Detail 01
Piccolo bass gauges
Sized to tune a bass an octave above standard. On normal bass tuning they would be slack and unplayable.
Product detailSKU #1274034477987
D'AddarioEXL280 XL Piccolo Bass Regular/Long String Set
1/4
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
Long-scale piccolo bass set for 4-string basses tuned an octave above standard. For players building a piccolo bass or a dedicated high-register instrument.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Converting a long-scale 4-string to octave-up piccolo tuning
- Bassists wanting a lead voice without switching to guitar
- Studio work needing a high-register bass part
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Standard bass tuning — these are far too light for E A D G
- Short- or medium-scale basses, since the winds may not fit
- Players who want low end. There is none in this range
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
Regular/long scale
Made for a 34-inch scale bass. Check that the winding stops before the nut and the ball end clears the bridge.
Detail 03
XL nickel wound
Nickel-plated steel on a hex core. Brighter than pure nickel, with a defined attack that suits the high register.
Detail 04
Round wound construction
Textured surface gives more attack and finger noise, and wears frets faster than flats.
Detail 05
Four-string set
Covers a standard 4-string bass only. A 5-string needs a separate solution for the extra course.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Nut slots cut for standard bass gauges will be far too wide
- 02Expect a full setup: truss rod, intonation, and pickup height all shift
- 03Single set only, no tools or tuning reference included
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01What is a piccolo bass?
A bass guitar strung and tuned one octave above standard bass pitch. Same instrument and scale length, much lighter strings, a register that sits closer to guitar than to bass.
02Can I use these in standard bass tuning?
No. At standard pitch these gauges would be extremely slack, buzz against the frets, and give almost no output. They only work tuned up an octave.
03What does my bass need before I install these?
Plan on a setup. The nut slots are cut for much thicker strings, so the light gauges can rattle. Truss rod relief and intonation will both need adjusting for the lower tension.
04Will these fit a short-scale bass?
This is the regular/long-scale version, made for a 34-inch scale. On a shorter bass the silk or taper can end up past the nut, so a short-scale set is the safer choice.
