[With Audio Samples] Comparing Classic ＆ Trending Bass Strings!

Bass strings can be quite pricey, right?
Even if you’re interested in trying a certain set, it’s not always easy to test them out.

Amidst this, our brand PLAYTECH has released a coated string set, EBSC-45100!
A huge thank you to those who have already tried them and to the bassists who have featured them on social media!
To celebrate the launch of PLAYTECH’s coated strings, I decided to compare five classic & trending bass strings. Hopefully, this will help you find the perfect set for your playing style!

Contents

1. String Comparison & Impressions *Includes audio samples
   1. ① D’Addario / EXL165 Nickel Wound Bass Light Top Medium Bottom 45-105
   2. ② R. Cocco / RC4GN Bass Strings Nickel Round Wound
   3. ③ PLAYTECH / EBSC-45100 Coated Strings
   4. ④ DR / DBQ-45 Dragon Skin+ Medium 45-105
   5. ⑤ La Bella / Super Polished Bass Strings 4-String Set
2. Key Takeaways from This Test

*About the Audio Samples
To ensure a fair comparison, we selected strings with similar gauges.
The recording was done by connecting a PJB (Phil Jones Bass) / Bass CUB directly to an audio interface via its direct output—without using any effects or buffers.

1. String Comparison & Impressions

Now, let’s go through each string set and share our impressions! Feel free to listen to the audio samples as well.

① D’Addario / EXL165 Nickel Wound Bass Light Top Medium Bottom 45-105

First up, the classic of all classics!
It’s been a while since I last strung these up, and I was once again reminded why they have remained a staple for so long.
Evenness across all strings, excellent overall balance, comfortable playability with moderate tension, and a bright, well-defined tone.
It’s no surprise that these strings are a go-to choice for bassists of all genres. Among the five sets tested, they stood out for their exceptional clarity in the high frequencies, making them particularly well-suited for slap bass.

② R. Cocco / RC4GN Bass Strings Nickel Round Wound

With its distinctive red packaging, I tried these for the first time, and they produced my favorite sound among the strings tested. It’s hard to put into words, but they simply have a fantastic sound. Compared to D’Addario, they have a slightly darker tone, but the low end is particularly prominent and resonates well. The overall balance of the strings is excellent, providing a smooth playing experience with no stress. For bassists who typically use D’Addario and feel like they need more presence in the low end, I highly recommend giving these strings a try.

③ PLAYTECH / EBSC-45100 Coated Strings

Released by PLAYTECH, these coated strings have received high praise from many bassists and influencers. Despite being coated, they have a natural, slightly rough texture similar to that of typical round-wound strings. The tension is relatively loose for the gauge, making them easy to press down. The tone is bright, with particularly clear midrange and high frequencies, and they have excellent note clarity and presence.

④ DR / DBQ-45 Dragon Skin+ Medium 45-105

Released in 2024, DR’s coated strings have garnered attention. They are available in two types: nickel and stainless steel, and I tried the nickel version.
These strings also have no awkwardness typical of coated strings, offering a natural playing feel. Compared to D’Addario, they have a generally darker tone, with the low frequencies resonating richly. While their sound is similar to R. Cocco, the high strings of R. Cocco are brighter in comparison. I found myself wanting to put these on a passive bass and play simple beat-driven songs.

⑤ La Bella / Super Polished Bass Strings 4-String Set

Released in the summer of 2024, La Bella’s new stainless steel strings stand out with a unique character. By polishing roundwound strings with a special machine, they achieve a smooth touch similar to flatwound strings, while retaining the edgy sound typical of roundwound strings. These strings are perfect for bassists who enjoy the comfortable feel of flatwound strings but find their tone too soft.
Like D’Addario, they are versatile and can adapt to a wide range of music genres.

2. Key Takeaways from This Test

This time, I compared the five models of strings mentioned above.
Each one has its own unique characteristics, so I hope the sound samples will help you make your choice.
I also filmed the test (which will be posted on the Sound House Bass Team’s Instagram), so feel free to check it out!

Sound House Bass Team Official Instagram

The compatibility with instruments and gear, how the sound blends in an ensemble, and the environment where you typically play all affect the final choice, which is why it’s difficult to say, “This is the correct one!” It’s also a fun part of the process.

As I mentioned above, R. Cocco / RC4GN Bass Strings Nickel Round Wound is my favorite sound, but in reality, I currently have La Bella / Super Polished Bass Strings 4-String Set on my bass. It feels like a great fit for my Warwick / Streamer LX Jazz Man, and I now prefer the attack of stainless steel strings over nickel. That’s why I chose them.

I encourage everyone to keep experimenting and find your ideal strings through trial and error!