How many of you play Rotosound Strings?

Gubna · #1 02-25-2007, 01:17 PM

How many of you play Rotosound Strings?

And if so, how many of you have had issues with them grinding your frets and pick up covers down?

BillytheBassist · #2 02-25-2007, 02:48 PM

I've used rotos for years... i recently switched from the stainless swingbass too the pure nickel swingbass 66's... great sounding string. I never really had any problem with the steels causing fretwear more than any other strings except for grounds or flats. I also use the jazzflats for fretless. I just preffer rotos.

TheCiscoKid · #3 02-25-2007, 02:55 PM

I am running the swingbass 666's and absolutely love them. They sound awesome on my bass.

Cisco

The BurgerMeister · #4 02-25-2007, 02:57 PM

the stainless ones can grind down frets, yes... i switched to the nickel-plated 66 partly for this reason. (other reason: they sound warmer, more buttery.... which i like.

)

SexFuneral · #5 02-25-2007, 07:37 PM

A nasty nickel allergy forced me to make a switch from nickel to steels. And Rotosound was the first name out of my Dad's mouth. Been using them ever since.

Yet they DO tend to be rather harsh on your bass, not to mention your fingers. Blisters anybody?

zaco · #6 02-25-2007, 09:35 PM

I play a fretless with an ebony fretboard. would rotosounds be likely to damage my bass? also, does anyone know what type of rotosounds jaco used?

Introvox · #7 02-25-2007, 09:43 PM

Swing66 all around here, Fiver/4 Banger & Fretless

Sure there's some fret marks, but no biggie, no pickup cover marks (not sure how I would get them there either)

Always used em, Always will.

Introvox · #8 02-25-2007, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zaco

I play a fretless with an ebony fretboard. would rotosounds be likely to damage my bass? also, does anyone know what type of rotosounds jaco used?

Jaco used Roto Swing 66, Geddy, Entwistle too, and more.

I have em on my fretless, 3 years, no major marks what-so-ever

SuperSnake2012 · #9 02-26-2007, 07:56 AM

I had a set of Swing 66s a while back on my Jazz. I loved the tone but they died very fast on me. Maybe I got a lemon, but in three weeks they were completely dead.

fclefgeoff · #10 02-26-2007, 08:06 AM

I currently have the 77 flats on all of my basses. Some people don't care for the higher tension but I love 'em.

4-string Steve · #11 02-26-2007, 09:19 AM

I have not had any issues on my bass either. I started using Rotos as my second pair or strings, so I guess I got used to their "rough" feeling. But I haven't experienced any fret wear so far.

saxnbass · #12 02-26-2007, 10:13 AM

I used to use the Stainless Steel Rounds (the 66s, I think) (the ones in the orange box). They are rough on the frets, that's true.

the low one · #13 02-26-2007, 10:19 AM

I normaly use Rotosound steel rounds or Elites, not too fussed, I like them both on my P bass. I've also got Roto flats on my fretless.

Bassic83 · #14 02-26-2007, 10:33 AM

I used to use the RS66's, but went through a phase in the mid 90s where I got several sets (from different sources) where they had dead Es and As straight out of the box. Never trusted them again! I went through a few other brands, found ones I liked, and never went back. Mostly play D'Addario XLs, in nickel or stainless, Elixir Nanos, and sometimes Dean Markley, if nothing else is left. La Bellas are good too.

mat gregory · #15 02-26-2007, 11:43 AM

ive only ever used rotosound or elites as theyre the only widely available string round here! i like them though they go dead a bit quick!

Im currently exploring other strings so i dont know if i'll ever use roto's again!

Gubna · #16 02-26-2007, 04:32 PM

Btw, they are having a 15% off sale on most strings through tomorrow.

Http://www.musiciansfriend.com

saxnbass · #17 02-26-2007, 04:41 PM

Yep, but they don't have the strings I want.

MikeyB · #18 02-26-2007, 04:43 PM

I've used Roto Swingbass strings for years and never understood the "eat your frets" myths. I haven't seen it myself, and I do a fair amount of bend/vibrato on the D and G specifically.

Also a tip - I did switch to Dr Hibeams just to check 'em out, and I like them alot. Less tension, still a great sound.

HOWEVER, the band is now tuning down a 1/2 step, so I actually find that DRs get a little flabby tuned down and so I like the Rotos for that extra tension which, when tuning down, really fits the bill.

-M

GM60466 · #19 02-26-2007, 06:46 PM

RS66s
Elderly Instruments has them on sale $15 set when you buy 2 sets plus free shipping if you spend over $39

GM

Gubna · #20 02-26-2007, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeyB

I've used Roto Swingbass strings for years and never understood the "eat your frets" myths. I haven't seen it myself, and I do a fair amount of bend/vibrato on the D and G specifically.

Also a tip - I did switch to Dr Hibeams just to check 'em out, and I like them alot. Less tension, still a great sound.

HOWEVER, the band is now tuning down a 1/2 step, so I actually find that DRs get a little flabby tuned down and so I like the Rotos for that extra tension which, when tuning down, really fits the bill.

-M

well, the reason why I asked on here about it was that I primarily used them on my Toby Tobias from '95-'01 and they ate the pickup covers and some of the frets. (see pic) Of course, it got played alot over that time. Just was wondering if anyone else experienced that. I think I will try some different strings, but recall I loved the tone of rotos...