My Rotosound Dilema

[Eight_Stringer]

Ditto. I've got that exact bass as well as a fairly low end LTD and have not had any issues with the Rotos. I have always suspected that this issue was overstated- clearly it does happen to some extent, but could depend on variety of factors (as been mentioned) like how you play them and the particular bass they are used on.

The comparisons between the HiBeams and the Rotos are valid, IMO. They have a similar tone and feel, but I am really hooked on the Rotos. I tried the HiBeams and didn't like them quite as much, but they were obviously designed to steal Roto market share while advertising that they DONT chew up fret boards (there was actually a plug from Marcus Miller on the back off the package attesting to this fact :/)


YMMV- I put the HiBeams on my main bass for a few months, them took them off in favor of Rotos and found I liked the Rotos MUCH better. Then I pulled the old Rotos off my back up bass and threw the very same HiBeams on that bass- and liked it a lot more than when Rotos were on it (maybe just cuz they were newer?). But definitely different basses seem better suited for different strings.

I've finally come to the conclusion that it's nearly impossible to get a an accurate representation of how strings will feel and sound on YOUR bass with YOUR set up and with YOU playing-just by asking about it (beyond the basics, anyway). And for the most part, I have stopped asking for reviews on particular brands unless I have a very specific question. But I am always happy to share my personal experience when people do. Just be sure to take it with a big grain of salt.

If I am feeling like I need something new or adventurous, I just roll the dice and try a brand and kiss the $30 bucks goodbye and hope for the best.

Agree 100%. This RS66 issue is well covered on other threads.
Like Kevinmach i too, stopped reading "reviews". As what has that to do with my style and my basses. Also will try the odd brand and kiss the money good bye if not what i like. Have taken on board the experience of others here and will try some DR's in the future. Though i will purchase RS66's as my "sound". RS66's do wear CERTAIN frets only. The fret material is the problem, not the RS66. Could care less the frets are hollowing on my 75 P bass and 74 Rick 4001, still play ok and sound ok. None of the MIJ basses have fret wear of note.

Go out and try your string of dreams....be it whatever brand. Not like you are going to not be able to change them if not your "sound". Regards. John

 

[motionkid]

Ive played Rotos a few times in the past... If you want softer strings (both on the hands and on the frets) but still have nice attitute check out the nickel wound DiAddarios. You can get them in double packs for a pretty nice price and they sound great.

 

[Candybassed]

I've tried a variety of Rotosound strings (PSDs, Swing 66, Black nylon) they all sound great, but my preference would be DR Hi Beams, whan I bought my bass last year, a Peavey Grind 6, they came with PSDs and had incredible sustain, but lost their life pretty quickly even with string cleaner after every gig.

The DRs def lasted longer and had a fatter tone, the B string roars. Dean Markley Blue Steel also work well and last quite a while.

If strings are eating your frets I would look at your LH technique, I've not had that problem with any strings I've used.

 

[darkstorm]

Sounds like you have a very cheaply made bass with very poor qaulity frets. Heavy handedness in fretting can increase fretwear, but getting noticeable fretwear in so little an amount of time indicates cheapo soft frets to me. Something not found in most of todays even $300 imports.