Detail 01
Phosphor bronze wrap
Bronze alloy with phosphor added for corrosion resistance. Warmer and rounder than 80/20 bronze, and holds its tone longer before going dull.
Product detailSKU #1274034477761
D'AddarioEPBB170 PB Soft Acoustic Bass String Set
Sale
1/5
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
Phosphor bronze acoustic bass strings in a soft-tension set. For acoustic bass guitar players who want easier fretting and a warm, less metallic voice.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Acoustic bass guitars played unplugged in small rooms
- Players wanting lower tension for less left-hand fatigue
- Warmer fingerstyle tone over aggressive pick attack
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Standard electric bass — these are built for acoustic bass
- Players chasing bright, aggressive slap tone
- Anyone needing high tension for low tunings
What matters in use
The specifications, translated
Catalog numbers tell only part of the story. These are the details most likely to change how this product feels, sounds, or fits into a setup.
Detail 02
Soft tension
Less pull at pitch than a standard set. Fretting and bending get easier, but attack softens and strings can rattle if your action is low.
Detail 03
Acoustic bass scale set
Sized for acoustic bass guitar. Ball ends and string length will not necessarily suit a long-scale electric bass.
Detail 04
Four-string set
Covers standard E-A-D-G. A five-string acoustic bass needs a separate low B.
Detail 05
Bronze, not nickel or steel
Bronze has weak magnetic response. If your acoustic bass uses a magnetic soundhole pickup rather than a piezo, output drops.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Lower tension may need truss rod and saddle height adjustment to stop buzzing
- 02Four strings only — no winder or cutters included
- 03Bronze tarnishes with hand oils; wipe down after playing to extend life
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Can I put these on my electric bass?
Not recommended. These are phosphor bronze acoustic bass strings. On an electric bass with magnetic pickups, bronze produces weak, uneven output.
02What does soft tension actually feel like?
Noticeably easier to press down and pluck than a standard set. Good for long sessions or smaller hands, at the cost of some punch and attack.
03Will these work on a 5-string acoustic bass?
This is a four-string set covering E, A, D and G. You would need to source a low B string separately.
04How is phosphor bronze different from 80/20 bronze?
Phosphor bronze is warmer and darker with a longer usable life. 80/20 starts brighter but fades faster as it oxidizes.
