6 String Bass Guitar Strings For Sale (2024 Update)

I bought these for my fretless 6-string because I use half-rounds (other manufacturer) on my 4-string fretted, and have always liked the way they feel and the way they sound. These however have NO HIGH-END OUTPUT!!! If you've used flat-wounds or half-rounds, you know there's going to be less high-end frequency. But WOW, was I floored at the lack of response from these! On top of that, the process they use to flatten the top-rounded area to make them "smoother" to the touch, leaves a RAZOR-LIKE EDGE that will catch your fingers if you try doing any slide work. Absolutely the WORST strings I've ever waisted this much on! I replaced them one week later with DR-Coated strings, and am very happy with them. Not to mention they come in cool colors (mines blue on my blue bass, hehehehe). Heed my warnings, these are horrible! But if you want a slightly used set to try out, let me know.SteveSteve

I have not noticed any sharp edges. not as bright as round wound. I use flats on my fretless, so these are feel more like those, a little brighter. Low B sounds really good and easy on the fingers.pastor larry

I bought this strings for fretless bass. Before them was round wound strings. The sound became very bad… It have very little sustain… the Fifth string not sounds… One good thing is that they not damage the fingerboard.bazcustom

The strings arrived today and I wasted no time getting them on my bass. I was replacing old strings of an unknown origin that were on this bass when I acquired it four days ago. The old strings were a lighter gauge and when I put the new ones on I had to adjust the truss rod (which is no big deal and to be expected anyway.) After a couple hours of playing my right hand finger tips were really feeling it. Not painful, just unpleasant to me. The tone of the nickel, as advertised, was bright and crisp and brought extra clarity to the B string. I wonder if it's the nickel that makes the strings feel hard and abrasive. I've been playing for 50 years so my fingers are used to what a bass string feels like.I don't think I have nickel strings on any other of my basses. I play 5 hours almost every day on multiple basses and none of them feel like these nickel. I need to play these some more before I decided whether I like them or not. Sound-wise I like them but on comfort-wise the jury is still out. I hope I end up loving themPreston

I have to say that I haven't used these yet, I bought them to replace the factory strings on a low-end 6 string bass that I just bought, but they look great and Daddarrio does make dependable strings (except for their mandolin strings-run away from those!). If I find I have problems with these later and there is an option to edit this review, then I will do so.Ben

Nice responsive set, good tones. I prefer flatwounds but ridiculously hard to find for my Schechter Hellcat VI. I swapped the "A" string (.074) to the "E" position and added in it's place a (.064) as the Hellcat bridge has a way too tight bore and I want more comfortable playability. I am first a guitar player, then a bass player so making it feel like a down-tuned guitar more comfortable for me. Sounds good, plays fine, just wish either Ernie Ball or D'Addario would make a light guage flatwound set for these Fender Bass VI style axes.John Catfang

I have used these on my custom Maccaferri hollow body bass with a 30" Danelectro neck and they are perfect. I have no idea why others have said these aren't good for a 30" (short scale) bass. Maybe they stuck the high "E" on the "G" post or something, etc. I'm going to use a set on a Fender Bass VI. The price is incredible and they don't chew up your frets like some round wounds. There is really nothing else like these at any price.DETROIT ROCKER

These were described as new, they were not ! Obviously some one had these strings on another bass guitar and for ever reason they did not like and then decided to cut them off. When I got hold of them they are not long enough to go my bass. So that was a complete and utter waste of time and money. I just purchased another set today from a dealer for $20.00.ts-w4s-kgetmvy3s

I Think that's good strings. They sounds good and very comfortable to play. Not so long life like Elixir strings but anyway quality on a high level.Misha

Still playing with other brands to see what i like but i've always gone with this brand in the past (4 and 5 string bass). I've only had my 6 string for about a year (ibanez BTB686SC terra firma) i didn't notice any rattle or anything after a small adjustment to my bridge. I wouldn't call these special but they work just fine.Weston

I just started playing 6 string bass guitar. I do care about tension and sound of low B string since I have played 5 string bass. It sounds wonderful. The "new string sound" lasts very long.(I tried DR, but its "new string sound" went off quickly.) I do have fast and agressive slap style, and It has nice mid on string itself. The Nickel feels kinda rough, but guys. this string is chipper than any other strings but sounds better!! you have to try it.Chi-Hoon Kim

I've been struggling with the intonation on my Squier vi since I bought it (even with a Staytrem bridge), these strings are a game changer. It's like a new instrument, and now it's everything I wanted it to be in the 1st place. The strings also sound absolutely amazing. Tried stock strings and D'Addario replacements, these are infinitely better.tigerslemur

These strings to me are the ultimate strings for the bass vi. They are expensive but the quality and longevity of the stainless steel will last several years. My Fender VI sounds vintage accurate and the intonation is much better. I recommend the these strings.gsgann

If you're a guitar player who uses a pick, don't worry, the stock strings will be fine. If you play with a pick these strings might take a while to adapt to, but it's not a real issue. If you're planning on playing finger-style bass (like Jack Bruce did when recording "I Feel Free") then these strings are a must-have. You will get more accurate intonation (even more so than with the stock strings) and flats are the way these were strung up in the 60s before some guitar player insisted round-wounds would be better. You should get a spare nut because you will need to file the old nut on the bass side to fit the higher-gauge strings, but your local luthier could recommend what's best for you. I play both guitar and bass and do fingerstyle as well as pick, and I can tell you these strings make it possible for me to do all these and stay 99% in intonation. (to get the other 1% you should look at the recommendations below). Online eBay had the best prices ($50 plus free shipping) than other "strings-for-less" sites that stick you with shipping and handling charges. My seller MUSIC123 has been my go-to for years and they always provide shipping and tracking information with each sale. Their refund policy (unlike others) is also legit. Remember, this is a bass guitar (one octave below low E on guitar) and not a baritone guitar (low B below low E on guitar). These strings won't work on your baritone guitar and you'll ruin the nut and saddle if you try. Other recommended steps: (1) Lock your tremolo! It will make fine-tuning nearly impossible (2) Use bronze washers under the bridge: it'll keep it from rocking back and forth to make your tuning take twice as long as it needs to be. (3) If you rest your right hand on the bridge, BOTH these mods are recommended! (4) you may invest in an after-market bridge if the stock bridge gets hard to intonate. (5) get a clean cloth and wipe down your strings after you play. For that matter, wipe down your whole guitar so that there are no sweat stains left. Flatwounds will last 30-40 years unless you allow your dirty finger/arm oils to rot away the strings and the finish. (6) lemon oil is the best thing to use on your guitar, not spray-wax or other stuff. And you only need a few drops every few sessions or so, so a huge bottle will last beyond your lifetime. I'm sure you can hunt down forums and see what others think. Me, I LOVE these strings!fred156

Last time I played seriously was in '89. Got back in recently. Tried several different sets of strings. Landed back on the Rotos…as good, if not better, as they ever were. Put 'em on my schecter omen elite-4….they rip!Old School

As someone who regularly plays live shows, these strings are my absolute favorite. Super light and easy to bend, and yet not floppy; they produce no unwarranted fret buzz even at extremely low string heights. That being said, they also manage to maintain bright and exciting treble without sacrificing anything significant in the low frequencies. As always, Rotosound has produced a very piano-like set of strings. One of my favorite playing styles is slap bass (incorporating a lot of the Victor Wooten "double thumb"), and these strings make everything easier. Try them out; if you're interested in light gauge strings, you won't be disappointed.Tim

I had used Rotosound strings in the past. Flat wound, and did not like them. Just did not care for flat wound strings. I had been using Ernie Ball Slinky but was not really happy with them either. They were hard on the fingers (sharp) and thin sounding I was not getting the "beef" in my sound. I did a nice cleaning of my fretboard and installed the roto bass RB 45's The E string was a bit fatter than I was used to but still very comfortable. The strings were smooth (for round wound) and I was most pleased with the fatter tone overall. Tight clean and no buzz. I believe I will be using these for all future restrings. One minor CON was that for strings marked for long scale the D string was a bit close in length. But that said my Bass, an 80's model Washburn force 4 is a very big and long bass.vicmanjim

I love the sound of these String, and I personally believe this is the best deal I've got. I'm about to stock up on this Product.gsta4555

when I used to Bass sthings for four string bass back in the eighties the strings I used to buy were bright and crispy. These strings are dull and expensive. Nice package, But that is as far as I would go. Good luck with your shopping though. Love and Luck Marcus.wilso1785

These strings do sound great and easy to play but the one set I bought had a dead A string. I followed same protocol as always putting a sharp bend in the string just before cutting as you would do on any round core string to keep the core from slipping. I do this on my DR strings and never have a problem but this A string is dead from this set of La Bellas. Such a shame as the other strings sound awesome. I took the string off and made sure it wasn't twisted as this will also cause a dead string sound sometimes. Still no joy. Great strings but if you also find a dead string in your set, I wouldn't buy them anymore. I will try another couple of sets and be sure before I decide whether I will use these long term.Winston W.

I got lucky and won a pack of these, at some F bass event. I didn't think they would be that great, was expecting them to be average… After putting them on, I was surprised at how amazing they sounded, they have this top end to them I've never noticed on other strings. I remember the only guy who endorsed La Bella's was Jason Newstead. I would say these are similar to D'addarios xl nickel imho. But they felt a little slinkier to me. Not a fan of slinky's but they felt great!victor

I could not find the strings I wanted at any of the music stores in Orange County, Ca. I wanted nylon wound bass strings for my 6 string bass. Thank God for The TalkBass Store! I placed my order, it arrived on time, and I'm back in business. I saved a ton of money too! TalkBass saved my sound. Thanks again for the great service and follow up.Joe G

Got this for my 5 string. I wasnt sure if the .135 would fit. If it didn't work then my plan was to tune it high with the high C string. It worked out great and now i have a spare C.R931

Buyers have come to expect quality from the DR brand, and these strings do not disappoint. All 6 neon strings are every bit as good as they say. Granted, they may not the be the greatest strings available or even the best I've ever played. But if you're looking for something eye-catching without sacrificing clarity, you've come to the right place.Back 2 Bassics

Only play at home or with friends but if I was still gigging these strings would be top on my list as my "go to strings".Ed

I must be writing this review for new bass players because anyone who's been playing for more than 2 years has likely already tried out a set of these. As you probably know, light gauge strings are great for funk, slap, and high end growl. GHS Bass Boomers are among the best for that. Strings probably have more to do with your tone than any other piece of the bass puzzle. You need to try as many as you can to find your tone. Simply put, if you play bass, GHS Bass Boomers are one of the "standards" you owe yourself to try. I often get bored with my tone and change which strings I use. I recently switched back to the Boomers because I like their springy funky tone. Dig in hard for fat finger picking and slap away my friend.WhiskeyGaloreBass

I put these on one of my Fender Jazz Basses and I loved these. I'm always experimenting with different string brands and sizes. These were really great. These are perfect especially if you are a slap bassist. They have a really bright sound to them but they still seem to maintain a full tone. I would also recommend these if you are just learning to play bass and you haven't yet built up good finger strength.Johnny

I used these strings back in 80's till the mid 90's and then switched to the 105's.I figured I give these a try again.Boy was I suprised!! It is the best sound ever .Emg pickups and a MXR compressor really work great with this set of Boomers.Slap, pick, fingerstyle,all sound balanced and even.Highly recomended!luke

Last time I played seriously was in '89. Got back in recently. Tried several different sets of strings. Landed back on the Rotos…as good, if not better, as they ever were. Put 'em on my schecter omen elite-4….they rip!Old School

As someone who regularly plays live shows, these strings are my absolute favorite. Super light and easy to bend, and yet not floppy; they produce no unwarranted fret buzz even at extremely low string heights. That being said, they also manage to maintain bright and exciting treble without sacrificing anything significant in the low frequencies. As always, Rotosound has produced a very piano-like set of strings. One of my favorite playing styles is slap bass (incorporating a lot of the Victor Wooten "double thumb"), and these strings make everything easier. Try them out; if you're interested in light gauge strings, you won't be disappointed.Tim

I had used Rotosound strings in the past. Flat wound, and did not like them. Just did not care for flat wound strings. I had been using Ernie Ball Slinky but was not really happy with them either. They were hard on the fingers (sharp) and thin sounding I was not getting the "beef" in my sound. I did a nice cleaning of my fretboard and installed the roto bass RB 45's The E string was a bit fatter than I was used to but still very comfortable. The strings were smooth (for round wound) and I was most pleased with the fatter tone overall. Tight clean and no buzz. I believe I will be using these for all future restrings. One minor CON was that for strings marked for long scale the D string was a bit close in length. But that said my Bass, an 80's model Washburn force 4 is a very big and long bass.vicmanjim

I just bought a '73 Gibson SB-450. I got a good deal on it so I took it to a local luthier for a once over. I told them to give me the best strings they had for this bass. It came back with DR High Beams. I have DR Black Beauties on my other bass, a MIM P-bass, but they didn't know that. Anyway, I took it to rehearsal and everyone thought it was awesome. I thought it sounded really good too, but am not sure if it was the set-up and intonation, the new strings or the Peterson tuner. Clearly all these things contributed. I'm very happy with it and hope to go gigging with it this summer.flin1

I have tried a million differant strings. For the price DR'S are hard to beat. They are easy on your fingers, deliver great tone over thier lifespan, and you know what you are getting everytime you grab a pack. Plus they are easy on the wallet!Tony

My last set of HighBeams were on my bass for over 6 years. They were pretty dead by then, but it really wasn't that bad. Still had a great tone, and I still did a handful of gigs with them. They stay bright for a very long time, and they don't sound bad after they've gone dead. I've tried pretty much all of the different bass strings out there, and for the money and quality, DR HighBeams are the best.Richard

I've been using Elixir strings for about a decade now. I first tried them on an acoustic guitar, & was blown away by the tone, the feel, & the longevity. Some will complain about price, but if you add up the cost of changing strings every 1-2 months verses every 9-12 months, you actually save money in the long run. I now run them on all my basses & guitars. They sound almost as good at the end of their life as they do straight out of the box. Amazing. Highly recommended!Keger J.

I've been using Elixir strings for years now. Although not quite as bright as traditional strings, the upside is the brightness they do have lasts so much longer. Whereas I used to have to change strings every 5 gigs, I can get up to 30 gigs with that new string sound with Elixir strings.wolfbass1965

Overall: Is it my imagination, or do these strings squeek less? Pretty sure I'm not dreaming. Sure, there's the "normal" squeeking, but I don't hear as much "noise" as I was getting on my previous strings. I seem to get fewer unwanted harmonics when muting with only one finger, and fewer squeeks when I slide my hand to different positions. I still need some practice with muting, but not as much as I thought. I also think I hear more bass out of these strings. Or maybe it's just a better overall tone, but something sounds better, even on the G string. Very nice sound! It was worth the money! These strings also seem to feel better, less friction, nice soft touchy feel. I'll never use any other brand of strings after this!Al

Last time I played seriously was in '89. Got back in recently. Tried several different sets of strings. Landed back on the Rotos…as good, if not better, as they ever were. Put 'em on my schecter omen elite-4….they rip!Old School

As someone who regularly plays live shows, these strings are my absolute favorite. Super light and easy to bend, and yet not floppy; they produce no unwarranted fret buzz even at extremely low string heights. That being said, they also manage to maintain bright and exciting treble without sacrificing anything significant in the low frequencies. As always, Rotosound has produced a very piano-like set of strings. One of my favorite playing styles is slap bass (incorporating a lot of the Victor Wooten "double thumb"), and these strings make everything easier. Try them out; if you're interested in light gauge strings, you won't be disappointed.Tim

I had used Rotosound strings in the past. Flat wound, and did not like them. Just did not care for flat wound strings. I had been using Ernie Ball Slinky but was not really happy with them either. They were hard on the fingers (sharp) and thin sounding I was not getting the "beef" in my sound. I did a nice cleaning of my fretboard and installed the roto bass RB 45's The E string was a bit fatter than I was used to but still very comfortable. The strings were smooth (for round wound) and I was most pleased with the fatter tone overall. Tight clean and no buzz. I believe I will be using these for all future restrings. One minor CON was that for strings marked for long scale the D string was a bit close in length. But that said my Bass, an 80's model Washburn force 4 is a very big and long bass.vicmanjim

I had high hopes for this set of flatwounds to put on my hollowbody 5 string bass. I was disappointed, however. The higher tension of this string really adds fatigue to your hand muscles. The worst part is that the LOW B string totally came apart when winding around the tuning post. The strings were put on my a great luthier/guitar tech in my area….so it was not a matter that they were put on incorrectly. I contacted DR and they immediately sent out a replacement B string….so high marks for their customer service. In the meantime, however, I needed a B string and put on a LaBella Low B flatwound that plays and sounds fine but has a different tonal character than the DR. Don't know whether to take a chance on removing the LaBella and put the DR to make a matching set.roadcat

Round wounds are great strings but I found it difficult to dial in that old Fender Jazz bass sound on my basses. Flat wounds did it with ease and without any felt or palm muting. I bought a set of LaBella Deep talking flat wounds and they sound good but still fell short when it came to slapping. Since I used DR Fat beams primarily I decided to try DR Legend Flats. Wow, I have found the sound in my head…finally. Slap, finger style, palm muting, you name it. It sounds really great. Now I use Legend flats on all of my basses, including my 5 string. Last but not least, they feel good in my hands as well.Dandy Don

I'm a long time big fan of DR. I like their infinite lasting strings which keep their tone years and years, However I have been using Ernie Ball 2806 Flat Wound Group III on my Precision 70 with 62' pickup since 2010. P 62' pickup has an edgy top end and round low. I was curious about the legend and decided to give them a shot. I like the gorgeous gold wrapping at the end of the string and it looks awesome on my Olympic white Precision. A, D and G string sounds quite clear and open, but the E string is totally dead. No texture at all. It has thick low end though, but rather you use your nail or a pick, it has a dead click, and that's it. Quite a contrast with the other strings actually. It's a kind of sound I have heard on many R&B albums and may be your thing, but I personally prefer the Ernie Ball 2806 for Classic rock, Funk, Blues etc. The Ernie Ball 2806 do not have that strong E, but all strings are consistent and clear and cranking the low end a bit adds fatness to all strings. DR Legends may please many players and may possibly work better on more modern instrument. If DR claim to improve this I will try them again. Meanwhile, I am going back to my beloved Ernie Ball 2806.Precision70

These strings produce a warm, clean tone. Bright but not punchy. They cut through double guitars while still maintaining their cleanliness. Long enough to use on my string through and they last longer than most strings I have come across recently. Not as easy on the frets as flatwounds but definitely less wear than, say, a GHS Boomer or RotoSound roundwound string. All in all, if you haven't tried them, they are definitely worth at least that. I have played a LOT of different strings over my many years of playing bass and I will be keeping a set of these on hand from now on.Timothy

I like these strings because DR have a sincere tone. DR have not emphasized lows or electric sound. These are strings with pure steel sound.kiko_redartwork

They dont only look great on stage, they sound awesome! I've been using this nice strings since about 1 1/2 year, they sound so amazing that i wont use any other strings the rest of my life! Totally Recommendedvaliente.thorr

I have been using DR Strings off and on for almost 30 years and love the Neons. They sound great, look cool and will get you noticed when you use them.jedibassgary