Rotosound SM77 as TI Flats alternative

[e-flat]

I’ve seen a lot of threads over the years where people discuss alternatives to TI Jazz Flats, usually because they don’t like the low tension of TIs.

I’ve never encountered a string that I felt comfortable suggesting as a replacement - the closest I’ve come is the Optima RB, since they’re round core, nickel wrapped, and moderate tension.

I’d never tried the light set of Roto SM77 flats until a few days ago, and I’ve been comparing them pretty extensively to a well broken in set of TI flats on another bass. These TIs have a good couple of years on them on a few different Basses, and have lost that high end sheen of new TIs (just FYI)

Of course, the Roto SM77 are significantly more tense - which should appease those who hate the tension of TIs. I was surprised at the timbre of the SM77s, though... my set is not “janky” sounding like Chromes, and they have a great upper midrange voice that is clear & clean. The lows are beautifully focused, a little more direct & punchy than TIs IMO. With a touch of tone knob roll off I can get them very close to the TIs.

I’ve read a lot about the rough texture of 77s, but these strings are just as smooth as La Bella and TI, but not quite as smooth as say Pyramid Gold or GHS P Flats (just for comparison). That was another pleasant surprise.

So there’s my $.02 - if you’re a Low Tension hater but like the general sonic character of TIs, give the light Roto SM77 set a shot.

 

[vinnie6]

I too have made the switch from TI flats to rotosound flats because I wanted more tension. They had a lot more pull on my neck and required me to keep a close eye on the relief for a couple days. It took more than one tweak of the truss rod to return the action to where it was with the TIs.

 

[GIBrat51]

I have a set of the RS77LDs (45-105) on one of my Thunderbirds. Yeah, they're higher "actual tension" - as in pounds of pull - than the TIs. But, so is every other type and brand of flat - except the La Bella LTFFs. Compared to other flats, I don't find the Rotos to be higher actual tension than most other flats I use. As for stiffness - which all too many people confuse with tension? I was surprised at how flexible they really are. "Bridge cables", my dyin'... tuchus. Nowhere near as flexible as TIs, of course, but... they're actually pushing the boundary for me. I really prefer stiff strings, most of the time. As for smoothness? They don't take 1st place, but they're smooth enough to make me happy... And, on a T-Bird? Loose fillings, anyone...? The TIJFs, without a doubt, are wonderful strings. Mine are living on my Alembic Epic; playing finger picked Jazz (trying, anyway); and that's where they'll stay...

 

[Luckydog]

Roto 77 are a little too “al dente” for me.

 

[Jason Hollar]

I’ve been a roto 77 user for well over a decade. Some sets are a little rougher than others due to the windings - but they generally tend to smooth out for sure.

Yes, if they’re too high tension, try the 40-100 set, often available via special order. I do like the 45’s on my Fender because I’m more of a blues / jazz player, but I do have a set of 40’s as a backup for when I feel like lightening up lol

 

[HaphAsSard]

@vinnie6 @GIBrat51 (who specified having experience with both brands):
do you agree with the OP, regarding how the Rotosound Jazz Bass 77s are not only tauter than Thomastik-Infeld Jazz Flats but, specifically, a tauter alternative in the same vague ballpark timbre-wise? Would you suggest them to those players who love everything about Thomastiks except tension, and wouldn't want to simply swap them out for whatever else is out there with heavier tension (even if narrowed down to generically "modern" flatwounds, without further qualification) if that meant losing the tonal footprint?

 

[e-flat]

I should clarify that in the original post I’m speaking specifically about the light set (40-100)of Roto 77s... I’ve yet to try the heavier .105 set & can’t comment on their sound.

 

[GIBrat51]

@vinnie6 @GIBrat51 (who specified having experience with both brands):
do you agree with the OP, regarding how the Rotosound Jazz Bass 77s are not only tauter than Thomastik-Infeld Jazz Flats but, specifically, a tauter alternative in the same vague ballpark timbre-wise? Would you suggest them to those players who love everything about Thomastiks except tension, and wouldn't want to simply swap them out for whatever else is out there with heavier tension (even if narrowed down to generically "modern" flatwounds, without further qualification) if that meant losing the tonal footprint?

Generally? Yeah, I do. I most always agree with e-flats string evaluations, TBH. However...
The only things these two have in common, is that they're 34" scale wooden 4 string basses - and they're mine. Tone wise? Apples and oranges. I can't speak to the precise tone differences between Rotos and TIJFs when they're on radically different basses. I can only say that, on these basses, they give me the tone I want. But, given all that? IMO, TIJFs don't have what I'd call a "modern" tone; more of a "mellow" midrange tone. Even on the 'Bird, IMO the heavier Rotos are in that ball field. Certainly darker, but not too much darker. I do agree with e-flat; the lighter Rotos should be even closer to the TIJFs. Yes, the 45-105 Rotos I'm using are pretty flexible; I have no doubt the lighter gauge ones that e-flat's using are even more so. Flexible as the TIJF's? Uh...no. These Rotos are pushing the "too flexible" boundary for me, but that's because I always play my T-Birds with a pick. And, IME, picks and flexy strings don't get along real well. The TIJFs on my Alembic are fingers only...
Bottom line? Yes, IMO, the light gauge Roto 77s would be a good substitute for the TIJFs. Providing you're willing to give up a little "mellow" for a stiffer (but not too much stiffer) feel. TIJFs are just so unique, that, if you like them? Any substitute is going to come up short somewhere...

 

[vinnie6]

I can't really add to GIBrat51's response. Well said!

 

[Luckydog]

I dont think the tonality is the same. TIs are unique, and Roto 77 are not similar. The difference in tension is one thing, and 77s IMO, have a much broader midrange flavor than TIs. I’ve played 77s and TIs for a couple decades, and I dont hear similarity in tonality of these 2 strings throughout any portions of their life.

 

[HaphAsSard]

I dont think the tonality is the same. TIs are unique, and Roto 77 are not similar. The difference in tension is one thing, and 77s IMO, have a much broader midrange flavor than TIs. I’ve played 77s and TIs for a couple decades, and I dont hear similarity in tonality of these 2 strings throughout any portions of their life.

Does this include the lightest long-scale Rotosound Jazz Bass 77 set (SM77 - 40 60 80 100) the OP specifically discusses?

Oh, and, if so, since we're at it, are there marked differences between the Roto flatwound sets you have experience with? Thanks!

 

[booch29]

Although not nickel plated, I found that the GHS precision flats 40-95 are a good alternative to the TI’s(tension wise)...
They’re really comfy and sound darn good!!!

 

[e-flat]

Keep in mind, guys, that I was just presenting the Light 77s as a possible alternative for people who don’t care for TI’s tension but wanted a strong midrange voice- not implying that they are the same.
Good inputs, though! (BTW, I’m back to TIs on my Jazz Bass, so there’s that to consider )

 

[FunkHead]

I like the 77's. They're great strings on a PJ for classic rock. I think everyone needs to try a set of La Bella LTF's though.

 

[Gianni "Orlandez" Orlati]

Uhm .. SM77 as TI JF344 alternative? Yes, can do!
Similar surface texture, similar gauge, slightly higher stiffness and slightly less growly than TI but can do !