Best Nickel String Basses in 2025

Daisy
Last Updated: Oct 31, 2025

At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Nickel String Basses

Fender 7250 Bass Strings, Nickel Plated Steel Roundwound, Long Scale, 7250ML .045-.100
#TOP1
Fender 7250 Bass Strings, Nickel Plated Steel Roundwound,
9.9
PM SCORE
Fender 7250 Bass Strings, Nickel Plated Steel Roundwound, Long Scale, 7250M .045-.105
#TOP2
Fender 7250 Bass Strings, Nickel Plated Steel Roundwound,
9.8
PM SCORE
Ernie Ball Short Scale Super Slinky Nickel Wound Bass Guitar Strings, 40-100 Gauge (P02854)
#TOP3
Ernie Ball Short Scale Super Slinky Nickel Wound
9.7
PM SCORE

* PickSmartly editors independently research, review, and endorse the top products through comprehensive data analysis. We may earn a commission for qualifying purchases made through our product links.

Summary of the Best Nickel String Basses of 2025

Market Overview
Nickel String Basses Reviewed
  • Reviews Analyzed: 6342 Items
  • PM Avg. Rating: 7.1 / 10
21 Products Evaluated
  • Highest Price: $34.99
  • Lowest Price: $9.29
  • Avg. Price: $19.47
#TOP1

Fender 7250 Bass Strings, Nickel Plated Steel Roundwound, Long Scale, 7250Ml .045-.100

FENDER
0737250405
1.00 X 6.00 X 6.00 Inches
0.25 Pounds
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
Guitar Audio 9.74

Features

Our #1 selling bass guitar strings, Super 7250s are included on most Fender electric basses when leaving the factory

Nickel-plated steel combines the high output and dynamic sound of steel with the smooth feel of nickel

Bright roundwound tone for 34” scale instruments

Ball-end design with classic Fender colors help make string changes a breeze

Made in the U.S.A.

Fender 7250 Bass Strings, Nickel Plated Steel Roundwound, Long Scale, 7250M .045-.105

FENDER
0737250406
1.00 X 6.00 X 6.00 Inches
0.22 Pounds
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
Harmon Music 9.86

Features

Our #1 selling bass guitar strings, Super 7250s are included on most Fender electric basses when leaving the factory

Nickel-plated steel combines the high output and dynamic sound of steel with the smooth feel of nickel

Bright roundwound tone for 34” scale instruments

Ball-end design with classic Fender colors help make string changes a breeze

Made in the U.S.A.

#TOP3

Ernie Ball Short Scale Super Slinky Nickel Wound Bass Guitar Strings, 40-100 Gauge (P02854)

ERNIE BALL
P02854
6.25 X 0.75 X 7.50 Inches
0.20 Pounds
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
Amazon.com 9.68

Features

Engineered to fit short scale (30. 5”) basses

Complements all bass guitar types and playing styles

Bright balanced tone

Signature Slinky feel

Element Shield Packaging prolongs string life and keeps strings as fresh as the day they were made

Ernie Ball Super Long Scale Slinky Nickel Wound Bass Guitar Strings, 45-105 Gauge (P02849)

ERNIE BALL
P02849
6.25 X 0.60 X 6.25 Inches
0.24 Pounds
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
Amazon.com 9.68

Features

Longer, to fit 35"+ scale basses

String length is 50" with a taper at 38 1/2"

Precision wound with nickel plated steel around a hex shaped steel core

Rich balanced tone

Made in California, USA with the finest and freshest materials

Ernie Ball Short Scale Regular Slinky Nickel Wound Bass Guitar Strings, 45-105 Gauge (P02852)

ERNIE BALL
P02852
6.25 X 0.75 X 7.50 Inches
0.18 Pounds
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
Amazon.com 9.68

Features

Engineered to fit short scale (30. 5”) basses

Complements all bass guitar types and playing styles

Bright balanced tone

Signature Slinky feel

Element Shield Packaging prolongs string life and keeps strings as fresh as the day they were made

D'addario Xlb145 Nickel Wound Bass Guitar Single String, Long Scale.145

D'ADDARIO
XLB145
5.51 X 5.51 X 0.39 Inches
0.13 Pounds
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
Amazon.com 9.68

Features

<p>XLB145 is a .145 gauge nickel wound bass guitar string. Perfect as a replacement string or for creating custom sets. Part of the D'Addario XL Nickel Wound string series. </p><p>D'Addario XL Nickel Wound Electric Bass strings are world-renowned as "The Player's Choice" amongst bass players of all genres and styles. All XL strings are precision wound on our exclusive digitally-controlled machines, ensuring each string has excellent intonation, clear fundamentals, and unparalleled consistency. Each string is wound with a nickelplated steel wrap wire known for distinctive bright tone with excellent magnetic output delivering a universally appealing and versatile tone for all playing styles.</p><p>D'Addario, the world's largest manufacturer of musical instrument strings, is known as The Players Choice with a reputation for unsurpassed quality and consistency. D'Addario's innovative, environmentally friendly packaging reduces waste and provides protection from corrosion. All D'Addario strings are manufactured in the U.S.A. using proprietary, digitally controlled, state-of-the-art machinery for unmatched performance, set after set.<p>

.145 gauge nickel wound bass guitar string

Round wound with nickelplated steel for a distinctive bright tone with clear fundamentals

Fits long scale basses with a string scale length of up to 36 1/4 inches

Perfect as a replacement string or for custom sets

Made in the U.S.A. for the highest quality and performance

D'addario Xlb055 Nickel Wound Bass Guitar Single String, Long Scale.055

D'ADDARIO
XLB055
5.51 X 5.51 X 0.39 Inches
0.07 Pounds
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
Amazon.com 9.68

Features

<p>XLB055 is a .055 gauge nickel wound bass guitar string. Perfect as a replacement string or for creating custom sets. Part of the D'Addario XL Nickel Wound string series. </p><p>D'Addario XL Nickel Wound Electric Bass strings are world-renowned as "The Player's Choice" amongst bass players of all genres and styles. All XL strings are precision wound on our exclusive digitally-controlled machines, ensuring each string has excellent intonation, clear fundamentals, and unparalleled consistency. Each string is wound with a nickelplated steel wrap wire known for distinctive bright tone with excellent magnetic output delivering a universally appealing and versatile tone for all playing styles.</p><p>D'Addario, the world's largest manufacturer of musical instrument strings, is known as The Players Choice with a reputation for unsurpassed quality and consistency. D'Addario's innovative, environmentally friendly packaging reduces waste and provides protection from corrosion. All D'Addario strings are manufactured in the U.S.A. using proprietary, digitally controlled, state-of-the-art machinery for unmatched performance, set after set.<p>

.055 gauge nickel wound bass guitar string

Round wound with nickelplated steel for a distinctive bright tone with clear fundamentals

Fits long scale basses with a string scale length of up to 36 1/4 inches

Perfect as a replacement string or for custom sets

Made in the U.S.A. for the highest quality and performance

Bass Guitar Strings, Alice 5 String Bass Strings Medium .045-.130 - Nickel Alloy Winding String With Nickel-Plated Ball-End For 5 Strings Electric Bass (1Set A606)

ALICE
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
Alice Official Store 6.62

Features

HIGH QUALITY - Alice bass A606 are suitable for 5-strings electric bassesstrings are made of advanced steel cores and nickel-plated alloy winding, with nickel-plated ball-end

STAY IN TUNE - Alice Wound strings feature an advanced electromagnetic property, even-steady vibration, and good tenuto

STRING GAUGE - Medium tension, .045w, .065w, .085w, .105w, .130w

PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION - Each set includes a Code for product identification.

Ibanez Iebs 5 Coated Nickel Wound Mikro Bass Guitar Strings (Iebs5Cmk)

IBANEZ
IEBS5CMK
6.33 X 5.71 X 0.63 inches
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
Amazon Warehouse 9.90

Features

For Ibanez micro bass, 28.6"Scale

STRING gauges: .045 / .065 / .085 / .105 / .130

Coated nickel wound

Made specifically for Ibanez Mikro basses

D'addario Xlb170T Nickel Wound Bass Guitar Single String, Long Scale.170, Tapered

D'ADDARIO
XLB170T
5.75 X 0.50 X 5.75 Inches
0.20 Pounds
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
Amazon.com 9.68

Features

.170 gauge nickel wound bass guitar string with tapered end

Round wound with nickel-plated steel for a distinctive bright tone with clear fundamentals

Fits long scale basses with a string scale length of up to 36 1/4 inches

Perfect for replacement string or customized sets

Made in the U.S.A. for the highest quality and performance

D'addario Bass Guitar Strings - Nyxl Bass Strings - Nyxl45125 - Unrivaled Strength, Tuning Stability, Enhanced Response - For 5 String Basses - 45-125 Light Top/Medium Bottom 5-String, Long Scale

D'ADDARIO
NYXL45125
6.00 X 0.63 X 6.00 Inches
0.42 Pounds
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
Amazon.com 9.68

Features

PREMIUM BASS STRINGS - NYXL bass guitar strings are our premium uncoated bass string, delivering unrivaled strength and tuning stability, plus enhanced tonal response.

VERSATILE WITH FEEL - The premium nickel-plated steel wrap wire used for NYXL bass strings features a reengineered core-to-wrap ratio, for a more versatile string which still maintains a familiar feel, plus accentuated harmonics.

STAYS IN TUNE, STRONGER STRING - Thanks to the NY Steel core wire, NYXL bass guitar strings stay in tune better and offer greater break strength than standard bass strings.

EARN REWARD POINTS - NYXL bass sets have a code on the recyclable, resealable VCI bag, which you can register to earn Players Circle points.

MADE IN THE USA – NYXL bass guitar strings are made in the USA—drawn to our exacting specifications at our New York production facility.

Dr Strings Nickel Lo-Rider - Nickel Plated Hex Core Bass 40-100

DR STRINGS
NLH-40
3.54 X 3.54 X 3.54 Inches
0.25 Pounds
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
VirVentures 9.95

Features

Nickel lo-rider - nickel plated bass strings: light 40-100

Specifically designed for a softer feel and a traditional warm nickel sound

Feature an even, long lasting and loud tone with a strong midrange growl

They are an excellent string for fretless basses and funk

40, 60, 80, 100

Rotosound Strings For Electric Guitar Ultramag 6-Str. Um11 Medium 11-48

ROTOSOUND
UM11
5.90 X 5.90 X 0.40 Inches
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
Indy Music Shop 5.77

Features

Rotosound strings for electric guitar ULTRAMAG6-str. UM11 Medium 11-48

Made in the UK, Ultramag, high magnetic type 52 alloy (52% nickel/48% iron).

More power, sustain and a longer life than nickel or steel strings

High energy within reach! Rotosound materials expert John Doughty explains the science behind these strings: "With a composition of 52% nickel and 48% iron, this highly magnetic string emphasises the mids and basses over regular steel strings.

D'addario Xb145Sl Nickel Wound Bass Guitar Single String, Super Long Scale.145

D'ADDARIO
XB145SL
4.33 X 4.33 X 0.39 Inches
0.04 Pounds
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
Amazon.com 9.68

Features

<p>XB145SL is a .145 gauge nickel wound bass guitar string. Perfect as a replacement string or for creating custom sets. Part of the D'Addario XL Nickel Wound string series. </p><p>D'Addario XL Nickel Wound Electric Bass strings are world-renowned as "The Player's Choice" amongst bass players of all genres and styles. All XL strings are precision wound on our exclusive digitally-controlled machines, ensuring each string has excellent intonation, clear fundamentals, and unparalleled consistency. Each string is wound with a nickelplated steel wrap wire known for distinctive bright tone with excellent magnetic output delivering a universally appealing and versatile tone for all playing styles.</p><p>D'Addario, the world's largest manufacturer of musical instrument strings, is known as The Players Choice with a reputation for unsurpassed quality and consistency. D'Addario's innovative, environmentally friendly packaging reduces waste and provides protection from corrosion. All D'Addario strings are manufactured in the U.S.A. using proprietary, digitally controlled, state-of-the-art machinery for unmatched performance, set after set.<p>

.145 gauge nickel wound bass guitar string

Round wound with nickelplated steel for a distinctive bright tone with clear fundamentals

Fits super long scale basses with a string scale length of up to 38 inches

Perfect as a replacement string or for custom sets

Made in the U.S.A. for the highest quality and performance

S.i.t. Strings Fn45105L Foundations Nickel Bass Guitar Strings, 4-String Med Light

SIT STRINGS
FN45105L
0.25 Pounds
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
Amazon.com 9.68

Features

Gauges: .045, .065, .085, .105

Made in U.S.A

Designed to be the brightest and most flexible bass string available

State-of-the-art core material

Extremely responsive to the touch

D'addario Xb170Tsl Nickel Wound Bass Guitar Single String, Super Long Scale.170, Tapered

D'ADDARIO
XB170TSL
5.75 X 0.50 X 5.75 Inches
0.20 Pounds
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
Amazon.com 9.68

Features

.170 gauge nickel wound bass guitar string with tapered end

Round wound with nickel-plated steel for a distinctive bright tone with clear fundamentals

Fits super long scale basses with a string scale length of up to 38 inches

Perfect for replacement string or customized sets

Made in the U.S.A. for the highest quality and performance

Rotosound Strings For Electric Bass Ultramag 52 Alloy Roundwound 4-Str. Um45 Standard 45-105

ROTOSOUND
UM45
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
Indy Music Shop 5.85

Features

Ultramag, highly magnetic type 52 alloy

More power, sustain and longer life than nickel or steel strings

Long scale (34"/860mm) - also suitable up to medium (32"/810mm)

High energy within reach! "With a composition of 52% nickel and 48% iron, this highly magnetic string emphasises the mids and basses over regular steel strings.

Rotosound strings for electric bass ULTRAMAG 52 ALLOY ROUNDWOUND 4-str. UM45 Standard 45-105

D'addario Nyxlb130T Nickel Wound Bass Guitar Single String, Long Scale, Tapered

D'ADDARIO
NYXLB130T
5.75 X 0.50 X 5.75 Inches
0.02 Pounds
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
Amazon.com 9.68

Features

.130 gauge NYXL nickel wound bass guitar string with tapered end

Re-engineered core-to-wrap ratios for a more versatile string

Reformulated nickel-plated steel wrap wire for a familiar feel and accentuated harmonics

NY Steel cores for improved tuning stability and increased durability

Fits long scale basses with a string scale length of up to 36 1/4 inches

D'addario Nyxlb100Tsl Nickel Wound Bass Guitar Single String, Super Long Scale, Tapered

D'ADDARIO
NYXLB100TSL
5.75 X 0.40 X 5.75 Inches
0.02 Pounds
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
Amazon.com 9.68

Features

.100 gauge NYXL nickel wound bass guitar string with tapered end

Re-engineered core-to-wrap ratios for a more versatile string

Reformulated nickel-plated steel wrap wire for a familiar feel and accentuated harmonics

NY Steel cores for improved tuning stability and increased durability

Fits super long scale basses with a string scale length of up to 38 inches

Pitbull Bass Guitar Strings 30 Series Short Scale Teb 5 L 45-130 Light 5 Strings Set

PITBULL
TEB 5 L 45-130 (LIGHT)
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
Pitbull Strings 5.20

Features

Fits for 30'' Scale(Short Scale Basses)

These strings are made of nickel alloy windings and high carbon alloy American-made hexagonal steel core, have a long life span with stable tuning attributes and preserve their lustre for a very long period.

30 Series electric bass strings are manufactured with the best quality standards and winded by the latest computer controlled machine technology.

Their shelf life is due to our super VCI packaging system.

String Gauges: G. 1st=.045w, D. 2nd=.065w, A. 3rd=.085w, E. 4th=.105w, B. 5th=.130w

D'addario Nhr130T Half Round Bass Guitar Single String, Long Scale .130, Tapered

D'ADDARIO
NHR130T
6.30 X 6.30 X 0.39 Inches
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
Amazon.com 9.68

Features

<p>NHR130T is a .130 gauge Half Round bass guitar string. Perfect as a replacement string or for creating custom sets. Part of the D'Addario Half Rounds string series. </p><p>D'Addario Half Round bass strings are wound with pure nickel, then precision ground, leaving the outer surface smooth and semi-flat while retaining the flexibility of round wound strings. D'Addario's exclusive heat treating process ensures that Half Rounds retain their round wound brightness and sustain.</p><p>D'Addario, the world's largest manufacturer of musical instrument strings, is known as The Players Choice with a reputation for unsurpassed quality and consistency. D'Addario's innovative, environmentally friendly packaging reduces waste and provides protection from corrosion. All D'Addario strings are manufactured in the U.S.A. using proprietary, digitally controlled, state-of-the-art machinery for unmatched performance, set after set.<p>

NHR130T, .130 gauge half round bass guitar string with tapered end

Precision ground, leaving a "semi-flat" outer surface

Fits long scale basses with a string scale length of up to 36 1/4 inches

Perfect as a replacement string or for custom sets

Made in the U.S.A. for the highest quality and performance

Top 10 string basses Brands on Amazon

Here is the list of top-rated brands that were evaluated by PM.

Brand Count
D'addario 9
Ernie Ball 3
Fender 2
Rotosound 2
Alice 1
Dr Strings 1
Ibanez 1
Pitbull 1
Sit Strings 1

Top 10 string basses Brands Pie Chart


We've carried out a comprehensive analysis of 6,342 reviews on string basses, using our selection criteria to identify the best options in the band & orchestra musical instruments. Our findings reveal that most customers typically select string basses priced around $19.47, with top brands including crafteem, d'addario, ghs strings, cecilio, ernie ball, best choice products, alano, ibanez and yamaha and d'addario accessories

Our team of expert editors reviewed these high-quality items and handpicked the top 21 string basses for your consideration. We've also done extensive research on numerous sellers, identifying the best ones in the band & orchestra musical instruments category. These include crafteem, amazon.com, kk music store, bestchoiceproducts, amazon warehouse, apolo ispo, instrumentpro, brook mays and adorama and corsaro music instruments .

We are dedicated to assisting our users in finding the right strings Products based on their needs, saving them considerable time when choosing which string basses to buy. We take pride in the number of satisfied users we've helped through our thorough and insightful reviews.