What is the primary material used in the EPBB170-5 strings?

The strings are made from phosphor bronze wound around a high carbon steel core. This material choice is intended to provide a balance of warmth and brightness.

What is the benefit of the hexagonal core?

The hexagonally shaped core provides a secure surface for the wrap wire to grip. This design ensures reliable stability, prevents slippage, and aids in maintaining accurate intonation.

Are these strings suitable for a 4-string bass?

No, this specific set is designed for 5-string acoustic basses. It includes the additional string required for the extended range of a 5-string instrument.

How does phosphor bronze affect the durability of the strings?

Phosphor bronze is naturally corrosion-resistant. This helps the strings maintain their tone and physical integrity for a longer period compared to non-resistant alloys.

What kind of tone can I expect from the EPBB170-5 set?

The tone is described as precise and perfectly balanced. It offers a combination of acoustic warmth and high-end brightness.

Is the core material durable?

Yes, the core is made from precision-drawn high carbon steel. This material is chosen for its strength and ability to withstand the high tension required for bass instruments.

What playing styles are these strings suited for?

D'Addario describes these strings as suitable for 'fearless playing whatever your style.' Their balanced tension makes them versatile for fingerstyle, slapping, or plectrum use.

How do these compare to D'Addario's violin strings like the Zyex series?

The EPBB170-5 is a phosphor bronze set for acoustic bass, whereas the Zyex series uses synthetic cores for violins. They serve entirely different instruments and tonal requirements.

What is the typical price range for this string set?

In the UK market, these strings typically retail for approximately £50.00. Prices may vary slightly based on the retailer and shipping costs.

Are these strings wound or plain?

These are precision-wound strings. The phosphor bronze wire is wrapped around the central steel core to create the necessary mass for bass frequencies.

Does the set offer good intonation?

Yes, the combination of the hexagonal core and precision winding is designed to provide immaculate intonation across the entire length of the fretboard.

Can these strings be used on an electric bass?

While they could physically fit, they are specifically voiced and constructed for acoustic bass guitars. The phosphor bronze alloy is designed to resonate optimally with an acoustic soundboard.

Gear article

D'Addario EPBB170-5 Phosphor Bronze 5-String Acoustic Bass Strings

The D'Addario EPBB170-5 is a premium set of phosphor bronze strings designed specifically for 5-string acoustic bass guitars. Featuring a high carbon steel hexagonal core, these strings are engineered to provide a balance of warmth, brightness, and reliable intonation for acoustic performers.

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Overview

The D'Addario EPBB170-5 Phosphor Bronze set is a professional-grade string solution for 5-string acoustic bass players. These strings are constructed using a specific alloy of phosphor bronze, a material widely favoured in acoustic applications for its longevity and tonal characteristics. The set is designed to accommodate the extended range of a 5-string instrument while maintaining consistent tension and response across all strings.

Construction and Key Features

At the heart of each string is a hexagonally shaped high carbon steel core. This precision-drawn core is essential for providing structural stability and ensuring that the wrap wire remains securely in place. The hexagonal shape prevents the outer winding from slipping, which contributes to 'immaculate intonation' and tuning reliability during aggressive play.

The outer winding is made of phosphor bronze, which is inherently corrosion-resistant. This choice of material extends the life of the strings compared to standard bronze sets, ensuring they remain 'durable' for various playing styles. The manufacturing process involves precision winding to ensure a perfectly balanced feel across the fretboard.

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Tonal Character

The EPBB170-5 strings are noted for producing a precise and balanced tone. By utilising phosphor bronze, D'Addario has achieved a sound profile that offers both 'warmth and brightness in good measure.' This makes them versatile enough for different acoustic genres, providing the low-end depth required for bass while retaining enough high-end clarity to cut through an unplugged ensemble.

Target Audience and Comparison

These strings suit acoustic bassists who require a five-string configuration and demand high levels of durability. They are particularly effective for players who perform in various environments where corrosion resistance is necessary to maintain a fresh tone over time.

In the broader market of instrument strings, D'Addario competes with other high-end manufacturers such as Ernie Ball, who offer products like the M-Steel or Tim Henson Signature Slinky sets for guitar, and traditional orchestral brands like Larsen or Thomastik-Infeld. However, the EPBB170-5 is specialised for the unique tension and scale length requirements of the acoustic bass guitar.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material used in the EPBB170-5 strings?: The strings are made from phosphor bronze wound around a high carbon steel core. This material choice is intended to provide a balance of warmth and brightness.
What is the benefit of the hexagonal core?: The hexagonally shaped core provides a secure surface for the wrap wire to grip. This design ensures reliable stability, prevents slippage, and aids in maintaining accurate intonation.
Are these strings suitable for a 4-string bass?: No, this specific set is designed for 5-string acoustic basses. It includes the additional string required for the extended range of a 5-string instrument.
How does phosphor bronze affect the durability of the strings?: Phosphor bronze is naturally corrosion-resistant. This helps the strings maintain their tone and physical integrity for a longer period compared to non-resistant alloys.
What kind of tone can I expect from the EPBB170-5 set?: The tone is described as precise and perfectly balanced. It offers a combination of acoustic warmth and high-end brightness.
Is the core material durable?: Yes, the core is made from precision-drawn high carbon steel. This material is chosen for its strength and ability to withstand the high tension required for bass instruments.
What playing styles are these strings suited for?: D'Addario describes these strings as suitable for 'fearless playing whatever your style.' Their balanced tension makes them versatile for fingerstyle, slapping, or plectrum use.
How do these compare to D'Addario's violin strings like the Zyex series?: The EPBB170-5 is a phosphor bronze set for acoustic bass, whereas the Zyex series uses synthetic cores for violins. They serve entirely different instruments and tonal requirements.
What is the typical price range for this string set?: In the UK market, these strings typically retail for approximately £50.00. Prices may vary slightly based on the retailer and shipping costs.
Are these strings wound or plain?: These are precision-wound strings. The phosphor bronze wire is wrapped around the central steel core to create the necessary mass for bass frequencies.
Does the set offer good intonation?: Yes, the combination of the hexagonal core and precision winding is designed to provide immaculate intonation across the entire length of the fretboard.
Can these strings be used on an electric bass?: While they could physically fit, they are specifically voiced and constructed for acoustic bass guitars. The phosphor bronze alloy is designed to resonate optimally with an acoustic soundboard.