"New, improved" Rotosounds?

[Ric4003]

I used Rotospound Stainless for years and found the zing and clang would disappear quite quickly.
I switched to Rotosound Nickelwound RS66LDN Standard Gauge strings with a gauge of 105,85,65,45. The difference in the A string being no problem in the nut as it is so minimal.
They stay brighter for longer and gives me the sound I'm after.
It just a case if what sounds and feels good for the individual player.

[songdog]

Always watch out that you dont twist the strings when putting them on.
Thats the most common problem if the string appears dead sounding

I've seen that advice here recently, and I've tried to follow it in the last couple of string changes. I take one turn around the tuning post, then hold the string above the nut to keep tension at the post as I wind it up with the tuner. This leaves the ball end free to turn right up until tension comes on the string. Does anyone have suggestions for alternative techniques to avoid twisting the string?

Another point I've seen mentioned is to make sure the string has a good witness point: when the string has just enough tension to vibrate, but before it's fully up to pitch, I push down on the speaking length just above the bridge saddle and just below the nut. This helps set the bend the string needs to take.

I went ahead and placed an order for five various sets of strings (the ones I mentioned earlier, plus Dunlop Super Bright Stainless Steel, since Bass Strings Online had them on sale). I'll report on my experiences as I try them!

[Searay]

I still use them. Just my personal preference. I went to the stock sizes of ric strings but too much twang due to the gauge for me.

[VRICKY63]

I used Roto Swing bass strings all through the 70s. I recently put a set on my 84 4003 and was very disappointed. I have been installing my strings with no twist for many years. The Rotos sounded dead out of the package. I prefer Ernie Ball Cobalt nickle rounds or DR Lowriders.

[turlu]

I use nothing but Dean Markley Helix nps strings now they are fantastic sound way better than Rotosounds, and they have a great life span too. i used to use nothing but Rotos but they never lasted more than a week and as you say some terrible E stings . cannot go wrong with the Helix strings i use nothing else now and my Rics sound incredible with them.

Fully second that! Helix strings are bright, punchy and last forever! Inuse them exclusively on my V63!

[Searay]

I changed my MG 4003 back to rotosounds in the old pkg and rembember going wow. I did the same on my jetglo in the new packaging and was not as impressed as I expected. Not scientific, but I noticed something less sparkly than expected. Can't say for sure, but this topic has my attention.

[Searay]

I tried a couple other new sets and I must have been imagining things. I think the Rotosounds are best for me.

[songdog]

I'm still waiting on my order of an assortment of stainless steel roundwounds... I should have paid more attention to what was in stock and what wasn't. The order includes another set of Rotosound RS66LD to give them a fair chance.

Over on another forum where people "talk" about "bass", the topic of Rotos in old vs. new packaging has come up, with some anecdotal evidence confirming my experience (strings in old packaging were good, new packaging not so good). But reports were mixed even regarding the new packaging, so maybe Rotosound just had one bad manufacturing lot or something?

I'll check in here again when my strings come in, I'll be trying some alternatives before putting on the Rotos. The first ones I try will be either DR Lo Riders or Dunlop Super Brights... hmm....

[JackTheRipper]

I normally use the Kalium strings on my Ricks, but based on the info here, I tried a few different sets.

I tried the Dunlop Super Brights a few months ago. They were ok, but seemed like they had a lot of tension. They sounded ok, but hardly what I would call super bright. I don't think I'll be trying these again.

A week or so ago I put on a set of the Dean Markley Helix SS 45-105. I didn't really like the feel at first (tension and gauge), but now I think they're pretty good. Sound great. We'll see how long they last.

--jack

[iiipopes]

On my 4002, I go with GHS Progressives in custom gauges - 45-60-80-105. Brighter than nickel plated rounds, not as hard on the frets as stainless steel rounds, and the tonal structure of the strings better matches the instrument. Bonus: no black from the nickel wearing off as with the Kalium, Pyramid, or other high-nickel alloy content strings.

[geofio]

I purchased the new pack which is foil !!! i used nothing but Rotosound for years , then i realised that there are better strings out there, i recently purchased a set to try again as it had a new pack and hoping it was going to be a good experience, i put the strings on one of my 4003's they sounded great at first for about 2 days they sounded fantastic a week later they were dead !!!! totally useless, it's ok if you are Geddy Lee etc and get these for free and they can change them every night, but for us lesser mortals, this just isn't good enough Rotosound, terrible that strings only keep tone for a week, and i am not talking gigs or over use here, home recording is what i used them for, so i am very disappointed.
I have went back to my Dean Markley Helix, fantastic tone much better than the rotos, and they last a good 3 months easy. no more Rotosound for me.

[superheavydeathmetal]

I have tried Pro Steels, Flex Steels, Blue Steels, and Cobalts, and I keep going back to Swing66. They just seem to have a frequency reponse that suits me better than the rest.

La Bella Deep Talkin Roundwound have an almost identical midrange, dynamic 'growl' and 'burp' response to Roto Swing bass, especially with a pick.

Now you're talking my language! I may have to give these a shot!

Also, the Helix are getting a lot of love. I have heard the feel of them is second to none. I may have to try these as well. I have never tried these on a Rick. On a non-Rick, there were big problems with rattling and buzzing that could not be adjusted out, I think because of the exposed core.

[songdog]

The first ones I try will be either DR Lo Riders or Dunlop Super Brights... hmm....

I decided to try the Dunlops first, finally got a chance to put them on today.

First impression: they're not Rotosounds, but they're not bad at all. As their name would suggest, they are pretty bright, but they don't have quite as much in the really high end as a good set of Rotos would. To my ear, they seem to have a different balance of overtones, more emphasis on some of the lower ones. I'm not sure yet whether I like the way this works out on the E string.

I think they are a little more flexible than Rotosounds, I'm going to need to adjust my intonation a bit on the E and A strings, they are definitely flat at the 12th fret.

They are good enough that I'll keep them on for a while and see how long they last and how they change as they age.

[ajish4]

Sadly,

I gave up on Rotosounds years ago.

I just got tired of bad strings right out of the package. Usually the "E", but once even had a complete set "off" right out of the box. I once wrote to Rotosound and they sent me two sets. One of the sets were PERFECT, and the other had a dead "E" in it. SO FRUSTRATING. I've been using DR Highbeams ever since. I still miss the Rotosound SOUND, but DR's are less expensive, last longer, and sound great to boot!!!

[rickenbrother]

Sadly,

I gave up on Rotosounds years ago.

I just got tired of bad strings right out of the package. Usually the "E", but once even had a complete set "off" right out of the box. I once wrote to Rotosound and they sent me two sets. One of the sets were PERFECT, and the other had a dead "E" in it. SO FRUSTRATING. I've been using DR Highbeams ever since. I still miss the Rotosound SOUND, but DR's are less expensive, last longer, and sound great to boot!!!

After all the sets I went through that had bad E strings and some bad A strings I have my own name for them. Last time I checked, DR's were more expensive, but I haven't checked on Rotos***s in years since I'm not interested in buying them.