Roto RS77LE too stiff!

phat5 · #1 08-13-2007, 05:13 PM

I just bought a P bass with Roto flats, just a bit too stiff for my liking. I'd like something a bit more flexible with less tension, than these strings. Would the LaBella 760FM's (.049-.109) &/or the Fender 9050ML's (.050-.109) be more flexible and have less tension? Chromes are out and I have TI's on two of my other basses.

TIA, p5

One Drop · #2 08-14-2007, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phat5

I just bought a P bass with Roto flats, just a bit too stiff for my liking. I'd like something a bit more flexible with less tension, than these strings. Would the LaBella 760FM's (.049-.109) &/or the Fender 9050ML's (.050-.109) be more flexible and have less tension? Chromes are out and I have TI's on two of my other basses.

TIA, p5

I would recommend the LaBella 760FL, (.104 E, IIRC). The Fenders you refer to are a much lighter gauge- the MLs are actually .050-.100. The 9050M set is .055-.105 and VERY stiff.

FenderP · #3 08-14-2007, 04:00 PM

The Rotosound RS77LE set isn't stiff to me - it's been the set I've used on my basses since the late 80s - but to each his own. I love the tension, and this set is one of the higher ones out there.

phat5 · #4 08-14-2007, 04:31 PM

Like I mentioned, just a tad more flexability and not as stiff as the Rotos..........Although with the Rotos I do like the fact, that I can pluck at the end of the neck without the strings clackin' on the fret board. FP, I'm tryin' out the P tonight thru the house system.......should be fun.

FenderP · #5 08-14-2007, 10:25 PM

phat5 - sounds good. Hope it passes the audition

Like I said, the Rotos aren't for everyone. The ones on that bass were not really broken in, either. A lot of people like the TIs (which you know about) and I wouldn't call the LaBella strings much less tension than the Rotos the one time I tried 'em.

One Drop · #6 08-15-2007, 05:13 AM

The LaBella 760FL set is both lower tension and more flexible to the touch than the Roto flats in similar gauge.

phat5 · #7 08-15-2007, 09:38 AM

Played the Tokai thru the pa last night..sounds huge! I found some more reviews on the LaBellas; just might be the ticket.

PaulMacCnj · #8 08-15-2007, 10:32 AM

La Bella also makes an "FS" set of flats. The strings are gauged E - .105, A - .085, D - .065, G - .045

I have these with the .128 B string on a Spector 5'er with a 35" scale and they play really nice. They'll have a bit less tension on a 34" scale bass.

Also, I have the heavier "FM" set on my Fender Precision, 34" scale. Why the difference in sets? I want the tension to be about the same between the Spector and the Fender.