Are there any strings out there that crunch like Rotosounds, but last much longer?

The 0x · #1 10-29-2006, 12:16 PM

Here's the deal: I love the way Rotosounds sound. I love that aggressive textured midrange. But they die on me extremely quickly. Ever since James Hart hooked me up with a set of D'Addario ProSteels, i've been using them. Not quite as aggressive & crunchy in the mids, but they last much longer. But lately, i've really been missing that Rotosound sound. I'm afraid of having to replace strings every week, though, plus getting an occasional dud string (which Guitard Center certainly won't replace).

Are there any other strings that sound just like Rotosounds, or am I SOL and should just go with Rotos?

Also, I read someone saying they got an endorsement deal with Rotosound... how hard do you think that'd be to pull off?

1kinal · #2 10-30-2006, 05:00 PM

I'd recommend you to try DR Lo-Riders stainless.

I've found they have a really great mid-range presence with better string to string balance than the rotosound's.

ElBajista · #3 10-30-2006, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1kinal

I'd recommend you to try DR Lo-Riders stainless.

I've found they have a really great mid-range presence with better string to string balance than the rotosound's.

+1 on the SS Lo-riders.

The 0x · #4 10-31-2006, 08:45 AM

But do they sound like RotoSounds?

1kinal · #5 10-31-2006, 08:48 AM

Nothing is going to sound exactly like rotosound except rotosound...but the are the closest strings I can think of.

To be honest, I've found they sound real better than rotosound and also feel better on your hands. Try them, you might never go back.

The 0x · #6 10-31-2006, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1kinal

Nothing is going to sound exactly like rotosound except rotosound...but the are the closest strings I can think of.

To be honest, I've found they sound real better than rotosound and also feel better on your hands. Try them, you might never go back.

I shall, but I actually love the way Rotosounds feel. I also love when people try to play my bass when it's strung with them, and they start whining that their fingers hurt.

ElBajista · #7 10-31-2006, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The 0x

But do they sound like RotoSounds?

It's been a long time since I played any Rotos, so I can't be of much help. I do know that with my Model J loading Jazz in series mode and a pick, I can do an impressively close John Entwhistle "Live at Leeds, Substitute " impression.

They're one of my favorite roundwound strings. Of course, all you can do is just try some out, YYMV.

The 0x · #8 10-31-2006, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ElBajista

It's been a long time since I played any Rotos, so I can't be of much help. I do know that with my Model J loading Jazz in series mode and a pick, I can do an impressively close John Entwhistle "Live at Leeds, Substitute " impression.

They're one of my favorite roundwound strings. Of course, all you can do is just try some out, YYMV.

Well, that's pretty much close to the tone i'm going for, but with a P-bass. I guess i'll give them a try. How long does the brightness last?

Sprudellio · #9 10-31-2006, 09:25 AM

Pro steels are the closest to rotos I've found.
DRs have a sound all of their own.

ElBajista · #10 10-31-2006, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The 0x

Well, that's pretty much close to the tone i'm going for, but with a P-bass. I guess i'll give them a try. How long does the brightness last?

My Jazz with Model J's in series mode sounds almost like a P, that's why I figured that these might work for you.

About the brightness, I'm not too sure, since I haven't had them on all that long. From how little they've changed since I've had them on, I'll venture to say that they last pretty long.

What about those Gold-plated strings? Aren't they supposed to last a long time? JE used those as well...

The 0x · #11 10-31-2006, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ElBajista

What about those Gold-plated strings? Aren't they supposed to last a long time? JE used those as well...

And by that time, JE was deaf as hell, and his tone sucked something awful... (although, the Buzzards and the myriad effects he left on all the friggin' time probably had something to do with it as well)

Plus, they're mad expensive.

glwanabe · #12 11-02-2006, 07:14 AM

Somebody makes them for him, but I really like Ken smith strings. They are close to Roto's, what they are missing in the mid can be eq right back. They last a long time and are priced fairly. I get mine locally for $20.00

I've been using a 40-95 gauge on my Geddy, there called slapmasters. They really nail the tone I'am looking for.

fretless Bob · #13 11-02-2006, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1kinal

I'd recommend you to try DR Lo-Riders stainless.

I've found they have a really great mid-range presence with better string to string balance than the rotosound's.

+1

they last for ages, i put a set on my Fodera a week ago and they still soud quite new, normally i wanna get a new set on after a week

Dave

lowfreek · #14 11-03-2006, 09:25 AM

I was a devoted Roto user on my Rick 4001, it truly sang from the mountaintops. Although I now use DR LoRider Nickels on my Stingray, I tried LR Stainless on it and was very happy with the bite they had (just happened to be a bit too much on the Ray). I settled on the Nickels which were a bit more tame. I've gotta say I'm completely sold on DR's. I took all the hype about their longetivity with a grain of salt, but was very pleased to find it's all true. Granted, I know of no "miracle string", but I really love them.

The 0x · #15 11-03-2006, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lowfreek

I was a devoted Roto user on my Rick 4001, it truly sang from the mountaintops. Although I now use DR LoRider Nickels on my Stingray, I tried LR Stainless on it and was very happy with the bite they had (just happened to be a bit too much on the Ray). I settled on the Nickels which were a bit more tame. I've gotta say I'm completely sold on DR's. I took all the hype about their longetivity with a grain of salt, but was very pleased to find it's all true. Granted, I know of no "miracle string", but I really love them.

I think I seriously might have to try them out, then!