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For most players, the best bass strings are nickel-wound roundwounds in a 45–100 or 45–105 gauge, such as D’Addario EXL170 or Ernie Ball Regular Slinky. Choose flatwounds like La Bella Deep Talkin’ Flats for a warm vintage thump, or coated strings like Elixir Nanoweb to make strings last longer.
The best bass strings are the cheapest tone upgrade you can make. Fresh strings can make a budget bass sound twice as expensive, and the wrong type can make a great bass sound dull. If you’re putting together your first rig with our bass guitar for beginners guide, start with a standard roundwound set and experiment from there.
This guide covers the best bass strings for different styles and budgets, explains the flatwound vs roundwound debate in plain English, and shows how gauge affects feel. If you change gauge, follow our bass setup guide afterwards to keep the action and intonation right.
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Best Bass Strings: Quick Picks
| Pick | Who it’s for | Skip it if | |
|---|---|---|---|
| D’Addario EXL170 Nickel Wound Bass Strings | Best bass strings overall | You want vintage thump | Check price on Amazon |
| Ernie Ball Regular Slinky Bass Strings | Rock players and heavier attack | You prefer a lighter feel | Check price on Amazon |
| Rotosound Swing Bass 66 Strings | Bright, aggressive tone | You dislike string noise | Check price on Amazon |
| La Bella Deep Talkin’ Flats 760FS | Best flatwound bass strings | You want modern brightness | Check price on Amazon |
| D’Addario Chromes Flatwound Bass Strings | Flatwounds with a lighter feel | You want maximum vintage thud | Check price on Amazon |
| Elixir Nanoweb Bass Strings | Longest-lasting roundwounds | You change strings every gig anyway | Check price on Amazon |
| DR Strings Hi-Beam Bass Strings | Players who want sustain and clarity | You want the cheapest set | Check price on Amazon |
How We Picked the Best Bass Strings
We chose sets that are widely sold, consistently made and trusted by working bassists. They cover nickel and stainless roundwounds, flatwounds and coated strings. Gauges and materials come from the manufacturers: D’Addario, Ernie Ball and Rotosound. Check the scale length on the packet. Most of these sets come in long-scale (34 in.) versions by default, with short, medium and extra-long versions sold separately.
The 7 Best Bass Strings Reviewed
1. D’Addario EXL170 Nickel Wound Bass Strings – Best bass strings overall
The EXL170 is probably the most widely used bass set in the world. Nickel-plated steel windings on a hex core give a bright but not harsh tone, with a smooth feel and reliable intonation.
The 45–100 gauge is easy on beginners’ fingers while still sounding full.
- Gauge: 45, 65, 80, 100
- Type: Nickel-plated steel roundwound
- Scale: Long (34 in.)
Pros: Consistent quality; Balanced tone; Easy on fingers. Cons: Loses brightness after a few weeks of heavy playing.
D’Addario EXL170 Nickel Wound Bass Strings: Check price on Amazon
2. Ernie Ball Regular Slinky Bass Strings – Rock players and heavier attack
Ernie Ball’s Regular Slinky Bass set is a rock staple. The 50–105 gauge adds tension and low-end punch compared with a 45–100 set, which helps if you dig in hard or play with a pick.
Nickel-plated windings give a classic bright-to-warm tone.
- Gauge: 50, 70, 85, 105
- Type: Nickel-plated steel roundwound
Pros: Punchy; Great for picks; Widely available. Cons: Higher tension may need a setup tweak.
Ernie Ball Regular Slinky Bass Strings: Check price on Amazon
3. Rotosound Swing Bass 66 Strings – Bright, aggressive tone
Rotosound’s Swing Bass 66 strings are stainless steel roundwounds with a famously bright, aggressive tone. They’ve been used by bassists from John Entwistle to Steve Harris and Geddy Lee.
They’re perfect for rock, metal and slap, but expect more finger noise and fret wear than with nickel strings.
- Gauge: 45, 65, 80, 105
- Type: Stainless steel roundwound
Pros: Very bright; Great for slap; Classic rock tone. Cons: More finger noise; Rougher feel.
Rotosound Swing Bass 66 Strings: Check price on Amazon
4. La Bella Deep Talkin’ Flats 760FS – Best flatwound bass strings
La Bella has been making strings since 1640, and the Deep Talkin’ Flats are its signature bass set. They give the warm, thumpy, short-sustain tone heard on countless 1960s soul and pop records.
They’re stiff at first, and many players run them for years without changing them.
- Gauge: 49, 69, 85, 109
- Type: Stainless steel flatwound
Pros: Authentic vintage thump; Very long life; Smooth, quiet feel. Cons: High tension; Not great for slap.
La Bella Deep Talkin’ Flats 760FS: Check price on Amazon
5. D’Addario Chromes Flatwound Bass Strings – Flatwounds with a lighter feel
Chromes are a modern take on flatwounds: smooth, polished stainless steel with a little more top end than traditional flats. The 45–100 gauge is easier to play than many vintage-style sets.
- Gauge: 45, 65, 80, 100
- Type: Stainless steel flatwound
Pros: Smooth and quiet; More versatile than vintage flats; Lighter tension. Cons: Less thump than La Bellas.
D’Addario Chromes Flatwound Bass Strings: Check price on Amazon
6. Elixir Nanoweb Bass Strings – Longest-lasting roundwounds
Elixir’s ultra-thin Nanoweb coating protects the windings from sweat and grime, so the strings stay bright much longer than uncoated sets. They cost more up front but often work out cheaper over a year.
- Gauge: 45, 65, 85, 105 (Medium) or 45, 65, 80, 100 (Light)
- Type: Coated nickel-plated steel roundwound
Pros: Lasts much longer; Smooth feel; Consistent tone. Cons: Higher price; Slightly different