D'Addario Tapewound Short Scale Bass Strings ETB92S - Warm Vintage

In this review of the D'Addario Tapewound Short Scale ETB92S set, the bottom line is simple: these strings are for bassists seeking a warm, vintage tone with a smooth, low-noise feel on short scale instruments. The review finds the flattened black nylon winding produces a deep, upright-like thump while remaining comfortable under the fingers, making them an excellent choice for players who value tone and feel over brightness. They are especially useful for studio work, fretless players who want a soft attack, and gigging musicians who prefer long-lasting, well-balanced strings.

Key Features

• Flattened black nylon winding: provides a warm, deep tone that sits nicely in the mix and reduces high-end harshness for vintage character.
• Ultra-smooth polished finish: gives a soft, comfortable feel under the fingers that reduces finger noise and helps with slides on both fretted and fretless necks.
• Short scale fit: designed for instruments with a scale length up to 32 in so intonation and tension feel correct on short scale basses.
• Medium gauge 50-105: delivers full low end and balanced tension suitable across styles from jazz to rock and bluegrass.
• Well-balanced construction: engineered for consistent tension across the set, improving playability and tuning stability during sessions and gigs.
• Made in the USA: manufactured to exacting specifications at D'Addario's New York facility for consistent quality.

Who It's For

These tapewounds suit bassists who want a vintage, upright-like thump from a short scale instrument; that includes jazz players seeking a round, warm tone and session musicians who need low finger noise and a smooth feel. The set is also a good match for fretless players who prefer a softer tape surface over metal windings.

Players who rely on bright, cutting attack or those who require very high output for aggressive metal tones should look elsewhere; these strings emphasize warmth and reduced treble rather than aggressive presence. Also, long scale bass owners should choose a full scale set rather than this short scale version.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Warm, deep tone that resembles upright bass and sits well in mixes.
• Ultra-smooth black nylon finish reduces finger noise and feels comfortable for long sessions.
• Balanced tension and medium gauges provide reliable playability across genres.
• Durable construction and consistent manufacturing from a US facility.

Cons

• Not ideal for players who want a bright, cutting tone or aggressive high-end sparkle.
• Short scale sizing limits use to instruments with scale lengths up to 32 in.

Specifications

Product	D'Addario Tapewound Bass Strings ETB92S
Scale length	Short scale, fits up to 32 in
Gauge	Medium 50-105
String count	4-string set
Winding	Flattened black nylon, polished finish
Suitable for	Fretted and fretless basses
Made in	USA

Our Verdict

The ETB92S tapewound short scale set is a solid value for bassists after a warm, vintage sound with smooth feel and low finger noise; it shines for jazz, studio work, fretless playing, and any situation that benefits from a deep, upright-like thump. Choose these if you play a short scale bass and prefer tone and comfort over bright attack.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can these strings be used on fretless basses?
Yes, the flattened black nylon tapewound surface is suitable for fretless fingerboards and offers a smooth feel with reduced wear.

What scale lengths are supported?
This short scale set is designed to fit instruments with scale lengths up to 32 in; longer scale basses should use full scale sets.

How would you describe the overall tone?
The tone is warm and deep with an upright-like thump and reduced treble bite, ideal for vintage and mellow styles.