Suggestions for lower tension alternatives to Rotosound stainless steel roundwound 45-105 (RS66LD) Does anything else come close sound wise but with lower tension? Thank you.
Here's my rule of thumb... Select the brand/type for the TONE you want, then select the gauges for the FEEL you want. Don't get stuck on the gauges and end up losing the tone you like.
The rotosound punch and bite are very distinct so you should probably try going for lighter gauge first. If you're still not satisfied then you might try Dean Markley blue steel or Dunlop stainless steels. Those are the only ones I know that even come close but mind you they both are still different. That's the whole reason I started using those instead of rotosound. I was looking for similar but different.
Presumably, in the same gauges, the DR Lo-Riders feel less stiff? Tonewise, they might be acceptable to the OP?
Agree with Michael_T and GTHintz, try a lighter gauge first. I love Roto's but don't love their lack of longevity. Strings I closely associate with 66 sound would be Dr Lo-Riders, Dunlop Super Brights and the Marcus Miller signature Dunlop Super Brights. I'm not sure if you will find Dean Markley Blue Steels the way they used to make them anymore.
The last set of blue steel I bought lasted a long time and sounded great. It sucks they don't use silk ends anymore but at least they are a good string.