Best Plain Bass Guitar Strings of 2025

Hayden Bryant Avatar
Hayden Bryant
Last Updated: 5 Feb 2025

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Plain bass guitar strings are an essential component for any bassist. These high-quality strings deliver a clear and crisp sound, perfect for any style of music. These strings are made from premium materials, ensuring long-lasting durability and consistent performance. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned professional, plain bass guitar strings are a must-have for any bass player looking to achieve the perfect tone.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

D'Addario XLB018P Plain Steel Bass String Cover #TOP 1
D'Addario XLB018P Plain Steel Bass String
ftb score rating icon 9.9
D'Addario .020 Plain Steel Bass String Cover #TOP 2
D'Addario .020 Plain Steel Bass String
ftb score rating icon 9.8
D'Addario EXL160BT Nickel Wound Bass Strings Cover #TOP 3
D'Addario EXL160BT Nickel Wound Bass Strings
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 4 Plain Bass Guitar Strings

#TOP 1

D'Addario XLB018P Plain Steel Bass String

XLB018P
gray
.018 gauge
D'Addario XLB018P Plain Steel Bass String Cover
D'Addario XLB018P .018 Plain Steel Long Scale Single String for Bass Guitar

The D'Addario XLB018P String is a .018 gauge plain steel bass guitar string that delivers a distinctive bright tone with clear fundamentals. This string is specifically designed to fit long scale basses, accommodating a string scale length of up to 36 1/4 inches. Whether you need a replacement string or want to create a customised set, this product meets your needs perfectly. Made in the U.S.A., it ensures the highest quality and performance, giving you confidence in your sound.

What We Like
Bright tone and clear fundamentals
Fits long scale basses
Ideal for replacement strings
High quality made in the U.S.A.
#TOP 2

D'Addario .020 Plain Steel Bass String

XLB020P
natural" or "clear
.020 gauge
D'Addario .020 Plain Steel Bass String Cover
D'Addario .020 Plain Steel Long Scale Single String for Bass Guitar

The D'Addario .020 Bass String is a high-quality option for bass guitarists seeking a distinctive bright tone. With its .020 gauge, this plain steel string offers clear fundamentals that enhance your sound. It is designed to fit long scale basses with a string scale length of up to 36 1/4 inches, making it versatile for various instruments. Whether you're looking for a replacement string or wish to customise your set, this string provides an excellent solution for achieving your desired tone.

What We Like
Bright, clear tone
Fits long scale basses
Ideal for replacements
High quality, made in USA

D'Addario EXL160BT Nickel Wound Bass Strings

EXL160BT
Nickel
D'Addario EXL160BT Nickel Wound Bass Strings Cover
D'Addario Electric Bass Guitar Strings - EXL160BT 50-120 - Nickel Wound Bass Strings - For Bass Guitar 4 String - Balanced Tension Medium

The D'Addario EXL160BT Strings are designed with balanced tension, allowing you to apply consistent pressure on each string. This feature enhances your playing experience, making it easier to fret notes. The round wound construction with nickel-plated steel delivers a bright tone, perfect for various music styles. With gauges ranging from .010 to .046, these strings cater to different playing preferences. Additionally, you can earn reward points by registering the code found on the recyclable packaging, adding further value to your purchase.

What We Like
Balanced tension for easy playability
Bright tone from nickel-plated steel
Diverse gauge options available
Reward points for registered purchases
Made in the USA quality

DR Strings BKB-45 Black Beauties Bass Strings

BKB-45
Black
45-105
DR Strings BKB-45 Black Beauties Bass Strings Cover
DR Strings BKB-45 BLACK BEAUTIES™ - BLACK Coloured Bass Strings: Medium 45-105

The DR Strings Black Beauties offer a medium gauge of 45-105, providing you with a balanced feel and playability. Their hand-made construction features a black polymer coat, enhancing the aesthetic appeal while ensuring durability. You will appreciate the signature crisp tone and clarity, which elevate your bass performance. Additionally, the super-thin coating on both the plain strings and the wrap wire extends the life of the strings, meaning you can enjoy consistent quality for longer periods without frequent replacements.

What We Like
Durable black polymer coating
Crisp tone and clarity
Medium gauge for balanced playability
Extended string life
Buying Guide Image
Editor's Notes

During our plain bass guitar string research, we found 123 plain bass guitar string products and shortlisted 4 quality products. We collected and analyzed 70,004 customer reviews through our big data system to write the plain bass guitar strings list. We found that most customers choose plain bass guitar strings with an average price of £14.16.

The plain bass guitar strings are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of plain bass guitar strings, including D'Addario, DR Strings.

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.