They sound more textured than broken in. Longevity is good.
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New Strings Day - Rotosound Solo Bass 55
- Thread starter ClassicJazz
- Start date
This is interesting, I mentioned that they feel less tension then the GHS strings. Well I looked it up and they actually have slightly more tension then the GHS, although they don't feel it. Maybe because they are a heavier gauge.
Tension (as in pulling weight) is not the same as "tension" as in stiffness/flexibility. It's very possible two sets of strings with identical tensions (as in pulling weight) to have very different feel in terms of stiffness/flexibility. It all depends on material, type and construction.
By the way, speaking of tension on the SB55, I've come across with discrepancies in their tension chart the other night.
Here's the email I sent off to Rotosound asking for clarification: (as of right now, they have not responded yet)
Here's the email I sent off to Rotosound asking for clarification: (as of right now, they have not responded yet)
I’ve come across with something rather odd with the tension figures for the Solo Bass 55.
SM55:
G - RLL040 - 38.07 (lbs.)
D - RLL060 - 37.88
A - RLL080 - 45.25
E - RLL100 - 36.18
RS55LD:
G - RLL045 - 47.40
D - RLL065 - 48.76
A - RLL085 - 45.02
E - RLL105 - 35.80
How is it possible RLL080 has more tension than RLL085? How about RLL100 vs. RLL105?
Something is not right...
SM55:
G - RLL040 - 38.07 (lbs.)
D - RLL060 - 37.88
A - RLL080 - 45.25
E - RLL100 - 36.18
RS55LD:
G - RLL045 - 47.40
D - RLL065 - 48.76
A - RLL085 - 45.02
E - RLL105 - 35.80
How is it possible RLL080 has more tension than RLL085? How about RLL100 vs. RLL105?
Something is not right...
FYI, here is the chart for the GHS Pressure Wound I also use for comparison
ML7200:
G - PWB44 - 37.2
D - PWB58 - 41.9
A - PWB80 - 44.6
E - PWB102 - 39.5
I bought two sets of each to complete sets with gauges 105-080-060-045, or closest to it-GHS PWs have different increments.
I've used both PW ML7200 (44-58-80-102) and PW L7200 (40-54-76-96). If the SB55 40-60-80-100 fall somewhere between the two in terms of stiffness/flexibility, I'd be okay with that.
Rotosound did respond to my email regarding the discrepancies with the tension info.
The numbers for RS55LD (45-105) were correct, but the ones for SM55 (40-100) were not.
Here are the correct numbers for the SM55 (40-100)
SM55:
G RLL040 38.79 (lbs.)
D RLL060 36.76
A RLL080 41.90
E RLL100 30.98
Total 148.43 lbs.
So to continue this after playing with the Roto's on my bass, I do like how they sound. Feel wise, they don't feel smooth as the GHS strings, but not like regular stainless steel round wound strings. They feel more like nickel round wound strings which I use on my other basses. I do like the heavier gauge of the Roto set over the GHS. I was never crazy about that .044 gauge GHS uses on the G string.
I much prefer the .045-.065-.085-.105 gauge set over the .044-.058-.080-.102 gauges GHS uses.
So that said.....I order some SIT Silencers to try! Like the Roto's, the SIT are pressure wound strings with gauges .045-.065-.085-.105. The main difference is the SIT strings are Nickel Plated Steel. Don't know the tension yet, requested it from SIT. So stay tuned!
I much prefer the .045-.065-.085-.105 gauge set over the .044-.058-.080-.102 gauges GHS uses.
So that said.....I order some SIT Silencers to try! Like the Roto's, the SIT are pressure wound strings with gauges .045-.065-.085-.105. The main difference is the SIT strings are Nickel Plated Steel. Don't know the tension yet, requested it from SIT. So stay tuned!
That's the "medium-light" set of PW (ML7200) you're referring to. There is a "medium set", 44-62-84-106 (M7200).
I tried the SIT Silencers a couple of month ago. NO GO! They felt so sticky with a lot of friction and drag that they reminded me more of the GHS Brite Flats, which are half-rounds/groundwound. Not even close to the PW in terms of slick surface feel. And nothing special about their tonal quality, either.
I'd be interested to read about your findings on them.
Great thread. I've been thinking about trying these myself. I've played the swing bass sets many times and I wonder if they are stiffer than these solo bass strings or if solo bass is stiffer.
For the same size of strings (e.g., comparing a 66 40-100 set to a 55 40-100 set), I found the 55 set to feel stiffer.
I'll probably look to ligh
I'll probably look to light gauge then. It's time I start embracing them a little more. I've always used medium and I resist change like the rest of us.
40-100 is what I've ordered. They're on their way as we speak.
String By Mail has one set in stock: Invalid Link Removed
I am interested to hear your impression of the 55 set, with your extensive background in GHS Pressurewounds.
I've curious about the SB55 for a while now, but after the disappointment with SIT Silencers, I will be proceeding with caution by trying not to set my expectations too high.
I've never played silencers but I've tried power steels and rock brights and I don't think they are exactly what I was looking for. They could be a good string but I think other strings do the same thing but better. Like rock brights for instance, ok they had a nice punch and kinda cool sounding clank but I find that pro steels have a very similar character but overall better output so pickup response is just overall bigger and better. So similar vibe but just not the same. But back on topic, I'd be interested to see what you think of solo bass after you try them. Maybe see why Sting plays them. Hahaha.I've curious about the SB55 for a while now, but after the disappointment with SIT Silencers, I will be proceeding with caution by trying not to set my expectations too high.
Sting using SB55? I didn't even know that. I've always known him as a regular user of DR Nickel Lo-Riders in the past.
https://www.drstrings.com/product-page/sting
My order is going through Canada Customs in Mississauga right now. Should be here next week.
