D'Addario XL Half Rounds Bass Strings ENR70 Long Scale - Super Light

In this review the D'Addario XL Half Rounds Bass Guitar Strings ENR70 (40-95, long scale) are evaluated for players who want a middle ground between round wound and flat wound sets. The bottom line: these strings suit bassists who want the fuller tone and bright attack of round wounds while gaining a noticeably smoother feel and reduced finger noise from a precision ground surface. The set's super light tension and long scale fit make them especially appealing for players seeking easier playability without sacrificing core tone.

Key Features

• Half Round Construction: Provides a balance of round wound brightness and flat wound smoothness, giving a clear attack with less surface grit under the fingers.
• High Carbon Hex-Core: The high carbon steel core maintains strong intonation and consistent feel across the set for reliable performance.
• Pure Nickel Wrap: The nickel winding delivers warm, rounded harmonic content while preserving enough brightness for clarity in a band mix.
• Precision Grinding: A ground finish reduces finger noise and fret rattle, which helps clean up unwanted squeak during fingerstyle passages.
• Super Light Tension: The 40-95 gauge offers very light tension and a bright attack, making bends and fast playing easier on the hands.
• Made in the USA: Manufactured to strict specifications in New York, offering consistent quality from set to set.

Who It's For

These strings are best for bassists who play a variety of styles - from jazz and blues to rock and metal - and want a string that is comfortable for long sessions while still giving enough thump and clarity for low-end work. Players who favor fingerstyle, slap, or melodic runs will appreciate the reduced finger noise and lighter tension.

Those who should look elsewhere include players searching for the ultra-smooth, completely muted tone of a true flat wound or those who need the maximum brightness and edge of heavier round wound sets; the half round is a compromise rather than an extreme in either direction.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comfortable, smooth feel that reduces finger noise during play.
• Balanced tone with enough brightness and solid low-end thump for many genres.
• Consistent intonation and build quality from the high carbon core and nickel wrap.
• Light tension makes these strings easier to fret and bend, helpful for longer sessions.

Cons

• Brightness is mixed by users; some may find them brighter than expected compared with flatwounds.
• Players seeking extreme flat wound mellowing or extreme round wound bite might prefer a different construction.

Specifications

Brand	D'Addario
Model	ENR70 XL Half Rounds
Gauge	40-95 (Super Light)
Scale Length	Long scale (up to 36 ft)
Core / Wrap	High carbon steel hex-core with pure nickel wrap
Finish	Precision ground half round
Made	USA

Our Verdict

The D'Addario XL Half Rounds ENR70 are a strong choice for players who want a comfortable, versatile string that sits between round and flat wounds. Their smooth feel, reduced finger noise, and bright yet full tone make them good value for bassists who need playability and reliable tone without committing to one extreme. Recommended for session players and hobbyists seeking balanced performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these strings suitable for long scale basses?
Yes. The ENR70 set is specified for long scale instruments up to a 36 ft scale length.

How do these compare to round wound strings?
They deliver a tone comparable to round wound strings but with a smoother, ground surface that reduces finger noise and feels less gritty under the fingers.

What styles of music work best with them?
They are versatile across genres including jazz, rock, blues, metal and folk, offering enough thump for low end and clarity for melodic playing.