Anyone Ever Gotten a One Bad Rotosound String??

doc540 · #1 08-09-2003, 01:20 PM

Gig tonight, so I wound on a new set of Rotosound RS 66LB's. This is the first "new" set of strings I've had on this beater SX Jbass.

The G string sound horrible! Weird harmonic/overtones...I didn't know what was wrong.

I'd taken off the original set of strings the bass came with and put on a mildly used set of RS 66LB's, so the gauge shouldn't have been a factor.

I worked for about a half an hour on setup to no avail.

Soooooo...I yanked off the new G string and wound on the used G string. It sounded fine.

What in the Sam Hill is going on???

Anyone have a clue?

**rickbass** · #2 08-09-2003, 01:30 PM

If it's a "beater" bass, I wouldn't expect top performance out of any strings.

The least of your problems are the strings.

doc540 · #3 08-09-2003, 01:33 PM

But I have no other "problems" with this beater.

The quality, fit and finish, and tone is excellent.

I was just asking if anyone had gotten one bad string in a pack of new Roto's.

Ever happened to anyone? Verrrah strange.

FretNoMore · #4 08-09-2003, 01:41 PM

(Many years ago) I got a bad E-string (happened twice), they also had weird overtones. I couldn't afford to experiment any more so I switched brands. Every product can have bad batches and production problems, so the occasional bad string shouldn't surprise you I guess. Just as long as the store accepts a return and gives you a new one (which mine didn't, so I stopped buying there).

doc540 · #5 08-09-2003, 01:46 PM

Thanks, Frank.

I've been using Roto's for thirty years and have never gotten a bad 'single'. I guess there's a first time for everything.

I do remember when all Roto's hit the skids for several years. Can't remember what the problem was but it snuffed'em out for a while. Some dealers even quit carrying them.

I've been back with them now for five or six years.

Jazz Ad · #6 08-09-2003, 02:07 PM

I used to set rotosound swing66 on my bass because I loved the sound.
It happened several times to me.
The string just wouldn't work. Flat sound out from the pack.
Considering that a set of strings costs 30 $ in France, I switched to Ernie Ball Slinky several years ago. I like the sound too and never got a bad string.

Mental Octopus · #7 08-09-2003, 02:21 PM

i got one bad rotosound string BOTH times i tried them out. they just didnt work at all. never had any problems with any other string company.

slugworth · #8 08-09-2003, 05:50 PM

It happens from time to time. I've had duff single
strings from almost every maker. Contact Rotosound
directly through their website and they'll replace the string free of charge.

doc540 · #9 08-09-2003, 11:46 PM

Thanks, Slug.

I'll do just that.

Flatwound · #10 08-10-2003, 09:28 AM

I had a bad D string recently in a set of Roto's. No weird overtones, but just a dull thud when plucked. The dealer replaced it for me, and the replacement sounded fine.

I also had a new experience Friday. I put a set of Carvin nickels on my Carvin LB75, and the B just let go. I guess the core broke at the tuning machine, because the windings were still attached. Very strange.

Edwcdc · #11 08-11-2003, 08:26 AM

I put a set of Smith strings on before a show and had a problem with the E string. I have had dead strings out of the pack before but never like this. All of the strings sounded bright but the E string just went thud when I hit it. It was also not any where near as loud as the other strings. I also heared a strange buzz coming throught the speakers when I played that string. I put back on the old E string and everything was good.

doc540 · #12 08-11-2003, 01:13 PM

Called today and spoke to Mr. Roto.

Excellent customer service. He apologized for the problem and is mailing a new replacement string at not charge.

Tel US toll free (800) 675-2501

Mr. Roto

RicPlaya · #13 08-13-2003, 04:48 PM

Never with roto's, DR's yes but I still play both

Aaron Saunders · #14 08-16-2003, 03:29 AM

Considering both DR and Rotosound strings are handmade, it's not surprising to find a bad string every once in a while. I strung up about a week or two ago with some Roto Swingbass and my set was fine, but I know if there was a bad string I could just call them and all would be well -- same for DR. It's the risk you run when buying handmade strings.

doc540 · #15 08-21-2003, 08:58 PM

Replacement string arrived yesterday.

The Roto's not only sent a new string, but a dozen stickers and a bitchin' catalogue.

Excellent customer service.

slugworth · #16 08-22-2003, 09:30 PM

Did you deal direct with Hammer, the British
guy? You probably did, this guy really cares
about his customers, no matter if yer famous
or not. The guy is a class act, working for
a first class outfit. It's hard to find that
kind of customer service anymore.

Cheers,
Slug

doc540 · #17 08-23-2003, 12:09 PM

Not sure of his name, but, yes, he was a British guy.

Top notch customer service. Made me feel like I was Jack Bruce or something.

cjazz50 · #18 08-24-2003, 11:42 AM

I once bought a set of Roto tapewounds and three out of the four strings had that warbly overtone thing goin' on.

43apples · #19 11-12-2003, 05:15 PM

Strange..... I've never got a bad rotosound even though i've been using them a long time.

But, strangely enough....all the 4-5 packs of DR's i've bougth has sounded like mud...just "thud".

CrazyTwoKnobs · #20 11-12-2003, 05:44 PM

I bought a set a couple weeks ago. I'll be sure to post as to how they sound...