Detail 01
40-120 gauge
Light through the top four. The 120 low B is on the slim side, so tension there is relaxed rather than piano-tight.
Product detailSKU #1273887997832
DR StringsBLACK BEAUTIES Coated 5-String Bass Light (40-120)
1/3
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
Coated 5-string bass set in light gauge, 40-120, with a black finish. For players who want string life extended and a matte look.
Strong match
Who this is for
- 5-string players who sweat through uncoated sets fast
- Bassists wanting a lighter touch across all five strings
- Anyone matching strings to a black or dark instrument
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Players chasing maximum brightness and zing
- Anyone who dislikes the slicker feel of coated strings
- 4-string basses — this set includes a low B
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
Coated
A polymer layer blocks sweat and oils from the windings. Strings last considerably longer but lose some initial top-end sparkle.
Detail 03
5-string set
Includes a low B. Make sure your bridge and tuner post handle a 120 and that the nut is slotted for five.
Detail 04
Black finish
The coating is pigmented, not painted on top. Color is cosmetic and does not change how the strings sound.
Detail 05
$42.99
Premium end for bass strings. You pay upfront for a set that stays usable two to three times longer.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Light gauge on a 5-string means less B-string tension — check for buzz
- 02Coating can shed at contact points over time — normal, not a defect
- 03Switching gauge shifts relief and intonation — plan a setup
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01How long do coated strings actually last?
Longer than uncoated, often several times over, depending on how much you sweat and how often you play. Tone stays consistent rather than dying off quickly.
02Does the black coating rub off?
Some wear at the frets and plucking points is normal over time. It affects looks, not sound or structure.
03Is a 120 too light for a low B?
It is on the light side. If your B string already feels floppy, a heavier gauge would give more definition. If you like a slack B, this works.
04Will these fit a 34-inch scale bass?
Standard 5-string sets are cut for typical scale lengths. Check the winding length against your bass if you have a 35-inch or extra-long scale instrument.
Reference
Full specifications
The complete catalog record, organized around the decisions musicians make when comparing gear.
1 detailsBody & build
- Color
- Black
