Steel strings that don't chew up frets

[Chrisk-K]

IME, DR steel strings hardly chew up frets whereas Rotosound strings are brutal to frets.

I wonder what other steel strings are easy on frets. I'm happy with DR and just want to explore other brands.

[TimB 619]

Ken Smith Rockmasters.

[Chrisk-K]

What about Ken Smith Slapmasters? I'd like to get 035-095 gauge strings. DR doesn't make them. Rockmasters don't have the gauge. Slapmasters do.

[Meatrus]

All of them

What is it you are seeing when you say the Rotos are brutal? It may be your just seeing little scratches, rather than actual wear. I have used them for 5 years now with no problems what so ever, and I know many other people who have done so for even longer. I really wouldnt be concerned if they were though eating them a little faster, you should choose strings by their feel and tone IMO and forget about fret wear.

[KJung]

Originally Posted by Meatrus

All of them

What is it you are seeing when you say the Rotos are brutal? It may be your just seeing little scratches, rather than actual wear. I have used them for 5 years now with no problems what so ever, and I know many other people who have done so for even longer. I really wouldnt be concerned if they were though eating them a little faster, you should choose strings by their feel and tone IMO and forget about fret wear.

+1 Zero issue

[ga_edwards]

I know what you mean, I love the sound of Rotos on my Attitude, and only they do the gauge I like, 43 - 110 (that 110 is essential with the Hipshot IMO, the slightly light G is a nice too), but they do feel a bit coarse compared to the Warwick Black Labels I've always used on my Thumb.

But I figure the bass is a tool, if the frets need work down the line in a few years, then so be it.

[HitByABlimp]

I don't know if it's true, because I have been using nickel plated strings so far, but I've heard only new stainless strings are rough on frets. When then break in, they will also get smoother on the places where they make contact with the frets. So, frequently changing strings might give more fret wear.

[rob7]

dont worry about abit of wear my freind,rotos are ok,,you need abit of wear,its like a good woman,,a bass has got to have a warm feel to it..

[4-string]

+1 to using what feels and sounds good to you. Worry about fretwear if and when it happens.

FWIW, I use D'Addario Pro Steels on my fretless J.

[darkstorm]

Only reason rotosounds would be brutal on frets is if they are very poor qaulity frets and player is overly heavy handed with fretting grinding strings into said low qaulity frets. Ive been useing rotosounds since the mid 1970's.

[Chrisk-K]

Roto rounds killed the frets of a MIM Fender J that I had around 1999. Haven't used rotos on my MIA P, though.

[eddievanbassman]

I always use Rotos never had any fret problems with any of my basses.

[eyecandy]

i use mainly GHS..

[darkstorm]

GHS like eyecandy suggests would be very good alternate to rotosounds imo.

[TechZilla]

Originally Posted by rob7

dont worry about abit of wear my freind,rotos are ok,,you need abit of wear,its like a good woman,,a bass has got to have a warm feel to it..

+1

All strings wear on your frets. Stainless Steel more than Nickel. If you like Rotos use em.

[Mastermold]

Originally Posted by eddievanbassman

I always use Rotos never had any fret problems with any of my basses.

+1

I think the "Roto grinds frets" thing is more myth than anything. They aren't made of anything different than other stainless rounds. I suspect it's more playing style.