D'Addario XL Half Rounds Bass Strings ENR72 Long Scale Medium - Smooth

In this review the D'Addario XL Half Rounds Bass Strings ENR72 are evaluated for players seeking a middle ground between round wound brightness and flat wound smoothness. The bottom line: these 50-105 long scale, medium-tension strings deliver a fuller, round-wound-like tone while feeling noticeably smoother under the fingers, making them a strong choice for bassists who want reduced finger noise without sacrificing low-end response. They suit stage and studio use where clarity and comfortable playability matter most.

Key Features

• Half Round Construction: The precision grinding process produces strings that feel smoother than round wound sets while retaining much of the full tone typical of round wound strings.
• Material Blend: A high carbon steel Hex-Core combined with pure nickel wrap wire provides balanced magnetic response and a warm yet articulate tonal character.
• Reduced Finger Noise: The ground surface cuts fret squeak and finger noise, which helps keep clean recordings and quiet passages clearer.
• Long Scale Fit: Designed for long scale basses up to 36 1/4 in, the ENR72 set maintains correct intonation and tension for extended-scale instruments.
• Higher Tension, Better Low End: The 50-105 medium gauge increases low-end response and output, useful for players who need more punch and presence.
• Proudly Made in the USA: Manufactured to consistent standards at D'Addario's New York facility for reliable build quality.

Who It's For

Bassists who want the playability of smoother strings without losing the fullness and attack of round wounds will find the ENR72 appealing, especially players across jazz, rock, blues, and metal who value both thump and reduced finger noise. Studio musicians and gigging players who need consistent intonation on long scale instruments will also benefit.

Players who demand the ultra-muted, vintage warmth of true flat wounds or those who prefer very bright, glassy round wound treble may want to audition flat or round sets instead, since the Half Round is explicitly a hybrid compromise rather than an extreme in either direction.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Smooth feel that reduces finger squeak while preserving a full, round-wound-like tone.
• Good low-end response and output from the 50-105 medium tension set.
• Reliable construction with a high carbon steel core and pure nickel wrap for consistent tone and durability.
• Long scale compatibility and precise intonation for scales up to 36 1/4 in.

Cons

• Brightness is mixed among users: some may find them brighter than expected while others find them sufficiently warm.
• Not as mellow as a true flat wound if that exact timbre is required.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The D'Addario ENR72 XL Half Rounds are a smart choice for bass players who want a comfortable, low-noise feel with the fuller tone of round wound strings. The 50-105 medium long scale set offers increased low-end presence and dependable intonation, making it good value for players who need versatility between studio clarity and stage punch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these strings suitable for long scale basses?
Yes, they are designed for long scale instruments up to 36 1/4 in and provide appropriate tension and intonation.

Do Half Rounds reduce finger noise?
Yes, the precision grinding process yields a smoother surface that reduces finger squeak compared with standard round wound strings.

Will these feel like flat wounds?
No, Half Rounds are a compromise: they feel smoother than round wounds but retain more of the round wound tonal brightness than a true flat wound.