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What is so bad about Rotosound strings?

#23
I have used RS-66's on my Rik 4003 since the 80's and now use RS-665LD's on my 5-string Carvin. Have always liked the way they sound. Change strings every few months and do notice some drop off on the brightness. Guess I just got use to the rough feel. They are still my favorites. That being said, after playing my new 5-string G&L fretless with D'Addario Nickel Wound XL170's. The D'Addario's feel like buttah !
 
#24
I absolutely love the Rotosounds 66. Can't wait to slap them onto the Ric. Now if only Rotosound would find a way to make it so it doesn't chew up frets and fretboards, but still perserve that feel and sound then they will have me a lifetime customer! :D I like the sound and feel of D'addario prosteels as well.
 
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#25
I'm addicted to the sound of the SS Swingbass set- there really is no other set that has quite the same voice, and on a P they really shine.

My MO is to practice and rehearse with an older set, and then break out a fresh pack or an old one that's been soaked in denatured alcohol for each gig. I can get three or four gigs from the same set, though the silks end up looking like a rat's nest.

I like the broken in sound before they die, but the extra clank and harmonic texture of a clean set really is special.

One thing to keep in mind is that strings react differently people's body chemistry, how clean the keep their hands and strings, and their playing styles.it's easy to understand the range of opinions here.

I do think they are raspier than other rounds, at least when new. Playing them definitely polishes the wraps a lot.
 
#26
They are my favorite string, but since i'm just a bedroom player at the moment, i use EB Power Slinkies because they aren't as rough and destructive on your frets and fingers.

I love the way the RS66 sound, but right now i'm not looking for killer sound im looking for a string that i can comfortably practice with for hours on end.

however, they do go dead within a few weeks. I like the sound of dead steels and bright steels, so either way id use them if it wasn't for the sandpaper like feel of them.
 
#30
kimokeo said:
Rotosound usually has two complaints on TB:

1. They do not last as long as other strings.
2. The feel rough compared to DR, Labella, so on and so on.

I have found (this is for me only) Roto's last just as long as other strings I have used. They also give me better tone than other strings. I use EB on my MMSR5. They feel just as rough as the Roto's. I guess I do not understand what all the negative comments are about. I currently have 6 basses strung with Roto's and love them. Best string on the market, IMO.
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Yes, I found one and two to be true. Thats why I changed to DR Lo Riders.:hyper:
 
#31
I use Roto RS66 on my jazz bass because you can buy them as singles. To get a good sound I buy 40, 65, 90 and 125. I also put a 1/2 inch spacer on the 90 and a 1 inch spacer on the 125. Just try it (bit of a cost!) and you will see the improvement in a nice even tension across the strings and no more "muddy" low notes!
 
#32
I played RS66's for my first 12yr as a bassist, Never noticed a drastic change in sound from day to day but we are a DEATHMETAL band, not a whole lot of "tone" going on there, so I tried "Boomers" after the first couple years and thought they felt ruff to me so I changed back to Roto's. then in "06" we got an endorsement from "GHS" so I strung up my Bass with my new "Boomers" and they felt great not to ruff at all, not sure if GHS changed there manufacturing process or what? But I have to say I like my "GHS" just as much as my "ROTO"S
 
#37
One Drop said:
Available in both, but the SS are what folk are usually referring to if they don't specify nickels.
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I was just thinking the opposite (steel). I love both but find the nickel softer to the fingers but not as bright in sound. Some of you talk about fret chewing (the steel one, I suppose), if it's true am really considering to find another brand of strings that I would like. Or maybe it's an issue of the steel not the brand.
 
#39
Everybody talks about the RS66, stainless. I use RB40, the nickel most "basic" ones, those on the yellow box. I have them on almost 2 years now. I love the sound they got when the zing was gone. As a matter of fact, I kinda dislike the zing thing... turns out, when "dead" the RB40 sound just right for me. When they cease to intonate properly, I'll change them, but not before that.
 
#40
MarcGodin said:
Are you serious? With all those people using Rotosound for about fifty years, it's make a lot of chewing frets! After a year it's not normal at all! Been a Rotosound lover, you make me afraid:hiding:
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All I can tell you is with Rotos I was getting my frets dressed every couple years. I get off Rotos and I hardly ever get fret wear now.
 

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