Elixir Strings Nickel Plated Steel 4-String Bass Medium - Long Scale

In this review of the Elixir Strings Nickel Plated Steel 4-String Bass set, the bottom line is simple: these are for bassists who want a bright, rounded tone that lasts. Built with nickel-plated steel wrap wire and an ultra-thin nanoweb coating redesigned for bass, they deliver a clear mid-range presence and a smooth feel that helps maintain consistent tone over many hours of playing. Players who value longevity and a slightly grippy, natural feel will find these strings worth the investment.

Key Features

• Nickel-plated steel wrap: Produces a rich, rounded tone with strong mid-range clarity suited to many playing styles.
• Ultra-thin nanoweb coating: Protects the entire string surface including gaps between windings to keep tone from deadening quickly.
• Redesigned for bass: The coating and construction are tuned specifically to preserve bass response and playability.
• Smooth, natural feel: The coating provides a comfortable, slightly grippy surface that makes fingering and slapping more consistent.
• Extended tone life: Patented coating technology resists common corrosion, so players hear the original tone longer than many other coated or uncoated sets.
• Long scale medium gauge: Balanced.050-.105 gauges that suit players who want a full low end without excessive stiffness.

Who It's For

These strings are best for electric bass players who want a bright but rounded tonal character with reliable mid-range presence and long-lasting performance. They suit working musicians, studio players, and gigging bassists who prefer sets that retain their tone and feel over many sessions.

Players seeking an uncoated, raw roundwound feel or a drastically brighter, glassier sound may want to compare uncoated nickel or stainless sets first; similarly, those who prefer extremely slick coatings might test different coated options, since some users describe the nanoweb surface as subtly grippy rather than silky smooth.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Longer tone life due to full-length patented coating that protects windings and surface.
• Balanced, rounded tone with clear mid-range that works well across styles.
• Comfortable, natural feel that still lets players use familiar techniques like slapping and fingerstyle.

Cons

• Some players find the coating less slick than other coated strings, which is a matter of personal preference.
• Coated sets can slightly alter the raw brightness compared with uncoated strings.

Specifications

Brand	Elixir
String type	Nickel-plated steel, coated
Coating	Ultra-thin NANOWEB coating, full-length
Scale	Long Scale
Gauge	Medium.050,.070,.085,.105
Intended use	Electric 4-string bass

Our Verdict

For bassists who value longevity and a balanced, professional tone, these Elixir coated nickel-plated steel strings are an excellent buy. They preserve tone longer than many alternatives and deliver a smooth, consistent feel that makes them good value for gigging and recording musicians.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do these strings fit long scale basses?
Yes, this set is specified as Long Scale and is intended for long scale 4-string electric bass guitars.

How does the nanoweb coating affect feel?
The ultra-thin nanoweb coating gives a smooth but slightly grippy, natural feel that many players describe as buttery and consistent.

Will the coating extend tone life?
The patented full-length coating protects windings and surface, helping the strings retain tone longer than many coated or uncoated competitors.