Elixir Nanoweb 45-130 5 String Bass Set Review: The Marathon Runner of Bass Tones

There’s a ritual every bassist knows intimately. It starts with a subtle dullness, a loss of that crisp top-end that makes your notes sing. Soon, your strings feel gritty under your fingers, victims of sweat, oil, and the microscopic debris of a thousand practice sessions. The vibrant tone you loved is now a muffled thud. So you perform the ritual: you snip the old set, meticulously thread the new ones, stretch, tune, and repeat, hoping to recapture that “new string day” magic. But what if you could break the cycle? What if a single set of strings could maintain that clarity and smooth feel not for weeks, but for months on end? This is the very problem the Elixir Nanoweb 45-130 5 String Bass Set promises to solve, offering a premium experience aimed squarely at the player who values consistency and longevity as much as pure tone.

What to Consider Before Buying Bass Guitar Strings

A set of bass strings is more than just wire; it’s the fundamental voice of your instrument. It’s the first point of contact between your creative expression and the electronic components that amplify it. The right strings can make a good bass sound great, while the wrong set can stifle its potential, leading to a muddy sound, uncomfortable playing, and constant, frustrating tuning. They directly influence the feel, the tonal character, the sustain, and even the lifespan of your frets. Choosing correctly means choosing a reliable partner for your playing, whether you’re laying down a groove in the studio, holding down the low end on stage, or simply practising in your bedroom.

The ideal customer for a premium, coated string set like this is a musician facing the constant battle against tone degradation. This includes professional or semi-professional players who need unwavering tonal consistency from gig to gig, studio musicians who can’t afford to have string tone die mid-session, and dedicated hobbyists who have acidic sweat that kills uncoated strings in a matter of days. It’s for the bassist who values playing time over maintenance time. Conversely, this might not be suitable for those who are on a very tight budget and can only afford the lowest entry price, or players who genuinely enjoy the sound of “played-in” or even dead strings for a vintage, thumpy tone. For those players, a traditional set of uncoated nickel or even flatwound strings might be a more fitting choice.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Scale Length & Gauge: Basses come in different scale lengths (short, medium, long, extra-long). Ensuring your strings match your instrument’s scale length is critical for proper tension and intonation. The Elixir Nanoweb 45-130 5 String Bass Set is designed for Long Scale basses, the most common standard. The gauge (.045-.130) is a versatile “light” set for a 5-string, offering a comfortable blend of tension and tonal depth, with a robust B-string that isn’t overly tight or loose.
• Materials & Winding: The material defines the string’s core sound. These Elixirs use nickel-plated steel wrap wire, known for its balanced warmth and clarity—a great all-rounder. This contrasts with stainless steel (brighter, more aggressive) or pure nickel (warmer, more vintage). The winding (roundwound, flatwound, half-round) dictates feel and brightness. These are roundwound, providing the brightest, most harmonically rich tone.
• Coating & Durability: This is the main event for Elixir. The ultra-thin NANOWEB coating acts as a barrier against corrosion and gunk. Uncoated strings are vulnerable and lose their brightness quickly. Coated strings, while more expensive upfront, promise a lifespan 3-5 times longer, which can represent significant long-term savings and is a key feature to see in its full feature set.
• Tonal Goals & Playing Style: What sound are you chasing? If you want modern clarity, piano-like sustain, and a prominent midrange to cut through a mix, these strings are engineered for that purpose. If you’re a fingerstyle player, the smooth feel reduces finger noise. Slap players will appreciate the lasting brightness, though very aggressive pick players should note that any coating can eventually show wear at the point of attack.

Making the right choice is about matching the string’s DNA to your musical goals.

While the Elixir Nanoweb 45-130 5 String Bass Set is an excellent choice for longevity and modern tone, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Unboxing the Elixir Nanoweb 45-130 5 String Bass Set

The strings arrive in a distinctive cardboard box, a familiar sight for seasoned players. One of the first things we looked for, given a recurring theme in user feedback, was the integrity of the packaging seal. Several users reported receiving packages with broken seals, leading to concerns about authenticity. Our set arrived perfectly sealed, a crucial first checkpoint. Inside, each string is housed in its own colour-coded paper envelope, preventing any tangling or damage. The immediate tactile sensation of the strings is unique. Unlike the slightly coarse texture of new, uncoated roundwounds, the NANOWEB coating provides a remarkably smooth, almost silky feel. It’s not slippery or unnatural, but it’s noticeably different—a slickness that hints at the reduced friction and finger squeak to come. Stringing up our 5-string Ibanez test bass was straightforward. The strings are flexible enough to handle the process easily, and the .130 B-string passed through the bridge without the binding issues some have reported with other thick-gauge strings. Once tuned to pitch, the initial tone was bright and articulate, but not harsh—a well-balanced sound right out of the box that promises great things.

A Deep Dive into the Elixir Nanoweb Performance

After weeks of rigorous testing—long practice sessions, recording demos, and even a couple of live gigs—we’ve formed a comprehensive view of what the Elixir Nanoweb 45-130 5 String Bass Set truly brings to the table. It’s one thing to promise extended life; it’s another to deliver it without compromising feel or tone. This is where our deep-dive analysis begins.

The NANOWEB Coating: A Shield for Your Tone

The cornerstone of Elixir’s value proposition is its patented NANOWEB coating. This isn’t just a gimmick; it’s a fundamental re-engineering of the string. The ultra-thin fluoropolymer tube completely coats the string, protecting the outer wrap wire and, crucially, the gaps between the windings. This is where the “tone-killing” gunk—dead skin, oil, sweat, and dirt—typically accumulates on an uncoated string, dampening its vibrations and dulling its sound. In our testing, this protective barrier proved incredibly effective. After a month of heavy use, a period in which most uncoated nickel-plated strings would be long past their prime, the Elixirs retained a remarkable 80-90% of their day-one brightness and clarity.

The feel is equally important. The smoothness is immediately apparent, making long slides and fast fingerstyle passages feel effortless and fluid. That notorious “finger squeak” that can plague recordings with new roundwounds is significantly reduced to a near-inaudible whisper. This was confirmed by multiple users who praised the feel, with one noting they “gardent la même expérience de jeu du début à la fin” (keep the same playing experience from beginning to end). However, the coating’s durability under aggressive playing is a valid consideration. One user who plays with a pick mentioned the coating began to fray and peel where the pick strikes after about a week. While our pick-playing tests didn’t result in such rapid degradation, it’s clear that the coating is not indestructible. For fingerstyle, slap, and moderate pick players, the coating is a game-changer for longevity. For extremely aggressive pickers who dig in hard, this trade-off is something to be aware of.

Tonal Character: Clarity, Punch, and a Formidable B-String

A long-lasting string is useless if it doesn’t sound good. Fortunately, the Elixir Nanoweb 45-130 5 String Bass Set delivers a stellar sonic performance. The nickel-plated steel construction provides a versatile tonal foundation—warm, but with plenty of definition. Elixir’s description of a “heavy mid-range presence” is spot on. In a full band mix, this translates to a bass tone that has weight and authority without getting lost in the mud. The notes are articulate and punchy, with a piano-like clarity on the G and D strings that is perfect for melodic lines.

The low B-string is often the make-or-break point for a 5-string set, and the .130 gauge here is exceptionally well-balanced. On our 34″ scale bass, it was taut and focused, delivering clear, fundamental pitches without the dreaded flabbiness or indistinct overtones that can plague lesser B-strings. Whether playing low-end grooves or dropping down for emphasis, the B-string spoke with the same clarity and authority as the rest of the set. This consistent, clean tone is a major selling point, with one user calling them “a must have for clean tone.” While they might lack the raw, aggressive sizzle of brand-new stainless steel strings, they offer a more polished and enduring brightness that we found to be far more useful in a wider range of musical contexts. They truly shine in situations where consistency is paramount.

The Longevity Equation: Is the Higher Price Justified?

Let’s address the elephant in the room: the price. Elixir strings carry a premium price tag, often costing double or even triple what a standard set of uncoated strings might run. This can be a significant barrier for some players. However, viewing this cost in a vacuum is a mistake. The true measure is value, which is a function of price and performance over time. Our experience, and that of countless long-term users, overwhelmingly supports the idea that these strings offer superior long-term value.

Consider a typical bassist who replaces their strings every month to maintain a decent tone. Over six months, that’s six sets of standard strings. In our testing and based on extensive user feedback, a single set of Elixirs can easily last four, five, or even six months while retaining a playable and consistent tone. One incredible user report noted “6年使ってるけど錆無しです” (I’ve been using them for 6 years and there’s no rust), later updating that a string finally broke after 8 years! While this is an extreme case of longevity, it illustrates the coating’s incredible protective power. For a gigging musician, this means fewer last-minute string changes and a reliable tone night after night. For the home player, it means more time playing and less time tinkering. When you factor in the cost of multiple sets of cheaper strings and the time spent changing them, the initial investment in the Elixir Nanoweb 45-130 5 String Bass Set often proves to be the more economical choice in the long run. It’s an investment in consistency and convenience.

What Other Users Are Saying

Looking at a cross-section of user feedback reveals a very clear pattern. The overwhelming majority of positive reviews echo our findings, centering on two key themes: exceptional longevity and consistent, high-quality tone. One satisfied player stated they are “Well worth the money,” noting that they get “great tones and longevity.” Another evangelist proclaimed, “Play these once and you’ll never consider any other brands again.” This sentiment is common among Elixir converts who feel the benefits far outweigh the initial cost.

However, the negative feedback is just as consistent and warrants serious attention. It almost exclusively revolves around issues of quality control and authenticity, rather than the performance of a genuine, factory-perfect set. We saw numerous reports of packages arriving with broken seals, such as “Produto veio com o lacre violado” (Product arrived with the seal violated). This immediately and understandably raises fears of counterfeit products, with one user stating, “when I open the package the strings inside wasn’t genuine… Beware Scam alert!” Other issues include receiving sets with dead strings right out of the package or incorrect gauges inside the box. While these issues appear to be exceptions rather than the rule, they are significant. It underscores the importance of purchasing from a reputable seller to ensure you receive the authentic, high-quality product Elixir is known for.

Competitors and Alternatives for Your Bass

While the Elixir Nanoweb 45-130 5 String Bass Set excels in its niche of long-life coated roundwounds, the world of bass strings is vast. Here are three distinct alternatives for players seeking a different feel or sound.

1. Fender 9050L Bass Strings .045-.100 Flatwound

If the Elixirs are a modern sports car, the Fender 9050L flatwounds are a classic Cadillac. The fundamental difference lies in the winding. Flatwounds have a smooth, polished outer surface, which eliminates finger noise and provides a deep, thumpy, percussive tone with a quick decay. This is the quintessential sound of Motown, soul, and vintage rock. Players chasing the tone of legends like James Jamerson would choose these over the bright Elixirs every time. They offer a completely different playing experience—less sustain, less brightness, but an unmatched warmth and foundational punch. Note this is a 4-string set.

2. DR Strings HI-DEF NEON™ Pink Bass Strings

The DR NEONs are perhaps the closest competitor in terms of technology, as they are also coated strings designed for longevity. The primary differentiator is aesthetic and tonal emphasis. The NEONs are famous for their vibrant, blacklight-responsive colours, making them a fantastic choice for players who want to make a bold visual statement on stage. Tonally, DR strings are often described as being exceptionally bright and crisp, perhaps even more so than the Elixirs initially. The choice here comes down to priorities: Do you want the unique visual flair and aggressive brightness of the DRs, or the more balanced, mid-focused tone and renowned lifespan of the Elixirs?

3. Ernie Ball Flatwound Electric Bass Strings 50-105

Similar to the Fender flats, the Ernie Ball Flatwounds offer another take on the classic vintage bass sound. Made with a tin-plated steel core and a stainless steel ribbon wrap, they provide that smooth feel and warm, mellow tone flatwound players love. Compared to the Elixirs, the difference is night and day. The Ernie Balls are for the bassist who wants to sit deep in the pocket, providing a thick, unwavering foundation with minimal harmonic overtones. They are perfect for jazz, R&B, and any genre where a round, fat bass tone is preferred over the articulate cut and sustain of a modern roundwound string.

Our Final Verdict on the Elixir Nanoweb 45-130 5 String Bass Set

After extensive hands-on testing, the Elixir Nanoweb 45-130 5 String Bass Set stands up to its legendary reputation. It is an outstanding product for a specific type of player: the bassist who prioritizes tonal consistency and longevity above all else. The NANOWEB coating is brilliantly effective, preserving a clear, articulate, and musically rich tone for months, not weeks. The feel is smooth and fast, and the well-balanced gauge set provides a tight, authoritative low B without sacrificing comfort on the higher strings. While the initial price is high, we believe the long-term value is undeniable for serious musicians, effectively reducing costs and maintenance time over the course of a year.

We wholeheartedly recommend this set to professional and dedicated amateur bassists, especially those who play frequently, record often, or have issues with string corrosion. The peace of mind that comes from knowing your bass will sound great every time you pick it up is worth the investment. The only caveat is to be diligent about where you purchase from to avoid the potential pitfalls of counterfeit or defective products. If you’re tired of the endless cycle of string changes and want a reliable, great-sounding set that goes the distance, your search may very well be over. You can check the latest price and secure your set here.