• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Rotosound Ultramag

#64
michael_t said:
FYI...

Just got the info that Fret Nation will start stocking these starting next week. Jason is in the process of updating the FN website to reflect that.

Meanwhile, if you're interested, you can reach him by email at [email protected].
Click to expand...

Good to hear! I definitely would like to try these... though I can't say I really need a new set of strings at the moment.

Not that that has stopped me before...
 
#66
lowerbassment said:
Took the plunge and installed a set (45-105) on my Yamaha BB3000a. I replaced a set of Hi-Beams with the Ultramag on this bass. Here some first impressions bearing in mind that my recent experience with different strings is not enormous (Hi-Beams, Dunlop SuperBrights Nickel, NYXL and Thomastik and Labella Flats).

To my ears the Ultramag sound warm, relatively even and have good clarity and brightness. String tension and stiffness I'd say is medium to high maybe a tad higher than the Hi-Beams but is subjective as they obviously feel different. Still reasonably supple. I play mainly fingerstyle, they also sounded good to me with a pick and slapped. To my ears the Ultramag have a little less impact in the low frequencies and more presence in the upper mids compared to the Hi-Beams that were on the bass before. On this bass (I mainly use the P-Pickup) I slightly prefer the Hi-Beams for now as I get a little fuller and punchier sound without much EQ. That said this may still change when they are played in and as soon as rehearsals and gigs resume so I can hear them in band context. Whenever that will be...

The Ultramag remind me a little of the NYXL but with more character and a little less polite. The set is not cheap so need to also see how well they will hold up.
Click to expand...
How do the Rotos compare to the Dunlop SBs and NYXLs in tension and flexibility? I know the Rotos will naturally be a little rougher but I was hoping for a more flexible string from them.
 
#67
Stan_da_man said:
How do the Rotos compare to the Dunlop SBs and NYXLs in tension and flexibility? I know the Rotos will naturally be a little rougher but I was hoping for a more flexible string from them.
Click to expand...

Its been years since I used the Dunlop SB so can't speak to that. The string tension on the Rotosounds is based on their data for most strings quite a bit higher (approx 10-15%) compared to a comparable NYXL set (45-130) apart from the B which are in the same ball park. Edit: the A and E on the NYXL set are .80 and .100 versus .85 and .105 on the Rotosound set so that it is not an ideal comparison.

I find them supple and flexible enough but I guess it comes down to personal preference. Yes they are a bit rougher than the NYXL from what I remember, not abrasively rough though.

I wish there were more different Roto sets available. Or at least the B available as single string so you could combine it with the lighter set. I reckon it will depend on demand if more options will become available in future.
 
Last edited:
#71
I also placed an order! I've been having a tough time in my head even justifying new strings with no gigs on the horizon, but it's been a tough week at work (thankfully still working though!), so I caved. Now I just need to figure out which bass to try them on.

5sg.
 
  • Like
Reactions: trothwell
#73
Funny that you mention that @lowerbassment ... Mine just arrived yesterday afternoon. Now I just need to figure out which bass I want to try them on.

I'll probably hold off for a little bit though and wait until we start having gigs again so I can try them in a live situation as well.

5sg.

ultramags.jpg
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: BrentSimons, Vinny_G, NKBassman and 1 other person
#79
As a big fan of both GHS Progressives and Rotosound 66, I fully expected to adore these Ultramag strings, but I do not.

I find it challenging to articulate exactly why, but, between the sound and the feel, I just don't care for them. They sound fine in a mix, but I don't enjoy playing them. I prefer either GHS Progressives or stainless steel Rotosound 66 over these.

I do not think they are objectively bad strings; they seem very well made, with a pretty smooth feel for roundwounds. (No silks, alas!) With your hands, playing your bass, through your sound system... you might like them!

A worthwhile new string experiment, as always. :-)
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ricky Rioli, lowerbassment, Vinny_G and 1 other person
#80
trothwell said:
As a big fan of both GHS Progressives and Rotosound 66, I fully expected to adore these Ultramag strings, but I do not.

I find it challenging to articulate exactly why, but, between the sound and the feel, I just don't care for them. They sound fine in a mix, but I don't enjoy playing them. I prefer either GHS Progressives or stainless steel Rotosound 66 over these.

I do not think they are objectively bad strings; they seem very well made, with a pretty smooth feel for roundwounds. (No silks, alas!) With your hands, playing your bass, through your sound system... you might like them!

A worthwhile new string experiment, as always. :)
Click to expand...

I was, in theory, fully ready to ditch these strings three weeks ago, but perhaps sometimes sloth is a virtue.

After about a month on the bass (my most-frequently played bass, but admittedly not played very often, as I have been too busy with other things to be playing or recording much recently), these are actually sounding quite good, and with a dab of GHS Fast Fret, they are feeling nicer to the touch. Usually roundwound strings don't take this long to break in, but there it is.

I still don't approve of the lack of silks! But I am increasingly liking these strings.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Vinny_G

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back