Me too! Shortly after I discovered the "Strings" section on TalkBass! I wonder if there is any correlation?
There’s no best string. That’s probably why I have been steadily changing mine for so long
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ROTOSOUND swing bass strings
- Thread starter Chris cook
- Start date
Does Rotosound make any strings in a long scale that will measure 39.25 at a minimum from the ball end to silk/taper? I.e. for a 36" scale bass.
Last edited:
GHS Boomers "long scale" = 37.25" ball end to taper/silk.
GHS Boomers "extra long scale = 38" ball end to taper/silk.
Nothing longer.
I updated my previous comment to refer to Rotosound since I didn't realize GHS boomers were nickel plated.
For me, it’s:
#1 GHS Bass Boomers
#2 Rotosound Swing Bass 66’s.
#3 D’Addario XLs and Ernie Ball Hybrid Slinkys in a tie. It depends on the particular bass.
A few years ago I started using the stainless steel Rotosound Swing Bass 66 set in standard gauge on my Fender MIA Precision Bass. IMO Swing Bass 66’s on a P-Bass is such an iconic sound. They’re a perfect match.
I was a diehard Rotosound user from the late 70’s to the mid 80’s. Then, I switched to nickel plated roundwounds, because I needed a slightly warmer tone.
Over those years, I used D’Addario XLs and GHS Bass Boomers. I also used Ernie Ball Bass Slinkys. IMO all three of these brands are great. I experimented with each brand on my different basses, then I chose which brand I thought sounded the best on each bass.
I especially preferred the darker sound of GHS Bass Boomers on my basses with EMGs and also on my Alembic basses.
I started playing Spector basses with EMGs some years back, and I tried a set of Rotosounds on one of them. Killer Growl! But ultimately, for me they were overall too bright sounding for my taste/needs. So, I went back to using GHS Boomers on my Spectors.
But if I ever need that particular type of sound, I’ll definitely use Rotosounds again.
#1 GHS Bass Boomers
#2 Rotosound Swing Bass 66’s.
#3 D’Addario XLs and Ernie Ball Hybrid Slinkys in a tie. It depends on the particular bass.
A few years ago I started using the stainless steel Rotosound Swing Bass 66 set in standard gauge on my Fender MIA Precision Bass. IMO Swing Bass 66’s on a P-Bass is such an iconic sound. They’re a perfect match.
I was a diehard Rotosound user from the late 70’s to the mid 80’s. Then, I switched to nickel plated roundwounds, because I needed a slightly warmer tone.
Over those years, I used D’Addario XLs and GHS Bass Boomers. I also used Ernie Ball Bass Slinkys. IMO all three of these brands are great. I experimented with each brand on my different basses, then I chose which brand I thought sounded the best on each bass.
I especially preferred the darker sound of GHS Bass Boomers on my basses with EMGs and also on my Alembic basses.
I started playing Spector basses with EMGs some years back, and I tried a set of Rotosounds on one of them. Killer Growl! But ultimately, for me they were overall too bright sounding for my taste/needs. So, I went back to using GHS Boomers on my Spectors.
But if I ever need that particular type of sound, I’ll definitely use Rotosounds again.
Hi @Arthur U. Poon !,
I'm a diehard fan of Rotos but I do like to mix it up now and then. I recently installed a set of Stadium Elites which sound and feel amazing! I was wondering why so many of my favorite British players were using them.
I'm curious what you find different or similar about the XL's vs the Slinkies? I've used and enjoyed both in the past and found them both very edgy straight out of the package, especially for a nickel wound! I found the Slinkies slightly more flexible?
Thank you,
Brent
Hi, Brent!
I recently bought a set of Hybrid Slinkys from my local GC, and I put them on my Spector NS4CRFM, which has Original Recipe EMG PJs, and an EMG BTS eq system.
IMO Slinkys have slightly less tension than XLs, but for me there’s not a huge difference in feel.
I also personally find Slinkys to sound slightly less mid scooped than XLs.
I also find Slinkys to be less bright sounding, and they lose their new string “Zing” sooner than XLs.
My NS4CRFM had been previously strung with Rotosound Swing Bass 66’s. I was looking for GHS Bass Boomers, but all GC had in stock were a couple of light gauge sets.
I’m really enjoying the sound and feel of these Hybrids Slinkys on this particular bass!
I recently bought a set of Hybrid Slinkys from my local GC, and I put them on my Spector NS4CRFM, which has Original Recipe EMG PJs, and an EMG BTS eq system.
IMO Slinkys have slightly less tension than XLs, but for me there’s not a huge difference in feel.
I also personally find Slinkys to sound slightly less mid scooped than XLs.
I also find Slinkys to be less bright sounding, and they lose their new string “Zing” sooner than XLs.
My NS4CRFM had been previously strung with Rotosound Swing Bass 66’s. I was looking for GHS Bass Boomers, but all GC had in stock were a couple of light gauge sets.
I’m really enjoying the sound and feel of these Hybrids Slinkys on this particular bass!
Gotcha! Completely agree with the Slinky's losing their "zing" sooner than the XL's.
I have a set of SIT Foundations on my Spector Euro 4LX and they sound and feel fantastic but I'm always weighing whether or not to install a set of Rotos to get that midrange twang!
Thanks!
Brent
You’re very welcome!
And I agree with you 100% about the wonderful midrange twang that Rotosound 66’s have.
I haven’t tried every brand of strings available these days, but I’ve yet to find any other brand of roundwounds that have the midrange that Rotosound 66’s have.
As someone who discovered them in the last decade or so, I don't think any string sounds like them.
I need a six string set and I ordered these for the 5 string 36" scale but they were about a 1/2" too short silk winding to ball end.Link Removed
Oh man I'm sorry.
I thought they had a 38" winding length? You should contact Rotosound. They have great customer service and respond quickly. They may have a set I'm not aware of.Brent
Fret wear and strings? Most, if not all fret wire, is nickel. Play a set of nickel plated strings on top; little or fret wear.
Play a set of stainless steel strings (much harder that nickel) on nickel frets you get the grooves and nickel erosion leading to fret wire replacement. Been there, done that.
DZ
Play a set of stainless steel strings (much harder that nickel) on nickel frets you get the grooves and nickel erosion leading to fret wire replacement. Been there, done that.
DZ
Replying to self, I don’t care. I can’t find strings I like as well as Rotosounds. They are just right.
