Black (Tungsten) Tapewound Upright Bass Strings

We've carried the white Eurosonic strings for close to 20 years, and they are a favorite for pizzicato styles where a durable string with a gut-like vibe was needed. The white tapewound are particularly well-suited for aggressive bluegrass, rockabilly and slap-style play. They are a "fat" string, with a thicker diameter than most common steel-wound strings.

This newer black tapewound variant has the same steel core, but with a tungsten blend which has a higher mass, and results in a slightly smaller diameter. The strings have a darker-than-average sound and nice punch to their tone. You might find that it fits better into old-school jazz contexts - the music from a time when gut strings ruled - and the playability is very good, with a light, flexible feel. Middling sustain - not too "ringy," not too dead - and a clarity that helps the tone cut through the mix makes them an excellent choice for big bands, trios, quartets and more.

Like the regular white tape Eurosonics, these strings will work with a magnetic pickup. And they can be used for slap as well.

Gauges    G - .068" 1.72mm   D - .080" 2.03mm    A - .097" 2.46mm     E - .113" 2.87mm

These strings are not arco-friendly. If you HAVE to bow them, we recommend that you gently scuff the bowing area with fine sandpaper, emery cloth, or very fine steel wool. To ease adhesion, you can apply rosin directly on the strings. You may need to experiment with a different grade/viscosity of rosin than you normally use, as well. Ultimately, these strings are tough to bow, but it can be done if you're resourceful.