If you’re looking for a warm bass sound, check out black nylon strings!

When it comes to bass strings, the standard roundwound strings are common, and flatwound strings are also well-known for their warm sound.

However, these aren’t the only types of bass strings available. Although less commonly seen, there is also a category known as "black nylon strings." These strings feature a metal core coated with black nylon, offering an even warmer sound compared to flatwound strings.

The thick and sweet sound of black nylon strings is sometimes described as "upright bass-like." However, based on actual experience, calling it an upright bass sound is a bit of an exaggeration. It's more like comparing real crab to imitation crab—there's a difference, but each has its own appeal. While they don't sound identical, their tonal direction is similar enough to make black nylon strings worth trying if you're after a warmer sound. On the other hand, they might not be suitable for those who prefer a more modern bass tone.

Black nylon strings are also famous because Paul McCartney used them during The Beatles era. In the iconic rooftop concert featured in the *Get Back* music video, you can see McCartney playing his Höfner violin bass strung with black nylon strings. It's possible that this concert contributed to the continued production and sale of these relatively niche strings today. Many bassists who are fans of McCartney would likely want to try them at least once.

As for pricing, black nylon strings are fairly affordable for bass strings. As of June 2024, brands like La Bella, D'Addario, and Fender offer them, with Fender's more budget-friendly version available for around 4,000 yen. Another advantage is that the nylon coating makes the strings less prone to wear, allowing for longer use, which makes them an excellent value for money.

D'Addario ETB92 Black Nylon Tapewound Bass Medium 50-105

La Bella 750N Black Nylon Tape Light 50-105 Bass Strings

One of the most distinctive features of black nylon strings is their striking visual appearance—the black coating creates a strong impact on the look of your bass. However, due to their unique sound characteristics, I wouldn’t recommend purchasing them just for the visual effect. If you're after aesthetics alone, you'd likely be more satisfied with something like DR's Black Beauties, which also offer a bold look but with a more versatile sound.

Now, for those intrigued by black nylon strings, let’s dive into how they feel to play. I personally use Fender’s black nylon strings (9120 Nylon Tapewound Bass Strings) and will share my experience with their playability and tone.

FENDER 9120 Nylon Tapewound Bass Strings

First of all, the feel is quite firm. When pressing down with your left hand, it feels like you're touching a plastic rod. I had imagined a softer feel due to the "nylon" name, but it was completely different from what I expected. Compared to roundwound strings, they actually feel firmer to the touch. On the other hand, the tension of the strings is low, making them easy to press, which gives a strange playing sensation—firm strings, but easy to press down. Another feature is that the surface of the strings has low friction and is very smooth, making it ideal for players who frequently use glissando (sliding).

As for the feel when fingerpicking with the right hand, there was nothing unusual. Personally, I didn't notice any discomfort.

Though black nylon strings are known for their warm sound, which might make people think they are mainly for fingerpicking, they work perfectly fine with a pick as well. In fact, I enjoy the unique tone they produce when played with a pick. Some might worry that the pick could damage the nylon coating, but in my experience, I haven't encountered any issues with damage so far.

Because they’re nylon strings, some might imagine a very loose feel, but there’s a metal core inside, giving the strings a decent amount of firmness. The tension is slightly lower than roundwound strings, but they still have enough stiffness, so the feel is not as loose as some might expect.

So far, we've covered the appeal of black nylon strings, but let’s finish by discussing a few important points to keep in mind if you’re considering purchasing them.

First, there's the thickness of the strings. Fender's black nylon strings have gauges of .058, .072, .092, and .110. These are quite thick, so you’ll want to check whether they will fit through your bass's nut. Also, the base of the string is even thicker, so it's worth noting that it might not fit through the holes or slots in the bridge.

Another important point is that, because the surface of the strings is coated with nylon, they won’t provide grounding. If you have a bass that is prone to picking up noise, it might be better to avoid these strings.

That wraps up this introduction to black nylon strings. As I mentioned before, they are an attractive option both in terms of sound and price, especially for those seeking a warm tone. If you’re curious, definitely give them a try!

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