Rotosound SM66 Hybrid - E and G string flaws

[u84six]

I'm not sure if this has been discussed here, but I've been using Rotosound SM66 hybrids for a bit over a year now, and while I love the sound/tone, I've noticed a pattern (with new packs) where the E string is sometime dead on arrival, and that the intonation of the G string is impossible. Has anyone else experienced this? I just brought my bass to a very experienced guitar tech (30+ years exp and works with big name acts), and he mentioned that the G string on my bass can't be intonated because of a flaw with the string. He proved it by replacing the string with the same gauge/material string and was able to intonate no problem. I was a bit shocked because I just put these strings on about a week ago, so they're fairly new. I have to say, I think this is the last straw for me when it comes to Rotosound. It's sad, because I really like the sound/tone/price of these strings more than others, and I've tried a lot. I did have a previous issue with them because of how fast they go dead (see this thread: Love Rotosound swing bass SM66, but...). Maybe it's just my bad luck, or maybe it's only a flaw with these hybrid sets. However, I think it's time to explore other possibilities. Fortunately, some of you guys have helped me out from that other thread.

 

[Pier_]

have you experienced this fault with more than one set?

I'm asking because faulty strings can occasionally occur with every brand.

however in the last two years I've mostly used Rotosound BS66 (Billy Sheehan set), almost 10 sets in different basses, and I've never had problems.

back in the days when they switched from the paper packet to the plastic one, I noticed some issues, and stopped buying them for years.

 

[trothwell]

I for one have never had a bad Rotosound 66 string, and I've used them a good bit. I even just used a set of Rotosound SM66 earlier this year, sounded good to me.

I've had several bad strings from another company that folks often recommend using instead of Rotosound.

I think that -- just like any manufactured product -- sometimes bass strings aren't perfect.

But it's completely understandable if several bad Rotosound strings leave you feeling uncomfortable buying more. I have still bought some sets from their competitor that I have had issues with, but still in the back of my mind I wonder, "Will I get a bad string in this set?..." Even though probably everything will be fine.

 

[Doug P]

I have used Roto 66 since early 70’s. Only about 5 years ago did I have a “E” issue. Talked to the factory and even Mr How and got some replacements.
Learning how to string “better” had helped. Keep a bit of the ball end not up to the bridge, let the natural coil go “it’s way”. Or don’t go against it. As the tension will pull on the outer wrap from the core. Takes a bit longer to wind but haven’t had an issue since. I am one to change strings for every show. With all the $$ I’ve spent on my gear that new string sound is part of the system, from fingers / pick to DI and speakers

 

[u84six]

have you experienced this fault with more than one set?

I'm asking because faulty strings can occasionally occur with every brand.

however in the last two years I've mostly used Rotosound BS66 (Billy Sheehan set), almost 10 sets in different basses, and I've never had problems.

back in the days when they switched from the paper packet to the plastic one, I noticed some issues, and stopped buying them for years.

Yes, this has happened with more than one pack. I put a new set on last night and still having G issues. Really strange. This wasn’t the case a few months ago. The same kind of strings worked perfectly

 

[Pier_]

probably a bad batch. try buying them from another shop.

 

[Arthur U. Poon]

Yes, this has happened with more than one pack. I put a new set on last night and still having G issues. Really strange. This wasn’t the case a few months ago. The same kind of strings worked perfectly

I suggest that you get in touch with Rotosound. Jason How is the President of the company, and from what I’ve seen in interviews, he seems to be a super cool guy who’s very committed to Rotosound’s legacy and he’s very focused on their reputation. I believe he’ll have replacement strings sent to you.


After decades of using nickel plated roundwounds, in 2020, I started using stainless steel Rotosound Swing Bass 66’s again on my Precision Bass. I’ve bought 4 or 5 sets in that time, and I’ve have no problems with them.

 

[BrentSimons]

I suggest that you get in touch with Rotosound. Jason How is the President of the company, and from what I’ve seen in interviews, he seems to be a super cool guy who’s very committed to Rotosound’s legacy and he’s very focused on their reputation. I believe he’ll have replacement strings sent to you.


After decades of using nickel plated roundwounds, in 2020, I started using stainless steel Rotosound Swing Bass 66’s again on my Precision Bass. I’ve bought 4 or 5 sets in that time, and I’ve have no problems with them.

Indeed! I have had nothing but excellent customer support from Rotosound in the few times I have encountered an issue with a string. They have even sent me Rotosound swag. T-Shirt, picks, etc.

Hope this helps!
Brent

 

[trothwell]

Well! How do you do? I just installed a fresh set of Rotosound SM66, and the G string won't intonate properly. :-(

Unfortunately, I'm going into a week of live gigs, so while I'm sure Rotosound would replace it, I don't have time to fiddle with that right now. Off to Guitar Center to pick up an alternative 40-100 set...

 

[trothwell]

Well! How do you do? I just installed a fresh set of Rotosound SM66, and the G string won't intonate properly. :-(

Unfortunately, I'm going into a week of live gigs, so while I'm sure Rotosound would replace it, I don't have time to fiddle with that right now. Off to Guitar Center to pick up an alternative 40-100 set...

With apologies to Rotosound, I stand corrected. I swapped out the SM66 strings for some Ernie Ball Slinkys 40-100, and I had the same problem. I took a set of 45-100 D'Addarios off of another bass and installed them and had the same problem.

I have come to realize that it's a deeper intonation issue on the bass itself, one that heretofore I had not happened to notice. Working on fixing that, now that I have, snip-snip!, destroyed two sets of likely perfectly fine strings, including the initial set of SM66.