Detail 01
12-string bass
Four courses of three strings each — one fundamental plus two octave strings. The octaves sit above like a 12-string guitar.
Product detailSKU #1274034478100
D'AddarioEXL170-12 XL Light Long Scale 12-String Nickel Electric Bass Strings
1/3
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
Light-gauge nickel set for a 12-string bass — four courses of three. For players chasing a huge, chorused low end.
Strong match
Who this is for
- 12-string bass owners needing a full replacement set
- Rock and post-rock players wanting octave-layered bass
- Long-scale 34" 12-string instruments
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Standard four-string basses — the string count won't fit
- Players who want a clean, single-note fundamental
- Anyone unwilling to deal with a longer setup and restring
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
Light gauge
Lower tension across twelve strings. Keeps total neck pull manageable and makes the octave strings easier to fret cleanly.
Detail 03
Nickel wound
Warmer than stainless and less abrasive on frets — helpful when twelve strings are dragging across them.
Detail 04
Long scale
Cut for a standard 34" instrument. Not intended for extra-long-scale basses.
Detail 05
Roundwound
Round outer wrap gives the octave strings the brightness they need to cut over the fundamentals.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Only fits a purpose-built 12-string bass — not a conversion for a standard bass
- 02Twelve strings means far more neck tension; expect a truss rod check after changing
- 03Restringing takes considerably longer than a four-string set — leave time before a gig
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01How are the twelve strings arranged?
As four courses of three. Each course has one fundamental string with two thinner octave strings beside it, played together as a single note.
02Can I use these on an 8-string bass?
No. An 8-string uses four pairs; this set is built for four triples. The string count and gauges won't match.
03Why light gauge for a 12-string?
Twelve strings put far more total tension on the neck than four. Lighter gauges keep that load reasonable and make the octave strings playable.
04Will these fit a 35" scale bass?
This is a long-scale set cut for 34" instruments. On a longer scale the winding may not clear the nut. Measure before ordering.
