Help identifying these strings

[faivy]

I bought this 1982 Yamaha Bb2000 and I really like the strings. I’m looking for help identifying them. They are roundwound, probably nickel wit red/burgundy wrap at both ends and brass end. The tension seems low to medium. Any suggestions?

 

[michael_t]

My first guess would be an older version of Rotosound Swing Bass 66 Stainless Steels before they started using color-coded ball ends.

 

[faivy]

My first guess would be an older version of Rotosound Swing Bass 66 Stainless Steels before they started using color-coded ball ends.

No real experience with Rotosounds myself. These are pretty dark sounding, not bright and the strings color is darker too , something I associate with Nickel. Thoughts?

 

[michael_t]

These are pretty dark sounding, not bright and the strings color is darker too , something I associate with Nickel. Thoughts?

In terms of appearance, stainless steel is darker and duller grey than nickel, which is silvery and shinier. The dark tone is probably because of the age. They're at least a few years old.

 

[PBandJazzBass]

Maybe GHS Boomers? I think Dean Markley Blue Steels also have red silks.

 

[Stan_da_man]

I would go for Roto Steels.

 

[michael_t]

Maybe GHS Boomers? I think Dean Markley Blue Steels also have red silks.

The Boomers don't have silk at the ball end. They used to but it goes back almost 10 yrs.

Also, the way the silked ends are finished, they look more like Rotosound than GHS. "Darker color" mentioned by the OP also points to stainless steel (Roto 66) rather than nickel-plated steel (Boomer).

 

[PBandJazzBass]

Well, in that case he can also use them as a cheese grater.

 

[blr2]

No real experience with Rotosounds myself. These are pretty dark sounding, not bright and the strings color is darker too , something I associate with Nickel. Thoughts?

Stainless steel is darker than nickel. SS appear dull gray, even when brand new. Nickel and nickel on steel are shinier.