Alternative to Rotosound RS66LDN / RB45

[michael_t]

Have you tried Roundcore Boomers, they are really nice and a lot more flexible. I think they last longer and not as “dark” as regular boomers.

Yes I have. 45-65-85-105 on my Jazz, 40-55-75-95 on my Precision and 45-65-80-100-126 on my Yamaha. I wouldn't say "a lot" more flexible as they're not quite as flexible as the Sunbeams, but comfortable, yes. They're also smoother in mids than the regular Boomers, as in less grit and grind.

 

[Phaidrus]

I also have issues with “stiff” strings, just to hard on my aging hands…I like nickel lo-rider as well, but need to get the med-lights, or use them on a bass I keep tuned down a half step. This is why I’ve been hesitant about trying roto66’s, I’ve read they are stiff?

Don't know about the classic SS variant but the Roto RB45 (45-105) feel "normal" to me in terms of tension and flexibility. But then I also do find normal, for flats, the LaBella 760FS (on my other Pbass) that quite a few people find stiff and taught.

 

[FirewalZ]

Yes I have. 45-65-85-105 on my Jazz, 40-55-75-95 on my Precision and 45-65-80-100-126 on my Yamaha. I wouldn't say "a lot" more flexible as they're not quite as flexible as the Sunbeams, but comfortable, yes. They're also smoother in mids than the regular Boomers, as in less grit and grind.

I can see that, they aren’t quite in Sunbeam territory…but for me, Medium gauge standard Boomers are darn near bridge cables, I can totally tolerate the same gauge in Roundcores.

 

[michael_t]

I can see that, they aren’t quite in Sunbeam territory…but for me, Medium gauge standard Boomers are darn near bridge cables, I can totally tolerate the same gauge in Roundcores.

I've never tried the regular Boomer in 45-65-85-105; the heaviest set I've tried was a custom "balanced tension" set, 45-60-80-105. But that was 7-8 yrs ago, when my hands were healthier before the four surgeries.

 

[Steve Slate]

I think a good alternative to Roto 66 is Dunlop Marcus Miller set. They are stiffer than the Super Bright SS. I would still be using the Rotosounds but I play a 5 string and never have liked their B. If you play a 5 then I highly recommend the Marcus Millers. Just my opinion from experience. I have a 73 JB I bought new and the first string change was the the Rotosounds. Nothing is quite like them. Entwistle knew what he had when he deveveloped the 66s.

 

[GTHintz]

I'd try the Solo bass strings from roto. They might be a nice change of scenery. But lol rider nickel, Dunlop nickel, Dean Markley signature series or blue steel nickel would be great too. I went from loving swing bass 66 to really loving blue steels. Both of them are the most ballsy sounding strings I've played.

 

[Doug P]

Good question. I have the impression, they won't/don't last all that long. And also just to try out something similar but different and perhaps even better.

Strings last until the sound you like from them is “gone”. To each their own on that one I guess.
As for others recommendations, I’m sure there are many on TB.

 

[FirewalZ]

I'd try the Solo bass strings from roto. They might be a nice change of scenery. But lol rider nickel, Dunlop nickel, Dean Markley signature series or blue steel nickel would be great too. I went from loving swing bass 66 to really loving blue steels. Both of them are the most ballsy sounding strings I've played.

The Solos are on my list to try, the tension chart shows these as having a bit less tension than the regular 66’s of the same gauge….are they noticeably more flexible or feel about the same?

 

[Arthur U. Poon]

The Solos are on my list to try, the tension chart shows these as having a bit less tension than the regular 66’s of the same gauge….are they noticeably more flexible or feel about the same?

I used the Solo 55’s and stainless steel SB66’s interchangeably in the 80’s. Back then, the Solo 55’s definitely felt less stiff tension-wise.

I really liked those strings, but they were really hard to find locally. They were also exposed core strings in those days, so that might’ve been why they felt more flexible.

And they seemed to keep their tone longer than stainless steel SB66’s.

 

[GTHintz]

The Solos are on my list to try, the tension chart shows these as having a bit less tension than the regular 66’s of the same gauge….are they noticeably more flexible or feel about the same?

I haven't tried solobass yet but I really want to. I've just got some others to go through first before I start buying any strings. I get addicted to binging on strings if I'm not careful.

 

[FirewalZ]

I haven't tried solobass yet but I really want to. I've just got some others to go through first before I start buying any strings. I get addicted to binging on strings if I'm not careful.

Exactly. For me, a particular bass often seems to pair better with one string vs another to get the tone I’m after. Sunbeams are my go to and often that’s what stays. But in my head I think maybe this or that will work better

 

[GTHintz]

Exactly. For me, a particular bass often seems to pair better with one string vs another to get the tone I’m after. Sunbeams are my go to and often that’s what stays. But in my head I think maybe this or that will work better

That's my philosophy. Suit a bass with a certain string. They do seem to all bring something unique to your bass. My standard go to is either Roto66, Blue Steels or Ken Smith Rockmasters but I'll try almost anything once.