Most fret damaging strings out there??

[gregmon79]

Hey all, I tried doing a search but to no avail. I want to know in all of yours experiences, which strings should I generally try to steer clear of in that they will eat away at my frets faster than others? I know after a while frets will get worn and or eaten at by strings and playing. But I'm curious to know if there is/are any particular brands or types of strings that speed this process up. I've been buying a lot of different types/brands of strings the last few months to find one or two to settle on. I just bought some DR low riders. Can't wait to get em home and strapped in on my ATK 300!

 

[Jazz Ad]

If the way they eat my hands is any indication, I'd say Rotosound '66 are really hungry.

 

[slombovia]

If the way they eat my hands is any indication, I'd say Rotosound '66 are really hungry.

+1

 

[JTE]

My experience is that Rotosound RS-66 are the most damaging. They use a harder alloy than most and the outer wrap is more coarse. But nothing sounds like them.

But then, most damage is caused by the players' technique, not the string. Pressing the strings to the frets harder than needed, bending strings, a hard plucking attack, etc. all exacerbate the damage. I've worked on basses played consistently with a light touch using RS-66s that had less wear than others string with nickel rounds.

John

 

[gurensan]

I thought Dean Markley's Blue Steels ate frets pretty bad. They are (were? are they still made?) stainless rounds with a really grippy feel. They were like flexible rattail files.

Hated 'em; actually broke E on my first set after only 40 minutes of playing.

 

[mmbongo]

Roto's and EB Cobalts for sure.

 

[NickBEADG]

DR, said no person ever.

 

[gregmon79]

I like these DR's. their a little grippy but I'd imagine they will get a little more glide with some play time.

Rotos huh. Tried em once. Don't remember though. I can totally see how fret wear can sometimes mainly be causes by the way a bass is played.

 

[Joe Louvar]

Rotosound 66's.

 

[David Jayne]

How many can say they've needed a fret job because of wear?

 

[Duckwater]

How many can say they've needed a fret job because of wear?

Not me... but with the way I play I will need one in about 10-15 years. My lead guitar player's 73 Les Paul is finally in need of a fret job, after 40 years.

 

[armybass]

I can honestly say that I actually saw Roto 66's cause fret wear in a very short period of time... I was shocked and instantly switched to the Nickel 66's.

 

[Joe Louvar]

I can. Back in the 80s Roto 66s tore up my frets - I loved the sound of Roto‘s but I no longer us them because of the fret damage.

 

[fenderslaper]

Roto 66. Ate the frets right off my 68 Jazz.

 

[gregmon79]

Wow. It seems almost unanimous so far.

 

[TinyE]

I haven't tried the roto 66s, but Ernie ball cobalts shredded my hand. They can't be good for frets

 

[ecj_bass]

Yeah, the frets on my Bongo were torn to shreds by 66's. Had to get it re crowned. Not fun. Now a D'Addario guy.

 

[MoeTown1986]

I think this is all crazy. I've been using cobalts since they came out and I don't see any abnormal fret wear. I mean yeah, I may have to replace my frets if
I play my bass for 20 more years every day.... Ok.

 

[gregmon79]

Cobalts have only been out for a year or so no? Maybe a tad longer? I meant over a period of time, like 5 to 6 years or so. Even longer. I'm thinking any sting that starts to show wear to your frets after 5 years or so with continued use and getting the same string new over and over again warrants this thread query. I don't think it's crazy really. I just read on the back of the DR pkg that they don't wear and tear your bass like some strings do. Hence the thread.

 

[MoeTown1986]

I haven't tried the roto 66s, but Ernie ball cobalts shredded my hand. They can't be good for frets

Rub the strings down with GHS fast fret. Makes em feel like a wet noodle. Rotos are far more rough than cobalts. But if you grease them up too, they're great!