Dead Rotosounds - Help!!!

[Tim C.]

I have just gone through THREE E-strings from three different packs of Rotosound Swing Bass '66 S.S. roundwounds, 45-105's. Each of these three E-Strings was COMPLETELY dead. Sounded like rubber bands. The rest of the strings had that sizzling zing you would expect. I did nothing different in putting these strings on than I have in the last several years I've been using Rotosounds.

Has anybody dealt with Rotosound directly in compensating for this problem? I bought seven packs of Roto's from Elderly Instruments about one month ago. I don't even want to open the others, I want my money back! The first pack was absolutely fine. Should I talk to Elderly or Rotosound for a refund on the remaining packages? I don't trust them and don't want to clip the excess of more strings just to find out they are D.O.A.

On that note, no, I don't want to do a search, I'd like just one or two responses to this question - what's a string that sounds very similar to Rotosound Swing Bass, is very high tension and plays very well at extremely low action? I'm talking well under one milimeter per string by the 20th fret. Thanks in advance.

[dmusic148]

Not unusual, unfortunately. But do be sure it's not a problem with your bass(bridge or nut problem?) Then contact your dealer to see what they will do.
Similar string? I suggest DR Highbeams. Closest thing out there IMO. Or, if you're really sure you want more tension(I always found Rotos to be somewhat slinky feeling) go with DR LoRiders, in stainless.

[Tim C.]

Hey, thanks for the rec. I will order LoRiders tomorrow.

I've gone through well more than forty packs of Roto's Swing Bass in the last three years, never had this problem. I've already emailed Rotosound and I expect compensation. I don't make enough money to say "Hey, I paid for this, but who cares if it works or not!"

[Tim C.]

Got the Lo-Riders on my bass. They're amazing! Very similar sound to me as the Rotosounds, except a little more bottom and not quite as harsh.

Rotosound emailed me back saying that they'll send replacement E strings, but all that's gonna mean is I'll have some Rotosound packages for sale.

[Skitch it!]

I have taken them back fitted on the bass to the shop I bought them from in the past, and have been refunded, I only ever bought one set, that was enough.

Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice....shame on me ; )

[Chrisk-K]

Got the Lo-Riders on my bass. They're amazing!

I have been using only Hi-Beams and Lo-Riders since 2006. Before that I experimented with lots of different strings. Should have found DR earlier!

[Tim C.]

I am truly puzzled as to how much more low end these DRs have vs. the Rotosounds. I'm not playing any differently. But all that top end sparkle is still there! I am a new DR guy for sure.

[88ric2030]

I stopped buying Rotosounds in the early 90's. I noticed they went dead, and not in a cool way, very quickly, like in a month or so of heavy playing. For rounds, I use DR Highbeams, for Flats, Chromes, Fender 9050, and GHS Precision.