Detail 01
Stainless steel
Brighter and more aggressive than nickel, with more sustain. Also harder on frets over time.
Product detailSKU #1273887997865
DR StringsHi-Beams Stainless Steel 5-String Bass Strings X-Long Scale (45-65-85-105-125)
1/3
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
Stainless steel 5-string bass set, .045–.125, cut extra long for basses that need more length between nut and bridge.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Basses needing extra-long strings — through-body or 35" scale
- Players who want bright, cutting top end from stainless
- Standard tuning on a 5-string with a low B
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- 34" scale basses with top-load bridges — silk may sit over the nut
- Players who prefer warm, mellow nickel tone
- Anyone with nickel allergies or who dislikes stainless bite
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
Hi-Beam construction
Round core rather than hex core. More flexible feel under the fingers, slightly looser tension at the same gauge.
Detail 03
45-65-85-105-125
Standard light-to-medium spread. The .125 B is thick enough to stay tight without feeling like a cable.
Detail 04
X-Long Scale
Longer overall winding length. Fits 35" scale and string-through-body basses where regular long scale comes up short.
Detail 05
5-string set
Includes the low B. Won't cover a 4-string unless you skip a string and accept the gauge shift.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Measure from ball end to nut before ordering — extra long is not universal
- 02One set only. No spare strings included
- 03Round core strings can unravel if you kink them during install
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Will these fit a standard 34" bass?
Often yes if the bass is string-through-body. On a top-load 34" bridge the extra length can push winding past the nut. Measure first.
02How bright are stainless compared to nickel?
Noticeably brighter, with more high-end attack and a metallic edge. Good for slap and fingerstyle cut, less so for vintage warmth.
03What tuning are these gauges meant for?
Standard BEADG. The .125 low B is sized for standard pitch, not for downtuning below B.
04Do stainless steel strings wear frets faster?
They are harder than nickel-plated strings, so yes, more fret wear over the long run. The difference shows up over years, not weeks.
