Does it matter which brand of bass string I use? Yes! Choosing good double bass strings can improve the sound of your instrument. You may want to experiment with different brands to achieve the sound you like best on your bass because the same brand of string can produce varied results on different basses. Some bass players also mix different brands of strings when they string their bass to produce the desired sound for each string. Choosing the ideal strings for your bass is a very personal choice.
There are three main categories of bass strings: Synthetic Core, Steel Core, and Gut Core. Want to learn more about the differences between these types of strings? Click here. For directions on how to change strings, visit our Changing Strings page.
Please be aware that if you choose a bass string set labeled "Solo" tuning, these strings are designed to be tuned one whole-step higher than the standard tuning for basses (instead of tuning your bass to the pitches E, A, D, G, you would tune your bass to the pitches F#, B, E, A ). If the string set is labeled "Orchestra tuning," it means the strings are designed to be tuned the standard E, A, D, G tuning. String makers also often offer different "gauges" meaning thickness (e.g. light/thin, medium, heavy/thick etc.). If you're unsure which gauge to use, medium is often a good choice. The following sampling of bass strings features some of the most popular brands (additional brands are available). Strings may be purchased in sets containing all 4 strings or purchased as individual strings, and most of the strings listed are for 3/4 basses, the size most teenagers and adults play (see Choosing a Bass for bass sizing information).
What are bass strings made out of? Bass strings are made out of three main materials: Synthetic, Steel and Gut. Although bass strings once were made solely of gut (from sheep intestines), all-gut strings aren't used as often today because they're expensive and rapidly go out-of-tune. Differences between various types of strings are briefly described below.
Synthetic Core These strings are designed to replicate the rich sound of gut strings, and feature a warm, bright tone without requiring the frequent tuning of gut-core strings. Synthetic-core bass strings use a core made out of a durable synthetic product such as Perlon, Kevlar or other composites, and are wrapped with metals such as aluminum or silver. View Synthetic strings.
Steel Core Steel-core bass strings (sometimes called rope core when multiple strands of steel are twisted like rope ) are often described as having a bright, loud and direct sound. Steel-core strings are wound with various metals such as silver, titanium, tungsten or steel, and these strings often remain better in tune than other strings (the steel core isn’t as impacted by humidity and temperature as gut-core or synthetic-core strings). Steel core strings are a popular core material for double bass strings. View Steel strings.
Gut strings Gut strings have a rich, warm sound and come in either plain, unwound gut (often used for Baroque instruments), or as a gut-core string wound with metals such as aluminum or silver. Gut-core strings are not as durable as steel or synthetic-core strings, and since they’re more sensitive to humidity and temperature changes, they often require more frequent tuning than other brands of strings. Popular brands include Pirastro’s Oliv Label and Eudoxa. View Gut Core strings.
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