Detail 01
Pro Steels (stainless)
Brighter and more cutting than nickel, with more grind under the fingers. Also harder on frets over time.
Product detailSKU #1294516231429
D'AddarioEPS160-5 Pro Steels Medium Gauge Long Scale 5-String Bass Strings
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
Stainless steel 5-string set in medium gauge for a standard long-scale bass. For players who want a bright, aggressive top end.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Slap and modern rock where the top end needs to cut
- Players with sweaty hands who kill nickel strings fast
- Five-string players wanting a tighter, firmer low B
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Warm vintage thump or Motown-style tone
- Fretless basses, where stainless chews softer fingerboards
- Short- or medium-scale basses that need their own length
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
Medium gauge
Higher tension than a light set. Firmer feel, more output, less floppiness when you dig in hard.
Detail 03
Long scale
Sized for the standard full-size bass. Short- and medium-scale instruments need their own sets, not these.
Detail 04
5-string set
Includes the low B. Medium gauge helps that string stay tight rather than flapping at low volume.
Detail 05
Stainless construction
Resists corrosion better than nickel, so the tone lasts longer if your hands run acidic.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Moving up from light gauge usually means a truss rod and intonation adjustment.
- 02The low B may need the nut slot widened if you're coming from a thinner set.
- 03String-through bodies eat extra length. Confirm your bass is top-load or through-body.
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Will these fit my 5-string bass?
If it's a standard long-scale instrument, yes. Measure from nut to bridge saddle first if you're unsure, and check whether your bass is string-through.
02Are stainless strings brighter than nickel?
Noticeably. More top-end zing and more finger noise, and they hold that brightness longer. The trade-off is faster fret wear.
03Do I need a setup after switching?
If you're changing gauge, yes. Medium gauge pulls harder on the neck, so relief and intonation will both shift.
04Is medium gauge too stiff for beginners?
It's firmer under the fingers than light gauge. Fine if you play with a pick or dig in, harder if you want a slinky feel.
