Best Acoustic Bass Guitar Strings (2024 Update)

I have always loved DR strings on my electric basses, both 4 & 5-strings. While they are a nice string on my acoustic bass, I prefer the Elixir Nanowebs. The strings feel a little stiff on the fingers in comparison. Sound quality is spot on, but feel isn't quite what I expected.Paul

I use them on a Washburn AB 40 fretless acoustic/electric bass (the one with slats instead of a soundhole). These strings have a nice full twangy sound that counteracts the somewhat muted tone I get with nonbronze strings. The last set I bought lasted a long time. They're pricey, but the tone and durability I get with them make it worth it.65PBASS

Well balanced, smooth, resonant strings with great tone and volume. Not too much string noise or harsh zingy treble. Very recommended!edb_82

Almost sounds like an upright bass when played acoustically. Fine tone through my acoustic amp. And really comfortable to play. After more than 50 years playing guitar I finally broke down and bought a bass, and I'm so happy I got this one (Koa).John W.

I'd always used Rotosound round wounds on my 1979 Rickenbacker 4001 bass. But I now wanted to make the bass sound more like vintage R&B. These strings absolutely delivered. They are indeed "deep talkin'."PC

Plus points: low tension. Upright bass sort of sound. Nice sound a little bit brighter than flats. Negatives: thicker than normal strings makes action feel higher than it actually is. A bit rattley – you'll probably need to raise at the bridge. They don't have the same conducting effect as steel/nickel strings so you can get some earthing noises when you contact the strings.block.inlays

I own two Michael Kelly Dragonfly fretless acoustic electric bass guitars. One is a five string and the other is a 4 string. These are the strings that ship on these guitars and I see no reason what so ever to experiment around and try to find "better" strings. These strings sound great and are priced more than fair. 5 stars.Jim

Excellent quality strings. Sound great, feel great from slides to tension balance. The finish is highly polished, smoother than any other brand I have encountered. The only way these strings could be better is if they were coated. I have used everything from D'Addario, Fender and Rotosound acoustic bass strings and the Martin's are my new "go to" !!!John

I loved speed, a good delivery! I'm building my own guitars and I would like to do a lot more business with you as long as the Price is Right. So far you have impressed me. Could you send me a catalog that would be great. What I mainly need is good hot pickups for both country and Rock dual coil and single coil and pickguards if you would happen to have any I'm building them in my own signature style of course, of course they are called Reed Guitars. I can get to Nick already made with fretz and truss rod for $14. But I would like to buy bodies that I can work with to give you an idea of what I looking for. Also need 3-way switches and a 5 way switch and of course potentiometers and knobs. Thank you very much. Until then you will need a friend George Reed.reedgeorge

I bought these strings today because my local store was sold out of my usual Elixir brand. I just put them on my old Gibson acoustic, and all of the ball ends are color-coded wrong, and the strings are turning my fingers black after 20 minutes of playing. They sound OK, but really? I used to be a big fan of D'addario strings for my electric guitars. These changed my mind.Page

I always get this brand of strings. They are the best! The strings are color coded for easy restringing. I usually purchase the ultra light bluegrass style and was happy to see that these are the same top notch quality. The ultra lights are a must if you want easy on the fingers. I can’t say enough good things, and you can’t wrong in buying these!Ginabug

D'addario EJ26 Phosphor Bronze guitar strings are very good. I have played this strings for years. D'addario is a very trusted brand among guitar players. They are always consistent great sound and playability. They are comfortable on the fingers and they last a good while. The longevity of strings all depends on how much and how often you play. Phosphor Bronze have a warm smooth tone. If you are looking for great sounding strings look no farther than D'addario EJ26 Phosphor Bronze strings.Travis

I have used various D'Addario strings since the early 80s. I was 'aware' of them in the 70s but I typically used Fender strings on electrics and Martin on acoustics. I have always maintained that D'Addario strings are cheap, plentiful, and get the job done. The argument could be made that there are better strings out there ("boutique" strings) but D'Addarios are available in any music store and they are consistently good. I think I only had one or two sets where the unwound strings were nasty…. they looked 'kinked' and didn't sound right. One or two sets out of how many hundreds of sets?? As to these particular strings, I have a 1947 Gibson L-5 and it just feels more 'right' with caveman strings. I'm not one of those 30s rhythm players that go runka chunka all day long, I play it like any other guitar, and it begs for heavy strings. D'Addario has them available….not everyone does, ya know. I'm happy with the company's products, across the board.ksdaddy

I use these for fingerpicking style in alternate tunings. They are the most robust and long lasting acoustic guitar strings on the market that I know of. With a lot more tension than one would expect, it may wise to use a lower guage if transitioning from round wound strings.SAM

Wonderful strings. They don't feel like flatwounds; they aren't "slick," they still have a noticeable texture, and you can certainly still bend the strings. The finger noise of regular acoustic stings, however, is almost completely eliminated. Your tone will be noticeably different, but it's not night and day. Perhaps a bit softer, but the tone is overall very balanced. I also want to mention that I ordered this on 2nd Day Air UPS and I received it the next day! Could not possibly ask for a better experience.J.R. Seaba

I don't care for string noise when playing. This is due to my playing style which includes note and chord sliding on the wound strings. Flat Tops reduce or eliminate this noise to an acceptable level for me. There is a downside and that is some reduction in the sound level of the higher notes. That is due to the construction of the wound strings. So you get an improvement in string noise but the trade-off is a reduction in brightness. To compensate for this I use Tone Pins on the bridge. These pins are brass and enhance the brightness. The combination of Flat Tops and Tone Pins works well for me. I have been using Flat Tops for more than 5 years on both 6 and 12 string guitars. For the 12 string guitar there is not a Flat Tops set available. I use the combination of a 6 string set and available individual Flat Top strings to make the 12 string set. Maybe D'Addario could consider packaging a 12 string set? The life expectancy of these strings is no different than most uncoated strings. Keep on picking…guitaramphead

I tried many strings on my piezo-equipped, fretted Godin A-4. I pluck with fingers. For the past fifteen or so years, I settled for TI Jazz flats; it's a low tension steel string that worked well, with good sustain, but made the instrument sound like a conventional electric bass. With the Acousticore strings, I had to futz with the truss rod a bit to get the notes to sound fully and without fret noise, but this paid off with a resonance I hadn't gotten before. I adjusted the EQ on the instrument to enhance the upright effect; I was able to get a clear pitch out of each string even though I'd cranked the bass end and cut the highs (the strings are kind of trebly).Donnie DuCover

I wanted to use these on my Martin bass guitar, which I play a lot in Gypsy Jazz bands. The Martin needs a lower tension string so these were great, BUT the gauges were way too low. I'm used to 45 to 100 on my electrics, and having to switch to these was too drastic a change. You'll have to raise your action, tweak truss rod, etc. They might be for you, but they were not for me. Pity. I like their sound, and my Tomastik upright strings are great. These do roll under the fingers too, but they were way too much like rubber bands. Took them off and went back to Fenders, which are relatively cheap and sound okay. Hopefully Tomastik will come out with a more normal gauge string set.Bassman

I was initially skeptical about the Acousticore's for several reasons. First, they are pricey, pretty much double that of the nylon tapewounds I've been experimenting with lately. Second, they only come in a much lighter gauge set than I was use to playing. Third; low string tension, again something I was not use to. Looking back, these concerns are simply not justified. Basically, the Acousticore's actually make playing easier and more enjoyable, rendering a nice woody tone that most acoustic bassists would appreciate. The lower string tension is also easier on your instrument, and in my particular case I was able to achieve a comfortable low playing action with very little fret noise, a plus for those who play with their fingers, especially when digging in on busy bass lines. I had to adjust back on my Kingman's truss rod to compensate for the lower string tension. No biggie if you know what you are doing, and could be well worth your effort. The Acousticore strings are hands down the best overall strings I have ever used on my Fender Kingman, and I have tried at least a half dozen types and brands. These strings truly made a good decent ABG into a very good ABG. In that regard, the initial higher cost of these strings is definitely justified.Stan-YJtIh

I found a set of strings that have great tone and are loud. The RARE DR strings kept me from selling a bass. I was disappointed that the stock pickup on the Michael Kelley Dragonfly 5 string fretless does not pick up the low B. The pickup appears to be sized for four strings. The other strings are so much louder and sound great electrically but the low B lacks. The DR RARE strings will be my main bronze set.Matt

These strings are nice sounding at first. They loose the luster quickly. Stretch a lot. Are not as tight as I would like them to be. Look good. Feel good.Paul

Couldn't find sets of strings for 5-string acoustic bass locally. Have luthiers carry individual strings, but nobody stocks anything big enough for the B string. "Had to" mail order. These looked like best bet. Put them on my Michael Kelly Dragonfly 5. Love the sound, both deep and bright. Not personally a big fan of playing round wound strings, but these sound good enough to make me consider changing preferences …Robert

I just received these today (3-8-13, not from musicians friend) and was very excited about them. I play in a heavy metal band that tunes to CDCF and my ernie ball super slinky 45s weren't cutting it, so I ordered these. I started putting them on and the tone was great. Once I put on the 4th string (C), it was just about tuned and it snapped. Maybe this was a fluke, but for someone that plays shows, this is completely unacceptable. To have a string designed for low tuning, not be able to tune to C is just ridiculous. No way these would tune any higher. I would avoid these. I ordered Ernie Ball power slinky 55s (same gauge as these DDTs)Cbass419

Really recommend these strings my bass has that twang I've been searching for but without taking anything from the deep basses sounds you want from your bass. When you are stuck in a groove these strings give you so many options to play around with sounds. I bought them for C standard tuning but I've been so happen with them I have learnt half my set list to suit these strings now just for an excuse to use them more. I will be buying more 100%Reviewed by Andertons Music Co.

I find it difficult to hear the difference between the leading brands at similar prices. I seem to alternate between these and D'Adario, both are very good and rarely break (unless you constantly change tunings) in which case use more then one guitar : )David H.

Like the sound I get out of my Gibson Hummingbird. With these maybe good for 40 hours of hard blues. I want some light gauge out in no more than 10 hours. So there a good valueBrian

I hadn't replaced my strings in a long time and I got these to replace them. These might be the greatest guitar strings I've ever played on. The tone is perfect. The lighter gauge makes it easy to play even with a higher action of an acoustic guitar.Jacob

Use them on a Martin 0-18 small body. Perfect gauge for a lighter set of strings without making the high e too thin. Sound great and last about 2-3 weeks with an hour of play everyday. Overall a good set of strings and I would highly recommend them to any user who is looking for a lighter gauge set.Matt

Bought these to restring a guitar. Messaged the shop for advice as I am a total beginner. They came back almost immediately, ordered straight away and here the next day. Great strings, excellent service. 😁Charles S.

I hate to give a bad review of Earthwood because I've played and loved the other Earthwood strings; however I tried these Rock & Blues strings on my Taylor as well as my Fender Sonoran and was not happy at all with the sound. For me I think it is the fact that the g-string is like an electric string and not wound like an acoustic string. Because of that, when I strum the whole acoustic sound is "off". Sure the string is easier to bend for lead, but to me it's not worth the trade off of having a bad sound when strumming.Strums the Word

I use to buy Martin Marquis strings but the price went up and I thought I would try these Ernie Ball strings. I put a set on my guitar yesterday evening and they sound good. I like buying the packs of strings instead of single packs. We will see if they have a long or short life. The sound is great.Hunter Dan

Musicians Friend has been the only place I can find these strings. I started playing an epiphone acoustic bass 2 years ago about 3-5 gigs a week. I had used light gauge boomers on my electric exclusively because they made the only affordable .40 string that wouldn't break when you put it on. The acoustic lights are just as durable and I beat the hell out these things. Just wipe them down after your gig and they will last. There's no need to be forced to use heavy strings if you don't want to.Horn Buckle

These strings have a great sound on my Ephiphone Acoustic Bass. They are easy on the fingers and hold pitch very well. Will continue to use these each time I replace my strings.Larry I

Perfect sound and high quality for such an amazing affordable price. I will always purchase these when my acoustic bass is in need for a fresh new set of strings.Michael

whats to say each company makes strings a little different depends on the person who has the one that fits them i like these always use then for my acoustic guitarsstillcruisin

what can i say, i have been using Ernie Ball Slinky's for almost twenty years.and would not think of any other string. they are so flexible, i think i am using regular guitar strings. it doesn't take a Hercules to pull the strings down to the frets. and they always have the sound i am looking for. look, i am going to shoot straight. most musicians are not rich.and struggle until that day(if it ever comes) we get discovered or finally break through. most of us don't. so, if i can get a string that allows me to do what i can with a bass, and sound like the most expensive bass ever made, at a price where i can eat dinner that night,that's a win-win. so whether i am playing for a bunch of my friends, or playing in some major concert venue.i will continue to use Ernie Ball products.david

I've used Ernie Ball guitar strings for quite a while now, so when I got myself a bass I immediately knew I would try their bass strings as well. So far, so good. I'm just as happy with the bass strings as I have been with the guitar strings. Excellent brand; great quality and value.lumina_racer

I build guitars and buy these for setups period. I have tried to use these on one occasion just for kicks but found the tension all wrong. Not so much on the wound strings as the unwound upper strings. I found the tension and feel really poor. They seemed to be ridiculous to bend and if you managed that they felt like they were about ready to snap. I did not like the brittle tone either. The feel of these is just all wrong but they are cheap and fine to use for building but my guitars would never go out with these!Thump54

Musicians Gear strings are perfect for any player. If you get your strings for free because of an endorsement deal, you can claim a better value. I don't have that option = I pay for my strings. I change strings about once a month, sometimes more often, because NOTHING sounds as good as a new set of strings. But I can't afford big coins to keep fresh strings on them. These MGs are very affordable, they sound great, they play well, they are consistent, and I am very happy when I play with new strings. The new packaging helps stop rust and corrosion, so I usually buy in boxes of 10, just so I have some on hand.guitarpicker7

I use these strings all the time. Dont believe all the nonsense you read- they sound good, they last well and they are affordable. If you dont need to pay double or triple for hype, buy these strings. The best sounding strings in the world are new strings. Buy a stack of these and change them whenever you need to. The more you play, the more often you will need to change them. Even a cheap guitar will sound good with new strings. And the most expensive guitar will sound bad with old strings. I love them.reynardfoxe

These are great strings be not for everyone. They are different in that they aid the upper register of vocals. I've put them on a 00-27 and a J 200; tow very different guitars. The affect is magical for those musicians who want a harp-like tone from their steel strung axe. They have an interesting configuration. From e to E; 12, 16,12,16, 23 W, 30 W. The result is crisp, clear highs and rich lows. These strings are different, but wonderful.goeller2006

I have tried countless strings over the years, and these John Pearse strings are fantastic! You name it, I've tried it. Everything from D'Addario, Elixer, Martin, Gibson, DR, Cleartone and even Dean Markley. Cheap and expensive, I have tried them. All I can say is that these are the best acoustic strings I have tried to date. I just went from a set of Elixers (which I thought were expensive, but good) to these, and these strings won out hands down. As soon as I installed these, my guitar absolutely came ALIVE! It was almost like night and day. Everything was better! Immediately what I noticed was the added volume and projection I was getting, but most of all, it was the tone that absolutely sold me on these. With these strings I heard more woodiness, percussive body, clarity, string to string definition, harmonic overtones, and resonance than any other acoustic strings I have heard to date. The top end also opened up and became even more tactile and transparent. These strings are just more organic, yet highly defined and less sterile than anything else I have heard, and they also have a very balanced output from string to string that is excellent. In no small measure, these strings have been a bit of a revelation. These strings are also very smooth, and I also noticed less finger noise between fretting notes and bar chords as well. However, regarding that smoothness, I also noticed something interesting as well. Just try to follow me with this: These are the first set of John Pearse strings I have ever installed, so I don't know if this is a "one off", but as smooth as they are, I also noticed that the unwound strings have an ever so slightly uneven and wavy finish to them in spots when you shine them in the light. I don't mention this as a negative IN ANY WAY, but just purely as an observation. Besides, I could care less because they sound so darn amazing. Anyway, my point of mentioning this (and this is based purely on conjecture), is I wonder if the barely perceptible finish inconsistencies contribute to the overall tonality of these strings? TBH, I have never seen strings that had this kind of "inconsistency" to their finish before, and I am wondering if this has anything to do with the great tonality of these strings? All the other strings I have bought over the years have been extremely smooth and consistent in their diameter and finish. Again, I don't mention this as a negative in any way because you never feel this while playing in the least. The only time I noticed it was when I looked at them under direct light. These strings sound fantastic, and obviously their specific alloy and construction plays a great part to their sound, but on the other hand, I have never seen strings with this kind of finish before, and yet I have also never been so excited about a set of strings before either. There has to be something to it. The only other thing I can mention is that these strings also have excellent string life as well. I have had these on my acoustic after about a month and a half of use, and they still sound fantastic! Anyway, all I can say is that I have tried A LOT of strings, and these ones are the standouts by far. Buy with confidence. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Peace. 🙂Eywa Dude

Had a pesky b and e string on short scale 000. Solution was it wanted more tension to ring true. The 13 and 18 did it; short scale so they play like lighter strings! The 22w g is awesome, the rest balance nicely. 52 is lite for E but not much of a sacrifice; drop D tuning still do-able. SO HAPPYJohn