OK, any Rotosound fans made the switch to another brand and like them better???

[Maiden Bass]

Well, this has happened to me time and again, I switch to another brand of strings and like them for awhile, but then end up switching back to Rotosound RS66LD.

I have been doing this for like 20 years now. I keep trying to find strings that are:
A. not as rough feeling as Roto's
B. have a sound which is as good (or better) with that attack and chime tone for fingerstyle that can cut through the mix
C. last longer without going dead as quickly as Roto's

Also, I'm really sick of spending the money trying out these different sets.

Anyone have a suggestion (other than switching my main instrument to the kazoo)?

Someone, somewhere has to make a string that can give me what I want. Just ordered some new R. Cocco's (made in Italy). I remember them on Pedulla basses back in the early 90's, but have no idea how they are today.

[tangentmusic]

I've used Roto Swing's for years.
They are my string of choice after trying several brands like you have.

[Thaos627]

i like the rotosound nickel strings a lot and use them on my vintage fender mustang, but i like DR extra life on my spector (although i might switch to something else here soon). i think if u play a fender u should use rotosounds they r the perfect pair.

[duderasta]

I played rotosound SB 66's too... actually was in a bind and had a set of D'addario nickel XL's GC gave me after they cheesed me off over something..

I'm not too attached to the XL's but I like the sound of nickels on my jazz.

[ChrisBandicoot]

I used to play Rotosounds exclusively for years, but for economic reasons I have switched to D'addario Medium and Light guages. D'addario now has those guages in dual pack sets. $29 for two sets of D'addario vs. $36 for one set of Rotos. They don't have that Rotosound-sound that I love, but the sound is definitely good.

[mmbongo]

Two words.

DR.

[JSK5String]

I switched from Roto's to Ken Smith's back when I was still using rounds for the reasons you state here. I then went to Fender 8250's. Then about a year or so ago I switched to flats and haven't looked back. But that's just me.

[gidbass]

I went from RS66's to chromes. I was tired of string noise when practicing alone and wanted to see what all the hype was over chromes.

Chromes sounded good alone, but then i heard them in the mix....

No going back anytime soon for me...

Good Luck!

[mdogs]

Originally Posted by mmbongo

Two words.

DR.

Used Dean Markelys, DR's, Rotosound for years. One word one letter, Cirkle K. Sound is between SS and nickel, the balanced tension sets are just great!

[Low Class]

I used Roto's exclusively for years and then switched to D'addario XL170's and now I can't stand Roto's.

[C.Linton]

For me, I switched from Rotos to Dean Markley Blue Steels. I just like the overall tone better, even after they've been broken in.

[DougD]

Originally Posted by mmbongo

Two words.

DR.

+100
I liked the sound of Rotos, but they only lasted a hot minute. Switched to DR's after trying several brands and they are my #1 choice. I've been using Fodera and MTD strings on a few of my basses for a while now and I like them a lot. They are the only strings that have the sound I like and last a good bit longer than DR's. But I know i'll go back to DR's sooner or later

[PDGood]

Interesting comments. I'd been using D'Addarios and decided to try Rotosounds. Yup, hurts the fingers at first, but that fades quickly. What I noticed is that they stay alive longer (not shorter) if you clean them religiously. Current set is about 2 months old and still lively. D'Addarios died at 2 weeks. Your body chemistry may vary.

What I hate about Rotos is the loud string noise (sliding from note to note) and the tendency for unplayed strings to resonate sympathetically.

To answer the OP's question, I like the D'addarios better but plan to try DRs next time.

[Lowbrow]

I used Roto RS66 steels for decades before switching to GHS Boomers a few years back.

More recently, I switched to Roto RS66 LDN pure nickel wrap (blue package), which I find easier on the frets and fingers than the Roto steel, with better emphasis on the fundamental and much longer-lasting tone.

I can only find them through juststrings.com. Highly recommended.

[linken4000]

I'm not a regular Rotoround user but I put it on my Blade B-2 jazz once, didn't like it. Right now my choice of round is la bella rounds, deep, rich sound. you might like it.

[Duckwater]

Dean Markley Blue Steels are the only roundwound strings I play aside from RS66, they have a character that I can't get out of any other roundwounds. I slightly prefer the tone of the Rotos but the Blue Steels keep their character for a long time so I have been using them lately. After a year or so they get really thumpy which I dig as well.

[KingRazor]

Originally Posted by mdogs

Used Dean Markelys, DR's, Rotosound for years. One word one letter, Cirkle K. Sound is between SS and nickel, the balanced tension sets are just great!

+1 you'll never find a better feeling string. They sound great too.

[mmbongo]

Originally Posted by KingRazor

+1 you'll never find a better feeling string. They sound great too.

I have to try these. I seriously doubt they can come close to feeling as good as DR Black Beauties, but I'm willing to find out

[van_gogh_bass]

I used to use Rotos all the time, but there was a period about 3 years ago when they just started to sound very clacky. On a whim, I tried a set again and am hooked. I also like Sadowsky strings.

[KingRazor]

Originally Posted by mmbongo

I have to try these. I seriously doubt they can come close to feeling as good as DR Black Beauties, but I'm willing to find out

I haven't tried any DR strings so I can't say how they compare, but they are the best feeling and best sounding strings I have ever played on. The balanced tension is great, no string is any less playable than any other string in the set.

Also, the longer you have them, the better they sound and feel, IMO and IME.