Best Nickel-plated Steel Bass Guitar Strings of 2025

Hayden Bryant Avatar
Hayden Bryant
Last Updated: 5 Feb 2025

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Nickel-plated steel bass guitar strings are a popular choice for many bass players due to their bright tone and long-lasting durability. These strings are made with a steel core that is wrapped in nickel-plated steel, providing a balanced and clear sound. They are suitable for a variety of playing styles and genres, from rock and metal to funk and jazz. The nickel plating also helps to prevent corrosion and extend the lifespan of the strings. Overall, these bass guitar strings are a reliable and versatile option for any bassist looking to upgrade their sound.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

D'Addario XT 5-String Bass Guitar Strings Cover #TOP 1
D'Addario XT 5-String Bass Guitar Strings
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Fender Super Bullet® Electric Guitar Strings Cover #TOP 2
Fender Super Bullet® Electric Guitar Strings
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Fender Super 250 Bass VI Nickel Strings Cover #TOP 3
Fender Super 250 Bass VI Nickel Strings
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Nickel-plated Steel Bass Guitar Strings

D'Addario XT 5-String Bass Guitar Strings

5-String Long Scale, 45-130
Silver
D'Addario XT 5-String Bass Guitar Strings Cover
D'Addario XTB45130, XT Bass Guitar Strings Nickel Plated Steel, Regular Light, 5-String Long Scale, 45-130

The D'Addario XT Bass Strings offer musicians an exceptional playing experience with their extended lifespan treatment, ensuring you enjoy the natural tone and feel of uncoated strings. With high carbon steel wire and Fusion Twist technologies, these strings provide remarkable tuning stability and break resistance, keeping your instrument in tune much longer than traditional options. Designed for long scale basses, they are tailored for ease of use, and the re-sealable packaging allows for convenient storage of any unused strings.

What We Like
Extended lifespan treatment
Exceptional tuning stability
Break resistant design
Convenient re-sealable packaging
#TOP 2

Fender Super Bullet® Electric Guitar Strings

0733250403
Super Bullets
9-42
Fender Super Bullet® Electric Guitar Strings Cover
Fender Super Bullet® Strings for Electric Guitar, Nickel Plated Steel, Bullet End, 3250L Gauges .009-.042, (6)

The Fender Super Bullet® Strings are designed for electric guitarists who seek a powerful sound combined with a smooth touch. With a gauge of .009 to .042, they deliver the high output and dynamic sound of steel alongside the comfort of nickel. The patented bullet end ensures solid tuning stability, allowing you to play confidently without constant retuning. Additionally, the hex core construction enhances brightness and enables a quicker pick attack, making it easier for you to express yourself in various musical styles.

What We Like
High output and dynamic sound
Smooth feel with nickel coating
Rock-solid tuning stability
Increased sustain
Faster pick attack

Fender Super 250 Bass VI Nickel Strings

0730250413
Super 250 Bass VI
.024 - .100
Fender Super 250 Bass VI Nickel Strings Cover
Fender Super 250 Bass VI Strings, Nickel Plated Steel, Ball End

The Fender Bass VI Strings are expertly crafted for your Bass VI, featuring a custom gauge to enhance performance. With gauges ranging from .024 to .100, you can achieve the perfect feel for any musical style. The hex core construction delivers brighter tones and a quicker pick attack, allowing you to express your creativity effortlessly. Plus, the ball-end design simplifies string changes, making it easier for you to maintain your instrument and focus on playing.

What We Like
Custom gauge for Bass VI
Bright sound and quick attack
Easy string changes
Versatile for all music styles
Optimised for longer scale length
#TOP 4

Fender 5-String Super Bass Nickel-Plated Strings

0737250453
.045 - .115 Gauge
Fender 5-String Super Bass Nickel-Plated Strings Cover
Fender 5-String Super Bass 7250-5L Nickel-Plated Steel Long Scale Bass Strings

The Fender 7250-5L Strings are designed specifically for 5-string electric basses. With gauges ranging from .040 to .115, these nickel-plated steel strings offer a perfect blend of high output and dynamic sound. You will appreciate their bright and punchy tone, ideal for genres like rock and blues. The roundwound construction ensures a smooth feel, allowing you to express your bass personality with clarity and articulation.

What We Like
High output and dynamic sound
Bright and punchy tone
Ideal for rock and blues
Smooth feel for better playability
Articulate sound for clear expression
#TOP 5

Fender 8250M Nickel Plated Bass Strings

0738250406
Nickel
Fender 8250M Nickel Plated Bass Strings Cover
Fender 8250 Bass Strings, Nickel Plated Steel Taperwound, Long Scale, 8250M .045-.110 Gauges, (4)

The Fender 8250M Bass Strings offer an exceptional musical experience with their nickel-plated steel construction, providing a high output and dynamic sound. You'll appreciate the smooth feel of these strings, making them comfortable to play. The taperwound E and B strings deliver enhanced sustain and intonation, allowing you to achieve a richer tone. Ideal for rock, funk, and various music styles, these strings will help your bass cut through the mix effortlessly. The ball-end design simplifies string changes, ensuring you can get back to playing quickly.

What We Like
High output and dynamic sound
Smooth feel for comfortable play
Enhanced sustain and intonation
Ideal for multiple music styles
Easy string changes
#TOP 6

Elixir 14202 Nickel Plated Steel Bass Strings

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

The Elixir Bass Strings offer a superior playing experience with their nickel-plated steel construction, delivering a rich and rounded tone that enhances your musical performance. The ultra-thin NANOWEB Coating not only provides a smooth feel but also improves grip, making it easier for you to play. This innovative coating protects against corrosion, ensuring your strings last longer than others on the market. With a long scale and light gauge, these strings are perfect for achieving clarity and a heavy mid-range presence in your sound.

What We Like
Rich, rounded tone
Enhanced grip and feel
Corrosion protection
Long-lasting tone life
Light gauge for comfort

Jim Dunlop 8-String Electric Bass Strings

38120107401
PERFORMANCE+
8 String (10 - 74 )
Jim Dunlop 8-String Electric Bass Strings Cover
Jim Dunlop DEN1074 8/Str Electric Nickel Plated Steel Bass String

The Dunlop 8-String Bass Strings are specifically tailored for 8-string guitars, ensuring a perfect fit and compatibility. You will appreciate the tonal and tactile balance they offer, allowing you to achieve a rich sound with ease. The optimal tension means you can play comfortably without worrying about string breakage. With fast break-in time and quick tuning, you can spend more time enjoying your music and less time on adjustments. Plus, their long life guarantees that you’ll have reliable performance for many sessions to come.

What We Like
Designed for 8-string guitars
Tonal and tactile balance
Optimal tension for comfort
Fast break-in and tuning
Long-lasting performance
#TOP 8

Ernie Ball Super Slinky Bass Strings - 45-100 Gauge

P02834
Super (45-100)
Super
Ernie Ball Super Slinky Bass Strings - 45-100 Gauge Cover
Ernie Ball Super Slinky Nickel Wound Electric Bass Strings - 45-100 Gauge

Ernie Ball Slinky Bass Strings deliver a rich, balanced tone that enhances your playing experience. This popular 45-to-100 gauge is ideal for 4-string bass guitars, making it a favourite among musicians. Crafted in the USA, these strings feature a high-carbon steel core wrapped in nickel-plated steel, ensuring durability and performance. The Element Shield packaging keeps your strings fresh, allowing you to enjoy consistent sound quality every time you play.

What We Like
Used by legendary bands
Popular 45-100 gauge
Rich, balanced tone
Durable construction
Freshness ensured by packaging
#TOP 9

Fender Super 7250 Electric Bass Strings Set

0737250406
7250 Nickel-Plated
.045 - .105 Gauge
Fender Super 7250 Electric Bass Strings Set Cover
Fender Super 7250 String Set For Electric Bass, 045/105 Gauge, Long Scale, Nickel Plated

The Fender 7250 Bass Strings are an excellent choice for bass players seeking high-quality performance. With a gauge of .045 to .105, these strings provide a bright, roundwound tone that enhances the sound of your 34" scale instrument. Made from nickel-plated steel, they combine the robust output of steel with the smooth touch of nickel, ensuring a comfortable playing experience. The ball-end design, featuring classic Fender colours, makes changing strings quick and hassle-free, allowing you to focus on your music.

What We Like
High-quality nickel-plated steel
Bright, roundwound tone
Easy string changes
Fits 34" scale instruments
Popular choice among bassists
#TOP 10

Joyzan Durable Nickel Plated Bass Strings Kit

Joyzanx4acydk15q
Silver
120cm / 47.2inch
Joyzan Durable Nickel Plated Bass Strings Kit Cover
Joyzan 4 String Electric Bass Strings Instrument, Guitar Nickel Plated Alloy Wound Steel Wire Rope Core 1mm 1.4mm 2mm 2.5mm Durable Instrument Accessory Kit with Small Ball Metal Flatwound Parts

The Joyzan Bass Strings are crafted from steel and nickel alloy materials, ensuring durability and a smooth playing experience. Their lightweight design makes them easy to store and ideal for beginners. You’ll appreciate the classic, balanced tone produced by the precision wound nickel plated copper wire, which enhances intonation and consistency. Additionally, these strings offer greater durability and response, allowing you to play with confidence even during intense performances.

What We Like
Durable steel and nickel alloy
Lightweight and portable
Classic balanced tone
Enhanced durability and response
Buying Guide Image
Editor's Notes

During our nickel-plated steel bass guitar string research, we found 162 nickel-plated steel bass guitar string products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 101,307 customer reviews through our big data system to write the nickel-plated steel bass guitar strings list. We found that most customers choose nickel-plated steel bass guitar strings with an average price of £19.04.

The nickel-plated steel bass guitar strings are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of nickel-plated steel bass guitar strings, including D'Addario, Fender, Elixir, Dunlop, Ernie Ball.

Written by
Hayden Bryant Avatar

Hayden was born in Liverpool, and he never left his hometown until university. In his freshman year at the University of Manchester, Hayden was the group leader of a popular music group. Hayden is responsible for the popularity of his music, and this is because of his natural ability to play with keys and strings. He graduated with BFA in 2016 and returned in 2018 as a lecturing staff in the School of Music.