Detail 01
Eight strings, four courses
Each main string is paired with a thin octave string. You tune and fret them together, so eight strings behave like four.
Product detailSKU #1274034478147
D'AddarioEXL170-8 Nickel Wound Electric Bass Strings 8-String Soft/Long
1/4
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
Nickel wound eight-string bass set, soft gauge, long scale. For four-course octave basses where each string is paired with a thinner octave string.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Eight-string bass players wanting a full matched replacement set
- Rock and heavy players after a chorused, twelve-string-like bass sound
- Anyone replacing a broken octave string plus everything else
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Standard four-, five- or six-string basses
- Players who want a clean, focused single-note tone
- Short-scale instruments — this is a long-scale set
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
Nickel wound
Warmer and smoother than steel, with less finger noise. Easier on frets, which matters with double the string count.
Detail 03
Soft gauge
Lower tension across the set. Helpful on an eight-string, where total pull on the neck is much higher than a four.
Detail 04
Long scale
Cut for a standard full-scale bass. Verify before ordering — an octave set is a costly mistake to get wrong.
Detail 05
Thin octave strings
These are the first to break and the hardest to intonate. Expect to fuss with saddle positions after a change.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Restringing eight strings takes far longer than four — set aside real time
- 02Higher total tension may mean a truss rod adjustment after installation
- 03Octave strings sit high in the nut slots; check for buzzing after tuning up
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01How is an eight-string bass tuned?
In four courses, each a main string with a thinner string an octave above. You fret both strings of a course together, like a twelve-string guitar.
02Can I put these on a regular four-string bass?
No. A four-string bass has four tuners and four nut slots. An eight-string set needs an instrument built for the paired courses.
03Why nickel instead of steel here?
Nickel is warmer and quieter under the fingers. With eight strings ringing together, the extra top end from steel can get harsh fast.
04The octave strings sound out of tune above the twelfth fret. Why?
Thin octave strings intonate differently from the main strings. Set intonation with both strings of the course fretted, and accept a small compromise.
