Best Long Scale Bass Guitar Strings of 2025

Joseph Hubbard Avatar
Joseph Hubbard
Last Updated: Jan 5, 2025

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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

Ernie Ball Super Long Scale Slinky Bass Guitar Strings Cover #TOP 1
Ernie Ball Super Long Scale Slinky Bass Guitar Strings
ftb score rating icon 9.9
D'Addario XL Half Rounds Bass Guitar Strings Cover #TOP 2
D'Addario XL Half Rounds Bass Guitar Strings
ftb score rating icon 9.8
D'Addario NYXL Bass Guitar Strings - NYXL45100 Cover #TOP 3
D'Addario NYXL Bass Guitar Strings - NYXL45100
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Long Scale Bass Guitar Strings

#TOP 1

Ernie Ball Super Long Scale Slinky Bass Guitar Strings

P02849
Long Scale (45-105)
4-String
Ernie Ball Super Long Scale Slinky Bass Guitar Strings Cover
Ernie Ball Super Long Scale Slinky Nickel Wound Bass Guitar Strings, 45-105 Gauge (P02849)

Ernie Ball Super Long Scale Slinky Bass Guitar Strings are designed to fit 35"+ scale basses with a string length of 50" and a taper at 38 1/2". These strings are precision wound with nickel plated steel around a hex shaped steel core, producing a rich balanced tone. They are made in California, USA with the finest and freshest materials.

What We Like
Designed to fit 35"+ scale basses
Precision wound with nickel plated steel around a hex shaped steel core, producing a rich balanced tone
Made in California, USA with the finest and freshest materials

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
Provides benefits of both round and flat wound strings
Reduces finger noise and offers a smooth feel
Ensures perfect intonation and consistent feel
#TOP 3

D'Addario NYXL Bass Guitar Strings - NYXL45100

NYXL45100
Multicolor
D'Addario NYXL Bass Guitar Strings - NYXL45100 Cover
D'Addario Bass Guitar Strings - NYXL Bass Strings - NYXL45100 - Unrivaled Strength, Tuning Stability, Enhanced Response - For 4 String Bass Guitars - 45-100 Regular Light, Long Scale

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
Premium uncoated bass string
Enhanced tonal response
Greater tuning stability and break strength than standard bass strings
#TOP 4

GHS Strings Bass Boomers M3045X

M3045X
Gold
GHS Strings Bass Boomers M3045X Cover
GHS Strings BASS BOOMERS M3045X Long Scale Plus, Medium Set, 45-105

The GHS Strings Bass Boomers M3045X is a set of 4 nickel-plated electric bass strings with a long scale plus, medium (.045-.105) gauge. The strings are round-wound on a hex core and have a 38" winding. They come in GHS Fresh Pack packaging and are suitable for bass guitar players.

What We Like
Round-wound nickel-plated steel produces a bright and articulate sound.
The hex core ensures excellent sustain and longevity.
The long scale plus and medium gauge provide a balanced tension and comfortable playing experience.
#TOP 5

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
Mellower tone than round wound strings
Precisely polished for unparalleled smoothness and a dark, yet warm tone
Proprietary Hex-Core for perfect intonation, consistent feel, and reliable durability
#TOP 6

D'Addario XLB105 Bass String

XLB105
Clear
.105 gauge
D'Addario XLB105 Bass String Cover
D'Addario XLB105 Nickel Wound Bass Guitar Single String, Long Scale, 105

The D'Addario Bass String XLB105 is a .105 gauge nickel wound string designed for long scale bass guitars. This string is perfect for replacing old strings or creating your own custom sets. Its round wound construction with nickelplated steel delivers a bright tone and clear fundamental notes, enhancing your sound. With a fitting scale length of up to 36 1/4 inches, you can easily install it on your instrument. Made in the U.S.A., this string ensures high quality and consistent performance, giving you peace of mind every time you play.

What We Like
Bright tone quality
Custom set flexibility
High-quality U.S.A. manufacture
Consistent performance
#TOP 7

Elixir Nickel Plated Steel 5-String Bass Strings w NANOWEB Coating

14202
Silver
Elixir Nickel Plated Steel 5-String Bass Strings w NANOWEB Coating Cover
Elixir Strings Nickel Plated Steel 5-String Bass Strings w NANOWEB Coating, Long Scale, Light (.045-.130)

Elixir Bass Strings with NANOWEB Coating are designed to give bass players a longer-lasting tone compared to other coated or uncoated strings. The enhanced gauging ensures a light tension and a comfortable playing experience. With their rich, rounded tone and greater clarity, these strings deliver exceptional sound quality. The NANOWEB Coating not only makes them more durable but also helps to retain their tone for an extended period of time. Whether you're a professional musician or a beginner, these Elixir Bass Strings will provide you with the convenience and reliability you need for your bass guitar.

What We Like
Enhanced Gauging
Long-lasting Tone
Rich, Rounded Tone
#TOP 8

D'Addario XL Pro Steels Bass Strings

EPS170
Multicolor
Light, 45-100
D'Addario XL Pro Steels Bass Strings Cover
D'Addario Bass Guitar Strings, XL Pro Steels, EPS170, Long Scale, Regular Light Gauge 45-100, 4-String Set, Pack of 1

D'Addario Bass Strings are designed to elevate your playing experience. Their unique Hex-Core construction guarantees exceptional tuning accuracy and a comfortable feel, making it easier for you to focus on your music. The stainless steel wrap wire enhances the interaction with pickups, delivering bright, clear highs and well-defined lows, perfect for any musical genre. Whether you play jazz, metal, or rock, these strings adapt to your style and skill level. With a commitment to quality, D'Addario ensures these strings are made in the USA, providing you with reliable performance you can trust.

What We Like
Bright, clear sound
Consistent tuning stability
Versatile for all genres
Durable construction
#TOP 9

Fender 8060 Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Bass Strings

0738060400
Phosphor Bronze
45-100
Fender 8060 Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Bass Strings Cover
Fender 8060 Acoustic Bass Strings, Phosphor Bronze, Long Scale .045-.100

Fender 8060 Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Bass Strings are perfect for any acoustic bass guitar. These strings deliver a warm and rich sound with clear highs that adds depth to the music. They are available in long scale and short/medium scale lengths.

What We Like
Warm and rich sound
Clear highs
Long life
#TOP 10

DR Strings HI-BEAMS 5-String Bass Strings

LMR5-45
Silver
DR Strings HI-BEAMS 5-String Bass Strings Cover
DR Strings HI-BEAMS - Stainless Steel 5-String Bass Guitar Strings X-long Scale, 45-125, Round Core

DR Strings HI-BEAMS Bass Strings are designed for 5-string bass guitars with a medium gauge of 45-125. Their stainless-steel wrap wire on a round core enhances flexibility and musicality, allowing you to play with ease while avoiding harsh tones. These strings are known for their impressive longevity and consistency, ensuring you can rely on them for extended use. Additionally, they offer a bright and solid tone that delivers punch, making them ideal for players looking for both clarity and depth in their sound.

What We Like
Long-lasting durability
Flexible and musical feel
Bright, solid tone
Easy to play
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 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 48,931 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 $28.83.

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 Ernie Ball, D'Addario, GHS Strings, Elixir, Fender. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 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.