Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I had to stop using Rotos after getting a few bad sets and when I broke an E string that had about 4 hours of play time on it, I said, "That's enough of this!!" Keep those recommendations coming, I am considering the Ken Smiths, just read some really good things about them.

Robert, it sounds like the Lo-Riders are worth a look too. I am looking for a stiffer string, not loose, that's kinda the problem I have now.

I stopped using Rotosound strings about 25 years ago because I got several bad E strings as well as a couple of bad A strings. I like D'Addario and Dean Markley strings.
I think the RIC strings sound and feel very nice, but with so many basses to string, I need strings that are more affordable.

Well...there still are other options with Rot-O-Sound strings... in standard gauge...
They make three versions of the Swing 66 strings....
From Left to Right, in the photo....
Nickel: RS 66LDN
Nickel on steel: RN 66LD
Full stainless: RS 66LD
Here is a photo of the string packages...

Chris

Did anybody try any EarnieBalls on a Rick?

I like Ernie Ball Slinkys, I think its the pink pack. Similar to D'Addario XL170's

What does everyone think of Dean Markley Blue Steels ??? I've been thinking about giving them a whirl.

You know, after reading this post again, it really struck me,,,, look at all the choices we have these days.

Back when I started playing, Rotosound was about it as far as roundwound strings. They're were a few others out there, but they all sucked.

I fired on a new set of roto 66s a couple of days ago on my 4003BB for a gig tonight so I'll see how I get on

my favorite strings are copley ... but I can't get them right now ... I am probably switching to Carvin ...

also Steve ... maybe you need to rework your tone and gain structure on your amp ... you have it set up for a jazz, a t-bird and a hamer 12 ... I really think the pod can help you here ... have one patch for the Ric, one for the tbird, one for the jazz, and one for the hamer 12 ...

but then again my approach is to have 4 patches that work with all of my basses ...

1 - distortion with mids
2 - warm clean tube amp
3 - distortion with mids scooped out
4 - tube amp with chorus

those 4 patches give me what I need

Scott, I think Dean Markley Blue Steels are great strings. They are very bright, with lots of output. They sound better than Rotosound, in my opinion. They last longer than most other strings. They also have a nickle version of those strings now, which are probably not as bright and loud, but easier on frets than stainless steel wound strings can be.

Well, Jeff knows my issues more than others, but that's because I complain to him and bounce things off of him all day at work.
I noticed samash.com has the Ken Smiths for $11 a set, I might get a set of a bunch of different strings and try em all out

Joey, thanks for the insight on the Blue Steels, I have wondered about those too.

I used Ken Smith Burners on my ex-s8 and was pleased. They kept that new string "twang" for quite some time and had a nice bright tone.

I'm also a Blue Steel user. I'm not very fussy, but they sound good to me and seen to last a long time. I use the nickel type.

I found the RIC strings are lighter gauge on the A & D strings compared to the Fender 7350M stainless strings I had before. Perhaps not quite as bright as stainless, but easier on the frets of the old girl (4001),& there's already a fair bit of fret wear.
Blue Steels are nice, as are DR's, but they gotta be mediums (105) for me.