Best Long Scale Bass Guitar Strings of 2026

Joseph Hubbard Avatar
Joseph Hubbard
Last Updated: Jan 16, 2026

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Long scale bass guitar strings are designed for bass guitars with a scale length of 34 inches or more. These strings are ideal for players who prefer a deeper, fuller sound with more sustain. Long scale bass guitar strings are available in a variety of gauges to suit different playing styles and preferences. They are made from high-quality materials such as nickel-plated steel, stainless steel, and flatwound or roundwound strings. These strings are known for their durability and long-lasting tone, making them a popular choice among professional bass players.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

D'Addario NYXL Bass Guitar Strings - NYXL45100 Cover #TOP 1
D'Addario NYXL Bass Guitar Strings - NYXL45100
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Elixir Strings Nickel Plated Steel Bass Strings Cover #TOP 2
Elixir Strings Nickel Plated Steel Bass Strings
ftb score rating icon 9.8
D'Addario XL Nickel Bass Guitar Strings Cover #TOP 3
D'Addario XL Nickel Bass Guitar Strings
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 9 Long Scale Bass Guitar Strings

#TOP 1

D'Addario NYXL Bass Guitar Strings - NYXL45100

NYXL45100
Multicolor
D'Addario NYXL Bass Guitar Strings - NYXL45100 Cover
D'Addario Bass Guitar Strings, NYXL Nickel Plated, NYXL45100, Regular Light Gauge 45-100, Long Scale, 4-String Set, Pack of 1

D'Addario NYXL Bass Guitar Strings - NYXL45100 is a premium uncoated bass string, made in the USA, with an enhanced tonal response, reengineered core-to-wrap ratio, and greater tuning stability and break strength than standard bass strings. These versatile strings maintain a familiar feel while offering accentuated harmonics, and come with a code on the recyclable, resealable VCI bag to earn Players Circle points.

What We Like
Excellent tonal response
Long-lasting durability
Bright, punchy sound
Smooth playability
Rewards program benefits

Elixir Strings Nickel Plated Steel Bass Strings

14077
Gold
Elixir Strings Nickel Plated Steel Bass Strings Cover
Elixir Strings Nickel Plated Steel 4-String Bass Strings w NANOWEB Coating, Long Scale, Light/Medium (.045-.105)

Elixir Strings Nickel Plated Steel Bass Strings are made of nickel-plated steel wrap wire, which produces a rich and rounded tone with incredible clarity and a heavy mid-range presence. The ultra-thin NANOWEB Coating, specifically designed for bass guitars, provides a smooth and natural feel while also enhancing grip. The patented coating technology protects against common corrosion, making them last longer than other brands' coated or uncoated strings. These strings come in a Long Scale, Light/Medium gauge of .045 .065 .085 .105.

What We Like
Long-lasting durability
Consistent, high-quality tone
Smooth, comfortable feel
Easy playability
Suitable for various music styles
#TOP 3

D'Addario XL Nickel Bass Guitar Strings

EXL170
Light, 45-100
D'Addario XL Nickel Bass Guitar Strings Cover
D'Addario Electric Bass Guitar Strings, XL Nickel, EXL170, Regular Light Gauge 45-100, 4-String Set, Pack of 1

D'Addario XL Nickel Bass Guitar Strings are perfect for those who want tight, bright tones and consistent performance. The nickel-plated steel wrap wire provides a versatile bass sound suitable for any genre. Made with Hex-Core technology, these strings deliver perfect intonation, consistent feel, and powerful durability. What's more, you can earn Players Circle points by registering the code on the recyclable VCI bag. Made in the USA, these strings are drawn to exacting specifications at the New York production facility.

What We Like
Long-lasting durability
Consistent tuning stability
Great tone and brightness
Comfortable playing feel
Good value for price

D'Addario XL Chromes Flat Wound Bass Guitar Strings

ECB81
Silver
Long Scale
D'Addario XL Chromes Flat Wound Bass Guitar Strings Cover
D'Addario XL Chromes Flat Wound Bass Guitar Strings - ECB81 - Long Scale - Regular Light, 45-100

D'Addario XL Chromes Flat Wound Bass Guitar Strings are a mellower tone flat wound electric bass string with smooth, dark tones. They are made with proprietary Hex-Core for perfect intonation, consistent feel, and reliable durability. The Chromes sets come with a recyclable VCI bag that has a code to register for earning Players Circle points. The bass guitar strings are made in the USA.

What We Like
Smooth, low-friction surface
Consistently high quality control
Warm, thumpy, even tone
Excellent sustain and tuning stability
Long-lasting, graceful aging
#TOP 5

La Bella LTF-4A Low Tension Flats Long Scale Stainless Steel Flat Wound 4- String Electric Bass 42-100

LTF-4A
Silber
Long Scale 42-100
La Bella LTF-4A Low Tension Flats Long Scale Stainless Steel Flat Wound 4- String Electric Bass 42-100 Cover
La Bella LTF-4A Low Tension Flats Long Scale Stainless Steel Flat Wound 4- String Electric Bass 42-100

Features
Low Tension Flats Strings: The Low Tension Flats Deliver The Same Classic Sound But Without The Floppy-String Effect Associated With Other Light Tension Flat Wound Strings.
Excellent Quality And Performance: La Bella's Low Tension Flats Are The Best-Selling Light Tension Flat Wound String On The Market. Adopting The Same Techniques Behind Our World-Famous Deep Talkin' Bass Strings
String Gauges: .042, .056, .075, .100
Stainless Steel Flat Wound: Stainless Steel Flat WoundRound Cores For Greater Flexibility And Narrower Ribbon For An Unrivaled Smooth Feeling Light Tension Total Tension In Lbs: 134.90 (1st 36.2, 2nd 34, 3rd 30.5, 4th 34.2)
Made In The USA: American Wire Packaged Using MAP Technology (Modified Atmosphere Packaging) To Prevent Tarnishing And Ensure Freshness
#TOP 6

D'Addario XL Half Rounds Bass Guitar Strings

ENR71
Silver
Long Scale
D'Addario XL Half Rounds Bass Guitar Strings Cover
D'Addario Bass Guitar Strings, XL Nickel Half Rounds, ENR71, Long Scale, Regular Light Gauge 45-100, 4-String Set, Pack of 1

The D'Addario XL Half Rounds Bass Guitar Strings are a unique combination of round and flat wound strings, providing the benefits of both. The pure nickel wrap wire is smooth to the touch, reduces finger noise, and provides a tone comparable to round wound bass strings. These strings are made with the proprietary Hex-Core, ensuring perfect intonation, consistent feel and reliable durability. The sets come with a code on the recyclable VCI bag, which can be registered to earn Players Circle points. They are made in the USA to the highest standards at the New York production facility.

What We Like
Smooth feel
Warm sound
Versatile for multiple styles
Reduced fret noise
Comfortable for playing
#TOP 7

Elixir Stainless Steel 5-String Bass Strings

14777
Gold
Elixir Stainless Steel 5-String Bass Strings Cover
Elixir Strings Stainless Steel 5-String Bass Strings w NANOWEB Coating, Long Scale, Light (.045-.130)

Elixir Stainless Steel Bass Strings are constructed with stainless steel wrap wire, offering a fresh evolution of stainless tone that is bright with deep lows. The ultra-thin NANOWEB Coating, specifically designed for bass guitars, not only provides a smooth, natural feel but also enhances grip. With Elixir's patented coating technology, these strings offer protection against common corrosion, ensuring a longer tone life compared to other coated or uncoated strings. The long scale and light gauge (.045-.130) make these strings suitable for 5-string bass guitars. Experience the convenience of stainless steel strings that deliver exceptional tone and durability.

What We Like
Bright stainless tone
Enhanced grip with NANOWEB Coating
Longer tone life with patented coating technology
#TOP 8

D'Addario XL ProSteels Bass Guitar Strings

EPS170-5
Silver
D'Addario XL ProSteels Bass Guitar Strings Cover
D'Addario XL ProSteels Bass Guitar Strings - EPS170-5 - 5 String - Long Scale - Regular Light, 45-130

D'Addario XL ProSteels Bass Guitar Strings, also known as D'Addario ProSteels Strings, are the brightest bass guitar strings offered by D'Addario. Made with stainless steel wrap wire and a proprietary Hex-Core, these strings deliver a unique combination of rich, harmonically penetrating highs and tight, tough lows. The stainless steel wrap wire enhances the interaction with magnetic pickups, resulting in a palette of vibrant highs and pronounced lows. The perfect intonation, consistent feel, and reliable durability of the Hex-Core make these strings a reliable choice for bass players. Additionally, the XL ProSteels sets come with a code on the recyclable VCI bag, allowing users to register and earn Players Circle points. Made in the USA at D'Addario's New York production facility, these strings are crafted to exacting specifications.

What We Like
Brightest sound
Enhanced interaction with pickups
Perfect intonation and consistent feel
#TOP 9

La Bella 760FL Deep Talkin' Bass Flats - Light 43-104

760FL
Standard Long Scale
43/104
La Bella 760FL Deep Talkin' Bass Flats - Light 43-104 Cover
La Bella 760FL Deep Talkin' Stainless Steel Flat Wound, 4-String, Light, Bass Guitar String 43-104

La Bella Deep Talkin' Bass Flats are excellent quality and performance bass guitar strings that have been favored by professional bass players worldwide since the 50s and 60s. These flat wound strings are made of stainless steel and deliver a warm tone with a thick core and light tension. They are specifically designed for fretless basses but also work well with electric basses. With easy installation and labeled strings for quick and fool-proof installation, you can replace your old strings in minutes. The string gauges of .043, .060, .082, .104 provide a deep, vintage tone. Made in the USA with American wire, these strings are packaged using MAP Technology to keep them fresh for longer.

What We Like
Excellent quality and performance
Warm tone with light tension
Easy and quick installation
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is long scale bass strings?

Short-scale basses are generally defined as having scale lengths between 30′ and 32′. Long-scale basses conventionally have a 34′ string length. Remember that we are talking about string length – the distance between the bridge and the nut – not neck length, although one affects the other.

2. How long are extra long scale bass strings?

Medium Scale = 34" Ball to Silk. Long Scale = 37" Ball to Silk (or Taper) Extra Long Scale = 39" Ball to Silk.

3. Can you use long scale bass strings on a short scale bass?

Yes, you could tune a long scale string on a short scale bass and have EADG, but the string will not produce the TONE that string was intended to make because it is not the right length.

4. What gauge strings do most bass players use?

You can find that most of the bass four strings guitar sets have G and D strings with medium weight gauging around 0.045 to 0.065 while those of light strings A and E strings measure 0.080 to 0.100. In a similar case, another light 5 string bass guitar may gauge heavier on a B string with 0.130.

Editor's Notes

During our long scale bass guitar string research, we found 24 long scale bass guitar string products and shortlisted 9 quality products. We collected and analyzed 110,522 customer reviews through our big data system to write the long scale bass guitar strings list. We found that most customers choose long scale bass guitar strings with an average price of $22.28.

The long scale bass guitar strings are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of long scale bass guitar strings, including D'Addario, Elixir, La Bella. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Joseph Hubbard Avatar

Joseph Hubbard is a music producer and runs a musical instrument store in Chicago. Joseph is happy to help others choose the instrument that best suits their needs. He loves everything related to music and often publishes articles related to music on key websites.