Best acoustic bass guitar strings

Steve Romanoski Avatar
Steve Romanoski
Last Updated: Sep 23, 2022

In this article, we've listed the best acoustic bass guitar strings one can find out there. We've analyzed about 102 of acoustic bass guitar strings and selected the 39 top options by Takamine. We took the time to do a meticulous research and point out some advantages and disadvantages of each of the products we suggest below so that you don't have to dive deep into the topic and spend numerous hours hoping to find the perfect model on your own.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Elixir Strings Nickel Plated Steel 4-String Bass Strings w NANOWEB Coating
#TOP 1
Elixir Strings Nickel Plated Steel 4-String Bass Strings w NANOWEB Coating
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D'Addario Bass Guitar Strings
#TOP 2
D'Addario Bass Guitar Strings
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Elixir Strings Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings w NANOWEB Coating
#TOP 3
Elixir Strings Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings w NANOWEB Coating
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PBM Score

Top 39 Best acoustic bass guitar strings Reviews 2022

#TOP 1

Elixir Strings Nickel Plated Steel 4-String Bass Strings w NANOWEB Coating

Elixir

Features

  • Played for a rich, rounded tone with incredible clarity and a heavy mid-range presence
  • Electric bass guitar strings constructed with nickel-plated steel wrap wire
  • Ultra-thin NANOWEB Coating, redesigned specifically for bass guitars, provides a smooth, natural feel that also enhances grip
  • Long Scale, Light/Medium gauge: .045 .065 .085 .105
  • Our patented coating technology protects against common corrosion, extending tone life longer than any other brand’s coated or uncoated strings (Elixir Strings player survey)
#TOP 2

D'Addario Bass Guitar Strings

D'Addario

Features

  • FOR THE ULTIMATE PERFORMANCE – Like all D’Addario bass strings, XL Nickel are made with our proprietary Hex-Core, ensuring perfect intonation, consistent feel, and powerful durability.
  • BESTSELLING SET – Our best-selling electric bass strings, revered by players for their reliable performance and versatile tone.
  • EARN REWARD POINTS - XL Nickel bass sets have a code on the recyclable VCI bag, which you can register to earn Players Circle points.
  • TIGHT, BRIGHT TONE – Nickel-plated steel wrap wire provides a bright, tight bass sound, great for a variety of musical genres.
  • MADE IN THE USA – XL Nickel bass guitar strings are made in the USA—drawn to our exacting specifications at our New York production facility.
#TOP 3

Elixir Strings Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings w NANOWEB Coating

Elixir

Features

  • Our patented coating technology protects against common corrosion, extending tone life longer than any other brand’s coated or uncoated strings (Elixir Strings player survey)
  • Played for a dynamic balance of rich, full-bodied tone and sparkling high-end clarity
  • Acoustic guitar strings constructed with phosphor bronze wrap wire
  • Ultra-thin NANOWEB Coating provides a traditionally textured, “uncoated” feel
  • Custom Light gauge: .011 .015 .022 .032 .042 .052
#TOP 4

D'Addario ETB92 Tapewound Bass Guitar Strings

D'Addario

Features

  • Made in the U.S.A. for the highest quality and performance
  • Fits long scale basses with a string scale length of up to 36 1/4 inches
  • String Gauges: Wound .050, .065, .085, .105
  • Engineered to provide optimal tension and gauged to fit properly on standard bass saddles and nuts
  • Flattened black nylon wound for a warm, deep tone
#TOP 5

GHS Strings 4 Precision Flats

GHS Strings

Features

  • Medium Gauge: 045-065-085-105
  • Unique cross-winding process offers a deep percussive tone.
  • Flatwound Stainless Steel on a Hex Core
  • Polished Stainless Steel Flat Wire Wrap
  • Model: M3050
#TOP 6

DR Strings Bass Strings

DR Strings

Features

  • Signature crisp tone, clarity, and volume of dr's traditional handmade strings
  • Extended string life
  • Super-thin coating on the plain strings and on the wrap wire
  • Hand-made with black polymer coat
#TOP 7

Fender 9050 Bass Strings

Fender

Features

  • Fender stainless steel flatwound 9050’s are anexcellent choice for jazz, country, r & b and reggae.
  • By the way, the stainless steel construction also givesyou longer life, and the flatwound construction reducesfinger noise.
  • From smoky jazzclubs to r&b venues, from reggae parties to countrymusic halls, 9050’s have you covered.
  • The first electric basses were made byFender, andthose basses came with flatwound strings.
  • Today, manyplayers use stainless steel flatwound 9050’s to add adifferent character to their tonal palette.
#TOP 8

SIT Strings DE45105L Nickel Plated Bass Guitar Strings

SIT Strings

Features

  • Nickel plated steel over hex core
  • Made in U.S.A.
  • Round wound strings for bright sound and great tone
  • David Ellison Signature Series
#TOP 9

GHS Strings Boomers - Nickel Plated Electric Guitar Strings

GHS Strings

Features

  • Featuring the air-tight Fresh Pack & Nitro Pack singles, guaranteed fresh from the factory!
  • Offers a brilliant tone and powerful attack, the power string.
  • Round wound nickel-plated steel on a hex core
  • Model: GBXL 10 pack
  • Extra light Gauge: 009-011-016-024-032-042
#TOP 10

D'Addario Guitar Strings

D'Addario

Features

  • EARN REWARD POINTS - Our 80/20 Bronze acoustic guitar strings come with a code on the recyclable VCI bag, which you can register to earn Players Circle points.
  • MADE IN THE USA – D’Addario 80/20 Bronze strings are made in the USA—drawn to our exacting specifications at our New York production facility.
  • BOLD, BRIGHT SOUND - The 80/20 Bronze wrap wire provides bold, bright acoustic sound, with crisp projection that fills the room.
  • PRECISION WOUND - D’Addario 80/20 Bronze acoustic guitar strings are precision wound over a hexagonal high carbon steel core.
  • THE ORIGINAL ACOUSTIC STRING - 80/20 Bronze was originally created by John D’Addario Sr. and renowned guitar maker John D’Angelico in the 1930s.
#TOP 11

IBANEZ Carbon Coated Strings

Ibanez

Features

  • American hexagonal steel core wire.
  • Warm and gentle tone
  • Smooth and less finger noise
  • Long life and superior tuning stability.
#TOP 12

GHS Strings 5M-DYB 5-String Bass Boomers

GHS Strings

Features

  • Roundwound Nickel Plated Steel on Strengthened Core
  • Model: 5M-DYB
  • 5-String Set
  • Medium Gauge: 045-065-085-105-130
  • The classic POWER string for increased brilliance, volume, sustain and strength.
  • Make sure this fits by entering your model number.
#TOP 13

Ernie Ball Earthwood Slinky Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Bass Guitar Strings

Ernie Ball

Features

  • Element Shield Packaging prolongs string life and keeps strings as fresh as the day they were made
  • Our only Acoustic Bass set
  • Mellow ringing sound with excellent clarity
  • Made from the same Phosphor alloy as our popular Earthwood Acoustic string sets
  • Made in California, USA with the finest and freshest materials
#TOP 14

Martin Authentic Acoustic MA175 Custom-Light-Gauge Acoustic Guitar Strings

MARTIN

Features

  • AUTHENTIC ACOUSTIC: With Martin Authentic Acoustic, you get a set of strings designed for performance and playability. Martin guitars and accessories remain the choice for musicians around the world for their unrivaled quality, craftsmanship, and tone.
  • BRIGHT TONES: Martin Authentic Acoustic Strings provide excellent tuning stability and playability with bright and rich tones. Discover your guitar's true voice with this professional-grade guitar string pack.
  • VERSATILE STRING SOUNDS: Designed to bring out a consistent and true tone from your guitar, these guitar strings can be used for fingerpicking, flat picking, and other methods. Use these strings in any genre—country, bluegrass, folk, blues, rock, and more.
  • SUPERIOR STRINGS: These strings are engineered to thrive during rigorous practice and performance schedules. These silk and steel folk strings feature our highest tensile-strength core wire paired with quality wrap wire for corrosion resistance and tuning stability.
  • CUSTOM-LIGHT-GAUGE ACOUSTIC STRINGS: Measuring from a 0.011" high E string to a 0.052" low E string, these are high-quality acoustic guitar strings that brighten the natural tone of your guitar, including tenor, mid-tones, and bass. They feature a tension of 153.7.
#TOP 15

Ernie Ball Earthwood Medium Light Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings

Ernie Ball

Features

  • Element Shield Packaging prolongs string life and keeps strings as fresh as the day they were made
  • Phosphor bronze wound on a hex-shaped, high-carbon steel core wire
  • Medium Light, the most popular gauge, consists of plain steel strings (.012, .016.) and phosphor bronze wound strings (.024, .032, .044, .054)
  • Warm, rich tone with excellent projection and clarity
  • Made in California, USA with the freshest and finest materials
#TOP 16

D'Addario ENR71 Half Round Bass Guitar Strings

D'Addario

Features

  • Brightness and tension similar to standard round wound strings with smoother feel
  • 45-100 gauged set with the benefits of an exclusive "Half Round" manufacturing process
  • Fits long scale basses with a string scale length of up to 36 1/4 inches
  • Made in the U.S.A. for the highest quality and performance
  • ENR71's combine the playability of common 45-100 gauged sets with the benefits of an exclusive "Half Round" manufacturing process. This set is fit for long scale basses with a string scale length of up to 36 1/4 inches. D'Addario Half Round bass strings are wound with pure nickel, then precision ground, leaving the outer surface smooth and semi-flat while retaining the flexibility of round wound strings. D'Addario's exclusive heat treating process ensures that Half Rounds retain their round wound brightness and sustain.D'Addario, the world's largest manufacturer of musical instrument strings, is known as The Players Choice with a reputation for unsurpassed quality and consistency. D'Addario's innovative, environmentally friendly packaging reduces waste and provides protection from corrosion. All D'Addario strings are manufactured in the U.S.A. using proprietary, digitally controlled, state-of-the-art machinery for unmatched performance, set after set.
  • String Gauges: Wound .045, .065, .080, .100
#TOP 17

D'Addario Guitar Strings

D'Addario

Features

  • MOST POPULAR ACOUSTIC GUITAR STRING -  Now the standard in acoustic guitar strings, Phosphor Bronze strings were originally pioneered by D’Addario in the 1970s.
  • EARN REWARD POINTS - D’Addario Phosphor Bronze acoustic guitar strings come with a code on the recyclable VCI bag, which you can register to earn Players Circle points.
  • WARM, BALANCED TONE - Phosphor Bronze wrap wire provides tried-and-true D’Addario acoustic tone, with beautiful balance and warmth suitable for all musical genres.
  • CORROSION-RESISTANT, PRECISION WOUND – D’Addario Phosphor Bronze acoustic guitar strings are precision wound with phosphor bronze wrap wire, over a hexagonal high-carbon steel core.
  • MADE IN THE USA – Our Phosphor Bronze strings are made in the USA—drawn to exacting specifications at our New York production facility.
#TOP 18

Fender 8060 Acoustic Bass Strings

Fender

Features

  • We offer them in 34 Inch long scale (8060’s) and 30 Inch/32 Inchshort/medium scale (7060’s).
  • The warmth and richness of phosphor bronze stringsadd depth to the sound of acoustic bass guitars,delivering clear highs and long life.
  • Fender phosphor bronze acoustic bass guitarstrings are an excellent choice wherever acousticbass is required.
#TOP 19

DR Strings HI-DEF NEON Bass Guitar Strings (NPB-45)

DR Strings

Features

  • Hi-def neon pink colored bass strings: Medium 45-105
  • The neon colored K3 coating delivers longevity, more projection, fewer unwanted overtones, plus enhanced clarity and articulation
  • Designed to give your stage presence a little extra pop, especially under UV black lighting
  • 45, 65, 85, 105
  • They feature a round core Wire and a silver-plated nickel-plated steel wrap
#TOP 20

DR Strings HI-DEF NEON Acoustic Guitar Strings (NGB-45)

DR Strings

Features

  • Luminescent
  • No Loss of tone
  • Long lasting
#TOP 21

Elixir Strings Stainless Steel 4-String Bass Strings w NANOWEB Coating

Elixir

Features

  • Played for a fresh evolution of stainless tone that’s bright (but not shrill) with deep lows
  • Electric bass guitar strings constructed with stainless steel wrap wire
  • Long Scale, Light/Medium gauge: .045 .065 .085 .105
  • Ultra-thin NANOWEB Coating, redesigned specifically for bass guitars, provides a smooth, natural feel that also enhances grip
  • Our patented coating technology protects against common corrosion, extending tone life longer than any other brand’s coated or uncoated strings (Elixir Strings player survey)
#TOP 22

DR Strings HI-DEF NEON Bass Guitar Strings (NMCB-40)

DR Strings

Features

  • They feature a round core Wire and a silver-plated nickel-plated steel wrap
  • Available in a wide variety of luminescent color options Designed to give your stage presence a little extra pop, especially under UV black lighting
  • 40, 60, 80, 100
  • Hi-def neon multi-color colored bass strings: light 40-100
  • The neon colored K3 coating delivers longevity, more projection, fewer unwanted overtones, plus enhanced clarity and articulation
#TOP 23

Dunlop Nickel Wound, Short Scale.045.105

JIM DUNLOP

Features

  • Product Type :Instrument Parts And Accessories
  • Country Of Origin :United States
  • Package Dimensions :1.3 Cm L X15.2 Cm W X16.5 Cm H
  • Model Number: DBN45105S
  • Package Weight :0.24lbs
#TOP 24

D'Addario Bass Guitar Strings

D'Addario

Features

  • XT strings feature an extended lifespan treatment on every string in the set, preserving the natural tone and feel of uncoated strings
  • These strings are designed for long Scale basses (34”+) and have a taper at 36 – 7/8”
  • High carbon steel wire and Fusion twist technologies deliver unrivaled tuning stability and break resistance. Strings stay in tune 131% better than traditional strings!
  • Strings last at least 4 times longer than traditional uncoated strings
  • The inner packaging features a re-sealable zip closure, for ease of opening as well as storage of unused strings
#TOP 25

D'Addario EPBB170 Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Bass Strings

D'Addario

Features

  • Designed specifically for use on all 4-String acoustic basses
  • Made in the U.S.A. for the highest quality and performance
  • String Gauges: Phosphor Bronze Wound .045 .065, .080, .100
  • Make sure this fits by entering your model number.
  • Preferred for its warm, bright, and well balanced acoustic tone
  • Corrosion resistant packaging for strings that are always fresh
#TOP 26

Fender 7060 Acoustic Bass Strings

Fender

Features

  • Fender phosphor bronze acoustic bass guitarstrings are an excellent choice wherever acousticbass is required.
  • We offer them in 34 Inch long scale (8060’s) and 30 Inch/32 Inchshort/medium scale (7060’s).
  • The warmth and richness of phosphor bronze stringsadd depth to the sound of acoustic bass guitars,delivering clear highs and long life.
#TOP 27

DR Strings - Phosphor Bronze AcousticBass 45-105

DR Strings

Features

  • Acoustic players will find a distinct improvement in tone, depth and sustain
  • Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Bass Strings: Medium 45-105
  • RARE Acoustic Bass Strings are constructed with a phosphor bronze wrap wire wound on a round core, delivering a fatter, louder sound and a deeper bottom
  • 45, 65, 85, 105
#TOP 28

DR Strings Bass Strings

DR Strings

Features

  • It offers bass players a superior black coated string without sacrificing the crisp tone, clarity
#TOP 29

Fender Nylon Acoustic Strings

Fender

Features

  • Our basses are wound in puresilver for an outstanding clarity that can bring even darkand dull sounding guitars to life.
  • We’ve added ball-ends to make our 130’s forfolk guitars.
  • Fender 100’s are high quality nylon strings for classicalguitars.
  • We start with the best nylon material we can find and usestate-of-the-art manufacturing to make you the highestquality strings possible.
#TOP 30

D'Addario EXPPBB190GS Phosphor Bronze Coated Acoustic Bass Strings

D'Addario

Features

  • Designed and developed with Taylor specifically for use on the Taylor GS Mini acoustic basses with a string scale length of up to 25.5 inches
  • Made in the U.S.A. For the highest quality and performance
  • EXP coated Phosphor Bronze for warm, bright, well balanced acoustic tone and 4 times more life
  • Environmentally friendly, corrosion resistant packaging for strings that are always fresh
  • String gauges: Phosphor Bronze wound .037, .055, .062, .090
#TOP 31

DR Strings Rare- Phosphor Bronze Acoustic5 String Bass 45-125

DR Strings

Features

  • RARE Acoustic Bass Strings are constructed with a phosphor bronze wrap wire wound on a round core, delivering a fatter, louder sound and a deeper bottom
  • Acoustic players will find a distinct improvement in tone, depth and sustain
  • 45, 65, 85, 105, 125
  • Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Bass Strings: 5-String Medium 45-125
#TOP 32

Rotosound RS88M Black Nylon Flatwound Medium Bass Guitar Strings (65 75 90 115)

ROTOSOUND

Features

  • Legendary british tone
  • Finest quality materials
  • High quality music strings manufactured in england since 1958
  • Superb tone,feel,power and volume
  • Long life strings
#TOP 33

Musiclily Alice Nickel Wound 4-String Acoustic Bass Guitar Strings Set

Alice

Features

  • he Guitar Strings are in the material as follows: 4 strings in Steel Core with Coated Copper Alloy Wound
  • 100% New,Fit for regular size of 4 string acoustic bass greatly
  • Specifications:G string -1st Steel Core, Coated Copper Alloy Wound .040" 1.02mm;D string -2nd Steel Core, Coated Copper Alloy Wound .060" 1.52mm;A string -3rd Steel Core, Coated Copper Alloy Wound .075" 1.91mm;E string -4th Steel Core, Coated Copper Alloy Wound .095" 2.41mm
  • Package Include: 1 set Bass Strings Set
  • the package is like the pictures showed
#TOP 34

DR Strings HI-DEF NEON Bass Guitar Strings (NWB-45)

DR Strings

Features

  • Hi-def neon White colored bass strings: Medium 45-105
  • The neon colored K3 coating delivers longevity, more projection, fewer unwanted overtones, plus enhanced clarity and articulation
  • They feature a round core Wire and a silver-plated nickel-plated steel wrap
  • 45, 65, 85, 105
  • Available in a wide variety of luminescent color options Designed to give your stage presence a little extra pop, especially under UV black lighting
#TOP 35

Bememo 3 Sets of 6 Guitar Strings Replacement Steel String

Bememo

Features

  • String diameters: 1: 0.2 mm/ 0.007 inch; 2: 0.3 mm/ 0.01 inch; 3: 0.6 mm/ 0.02 inch; 4: 0.7 mm/ 0.027 inch; 5: 1 mm/ 0.039 inch; 6: 1.2 mm/ 0.047 inch
  • Package includes: 3 sets of acoustic guitar strings, each set has 6 strings in 6 different diameters; Good as spares in your bag
  • Color: come with 3 sets of guitar strings, includes 1 set in brass, 1 set in copper and 1 set in multicolor
  • Material: steel, with rustproof coating for durable use; Length: each guitar string is approx. 90 cm/ 35.4 inch
  • Suit for: colored guitar strings are helpful for the guitar beginners to remember and practice; Also fits for guitarist to make their acoustic guitar look beautiful and awesome
#TOP 36

D'Addario EPBB170-5 Phosphor Bronze 5-String Acoustic Bass Strings

D'Addario

Features

  • Preferred for its warm, bright, and well balanced acoustic tone
  • Designed specifically for use on 5-String acoustic basses
  • Made in the U.S.A. for the highest quality and performance
  • Corrosion resistant packaging for strings that are always fresh
  • String Gauges: Phosphor Bronze Wound .045 .065, .080, .100, .130
#TOP 37

Jiayouy Strings Stainless Steel 4 String Bass Strings

Jiayouy

Features

  • Feature an advanced electromagnetic property, even-steady vibration, and good tenuto.
  • Wound strings are made of advanced steel cores and nickel-plated alloy winding, with nickel-plated ball-end.
  • String Gauges: 1-4 strings: 1mm,1.4mm,2mm,2.5mm; Total length: 120 cm / 47.2 in.
  • Designed specifically for use on all 4-String acoustic basses.
  • This string weight, the volume after rolling up is very small, it is very convenient to carry or receive.
#TOP 38

MUSCELL Handmade Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings-3 Packs

MUSCELL

Features

  • VALUE PACKED:Includes 3 individually wrapped sets
  • STRING GAUGES:.010 .014 .023 .030 .038 .048
  • COATED STRINGS: Coated strings are expertly crafted to provide a long lasting, clean, soft and bright tone.Delivering longevity, more projection, fewer unwanted overtones, plus enhanced clarity and articulation
  • HANDMADE.Sound natural than produced by machines.
  • MATERIAL:Our MUSCELL Phosphor Bronze acoustic guitar strings are made of hexagonal steel core with phosphor bronze winding which feature a special, durable alloy of copper, tin and phosphor wind over a hex core.
#TOP 39

D'Addario Acoustic Guitar Strings

D'Addario

Features

  • GUITAR STRAP: D'Addario Accessories Acoustic Guitar Strap is our Black Polypropylene design with strong and secure leather ends. Adjustable from 35" to 59.5" long and great strap for acoustic guitar players.
  • ACOUSTIC GUITAR ACCESSORIES & STRING KIT: D'Addario Acoustic Guitar Kit contains 1 pack of D'Addario EJ16 Phosphor Bronze Strings, Light 12-53 Gauge for 6 string acoustic guitars, 1 Poly Pro Black Adjustable Guitar Strap, and a 10 pack of Medium Celluloid Picks in Assorted Colors.
  • MADE IN THE USA – Our Phosphor Bronze strings are made in the USA—drawn to exacting specifications at our New York production facility.
  • GUITAR PICK SET: D'Addario Accessories 10 pack Medium Gauge (70mm) Guitar Picks works well for both strumming and articulate picking. Premium quality celluloid provides natural feel and warm, fat tone. Perfect for acoustic or electric guitars.
  • GUITAR STRINGS ACOUSTIC 6 STRING SET: D'Addario EJ16 Phosphor Bronze, Light 12-53 acoustic guitar strings are precision wound with phosphor bronze wrap wire, over a hexagonal high-carbon steel core. Phosphor Bronze wrap wire provides tried-and-true D’Addario acoustic tone, with beautiful balance and warmth suitable for all musical genres.

Important Considerations to Keep in Mind When Searching for the Perfect acoustic bass guitar strings

Is there a difference between electric and acoustic bass strings?

Acoustics generally come with bronze strings, which won't work on electrics because they are not magnetic. Electric strings should work fine on an acoustic as long as they deliver the sound you're after.

Can I use guitar strings on a bass?

First, the strings might just not be long enough. Second, you might have to tighten them so much to bring them up to pitch that they break. A better way to go is to look for individual bass strings that are lighter in gauge and closer to guitar string gauges. There should be some overlap.

Why does my bass buzz when I touch the strings?

If your bass hums once you touch the strings (but is otherwise quiet), you have a grounding issue. If your instrument hums but becomes quiet once you touch the strings, you have a shielding issue.

Why is acoustic bass so quiet?

Because they typically have a solid body, there's no air inside the guitar to create natural resonance. This lack of resonance causes the bass to produce notes at a drastically lower volume, especially when playing it like an acoustic guitar.

Is it OK to hang bass guitar by neck?

Been discussed here a number of times. Hanging guitars/basses by the neck does no harm.

Editor's Notes

Overall, our testing team spent 65 hours on the research prior to come up with the list of the 39 best acoustic bass guitar strings out there. We've read 319 reviews, on 20 different trusted resources and made this compilation of the customers' favorites. These products have the average rating of 360, and, we've also considered the price range: on average, the selected acoustic bass guitar strings are available at $990.

Steve Romanoski Avatar
Written by

Steve Romanoski

Steve loves music. Steve Romanoski and his wife live in Alaska. They are always on the go, exploring new places and trying out new products (especially those which can help them enjoy the great musics even more). When he's not writing about products, Steve Romanoski enjoys reading books about history and science. He likes to think of himself as a renaissance man, but his wife would probably say that he's just a big kid at heart.