Which set lasts longer?

The Elixir set. Its NANOWEB coating is designed to keep tone and feel fresh far longer than uncoated strings, which is the main reason it costs more.

Is the Elixir worth the extra money?

Only if you change strings often or want to avoid frequent changes. At $52.99 versus $21.57, you need roughly two and a half times the playing life to break even.

Check scale length first. The Elixir set is extra long scale for 35-inch and longer basses. The Ernie Ball set is standard long scale for typical 34-inch basses.

Which sounds brighter?

The Ernie Ball set. Uncoated nickel-plated steel gives a bright, balanced tone. The Elixir set is warmer and more rounded with heavier mids.

Do the gauges differ much?

Slightly. The Ernie Ball set has a heavier .050 G string; the Elixir set uses .045. Both share .085 and .105 on the A and E strings.

Which is better for beginners?

The Ernie Ball set, unless the bass needs extra long scale strings. It is cheaper to experiment with and gives a standard bright tone.

Ernie Ball Regular Slinky Bass Strings vs Elixir 14087 Bass Strings

Buy the Ernie Ball Regular Slinky set if you want the standard bright, punchy bass tone at a low price. Buy the Elixir set if you want strings that keep their tone far longer and you play an extra-long-scale bass. As of November 7, 2026, the Ernie Ball set is $21.57 at Musician's Friend and the Elixir set is $52.99 at Amazon. The Elixir costs about 2.5 times as much, so it only pays off if long string life matters to you.

Today the Ernie Ball Regular Slinky Bass Strings costs $31.42 less at its best price.

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