D'Addario Tapewound Bass Strings ETB92-5 Long Scale - Warm Deep Tone

In this review the D'Addario Tapewound Bass Strings ETB92-5 are examined for players who want a warm, vintage voice on a long scale 5-string bass. The bottom line: these strings are best for bassists seeking an upright-like thump and a smooth, low-noise feel thanks to the flattened black nylon tapewound. They deliver a round, balanced low end and comfortable playability, making them a compelling choice for jazz, blues, studio work and any situation where a deep, controlled tone matters.

Key Features

• Black nylon tapewound: produces a warm, deep tone with reduced finger noise for cleaner recording and low-noise gigs.
• Ultra-smooth finish: the polished flattened nylon gives a comfortable, soft feel that helps with long playing sessions.
• Long scale fit: designed to fit long scale basses up to 36 in, including the added.135 low B for five-string setups.
• Well-balanced tension: gauged and engineered to sit properly on standard saddles and nuts for consistent intonation and feel.
• Versatile vintage tone: covers a wide tonal range from upright-like thump to the focused depth of flat wound sounds, useful across genres.
• Made in the USA: manufactured to strict specifications at D'Addario's New York facility for reliable consistency.

Who It's For

These strings suit bassists who want a vintage, upright-ish character from a 5-string instrument: session players, jazz and blues musicians, and touring bassists who prioritize low finger noise and a warm low end. The soft, polished tape wrap is especially appreciated by players who slide and thumb frequently and need a smooth surface on both fretted and fretless instruments.

Players who need extreme brightness, aggressive metal attack, or a very modern compressed tone should look elsewhere; these tapewounds favor warmth and roundness over cutting high-frequency presence. Also, those on shorter scale 4-string instruments should confirm fit before buying, since ETB92-5 is intended for long scale use.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Warm, deep tone that closely resembles an upright bass thump for genre versatility.
• Low tactile noise and a smooth feel that reduces finger wear and improves comfort.
• Well-balanced tension and gauges tailored to fit standard saddles for predictable setup.

Cons

• Less bright and punchy than roundwound or nickel strings, which may be limiting for players seeking high-end presence.

Specifications

Product	Tapewound Bass Strings ETB92-5
Scale length	Long scale, fits up to 36 in
Set type	5-String set, Pack of 1
Gauge	Medium, 50-135 (includes.135 low B)
Wrap material	Flattened black nylon, polished
Compatibility	Fretted and fretless basses
Origin	Made in the USA

Our Verdict

The ETB92-5 tapewound set is an excellent value for bassists who prioritize a warm, upright-like low end and a quiet, smooth feel. It is especially useful for jazz, studio work and players seeking a vintage character on a long scale 5-string; buy it if you want controlled, deep tone and comfort over bright aggression.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can these strings be used on fretless basses?
Yes, tapewounds are suitable for both fretted and fretless basses and are often chosen to reduce finger noise on fretless fingerboards.

Do they fit short scale basses?
These are designed for long scale basses and fit instruments with up to a 36 in scale length; short scale fit should be checked before purchase.

How does the.135 low B perform?
The added.135 low B provides a deep, balanced low end that maintains tension and blends well with the set's warm tapewound character.