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Rotosound - back to glory again?

#62
Have been home long enough to pick up my strings order from out of the mailbox, get inside and restring the P5. Went with the Billy set + .135. These things sound amazing! I was looking for that familiar Rotosound "zing" and bite, and those are definitely there. But.... There's something else about this set. I haven't been able to put my finger on it yet, but it's like the Billy set has an extra "something" about them above and beyond normal RS66s. Seems like there is some extra mid range beef to them and some extra "zing" on top, but strangely the strings aren't as "grippy" as Rotos and other stainless steel strings typically are. The tension balance between strings is very nice and I can be more aggressive with the B, E and A strings because of the additional weight (obviously). I knew that I loved Rotosounds, but I may have found my new favorite. Have to play them some more tonight to stretch them and break them in, so hopefully will know more in a few hours. So far I am more impressed than expected.
 
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#66
So 24 hours after a particularly sweaty gig the Billy Sheehan set has already lost that new string zing entirely. Although they still sound decent plugged up they have "settled in" some might say. All the trademark stainless steel zing is gone and the stings feel decidedly stiffer when played. Almost feels like they've aged a few weeks already. Makes me kinda wonder about getting them again. Previous regular Rotosound sets didn't die off this fast after similar gigs. Just some observations...
 
#68
ajkula66 said:
This is what I was afraid of...ugh.

Thanks for sharing nevertheless. Highly appreciated since you've likely saved me not just a few bucks, but some time as well...
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Believe me, I hated to post that, but when these strings cost what they do being a specialized set plus having to buy a single to make a 5 string set, it just isn't cost effective. I loved them when they were fresh, but I can't see dropping $30-$35 every time I play a gig just to have them go dead afterward. Granted, I didn't give the P5 the usual after gig cleaning or fastfret treatment, but I don't think that doing that would have saved them.
 
#69
Rickter said:
Believe me, I hated to post that, but when these strings cost what they do being a specialized set plus having to buy a single to make a 5 string set, it just isn't cost effective. I loved them when they were fresh, but I can't see dropping $30-$35 every time I play a gig just to have them go dead afterward. Granted, I didn't give the P5 the usual after gig cleaning or fastfret treatment, but I don't think that doing that would have saved them.
Click to expand...

Wiping them down makes a big difference. If that zingy, ringy, piano sound is what you are after, it's hard to get with other strings. You just have to give em a quick soak (in ethyl or denatured alcohol). No need to buy a new set. 2 sets in rotation last a long time.
 
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