coated Bass Strings?
Sooner or later, any string will start to sound deadened and play less smoothly due to a build up of grime and exposure to moisture. This actually happens much faster for bassists with particularly sweaty hands. Luckily, there are strings available that have been treated with a special coating designed to protect the strings from these factors. As such, they last longer than standard strings and also retain their fresh sound for longer. They also tend to feel less rough beneath the fingertips and produce less of that ‘squeaking’ finger noise. Coated strings generally cost more than standard strings. A popular maker of coated strings is Elixir.
Not to worry! You can never go wrong with a pack of medium gauge, long scale, nickel wound, roundwound strings, with or without a coating. Popular string manufactures include D'Addario, Fender, Ernie Ball, Rotosound and Elixir. There are also many other brands out there that all offer with their own advantages. You can find more detailed information about individual packs on their dedicated product pages. We hope you find the right pack for you and your bass and wish you masses of playing pleasure!
