How to choose a bass string

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Number of strings

4 strings

The most popular bass.
Tuning from bass string
E-A-D-G

5 strings

A bass that adds a low note (LOW-B) to four strings.
Tuning from bass string
B-E-A-D-G

6 string

5弦に高い音（HI-A bass that adds high sound (HI-C) to 5 strings.
Tuning from bass string
B-E-A-D-G-C

Scale (string length)

Scale generally refers to the length from the nut to the bridge saddle.
Scale doesn't matter when you choose guitar strings, but bass strings often need to be checked because they cannot be stretched if they have different scales.

Long scale

(34 inches = about 864 mm)

The most popular scale.

Super long scale

(35 inches = about 889 mm) (36 inches = about 914 mm)

Because tension is stronger than the 34-inch scale, it is often found on multi-string bass. A stable pitch can be obtained even during down tuning.

Medium scale

(32 inches = approximately 814 mm)

Short scale

(30 inches = about 762 mm)

The short scale bass is recommended for children and women because the size itself is small and the tension on the strings is weak. You can play without discomfort even if you switch from the guitar.

Material

"Nickel" and "Stainless steel" are common.

Nickel

The most popular bass strings are characterized by their thick sound.

Stainless

It is characterized by a bright sound.

Gauge

Gauge is the thickness of a string. As the gauge value increases for the same type of string, the tension on the string becomes stronger and the pitch feels better. Conversely, as the gauge value decreases, the tension becomes weaker and the playability increases.
(045, 065, 080, 100) is recommended for beginners.

String shape

Round wound strings

The most popular strings. Due to the structure in which the core wire has a circular cross section, the surface is uneven. It is characterized by a bright tone that contains many harmonic components. New strings have a higher tinny sound, but they tend to become rounded as time goes by.

Flat wound strings

A string whose surface is flat. It is a common string for double bass (contra bass) and is often used for fretless bass. It features a dark tone that does not contain many harmonics. The concept of flat wounds differs depending on the manufacturer, and ribbon wounds in which a ribbon-like wire is wound around a core wire are common. Some brands use SLICK ROUND with a round string surface that has been cut (SLICK), a process is called flat wound. In addition, since SLICK ROUND is a surface that is more uneven than ribbon wound, it will be closer to a half round string.

Half round string

A string with a flat surface that is polished (or pressed) with a round wound.

Special strings

Coated strings

Although the price is higher than that of a non-coated string, it has a longer life.

Tapered core string

A string that is thinner near the bridge saddle. Many are found on thick gauge strings such as 5-string and 6-string basses. The vibration is transmitted easily because it rides firmly on the bridge. In general, it is said that it is excellent for sustain (growth of sound), and the intonation is better. The type of bridge that hooks the ball end to the bridge, such as Warwick basses, may not be able to be strings other than tapered core strings.

Bass chord list