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Are there any string brand recommendations for 6-string basses?

iNeedA5string

iNeedA5string

Mar 12, 2026
17
12
#1
i know DR sells some but i kinda wanna see what other brands sell strings for 6-string basses
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#3
I have Aurora strings on mine. The nice thing about Aurora, besides that I love the feel and sound of their strings, and you can get them in different colors, is that they easily and happily will make you up a set of strings with gauges that you prefer.
 
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#4
Yep, what @bholder said. There are too many variables for the rest of us to know what you would want from your strings. You might decide you don't like the C string that comes with your favorite 5-string set, but there's no better starting point.
 
#5
LaBella. They were nice to make a set for me, custom-wound for my 36" scale instrument. Even if you don't have such a requirement, I'm sure they have already have sets for 34-35 inch scale, or could put together something for you.
 
#7
Leo Smith said:
LaBella. They were nice to make a set for me, custom-wound for my 36" scale instrument. Even if you don't have such a requirement, I'm sure they have already have sets for 34-35 inch scale, or could put together something for you.
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When was this? Every now and then I ask La Bella about a med-scale 6 string set of their nylons, and they keep saying they don't make them.

I use D'Addario's NYXL
 
#10
SIT Power Wound Nickels (my personal favorite) come in two 6-string sets, 30-40-60-80-100-120 and 30-45-65-80-100-125.

sitstrings.com

Power Wound Nickel Bass Strings - S.I.T. Strings

The SIT String Company Power Wound nickel bass strings have consistently remained the top choice for bassists worldwide, thanks to their exceptional quality and versatility. With a legacy spanning several decades, these round wound bass strings have earned a well-deserved reputation as the...
sitstrings.com sitstrings.com
 
#16
My favorite strings were the Carvin nickel 29-128 made by LaBella with tapered B and E strings. LaBella Slappers were pretty much the same. Unfortunately, both are discontinued. So, now I use any set with a tapered B. Since I have a bunch of good C strings, I have been buying 5 string sets. I prefer the 40 60 80 100 and either a tapered 120 or 125. Just ordered a set of Dunlop Standard nickel. I'm hoping I'll like them.
 
#17
+1 on SIT. They seem to have a greater variety of 6-string sets than most others.
sitstrings.com

Bass Guitar Strings | S.I.T. Strings

For bass guitar strings that deliver on tone, durability and overall quality, professionals and enthusiasts alike choose S.I.T. Strings.
sitstrings.com sitstrings.com

For example, their 6-string PowerSteel sets are available in two different gauges. Most companies would have just one token gesture 6-string set. Explore SIT's lines and see what they offer. Looking at their site, only their Acoustic Bass strings don't come in a 6-string set. All their others do (some even have two off-the-shelf gauge options). And, with some SIT sets, you can buy singles, have a custom gauge set made, and it will cost about the same as an off-the-shelf set.

I think if you're a 6-string player looking for strings, the world is your oyster with SIT.

And, in general, SIT strings are quite good. They're not as popular as their competition (e.g. D'Addario, GHS, Ernie Ball) but I like their string better and like the competition, SIT also does several private label strings for other companies so they know their stuff. From what I understand, their customer service is good too.
 
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