What gauges are included in the EPS170 set?

The EPS170 is a light-gauge set consisting of .045, .065, .080, and .100 strings. This provides a comfortable tension for most players while maintaining clear note definition.

What is the primary material used in ProSteels?

These strings are made with a unique stainless steel wrap wire. This material is chosen for its bright tonal properties and high magnetic output.

Are these strings suitable for players with nickel allergies?

Yes, the EPS170 ProSteels are nickel-free. They are an ideal alternative for bassists who experience skin irritation when using nickel-plated or pure nickel strings.

What type of core do these strings use?

They are built on D'Addario's signature high-carbon steel Hex-Core. This hexagonal shape helps the wrap wire stay secure, ensuring better tuning stability and consistent intonation.

How would you describe the sound of ProSteels?

The sound is characterised by bright, cutting highs and tight, defined lows. They offer more 'bite' and clarity compared to standard nickel-wound strings.

For which musical genres are these strings best suited?

They are particularly popular in metal, funk, and rock. Any style that requires the bass to have a clear, distinct presence in the mix will benefit from their bright character.

What is the scale length for the EPS170 set?

This is a long-scale set. It is designed to fit bass guitars with a standard scale length, typically around 34 inches from the nut to the bridge.

Where are D'Addario EPS170 strings manufactured?

Like all D'Addario strings, the EPS170 set is crafted in the USA. They are produced to strict quality standards to ensure consistency across every pack.

Do these strings feel different from nickel strings?

Yes, stainless steel strings generally have a slightly more textured or 'grippy' feel compared to the smoother surface of nickel-plated strings. Some players find this provides better control during aggressive play.

How do ProSteels interact with magnetic pickups?

The proprietary alloy is highly magnetic. This enhances the interaction with the pickups, resulting in a punchy, high-output signal with a rich harmonic profile.

Can these strings be used for slap bass?

Absolutely. The brightness and percussive nature of the stainless steel wrap make them a top choice for slap and pop techniques, providing the 'zing' many funk players desire.

What is the typical price for a set of EPS170 strings?

In the UK market, these strings typically retail for approximately £30. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.

Gear article

D'Addario EPS170 ProSteels Bass Guitar Strings

The D'Addario EPS170 ProSteels are a light-gauge, long-scale bass guitar string set manufactured from a proprietary stainless steel alloy. Designed to provide a bright, harmonically rich tone with high-output magnetic response, they are frequently utilised by players requiring extra clarity and low-end definition.

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Overview and Construction

The D'Addario EPS170 set belongs to the ProSteels series, which represents D'Addario's brightest and most magnetically active bass string offering. These strings are constructed using a specialized stainless steel wrap wire wound around a high-carbon steel hexagonal core. This core design is intended to ensure the wrap wire grips the centre tightly, resulting in improved tuning stability and a consistent feel across the entire length of the fretboard.

As a 'Light' gauge set, the EPS170 features diameters of .045, .065, .080, and .100. This specific tension profile provides a balance between ease of playability and enough mass to maintain a strong fundamental note. The set is designed for long-scale instruments, the industry standard for most 34-inch scale bass guitars.

Tonal Characteristics

The primary characteristic of the EPS170 is its 'bite.' Unlike traditional nickel-plated strings, the stainless steel alloy used in ProSteels produces a high-frequency response that is notably crisp. This clarity is paired with a tight, well-defined low end that avoids the muddiness sometimes associated with heavier or warmer string types.

Because the alloy is highly magnetic, these strings interact efficiently with the pickups, often resulting in a perceived increase in output and presence. This makes them highly effective for techniques such as slapping, popping, and aggressive fingerstyle playing where note definition is paramount.

Applications and Suitability

While the EPS170 ProSteels are balanced enough for general use, they are particularly favoured in genres that demand the bass cut through a dense mix. Typical applications include:

Metal and Hard Rock: Where the brightness helps the bass compete with distorted guitars.
Funk: Where the high-end 'zing' enhances percussive slap techniques.
Fusion: Where intricate melodic lines benefit from the increased harmonic clarity.

Additionally, because these strings are entirely nickel-free, they are an essential choice for bassists with nickel allergies or skin sensitivities.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to D'Addario's standard XL Nickel Wound series, the EPS170 ProSteels offer significantly more treble and a 'crunchier' texture. While nickel strings are often described as warm or vintage, ProSteels are contemporary and aggressive.

In the broader market, they compete with high-output strings such as the Ernie Ball M-Steel or Cobalt series. However, the ProSteels maintain a distinct reputation for their specific stainless steel grit. For players who find standard light sets too soft, the EPS170 provides a tactile, grippy feel that is common with stainless steel windings.

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Frequently asked questions

What gauges are included in the EPS170 set?: The EPS170 is a light-gauge set consisting of .045, .065, .080, and .100 strings. This provides a comfortable tension for most players while maintaining clear note definition.
What is the primary material used in ProSteels?: These strings are made with a unique stainless steel wrap wire. This material is chosen for its bright tonal properties and high magnetic output.
Are these strings suitable for players with nickel allergies?: Yes, the EPS170 ProSteels are nickel-free. They are an ideal alternative for bassists who experience skin irritation when using nickel-plated or pure nickel strings.
What type of core do these strings use?: They are built on D'Addario's signature high-carbon steel Hex-Core. This hexagonal shape helps the wrap wire stay secure, ensuring better tuning stability and consistent intonation.
How would you describe the sound of ProSteels?: The sound is characterised by bright, cutting highs and tight, defined lows. They offer more 'bite' and clarity compared to standard nickel-wound strings.
For which musical genres are these strings best suited?: They are particularly popular in metal, funk, and rock. Any style that requires the bass to have a clear, distinct presence in the mix will benefit from their bright character.
What is the scale length for the EPS170 set?: This is a long-scale set. It is designed to fit bass guitars with a standard scale length, typically around 34 inches from the nut to the bridge.
Where are D'Addario EPS170 strings manufactured?: Like all D'Addario strings, the EPS170 set is crafted in the USA. They are produced to strict quality standards to ensure consistency across every pack.
Do these strings feel different from nickel strings?: Yes, stainless steel strings generally have a slightly more textured or 'grippy' feel compared to the smoother surface of nickel-plated strings. Some players find this provides better control during aggressive play.
How do ProSteels interact with magnetic pickups?: The proprietary alloy is highly magnetic. This enhances the interaction with the pickups, resulting in a punchy, high-output signal with a rich harmonic profile.
Can these strings be used for slap bass?: Absolutely. The brightness and percussive nature of the stainless steel wrap make them a top choice for slap and pop techniques, providing the 'zing' many funk players desire.
What is the typical price for a set of EPS170 strings?: In the UK market, these strings typically retail for approximately £30. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.