Need Recommendation For Harsh, Rough Strings

[mrjim123]

In the 70's when I used only stainless steel round wound strings I had rock hard calluses on my two plucking fingers, which I really liked because it gave me a more percussive tone, almost like playing with a pick.

I no longer have those calluses, probably because I play only strings with nickel windings, both rounds and flats. My plan is to buy a cheap bass and put stainless steel rounds on it for the purpose of building up my calluses again. I will only play the bass at home, so tone is not that important.

So, I'm looking for recommendations for a stainless steel round string with a rough winding. It should be a relatively light gauge, round core preferably. Based on some research I've done I think Rotosound 66's (the Brights) might be a good choice. What would you recommend?

 

[mmbongo]

Rotosounds are not round core. For round core strings, you're pretty much looking at DR. So, DR High Beams or Fat Beams will be the roughest because they are steels.

But overall the roughest strings I have used are Ernie Ball Cobalts. They are like little chainsaws, and they literally left fret shards on my fretboard after about a week. They are not round core though.

 

[michael_t]

But overall the roughest strings I have used are Ernie Ball Cobalts. They are like little chainsaws, and they literally left fret shards on my fretboard after about a week. They are not round core though.

I was just going to suggest the EB Cobalt Rounds.

I also think the hex-core stiffness will be better for building calluses.

 

[bearfoot]

Believe it or not, I found the Fender Pure Nickels much rougher, and higher tension, on my hands than Rotosound 66. Same gauge in Fender Pure Nickels required a new setup, and my fingers never did get used to them, sore and nearly blistered after every session.

 

[mrjim123]

I avoid hex core if possible for two reasons: 1. I'm 68 and my plucking fingers aren't quite as strong as they used to be, and 2. I'm retired, so I have hours to practice every day, but practice time is kind of limited by how much my plucking finger muscles can withstand.

That's why I'm basically looking for the roughest round core rounds I can find.

 

[Jaco who?]

Really light gauge D'addario Pro Steels might be a good cheap set to try. They're hex core, though.