I think the fact i like really low action (which requires a very good neck setup) is maybe why i stick with PWs...i also play with various picks all over; near the bridge and sometimes over the fretboard..i dont thumb anchor on a pickup.
What do you like in a RW that doesnt flop and allows low action? I will check out the Roto 77 but i hear they have a LOT of tension, no? Fender 9050 flats are somewhat bright more akin to RW....definitely not a LaBella lol!
Most hex core roundwounds are more or less the same when it comes to stiffness (which is a key factor for allowing low action). There will be minor differences but nothing comparable to the GHS Pressurewounds or Roto flats. Maybe Roto 66s? They don't really fell stiffer than other hex core roundwounds but they respond really well to digging in hard. I guess it depends on whether you like their rather unique tone. They're not for everyone.
Yes, Roto flats have a rather high tension when comparing to similar gauges roundwounds but they ARE available in lighter gauges.
I prefer the 45-105 set though. It's definitely on the tight/still side but I think this set has a slightly better tone then the lighter gauges. When set up the way you would set up 45-105 roundwounds they can be VERY hard on your fretting hand. When lowering the action as much as Roto flats will alllow they are not really that bad at all. Still, they are definitely on the stiff side. In fact, they share some similarities with GHS Pressurewounds: Tight/stiff feel (when comparing to similar gauges roundwounds). A tone that's kinda halfway between rounds/flats. A semi-smooth surface. Very unique mids (although both are very different).
GHS Pressurewounds and Roto flats have one rather significant difference though: GHS Pressurewounds have a rather high output (Alloy 52). Roto flats have a very low output (monel). Monel has an even lower output than pure nickels strings.
Also, Roto flats develop a rather unbalanced tone across the strings over time. The E+A strings stay relatively bright for a VERY long time. The D+G strings mellow out quite fast. This can feel a bit weird when practising alone but for some reason it always seems to work great in a mix or with a full band.
Personally I prefer the tone of the Rotos over the Pressurewounds but both of these strings are a bit on the stiff/tight side for my taste. I like a bit more flexibility and "bounce". For band rehearsals and playing live, where I like to dig in hard, I prefer feel/response of hex core, roundwounds (45-105). For studio work, where I tend to play a bit more controlled, I often prefer the looser feel of round core, roundwounds (same gauges though, 45-105). With flats I sometimes go as low as 40-100, although it depends on the type of flats. Roto 77s are the exception. I love the tone of these strings (45-105) so much that I'm willing to accept the stiffer feel and higher tension.
