Rotosound Swingbass Nickel RN66LD

Bobby King · #1 09-21-2007, 11:34 PM

I bought a set of Rotosound Swingbass RN66LD nickel wounds by accident today and I really like them. They are brighter than most nickels I've used and have a nice feel and tension. I often like the sound of steels better than nickel but hate the extra fret buzzing you get. Also, steels tend to be more flexible than nickels which I like. These Rotos are are great balance between the two. Anyone else use them?

Bass Thunder · #2 09-22-2007, 01:17 AM

I just bought a set of Rotosound strings for the first time in AGES. The RS 665LD - steel 5 string. They were the heaviest steel 5 string that GC had. I usually order others from juststrings.com, but needed some ASAP.

Anyway, I might start using Rotosound on my rock bass again - along with a Conklin/SIT .165 F#. They have a distinctive rock tone to them.

Asa Samuel · #3 09-22-2007, 04:41 AM

i use steels as some nickel strings make my fingers go a bit black.

MysticMichael · #4 12-22-2007, 12:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobby King

I bought a set of Rotosound Swingbass RN66LD nickel wounds by accident today and I really like them. They are brighter than most nickels I've used and have a nice feel and tension. I often like the sound of steels better than nickel but hate the extra fret buzzing you get. Also, steels tend to be more flexible than nickels which I like. These Rotos are are great balance between the two. Anyone else use them?

I've been considering them myself. Although I like the brightness and relative longevity of steels, I don't like their metallic "clackiness". I don't mind the tighter tension of nickels. So I usually use nickels - but try to get the brightest ones I can find.

These might be just the ticket. So I'm gonna try 'em. Along with a couple sets of Ken Smith Bass Burners...

I've found GHS Boomer 52s to fit into this category nicely as well. Along with a more recent surprise: Dean Markley Bass Blasters...

MM

Lowbrow · #5 09-06-2008, 05:57 PM

They've only been on my P-Bass for about two hours -- but so far, my new Rotosound RS66LDN Nickel roundwounds leave the GHS Boomers they just replaced in the dust!
I switched to the Boomers from RS66 steels about 5 years ago. And while I liked the GHS's just fine, the nickel Rotosounds have opened up a new world of "right."
I will definitely keep a careful ear to how they hold up over time, but my first impression is GREAT!

Audiophage · #6 09-07-2008, 09:47 AM

I've actually been trying out a set of those on my bass for the past month. I like them so far, but I still want to try a few other types before I stick with anything.

For the past 5 years on my electrics I had been exclusively using steel strings, but I like the feel of these higher tension strings. I feel like I can get a wider range of dynamics and still retain the substance to my sound. Hopefully there isn't a longevity trade-off, I was able to play my old Hi-Beams for 7-9 months before they really sounded dead.

epoxyjazzbass · #7 09-10-2008, 02:59 AM

I have tried the RS66ldN nickel and I like them.
I' m a rotosound rs66ld steel user and thought the nickel version is really close to the steel swing with just the warmer highs of a nickel string.

A question I have asked a few time ago on TB (without answer) :

Are the rs66ld "nickel plated" or "pure nickel" ?

On the package it is write "pure nickel" but I heard they are nickel plated so...

Lowbrow · #8 09-11-2008, 02:58 PM

Yeah, I saw your questions when searching TB for info on these strings. The package I bought didn't say "pure nickel" anywhere -- and I can't tell if they're pure (like the Hellborg set) or plated like the GHS's.
BUT they do sound better than the Boomers, with a really full and distinct fundemental, which I think is the reason why they sound so rifferiffic to me.

Spinal Tapper · #9 09-11-2008, 03:39 PM

I just got a set of Roto 66's (nickel? I'm not sure)

I really didn't like them when I first put them on. I immediately wanted to change them after 10 minutes. Hated the grittiness of the feel on the strings. Now, I've had them on for a few weeks and I guess I'm getting used to them. I'm just too broke to buy another set of strings to try out...they sound really really good on my P bass though.

thepest · #10 09-11-2008, 03:48 PM

Love 'em! Thats all I use. RS66LN. I use to play Blue Steel custom lights, but I found that the quality started to drop.

Bubba Ghanoosh · #11 09-25-2011, 11:09 AM

Are RN66LD's exclusive to GC/MF/Music123? They are not listed on the Rotosound website, but RS66LDN's are.

And, I noticed that the RN66LD's are 45/65/80/105, whereas the RS66LDN's are 45/65/85/105.

Strat Hater · #12 09-25-2011, 11:22 AM

I got a set of 66ld's yesterday at Long and McQuaid. so far I love em.