Much like guitar strings, bass strings come in many different configurations. There truly aren’t any bad choices one can make when selecting a set, but what’s most important is to determine what type of sound and style you’re going for. Being aware of your playing style as well as what genre you are primarily going to play as it can make a huge difference in narrowing down the best options.
Of course, there’s no greater test one can do than actually trying strings out for yourself and experiencing what they feel and sound like firsthand. However, here are a few basic concepts you should be familiar with before taking the plunge into the deep end of bass strings.
String Gauges
The diameter/thickness of a string is what we call a string gauge. The heavier the gauge of a string, the lower and richer the tone. Conversely, because these strings are thicker and heavier, they also require more physical exertion from a bassist’s fingers. For this reason, it’s often better for beginners to start off with a lighter gauge.
String gauges are messed in thousandths of an inch. Ultra/extra light string sets run between .090 and .030, whereas extra heavy sets are between .115 and .055. If you’re unsure about where you personally stand in the range of options, it’s advisable to start out with the standard medium gauge, which runs in between .105 and .045. Also be advised that changing bass string gauges will alter the tension in the neck of your bass guitar, so you may need to have your instrument adjusted when making the switch.
String Windings
Like guitar strings, most bass strings are made from either steel or nickel/steel hybrids. However, the way in which bass strings are wound can make a significant difference in the sound that they produce.
Roundwound Strings
The most common type of windings, and they offer a brighter and louder sound that is more ideal for bassists who play lead lines or utilize pop/slap techniques that are most frequently used in funk music. This type of string is also prevalent in rock music and also usually produces more finger noise as players shift around the frets on their instrument.
Flatwound Strings
These produce far less finger noise and are typically favored by jazz and soul bassists. They have a warmer and more mellow sound, and favored for fretless bass guitars due to their smooth finish which causes less wear-and-tear on the fretboard. This type of string winding is also prevalent in other genres such as blues and country.
Other String Windings
Tapewound bass strings offer a nylon wrap around the steel strings, producing a more muted tune with a shorter decay. Groundwound strings are also referred to as half-round, and are pressed to create a more flattened surface that reduces finger noise and fret wear while still maintaining the louder, brighter sound of the roundwound string.
Scale Length
A bass string’s scale length refers to the distance between the bridge and the nut on a bass guitar. This distance can determine both the tone and pitch of an instrument. But more importantly than that, certain models of bass guitars are set up for specific scale lengths, so it’s important to make sure that you’re picking up the right one for your particular axe.
Bass string scale length is typically divided into four different categories: short (30-31 inches), medium (32-33 inches), long (34-35 inches), and extra long scale (35-36+ inches). The most common scale length for electric bass guitars is long-scale – models such as the Fender Jazz Bass would fall into this category. Gibson EB basses, which are visibly smaller than the aforementioned type of brand, utilize a short scale. Basses with five or six strings usually have extra long scales.
Changing Strings
There isn’t a set standard as to how often you should be changing your bass strings. How often you play (and in what sort of environment) can make a huge impact on how often it’s necessary to restring. For instance, bassists who typically only play in studio sessions and other more controlled environments are less likely to sweat as much (and consequently provide wear and tear to their strings) as bassists who play on stage in hot clubs or venues every night. To that end, some bassists change their strings every night while other bassists go years without changing their strings.
It’s also worth noting that making the decision to change strings is also dependent upon what kind of tone you’re looking for. Some bassists like the clean and “popping” tone best produced by freshly changed strings, whereas others prefer a deadened, deep sound which is accumulated after months (or years) of playing with the same strings. It really all depends on what you are looking for.
Keep in mind that when you do change your strings, the sound may be uncharacteristically bright to the point where it may come across as undesirable. Before you throw your instrument out the window, allow for a few playing sessions to work the strings in as the tone will shift after being used consistently.